June 16, 2009
While we all enjoy the fallout over Artie Lange's show-stealing performance on Joe Buck Live, let's turn our attention back to Lange's opening act: Brett Favre. (I’d love to write 1,000 words on Lange, but I’m almost as ill-suited to do so as Joe Buck is to host a comedy-tinged program.)
I blogged on NBCSports.com last night summarizing the Favre appearance. The short version: he’s all but a Viking now.
Continue reading "Will Brett Favre help Adrian Peterson?" »
April 15, 2009
The commenter known simply as "Bob" offers up his take on who GM Ted Thompson will eyeball at No. 9 in the NFL Draft.
The Packers are the Minnesota Twins of the NFL - they develop talent. Ted Thompson has “prospects” at almost every position and the team has an attitude of competition making the team better.
The Pack seem to be losing one of the most underrated right tackles in the league in Mark Taucher; that glaring hole in the depth chart is why the Packers will look to the already famous Michael Oher, OT from Ole Miss.
Continue reading "Pancake Blocks Mock: Pick No. 9" »
April 08, 2009
We’ve already covered the fallout from the Larry Johnson grievance ruling. He carries no trade value at this point, but the Chiefs can now safely dump him without swallowing a chunk of guaranteed money. So if LJ is currently persona non grata in K.C., where is he most likely to resurface?
Saints – Michael Lombardi believes the Saints should be all over LJ should the Chiefs release him, and Sean Payton is dying to add a power back to his offense.
Seahawks – If Seattle uses the No. 4 pick on Mark Sanchez, they still have to upgrade offensive tackle and linebacker early in the draft. Running back would be left unaddressed, with Julius Jones as one of the few starters around the league who would take an immediate backseat to LJ.
Continue reading "Who wants Larry Johnson?" »
January 22, 2009
Tom Brady came out of hiding Wednesday to talk to the Fan590 in Toronto of all places. Brady didn't say much about his injury, except, "S*** happens." As Evan Silva pointed out, apparently you can say anything on Canadian radio.
Brady sounded predictably upbeat about his recovery and said all's well. I suspect we won't know much about Brady's rehab until the day he hits the field again - in game action. Tom Curran thinks that may not happen until midway through next year.
The Patriots are expected to promote Bill O'Brien to quarterbacks coach - not offensive coordinator. This sets up a situation where Bill Belichick looks like the favorite to call plays to start the season, much like 2005.
Tackle Matt Light was asked if Belichick is taking on too many roles:
Continue reading "Skinny Posts: Brady speaks, doesn't say much" »
November 24, 2008
Quiet day on the blog, but hope you caught the receiver ranks and my column full of lists. Since I clearly can't write without numbering things, here are a few thoughts on Monday night's game.
1. Marques Colston's 70-yard touchdown saved his night, but Drew Brees is looking Lance Moore's way on the key downs. In many ways, Moore is catching a lot of the same passes Colston used to. Sight adjustments, red zone tosses. A lot of timing plays Colston has missed in practice.
Continue reading "Monday night musings" »
November 17, 2008
I spent last night and this morning sorting through running backs; these sort of things tend to take longer than ever now, as I weigh the pros and cons of the all important LeRon McClain vs. Kevin Faulk debate. That leaves most of Week 11 left to be examined here.
Ryan Grant's boffo effort against Chicago was the fantasy story of the day, along with the Addai/Slaton duel in Lucas Oil Stadium. Only one back in ten previous games cracked 80 rushing yards against the Bears - Adrian Peterson. Grant went for 145 and a touchdown while plowing through monster holes. Brandon Jackson went for 50 yards on ten carries, another great sign of the line's turnaround.
I've spent the last month doubting the Grant resurgence, but he's convinced me now. He still doesn't catch passes or excel in short-yardage, but who cares if he averages 100 yards, as he now has for the last six games. The toughest matchup Grant has left is Chicago in Week 16. It took a while, but Grant owners now have the RB2 they thought they were drafting.
October 31, 2008
In five years on this job, I can't remember a trio that came out of nowhere more than Derek Anderson, Ryan Grant, and Earnest Graham last season. They went from off-the-radar to every-week fantasy starters in a matter of weeks. They weren't up-and-coming prospects or fallen sleepers with pedigrees; Graham and Grant were fourth-string running backs and Anderson started the year as a backup on a hopeless-looking team.
This year, they have fallen back to Earth. Graham remains a stellar running back, but Warrick Dunn is stealing his catches. He's lived up to his draft value well enough, but he's on pace to put similar numbers to last season. The difference: he only started ten times last year. I'd guess his owners are content, but not thrilled with him.
Continue reading "Surprises of 2007 coming up short" »
October 03, 2008
Tiffany and I talk Broncos-Bucs, Falcons-Packers, and Giants-Seahawks. Sunday Night Football after the jump. And some posts you actually care about later in the morning.
Continue reading "Week 5 Previews" »
September 05, 2008
Willis McGahee is probable for Sunday and the Ravens are only carrying two backs. That tells me they expect him to have a significant role. My gut says that Ray Rice and McGahee will split carries, so I don't want either one as a RB2 with Joe Flacco behind center.
Stay tuned on Ryan Grant's status. I'm getting some conflicting reports about whether he practiced Thursday. The AP said he didn't. We'll know soon enough.
Update: Grant didn't practice, but he's listed as probable. So that's ... good?
August 21, 2008
A first-round fantasy pick missed the offseason because of a contract dispute. He hasn't practiced for nearly all of training camp, and it looks quite possible he won't play in the preseason. And yet, absolutely no one has batted an eye. The question becomes: Why aren't we more worried about Ryan Grant?
Because he came out of nowhere last season, Grant was the top-15 pick I felt least comfortable with. But I like the system in Green Bay, and I love the lack of true competition for carries. There is no doubt Grant is explosive. In a diluted year for backs, he just made the elite cut. This hamstring injury has lasted long enough for it to be a concern. I projected a huge gap after Grant originally to my RB11 (MJD), but that gap is closing. If I had a pick on the first round turn this weekend, I could now see passing on Grant for a wide receiver.
August 13, 2008
It's a draft guide afternoon for your Kevin Arnold wannabe. But I've got all the columns you want on projected carries in the AFC and NFC. Eight more teams projected tomorrow, and a few more videos to roll out, like the one below on the Packers. That helmet-less score the other night reminded me how dynamic James Jones could be, if Donald Driver wasn't in his way. Those two could cancel each other out more than Driver owners want. I hope to be back with some thoughts on Antonio Gates later today.
August 05, 2008
Remember that Packers story that was much ado about nothing? Yep, Ryan Grant signed with plenty of time left before the season. Brandon Jackson's strong off-season shows he can be a strong handcuff for Grant owners, but Grant's contract shows who the man is. It's really 4-years, $20 million, with up to $10 million more in incentives.
The money is evenly distributed in the deal, with Grant making roughly $9 million over the next two years. He still has to improve some parts of his game (screen passes, power running), but he returned in plenty of time to keep his number twelve overall ranking.
Or at least that should be the rule of training camp. Not because everyone is sick of it, because the story does affect fantasy leaguers. It should be the rule because the story will turn 180 degrees within twelve hours, and make your latest column totally useless.
I wrote then: "Aaron Rodgers has all the tools to be successful once he plays. He also has a tool blocking his path to get on the field."
According to this FoxSports.com report, Favre seems to be leaning towards removing himself from the picture. The Packers have to start practicing again this afternoon, and the team will have to announce something by then after canceling a presser late last night.
July 30, 2008
Is Brandon Jackson's non-stop positive press becoming a problem for Ryan Grant or is this just a way for the Packers to pressure Grant into coming to camp? Let me know what you think; I'll be back a little bit before the chat.
July 25, 2008
Marvin Harrison and Andre Johnson are practicing, Kenny Irons is a former Bengal (for now), Steven Jackson is a holdout (for now), and Devin Hester no longer is. Just another training camp morning, where more news happens in 24 hours than occurs in a month of the off-season.
Still, it all takes a backseat to the Brett Favre saga. Which appears to be wrapping up. NFL Network's Adam Schefter reports that Favre plans to show up to camp Sunday. I emailed Schefter and he says that he thinks Favre genuinely just wants to play football again, preferably in Green Bay. Either way, this will speed the process up. He's playing football in 2008. Meanwhile, the Jets have reportedly received permission to talk to Favre. They may not be the only team to do so in the next 48 hours. One way or another, I think we'll know Favre's 2008 team by Monday. Either he's dealt or the Packers commit to him on the roster. I'd bet on the former, but nothing should surprise at this point.
July 14, 2008
The latest chapter in Brett Favre's ambling Faulknerian drama will unfold tonight on Greta Van Susteren's show, of all places. I grew to hate all the "Will he or won't he retire?" stories of the last few years. But I have to admit, I've fallen in love with the endless intrigue Favre is providing during these lazy summer days. There are a lot more angles to consider this time around.
Our Favre could once do no wrong. I love that Favre's struggle with the Green Bay front office has blurred the line between who's right and wrong. I read an article saying Favre was the "bad guy" in the situation, but why does everything have to be so black and white? The issues at play are anything but simple: Aaron Rogers' future; Favre's internal battle with irrelevance; Whether the Packers are even better off with Favre; Whether Favre will still have that 'itch' by Week 5.
Continue reading "Chapter Eight: Favre tries to win P.R. battle" »
This is the last week the NFL stays on vacation, so non-Favre news around the league will barely trickle in besides rookie signings. Then bedlam will erupt with the start of camp next week. I have already begun to feel my football excitement rising, but I'm going to take some time off this week to make plans for the season and get a breather. Before that happens, let's look at some of the scraps fantasy leaguers have been given the last few days.
The more snaps on third down, the better for Adrian Peterson. I have him ranked second in standard leagues, but he falls into a tie for fourth in our PPR projections. He's a fine receiver, so his blocking (and health) is the only thing holding him back.
Continue reading "Skinny Posts: Non Favre notes" »
July 03, 2008
As decisive as Brett Favre is on the field, he's a vacillating mess off it. But Favre must force the issue of returning to the field now if he truly wants to come back, and all indications are that he does despite his claims to the contrary. The Packers will not make it easy on him. They have already rebuffed his interest in returning. They have moved on.
Favre has plenty of leverage though if he doesn't care about his "legacy," which I suspect isn't his first priority. He can simply say, "I am coming back." Then GM Ted Thompson has to decide whether to keep him, release him, or trade him. Any choice is difficult.
If you have any doubt whether Favre wants to come back, read the excellent stories in the Green Bay papers this morning. The Gazette says that Favre was ready to un-retire in May if Thompson had just asked. Really? A legend needs to feel loved to make a commitment like that?
Thompson's frosty relationship with Favre was also in the cross-hairs in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Bonita Favre, Brett's mom, says what we all suspected: Favre didn't feel "wanted" enough by the Packers front office the last few years. That apparently affected his decision to finally quit.
Favre never formally retired with the league. It's certainly not too late to return. But he has to make a decision now. Does he care about protecting his legacy? Or does he just want to play football?
July 02, 2008
We all knew this day was coming. Brett Favre sorta maybe kinda thinks he wants to play football again. His family reportedly supports the decision. There is no doubt his Packers teammates would love him back. Packers fans would celebrate. His coach Mike McCarthy would probably love to take one last run with the legend. Even other NFL teams may like to see Favre return. But none of the above have the power to decide to let Favre back, if he really wanted to scratch that "itch to play" again.
GM Ted Thompson runs the Packers. And the Packers have built this entire offseason on moving on from Favre, something Thompson was ready for. I doubt Thompson wants Favre back.
"Brett's a high-quality person and he's not going to push it that far," a team source told Chris Mortensen. "He'll do the right thing [and stay retired]."
In the quietest of times during the NFL news cycle, leave it up to Brett Favre to stir up some soap opera worthy drama. Somewhere, Aaron Rodgers is stewing.
Update:According to the Wisconsin State Journal, they don't want him back. And won't release him.
July 01, 2008
Aaron Rodgers may lead the league in offseason features, and he's probably tired of "Taking over for Brett Favre" angle already. I know I am. Interviewed for a SI article this week on other players that took over for legends, Rodgers was quoted saying:
Continue reading "Aaron Rodgers doesn't need you" »
So Kevin Jones reversed course at the last minute and worked out in front of four NFL teams Saturday: Detroit, Miami, Green Bay, and Pittsburgh. Cleveland reportedly asked for a tape of the proceedings. Now it appears Tampa is in the mix or at least Jones is interested in them. I touched on the topic in my minicamp notes some, but here is what we know about Jones.
Continue reading "The latest in Kevin Jones" »
June 23, 2008
Uh oh, Vikings fans: Dr. Z picked your team to win the Super Bowl.
Do the Redskins have the personnel for a West Coast Offense? Mike Lombardi doesn't think so. I agree: They are a huge mystery going into this season.
Continue reading "Skinny Posts: Vikings prepare to be trendy pick" »
June 19, 2008
Either Miles Austin or Sam Hurd seem likely to get a big role in Dallas this year. It's just tough to figure out which one will step up.
I'm been waiting for an Antonio Bryant puff piece to wrap my arms around, so my high ranking of him doesn't seem so speculative. Now I have one.
Daunte Culpepper's hope for a starting job prevented him from getting any job. That's why you need an agent.
James Jones is well ahead of Jordy Nelson, as you'd expect. Now can he possibly pass Donald Driver?
Mike Lombardi thinks Ray Rice could pass Willis McGahee, who he says isn't a blue chipper.
June 12, 2008
New Marshawn Lynch developments, including a dancing pedestrian and Lynch's previous interactions with the police. Apparently Lynch has been tossed from a few local bars for ordering soda, then pouring ihis own liquor into the glass. Thrifty.
The Arizona quarterback rotation could be coming back. (Although I doubt it). The Cardinals are yet another team done with OTAs this week.
Continue reading "Skinny Posts: BYOL" »
June 06, 2008
Offseason holdouts usually receive too much attention. Ryan Grant's hasn't received enough, at least from fantasy leaguers.
Sure, it's not technically a holdout because he's unsigned. And the coaching staff has lauded Grant for working out hard while he aims for a better contract. But Grant is not exactly an established veteran. He was behind DeShawn Wynn midway through last season and still has parts of his game (short-yardage) to clean up. He's no rookie, but he's only played 15 career games.
This is not a situation that has changed my projection, but Grant owners can't love the fawning Brandon Jackson coverage this offseason. It's not a huge story yet, but it will be if Grant skips mandatory minicamp too. I suspect he'll get back to work with a new contract soon enough. If he knows what's good for him.
May 05, 2008
We had a great debate about Braylon Edwards vs. Andre Johnson last week, with AJ surprisingly coming out on top 16-12.
As I hit the frantic home stretch of our first magazine (I leave for Dallas next Tuesday), you can help me with another battle: Ryan Grant vs. Marion Barber.
Barber will be a flash point for fantasy owners this year. He produced like a top-three back last year, but his limited experience and the change to Aaron Rodgers will scare some owners away. He's going to go early, but would you take him ahead of elite wideouts. More importantly, would you take him ahead of Marion Barber, who now has Felix Jones around?
April 28, 2008
Here are some veterans who got a value boost or a surprising hold on draft weekend ... I may use some of these in a future column.
Ronnie Brown - Nice lead blocker.
Jason Campbell: Lots of new toys to play with
Continue reading "Veterans who were helped by Draft" »
April 24, 2008
I had the Packers pick in our video mock and took Antoine Cason after considering Kentwan Balmer. Then I realized Balmer did very little in college and the Packers need a corner more. Kirby H. goes in another direction
The Packers in my opinion need help on the OL, QB, CB and possibly RB, depending if the staff is sold on Grant and Jackson (I’m not). TE is also a concern but Donald Lee seems to be at least adequate as a starter. OL the guards drafted the last couple of years have been ok and allowed to much rush up the middle against strong pass rushes. Corners are very good but old, and the Harris-Buress matchup may have been a disaster but I think it was one guy having a great day more than a sign Harris is done.
Continue reading "Pancake Blocks Mock Draft: Pick No. 30" »
April 04, 2008
After listening to Sam Farmer talk on NFL Network, I'm convinced that Profootballtalk's speculation about Favre's agent explains the story. Bus Cook was probably poking around just to see what sort of interest there would be, just in case Favre changes his mind as we get closer to September.
April 03, 2008
If Sam Farmer wasn't such a well respected name in the journalism, this story about Favre returning would be easier to ignore. Okay, it still seems a little far-fetched. But the editors at NBC asked me to come up with five teams who would be interested in Favre if he returned. So what if it's all in fun and none of it is particularly likely to happen. It's April!
Continue reading "Favre story creates stir" »
March 14, 2008
March 06, 2008
Brett Favre is in the midst of a memorable and tearful goodbye press conference. He's squashing any speculation about a possible return.
Some quotes ...
"I've given everything I have to this organization, the game of football, and I don't think I have anything left to give, and that's it. I know I can still play, but I don't think I want to. And that's what it really comes down to."
Continue reading "Favre says goodbye" »
March 04, 2008
It's a rough day for the Cheeseheads, but don't forget the other victims in Brett Favre's retirement: Fantasy owners! Keeper leaguers who own Favre knew this could happen, but it also affects the 2008 value of Green Bay's trio of talented receivers: Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, and James Jones.
Continue reading "Losing Favre hurts receivers" »
Assuming Brett Favre doesn't return to the Packers, they are now in the market for a backup to Aaron Rodgers. They are in a tricky spot. They don't want a veteran who challenges Rodgers' authority as the starter (Daunte Culpepper, Byron Leftwich come to mind), but they would like some experience. Rodgers has received significant playing time in two NFL games, and he's been hurt in both of them.
Continue reading "Could Aaron Brooks backup Aaron Rodgers?" »
Brett Favre just wasn't going to retire without a little drama. Before we move on to the fantasy impact of the Aaron Rodgers era, we have to ask if Favre really is done.
His agent Bus Cook, for one, sounds confused:
Continue reading "Favre's story won't end today" »
February 28, 2008
Spent the morning at a rare meeting of minds between our .Com crews (NBC and Rotoworld) and the network. Hopefully we can use it to improve the sort of information we provide at Rotoworld.
I was eating lunch as the Favre fiasco broke. The Sporting Blog has a nice looking screenshot if you are interested. These sort of dummy pages are fairly common; huge mistakes sending them live are less so. I don't think it says anything about Favre's plans, but I do find it interesting Favre is taking so long to decide when most people thought it would be a slam dunk. Perhaps that playoff loss is tough to shake.
***
Speaking of dummy pages
February 26, 2008
Some news and notes picked up from this morning's news ...
The always quotable Antonio Pierce is requesting a new segment in NFL Films highlight films.
"Show the highlights of all the players we beat, crying, with that stupid look on their faces, saying, 'How did we lose?"
Darren McFadden ran a 4.33 in tennis shoes.
Continue reading "Skinny Posts: Giant Schadenfreude" »
January 24, 2008
I wrote about Ryan Grant being a first-round pick few weeks ago, and his struggles in the second round of the playoffs don't change that.
With that said, today's article in the Journal-Sentinel answered a number of questions.
Continue reading "Packers running game answers" »
January 21, 2008
1. Did the Giants stop Green Bay's running game or did Mike McCarthy give up on it too early? Was McCarthy so enamored with their matchup advantages at wideout that he didn't adjust enough for the weather? 36 called passes to 13 runs was the final tally. Of course you aren't going to win many games with 49 offensive snaps.
2. Did the Packers have too much faith in Al Harris? Let's be honest. Al Harris had his worst season in the last three-to-four years, and he capped it off with one of his worst games. All the Pro Bowl and All Pro love was a belated award for past achievement. Charles Woodson was the best Packer corner all year, perhaps the best in the NFC. But he covered Amani Toomer for most of the game Sunday and the Giants made him pay.
January 18, 2008
When I wrote the playoff upgrades earlier this week, I got a number of emails about why Ryan Grant wasn't included.
We wound up talking about it on the Fix, but there were a couple of reasons I left him off.
1. He only played one game (and did lose two fumbles despite the career-making effort).
2. I already say him as a borderline first round pick going into the game. His value didn't change much.
Continue reading "Ryan Grant: First-round pick?" »
January 16, 2008
When playoff time hits, Packers fans pull out all the stops.
No Seinfeld for Eli!
I don't actually believe that Seinfeld is Eli's favorite show anyway. It's probably Two and Half Men, but he just wanted to sound cool.
You will wear number four and like it, kid!
January 12, 2008
As a football fan nearing the end of my twenties, I've spent most of my football fan life being tired of Brett Favre. Not the man or player per se, but the fawning coverage of him. It was hard to separate the player from the non-stop Favre love, especially when he was showing signs of decline.
Well, I'm eternally grateful he came back for this season. To see Favre at his best, developing his young receivers, block out the noise, and just enjoy watching the player has been a joy. The third-and-eight stumbling underhanded completion to Donald Lee will be repeated breathlessly on highlight shows all week. The phrase "playing like a kid in his backyard" will be used. But in that moment of the game, with the Seattle defense desperately needing something positive before halftime, Favre made the biggest play of the game. And it was a play only he could make.
There is snow falling in Lambeau, as we all settle in for four straight games on the best NFL weekend. Liife couldn't be much better. Unless you are Ryan Grant.
The Packers go 13-3, tying their best record since 1962, all so they can get a favorable home game this week. And then Grant, the surprise of the year who solidified their running game, coughs up two balls in four carries, and suddenly they are down 14-0 with only five minutes off the board.
As I'm typing, Captain Favreleous marches the Packers down on a too-easy touchdown drive. The Packers keep their faith in Grant by giving him the ball. This is going to be fun.
November 29, 2007
Against my better judgment, I'm going to liveblog tonight's game, especially for those unfortunately souls without the NFL Network. It's the season for giving and all. See you around kickoff ...
November 23, 2007
The way Ryan Grant is playing, I don't think the Packers are going to invest an early draft pick at running back in April.
I've been impressed every time I've seen Grant play, and he continues to show off maturing parts of his game. Some from Thursday ...
1. Toughness: On a short week, coming off an injury, Grant took practically every snap for the Packers.
Continue reading "Grant could stick" »
October 30, 2007
Running out the door, but a couple quick thoughts on the day's news. DeShawn Wynn still has a chance in the NFL, but the constant injuries make him unreliable. He will be in the mix for work next season, but nothing is guaranteed. At least he showed more than Brandon Jackson. And Ryan Grant just went from a very good pickup to a great one.
* Matt Schaub is likely to miss this week's game, but I'd hold on to him in most fantasy leagues. They were third in the NFL in YPA heading into last week. Once AJ is back, Schaub will be a top-15 quarterback.
* Early Week 9 rankings are up on Season Pass. Tiffany and I taped another Fantasy Fix.
See you tomorrow.
Fargas just won't go away
Patrick Dahl knocked out Waiver Wired today, so I thought I’d give some quick thoughts on the likely pickups this week. Here’s how I’d rank the running backs ...
1. Selvin Young – His receiving ability, in addition to some nifty footwork, could make him special. As a starter, he’s a RB2.
2. Ryan Grant – What a no-nonsense runner. The Packers have wanted him involved all along, and he quickly climbed the depth chart considering he was acquired so recently. Vernand Morency isn’t going to be the starter, and DeShawn Wynn can’t stay healthy. There is better upside here than people think. He could turn out to be a nice RB3.
3. Brian Leonard – Might start again, but has been mediocre.
Continue reading "Waiver Ranks" »
October 29, 2007
I tried picking the Monday night game a few weeks ago and it went pretty well. So let's try again. I don't trust Denver because I see a different team each week. Let's go with Green Bay in a tight one: 27-24. It should be a fun fantasy game to watch with Selvin Young and DeShawn Wynn trying to make names for themselves.
Continue reading "Monday Night Prediction and so much more" »
October 15, 2007
As you could probably tell from Morning After, I watched the strange Packers-Redskins game Sunday. Here's the only recap you need to know from that game. If nothing else, we know the Redskins defense is for real. Again.
I also enjoyed the epic Hashmarks breakdown of the Patriots-Cowboys bonanza. One final note just heard from NFLN's Rich Eisen before I move on. The Patriots have outscored their opponents by 138 points this season. Only four other teams have even scored 138 points this season. I'll shut up now.
September 26, 2007
Anyone who dropped James Jones because Greg Jennings is back in the starting lineup made a mistake. Jones managed to lead the Packers in targets against San Diego and was about six inches away from scoring a touchdown. Brett Favre's attention was nicely split between his top three options, with Jennings, Jones, and Donald Driver getting 7-to-9 targets.
With a matchup this week against the stout Minnesota rushing attack, look for the Packers to spread the Vikings out (like every other team) and throw at them. That makes Jennings and Jones reasonable WR3 plays.
Did anyone notice that Ryan Grant got the first three Packers carries of Sunday's game against San Diego?
Brandon Jackson started both halves and was used in the passing game more (playing well), but the use of Grant so early was surprising. It was even more surprising because he saw a second quarter target, then wasn't on the field again.
DeShawn Wynn, meanwhile, had the same third-down role that he performed in the second game. Jackson got the call on the goal-line late in the game. This is becoming a true committee and none of the above are options if the Packers are only going to call 11 running plays. We probably won't learn much more this week when Green Bay faces the stout Minnesota run defense.
September 24, 2007
As I suspected, a lot of the "minor" injuries endured Sunday by skill players are going to have uncertain recovery timelines.
So far, Brian Westbrook, Jake Delhomme, Brandon Jackson, Deshawn Wynn, Calvin Johnson, Carnell Williams, and Hines Ward have all received notice that their injuries won't require surgery.
Westbrook doesn't have any broken ribs, and Ward appears to have avoided a serious injury. Delhomme and Johnson will probably be among a large group of players whose status won't be decided until late in the week. It's annoying, but there is a bright side. My boss Rick says injuries are good for traffic.
September 21, 2007
LaMont Jordan isn't the only player to keep an eye on Friday and Sunday morning. Here's some of the future stars to watch for in Evan Silva's Last Minute Decisions column.
James Jones, Packers - Left practice with a hamstring pull, although Packers coach Mike McCarthy sounded optimistic that he could receover.
Greg Jennings, Packers - Hopes to practice Friday.
Brian Westbrook, Eagles - Would love to see him back on Friday.
Zach Thomas, Dolphins - History of concussion problems is a big concern.
Darrell Jackson, 49ers - Make sure he practices Friday.
Plaxico Burress, Giants - Expected to start
Ron Dayne, Texans - His absence would be great news for Ahman Green owners.
September 18, 2007
In a quiet week for waiver pickups, DeShawn Wynn was going to be the most popular waiver pickup this side of Derek Anderson after his two touchdown performance.
Wynn is turning into a must-pickup after a pair of Green Bay area articles Tuesday morning.
Continue reading "DeShawn Wynn fever" »
September 13, 2007
Welcome to the first ever fantasy football blog written from the back of a speeding cab. In a move that will sound all too familiar to those who know me, I'm running into some issues on the way to the airport today. On the train back to New York City from Connecticut (where we tape the Fantasy Fix), I left a suitcase on the train while spacily departing (I had been editing some Rotoworld stuff. All for the people!).
Continue reading "Defense pickups" »
August 28, 2007
Almost got through the day without talking about Brandon Jackson. Based on a few comments and emails, owners are probably too concerned about his recent concussion. Jackson spoke with Green Bay reporters Tuesday, and was in good spirits. He said the mental tests he's taken after his concussion have improved each day.
After this summer of concussion news, I don't want to trivialize the injury. But the reality is that players don't usually sit out two weeks, especially when they are called "mild" concussions. Jackson should start Week 1 against Philadelphia. Whether he plays well or not is another matter.
August 27, 2007
No player has yo-yoed more than Brandon Jackson this month. He's sitting out practice Monday with an "upper body injury," and will probably sit out Thursday's preseason finale as a precaution. That's not a huge concern, but his middling effort in preseason game 3 was.
The offensive line struggled to make headway against bigger defenses like Pittsburgh and Jacksonville, with 18 yards on 11 carries. This line from the Green Bay Press-Gazette was worth noting.
Continue reading "Brandon Jackson takes step back" »
August 24, 2007
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.
Continue reading "Northcutt and Wilford Stick" »
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.
August 23, 2007
Two games tonight. Here's what I'd look for, whether on television or in the game stories.
Jacksonville vs. Green Bay
* Can the James Jones magic continue?
* The Jacksonville wide receiver rotation. If Jack Del Rio was going to make a change, it's now or never.
* Can Brandon Jackson keep up his momentum from last week?
Continue reading "What to Watch Tonight" »
August 22, 2007
Skinny Posts is my look for the stories beneath the box score while watching preseason game tape
Seahawks vs. Packers
Nate Burleson: He started over D.J. Hackett and broke a terrible Nick Collins tackle for a 55-yard gain. It was surprising to see Marquand Manuel catch Burleson from behind. Not sure what to think about Burleson starting; I will watch to see if Hackett starts this week.
Brandon Jackson: I wanted to watch this game solely because of Jackson (13-54-1). He had a great night, largely because the Green Bay offensive line dominated. If you close your eyes, you can almost see Ahman Green. Jackson did his damage inside the tackles and ran over a few people. No matter when Vernand Morency is healthy, Jackson will play in the red zone. Jackson got the ball twice in a row from the seven, using good vision to score.
His pass blocking was also solid, a problem for him early in camp. One weakness: He was targeted a handful of times, including on an 11-yard screen pass, but dropped two others. All in all, this was among the biggest efforts for any fantasy player this preseason. It should earn him the primary back role.
Continue reading "Skinny Posts: Packers rookies go wild" »
August 09, 2007
There are so daily injuries training camp, and most of them only last a few days. We attempt to sift through the noise in our player news by only highlighting major players or major injuries, but the amount of information is still overwhelming. Here's my quick take on what injuries matter thus far during camp, and which ones don't.
LaMont Jordan (back) - Becoming an issue, but not a big one yet. He's about a week away from getting a downgrade.
Clinton Portis (knee) - Just don't know at this point, but it's hard to imagine him starting the year getting 20 carries a game. He hasn't eased any concerns.
Vernand Morency (knee) - A serious problem. Morency is going to struggle to be ready for Week 1, and a committee seems inevitable.
Continue reading "What Injuries Matter" »
July 30, 2007
Vernand Morency has a minor injury, Brandon Jackson is struggling to pick up the offense, and rookie DeShawn Wynn hasn't practiced yet. I doubt the Packers are panicking, but the local rags are. The Milwauke Journal-Sentinel goes as far to say that P.J. Pope has a shot at the job. Both articles are worth a look.
To review: Morency is reminding the Packers why he has a tag as an injury-prone player. Jackson has a great opportunity, but no one knows if he'll be a quality pro at this point. Often we assume a rookie's success because of an advantageous situation (Eric Shelton anyone?), but really we should be in evaluation mode.
It's very early, but I'm glad I took Lendale White, not Jackson, in my draft last night.
July 18, 2007
# 39. Packers third receiver: James Jones vs. Robert Ferguson vs. Ruvell Martin vs. David Clowny
All three candidates for Green Bay’s third receiver job are off the radar, but there is plenty of upside at this spot. Greg Jennings still has to prove himself as a number two receiver. Brett Favre should be among the league leaders in attempts and needs people to throw to.
Jones is the favorite to secure this position long-term and eventually challenge Jennings. He’s a possession threat in the mold of Anquan Boldin, but has to make the adjustment from San Jose State. The early minicamp reports have been positive.
Continue reading "Top 50 Position Battles: Packers third wideout" »
July 11, 2007
# 48. Packers TE. Donald Lee vs. Bubba Franks vs. Tory Humphrey
This spot was originally going to be the Oakland starting tight end battle, but the odds on any Raider winner being a fantasy option are slim.
Green Bay’s candidates are long shots as well, but they have a few things going for them. Brett Favre is going to throw a ton, he likes using the tight end, and Green Bay’s wideout group is thin.
Franks has fallen on hard times recently and was running with the second and third team during minicamps. He’s only 29, but has declined since getting a big contract. Tory Humprey is a NFLE prospect that is mostly unknown, but the Packers seem to like him. Donald Lee caught a career-high 33 passes in 2005 and looks to be the favorite.
I’m not excited about any of these options, but the Packers tight ends have averaged 70 catches a year as a group the last two seasons. If they focus on one guy, probably Lee, he could be an injury replacement in fantasy leagues. Woo.
June 15, 2007
Busy editing the magazine today, a refrain that may be too common around here over the next two weeks. So let's go straight to the links. (Notice I'm using a * instead of bullet because the PFT Fantasy Mill doesn't like my html.
Wilford a starter again?
* Jack Del Rio lays down the gauntlet to Reggie Williams and Matt Jones. We've written about Jones before this summer, but it appears neither player will be a "starter" to open training camp.
That leaves Ernest Wilford and Dennis Northcutt, with super sleeper Mike Walker waiting in the wings. Someone named Charles Sharon is also in the mix. The news is a concern for anyone interested in drafting a Jaguar receiver, especially Jones. Jack Del Rio is probably trying to motivate the group, but he knows it's a do-or-die season. Donovin Darius' release may be a wake up call. One note of caution: All we heard about last summer was about Wilford, and he was behind Reggie Williams once camp got going.
* As a depressed dynasty league owner of Eric Shelton the last two years, I'll attach myself to any sliver of good news possible. Perhaps the dismissal of Dan Henning will help, but I'm not convinced he was somehow in the doghouse by mistake.
If Shelton could help the Panthers win, he'd be playing. Perhaps a release and a reuniting with Bobby Petrino in Atlanta would help him. Kudos to David Warner, who wrote the piece over at AOL Fanhouse for educating the masses on all kinds of football this summer on his blog.
* Mike Tomlin pencils in his starters. It's surprising Anthony Smith and Bryant McFadden are on the bench, at least for now. Ike Taylor is safely out of the doghouse.
* Thursday was Vernand Morency day in the local Green Bay papers. My gut tells me Morency will split carries with Brandon Jackson at best, but these pieces suggest otherwise.
* Wanted to talk at length all week about Michael Felger's article on Randy Moss. First, it's a huge loss for Patriots fans now that Felger is no longer on staff at the Herald. Hopefully he continues to pen pieces like this when he has time. Second, this is such a great example of how different writers can get drastically different impressions from offseason practices. Peter King was gushing about Moss in Sports Illustrated. The truth is probably somewhere in the middle, but Felger has been right about an awful lot over the years.
For the record, I don't really care how well Randy Moss practices in June if he's not a "distraction." I just hope he has juice left in his legs on Sundays.
* Paul Zimmerman writes that Tom Brady was "furious" about his lack of receivers last offseason - off the record. Thanks to Florio's excellent new vice Poohbah Michael David Smith for catching this.
* Minicamp season is just about wrapping up. Some places with good coverage this weekend to check out...
* The Newark Star Ledger on the Giants
* Redskins Insider, which has a painful sounding account of LaRon Landry's "groin contusion." Maybe Paintball should be played with a cup.
* Seahawks Insider wraps up the recent minicamp in Seattle.
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