The Scoop

By Dalton Del Don

For anyone hoping the postseason Eli Manning from last year would show up for 2008, that doesn’t appear to be the case. Inconsistent is his middle name…If Brandon Jacobs somehow stays healthy, he’ll easily finish as a top-10 fantasy back. Maybe top-5. His hands are a joke, though…Jason Campbell is not the answer at quarterback in Washington…A healthy Plaxico Burress who can actually practice this season is a scary thought. I wish I invested more in him during drafts this summer.

Carson Palmer wasn’t sacked over his last 89 pass attempts last year. He was sacked on his first two attempts during Week 1…He can’t be counted on to stay healthy, but I still like Chris Perry. Feel free to see if an owner is panicking after a poor game against a tough Baltimore D…If Ray Rice can only muster 2.9 YPC at home against Cincinnati while playing with a lead, his upside is far lower than I expected. I’d never heard of Le’Ron McClain before Sunday.

After round 1, I’d sure rather have Ronnie Brown than I would Ricky Williams. Go buy Brown while his value is still low…It appears Brett Favre’s still got it. What a great fourth down touchdown heave. New York actually benefited from Mike Nugent’s injury…Of all the random tight end explosions this week (Dante Rosario, Randy McMichael, Robert Royal), I like Anthony Fasano the most moving forward. With Tom Brady going down, the New York Bretts may just win this division after all.

Matt Cassell, whom my friend once repeatedly beat while foot racing on the streets of USC in the middle of the night back in our college days, is now the starting quarterback for a team that’s won 20 consecutive regular season games. Brady going down for the season 20 minutes into the year is pretty crazy…If you own Wes Welker and can get Lee Evans for him, do it…Brodie Croyle’s injury makes the Chiefs slightly better…Laurence Maroney owners have to be killing themselves right now. New England may have to run more with Brady out of the lineup, but it appears Sammy Morris is going to be a big part of that once again, including at the goal line. Ugh.

Steve Slaton is clearly the runner to own in Houston’s backfield…You can’t really be more efficient than Ben Roethlisberger was Sunday…Santonio Holmes will be fine…The best news regarding Willie Parker’s big day and future fantasy prospects? Rashard Mendenhall hasn’t impressed at all…Despite Week 1’s ugly performance, I still believe in the Texans having a good football team this year. Mario Williams is unblockable.

This Titans team is physical. Hopefully the concussed Albert Haynesworth won’t have to miss any time…I’m not sure how Kerry Collins will play as the starter, but it’s tough imagining him not being an upgrade over Vince Young. He’s a sneaky fantasy play Week 2 against the Bengals…Having drafted Chris Johnson in numerous leagues, I’m able to sleep much better at night. He looks like a top-20 fantasy back at minimum.

I can guarantee Matt Ryan won’t have a better game the rest of the year than he did during his first ever start, but he does look like a keeper…Maybe the same jersey and number clouds my judgment, but Kevin Smith reminds me a lot of Kevin Jones in his prime, and I mean that as a compliment…This Falcons O-line sure did improve in a hurry. Of course, playing Detroit will make a lot of teams look good…If Calvin Johnson isn’t a consensus second round pick in fantasy leagues next year, it’s because he’ll be going in round one…It wasn’t San Diego – Michael Turner is the real deal. What a combination of size, cutting ability and speed. He should be viewed as a top-10 fantasy back.

The fake field goal the Bills ran Sunday was the coolest play of the day. Hands down…Nate Burleson dropped a wide open pass in the end zone that I would have caught 10 times out of 10. The very next play he makes a diving catch for a score with a defender all over him – one I wouldn’t be able to make if given 100 tries. Too bad he’s now done for the year. Getting targeted so often in that offense, he was going to put up big numbers. Might as well pick up Courtney Taylor…With Maurice Morris hurt and nice upcoming matchups, if I own Julius Jones, I’m shopping him like crazy with those selling points. Dude’s a terrible running back…This year, Lee Evans might just be what I thought he’d be last year.

I’m as big a fan of “Seinfeld” as anyone, but these new Microsoft ads featuring Jerry and Bill Gates simply have to go.

Drew Brees easily looks like the No. 1 fantasy QB to own…Nice to see Pierre Thomas so heavily involved right out of the gate. Anyone who drafted Deuce McAllister was crazy…Reggie Bush can be a force in the passing game, and it’s possible Sean Payton utilizes him more effectively this year, but he still can’t run (3.6 YPC). Just make him a situational back and get it over with…Remember Marques Colston owners, he got off to a slow start last season too…If Jon Gruden continues to give Warrick Dunn similar touches to Earnest Graham, my TB last place prediction will look positively prophetic.

DeSean Jackson is awfully exciting, but see if someone is willing to treat him like a true WR2 right now…Be afraid Torry Holt owners. Be very afraid…Fun fact: The Eagles have the heaviest offensive line in the NFL…The angle the safety took while attempting to tackle Hank Baskett during his 90-yard TD catch was an embarrassment.

This Dallas team looks pretty unbeatable. Expect some through the roof point spreads to follow…Chalk Braylon Edwards down has someone who does need some preseason action, apparently…What exactly, was Romeo Crennel thinking kicking a field goal down 21 points with 10 minutes left playing an offense like Dallas? The answer? He wasn’t…If Jason Witten remains healthy, he’s going to be a monster. He’s definitely the No. 1 fantasy tight end…My boy Marion Barber proved both me right (he should be considered at minimum the No. 2 fantasy player overall) and his naysayers right (his physical style could lead to injuries). Still, like the Barbarian isn’t going to play through a little cartilage damage to the ribs? Please. Dude could score 30 touchdowns this season.

Chris Chambers’ Week 1 was his career personified – catching just one of his six targets yet being productive with it (44-yard TD)…DeAngelo Williams and the Panthers’ offensive line sure do look improved this season…My favorite part of Dante Rosario’s huge Week 1? When Fox listed him as “Rosario Dawson” on their UPS Leaderboard…Sell LaDainian Tomlinson before it’s too late.

Over the second half of Sunday’s game, the Cardinals ran 45 plays compared to 15 by the 49ers. San Francisco completed just one pass in Arizona territory during that time. They committed five turnovers to the Cardinals’ zero. Ladies and gentlemen, the Mike Martz era!…Actually, the Cardinals were painstakingly conservative. It makes sense trying to limit Kurt Warner’s turnovers, but I didn’t appreciate it much as a Larry Fitzgerald holder…There’s a legitimate chance Frank Gore leads SF in receptions this year…As for JTO, he actually gave reason for optimism, completing 70 percent of his passes for a 9.8 YPA. Good thing the team picked Alex Smith over Aaron Rodgers.

You know when in “Fight Club” they choose whom they’d most want to fight in the world? Well, for me that would be Bruce Bochy (Sabean, you’re next). Even though I’d kick Bochy’s ass, it’d still be less harmful than what he’s doing to Tim Lincecum’s arm.

With a rusty Peyton Manning and no Jeff Saturday, the Colts sure looked sluggish. Still, I wouldn’t hit the panic button just yet. I’d rather be in Indy’s situation than I would New England’s…Over his last two games, Marvin Harrison has been responsible for two touchdowns – by Indy’s opponents…Looks like Matt Forte can play. I’d still consider Chicago an excellent matchup for opposing defenses, however…Joseph Addai left the game “banged up?” You’re kidding me. Next thing you’ll tell me is that water is wet and the sun will rise tomorrow. I would be crass and call him some form of a woman, but that would be a horrible insult to females everywhere.

Tarvaris Jackson can look good on some plays, and he’s the fastest QB in the league, but this passing game is worrisome. If it doesn’t improve, the team will once again be left out of the playoffs, let alone any lofty Super Bowl aspirations…My one complaint about the Packers/Vikings game was that the refs didn’t call enough penalties…Mark Brad Childress down as yet another head coach who is clueless as when (not) to go for the two-point conversion…Adrian Peterson is an absolute freak. Would love to see his numbers if he could somehow stay healthy all year.

Jay Cutler is officially rivaling Tim Lincecum as my main man-crush. Like I said before the season, there isn’t a player in football I’d rather own if starting a franchise right now. Glad I drafted him in so many leagues this year, because I refuse to take a QB before round 5. He’ll be a second/third round pick next year…R.I.P. Javon Walker…JaMarcus Russell was actually pretty solid, but it’s safe to say DeAngelo Hall can’t hold Nnamdi Asomugha’s jock…It’s also safe to say ESPN hit a new low with their announcing crew Monday, who made the old three stooges (Mike Patrick, Joe Theismann, Paul Maguire) broadcast team look competent, something I never thought I’d say. Mike Ditka: “It doesn’t matter where he was drafted. Look at this Chris Johnson kid. He was taken in the fourth round.” Truly atrocious.


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28 responses to “The Scoop”

  1. jackjester Avatar
    jackjester

    Bochy is without a doubt mishandling Lincecum – he’s serious need of a throat punch.

    Where do you stand on the Yankees’ handling of Joba Chamberlain?

    I feel they’re being a little too cautious. Back to the pen for the rest of the year I can understand, but potentially starting him in the pen next year and stretching him out mid season again seems a little much.

    He is way too valuable as a starting pitcher and is a proven commodity.

  2. Splevelbuge Avatar
    Splevelbuge

    New England? Randy Moss still legitmate number 1 reciever, or should I be shopping. Is Chris Johnson an every week starter or is this duo still destined to split the whole way. Theres been some talk about the rams offensive coordinator doing great things with tight ends is randy mcmichael a legitimate tight end? Great takes this week

  3. RotoScoop Avatar
    RotoScoop

    jackjester – A throat punch indeed. I was OK with how the Yanks handled Joba this season. However, I don’t understand why they’d once again start him in the pen next year. It’s true that it’s safest to never jump more than 30 innings from one season to the next, but it’s also very risky jerking pitchers around from the pen to the rotation midseason. Just prepare him to be a starter all year long, and skip a couple turns here and there to limit his workload. But ya, he’s a $100 million arm.

  4. RotoScoop Avatar
    RotoScoop

    Splevebuge – I’d still consider R. Moss a #1. He’s quit on bad QBs before, but I doubt that’s the case here b/c NE will remain competitive. Obviously his value takes a hit, but so does his trade value, so I’d probably stand pat unless you can get an Edwards, Dre Johnson, or T.O. type.

    Chris Johnson will lose carries to L. White each week (unfortunately, some at the goal line), but Tenn figures to run it 500-plus times this season, so he’ll get plenty of action. Depends on league size of course, and some matchups may change things, but absolutely I’d consider him an every week starter.

    Al Saunders does love to feature his tight end. McMichael is a solid pickup right now.

  5. Paul Maguire Avatar
    Paul Maguire

    “Watch This!

    Let me tell ya something!”

  6. db Avatar
    db

    what’s with the sell LT comment? just wondering… for once in my life I actually got him in a redraft and now you’re telling me to sell him? what gives?

  7. db Avatar
    db

    obviously, there is the toe (which I forgot about) I just wasn’t thinking it was time to push the panic button…

  8. Nat Avatar
    Nat

    I too was wondering if that was humor or not… I lost Colston and have Welker on one team with LT. I’m tempted to try to turn LT into Marion Barber and a #2 WR.

  9. Tyler Durden Avatar
    Tyler Durden

    Good stuff.

    Lincecum: I was at that game. First off, I have watched him pitch dozens of times on TV, but it just does not compare to seeing this kid live. Even after all this time, my jaw was in my lap. I highly recommend it.

    Was so surprised he came out in the 8th, much less the ninth. Sure, it’d be great to have seen a CG Shoutout, but I have fantasy teams with him to worry about.

    NFL: The injuries are so rampant this year. Like in 2004, I think it was. Looks like it’ll be Last Man Standing again this year. Crazy.

  10. Brett Avatar

    DDD,

    Nice rant… as always..

    I think Bochy is pushing Lincecum so he can get the Cy Young award he deserves.

    Aside from winning the World Series, which Lincecum never will as a Giant… and what skeptics say could be a shorter career than most due to his windup and height, a Cy Young award in his prime could be a career best achievement.

    Will Cutler/Marshall be better fantasy-wise than Romo/Owens?

  11. RotoScoop Avatar
    RotoScoop

    Paul Maguire – Good riddance!

  12. RotoScoop Avatar
    RotoScoop

    db – My LT comment was half-joking. Here’s the deal. I’ve been a big advocate saying AP over LT with the #1 pick. In fact, there was an entire article in the RotoWire mag about this. Me arguing AP. Chris Liss (who edited my RB rankings) arguing LT. Then, before the season started, I even said take Marion Barber over LT. So I have a bias here based on my preseason statements. That said, I made those proclamations b/c I’m extremely worried about LT this year (AP is very injury-prone himself, no doubt).

    Tomlinson’s 2,400 career rushes are a huge amount, and he’s coming off seven straight 300-carry seasons. No player in the history of the league has been effective after that. Now, if anyone can do it, it’s Tomlinson. But coming off the torn knee, I was weary entering the year, and he didn’t look very good Week 1.

    However, he often gets off to slow starts, and who are you going to trade him for? SJax on a horrible Rams team? Addai the wuss? Westbrook is shaky as well. I’d personally trade him for M. Barber or AP, but I said that before the year.

    Don’t go giving LT away – I mean, I’m no fool – the guy’s been amazing. In short – I was worried about him entering the year, and Week 1 wasn’t too impressive. But he does have the excuse of not playing the entire preseason. He’s also hurt right now with a mysterious toe injury.

  13. RotoScoop Avatar
    RotoScoop

    Nat – If you cant turn LT into Barber and a solid #2 WR, I’d do it. How about something like LT/Welker for Barber/Marshall? That would be a steal.

  14. RotoScoop Avatar
    RotoScoop

    Tyler Durden – I’ve seen Lincecum pitch a few times at AT&T. It’s an orgiastic experience.

    Unreal the amount of injuries in the NFL so far.

  15. RotoScoop Avatar
    RotoScoop

    Brett – I agree that’s Bochy’s motive, but that doesn’t make it right. I’ll win a $50 bet if he wins the Cy, but as a fan, I’d rather his arm be preserved. It’s a joke. The team is nearly 20 games under .500. The voters will be stupid anyway and look at the wins category.

    Cutler/Marshall will be right on par with the Dallas duo. Of course, Marshall gets one fewer game, but still. Cutler for MVP.

  16. Nat Avatar
    Nat

    Maybe Addai/Edwards for LT/Welker…

  17. RotoScoop Avatar
    RotoScoop

    I’d probably do it, despite Addai’s fragility. Check out Indy’s playoff schedule.

  18. Tyler Durden Avatar
    Tyler Durden

    DDD,

    Forgot you are SF based. Was in town on biz — should have met for the game.

    Next time.

    Phil —

  19. Nat Avatar
    Nat

    Would you give up Portis for Marshall/Mendenhall or Marshall/E. Graham, in a league where you already have Cutler, Royal, and might pick up Scheffler?

  20. Nat Avatar
    Nat

    Few more details on that last trade…

    I also have Brandon Jacobs, Chris Johnson, Julius Jones, Hightower, Pierre Thomas at RB. Am hoping to get Sammy Morris.

    And this would be predicated by my being able to deal Moss or Houshmandzadeh for a RB replacement. In a Boston based league, I should be able to get good value for Moss.

  21. Tony Kornheiser Avatar
    Tony Kornheiser

    “So the Packer’s won with Aaron Rodgers, but when do you think the fans will forget about BRETT FARVE? BLAAAAAH!”

    “4th and 9? The Packers should go for it!”-Packers up 10-3 before halftime in FG range.

    “these aren’t the crabs I ordered! I want soft-shell Picatta! You don’t have blue crabs? The place next door does! Go to the fish mrket next door and make me my damn soft-shell crabs! Don’t you know who I am? I am way too famous to be a place like this!”

    “Jay Mariotti is a poor man’s ME!”

    Mike Tirico=Lebowski
    Jaworski=Walker Sobchek
    Tony K=Donnie
    “STFU Donnie, you’re out of your element!”

  22. db Avatar
    db

    DDD,
    thanks for the thoughts on Tomlinson. I’ll snoop around my league and see if Barber or Peterson are available plus other upgrades. Overall, I’m still not panicking though or going to give him away.

    My draft was before your rankings came out, got the number one pick for the first time in my life. Felt like I “had” to take LT… but that was definitely with the idea of him not being such a sure thing anymore and the others being much closer this time around. So, like I said, I”m intrigued by your idea of him for Barber or Peterson plus other upgrades if possible. I like taking risks too, life is too short.

    One more question: would you consider dropping Fred Taylor (#5 rb) for either Slaton or Desean Jackson. Frankly, I”m stunned both are still available (it’s only a ten team league though, we had two guys back out at the last second: annoying!)

  23. RotoScoop Avatar
    RotoScoop

    Tyler Durden – AT&T Park is nice huh? Ya next time hit me up.

  24. RotoScoop Avatar
    RotoScoop

    Nat – I would trade Portis for Marshall/Graham. Gruden has to get Graham more involved.

  25. RotoScoop Avatar
    RotoScoop

    Kornheiser – You are brutal. Must there always be a STORY you need to bang over and over each week. Just watch the game and enjoy.

  26. RotoScoop Avatar
    RotoScoop

    db – Again, LT is the man and don’t go trading him for anything other than the options we talked about. But I admit, Peterson is a risk. I just think LT is a pretty big risk as well this year.

    If you don’t have MJD (meaning Taylor is slightly more important as insurance), then yes, I’d drop Taylor for Slaton – I still really like that Houston offense and he looks like the RB1 there. A. Green is done for. D. Jackson looks awesome, but rookie WRs are inconsistent and R. Brown and Curtis will be back.

  27. Tyler Durden Avatar
    Tyler Durden

    Yeah, I was very impressed. My first time there. Always seem to be in town outside of baseball season, so it was nice to knock AT&T off my list.

    Scored dugout seats, which was awesome, especially with Tim on the mound. Crab Sandwich was really good, just too expensive. Hot dog — very mediocre (have to try one in every park & it did not impresss at all).

    Loved the park though. A+

  28. RotoScoop Avatar
    RotoScoop

    Yeah, I never get a hot dog there – plenty of other good options tho. Glad you liked the park.

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