We at Razzball realize that exporting our views across the country has damaging consequences on the blogosphere. To help make amends, we are reaching out to leading team blogs and featuring their locally blogged answers to pressing 2011 fantasy football questions regarding their team. We feel this approach will be fresher, more sustainable, and require less energy consumption (for us anyway). The 2011 New Orleans Saints Fantasy Football Preview comes courtesy of our friend Russ Loede, blogger at Saint’s Gab.
1. The Saints, who haven’t had a dominant running back in several years, used their first round pick on Mark Ingram. What kind of workload do you see for Ingram this season? And what kind of numbers do you see him putting up?
Ingram’s workload will be quite extensive despite the presence of Pierre Thomas and association with a pass-happy system. Sean Payton gives the keys to Drew Brees, and more often than not, Brees dials up plays via the air. With that said, I still believe the Alabama product will thrive during his rookie campaign because he’s running behind the best interior line in football. 20 touches a game isn’t beyond the imagination; even 20-plus is within reach. I envision Mark going for over a grand on the ground and producing double-digits touchdowns. It’s no stretch to expect Ingram to become a top-10 back by season’s end. Keep in mind, both his backfield mates possess durability issues. Honestly, I would draft Ingram as high as mid-third.
2. Marques Colston has been nursing a knee injury early this preseason making fantasy owners a bit nervous. Should we have any reason to question Colston’s status on opening day? Do you think he’ll be limited at all this season with that knee injury?
I wouldn’t question Colston’s status because he dealt with the same scenario last season and generated 15 games worth of No. 2 fantasy receiver-level (over 1,000 yards, 7 TD’s) play. Frankly, the Saints are preserving Brees’ top pass catcher for the regular season by carefully monitoring his knee. Simply put, it’s just a precautionary measure; so confidently go ahead and target Colston around the late-fifth round in your draft. (more…)
We at Razzball realize that exporting our views across the country has damaging consequences on the blogosphere. To help make amends, we are reaching out to leading team blogs and featuring their locally blogged answers to pressing 2011 fantasy football questions regarding their team. We feel this approach will be fresher, more sustainable, and require less energy consumption (for us anyway). The 2011 Houston Texans Fantasy Football Preview comes courtesy of our friend Stephanie Stradley, blogger at Texans Chick.
1. With fantasy’s premiere RB and WR, its got to be a great time to be a Texans fan! Let’s start with Arian Foster who had an unreal season in Houston’s backfield. He’s got a balky hamstring and has obviously never had the workload he had last season. Are these reasons to have some pessimism he can repeat the kind of year he had in 2010? Or do you see the same kind of year coming ahead?
I am optimistic about Foster. He’s a great back for this system both for size and skill sets, and offensive coordinator Rick Dennison is a veteran of the old school Bronco back system and is committed to the run, especially short yardage and in the redzone. When he was hired by the Texans last year, he said the Texans were going to be able to run the ball, and they were able to run the ball. The Texans offensive line, both starters and backups are all returning, and that is key to the running game functioning. Foster is in great shape, and the Texans do not seem overly concerned about the hamstring and are keeping him out as a precaution. The Texans want Foster to be the primary back and for contract purposes, Foster wants this to be a standout season. He has a chip on his shoulder about the whole one-year wonder thing. (Though he showed signs of being a promising player at the end of his rookie year).
I think if the Texans defense improves with the addition of Wade Phillips this season, the Texans will be able to run the ball as much as they really want to instead of his role going down during shootouts.
Though I think Foster’s skill sets are perfectly suited to the offense, given the injuries to the running back position in general, it is worth closely following the Texans running backs in camp. I expect Foster back and picking up where he left off last year, but if he can’t go, the Texans are committed to balance in their offense, and Dennison with the Broncos has had a series of no-name backs over the years put up big yards.
2. Andre Johnson is pretty unanimously agreed the best wide receiver in football. The only knock is that he could have another season with injuries keeping him out for some games. He already dislocated his finger early in camp, which while not a big deal isn’t a great start for fueling optimism he’ll make it for all 16 games in 2011. Do you think he’s looking good this preseason and will suit up all 16 games and be the league’s premiere wideout?
Andre Johnson looks great in camp as per usual, and I do not think his finger is a concern. (He’s back practicing, and the protection is off the finger). He played for most of last season on an ankle that most players would have sat out. He’s a tough player, and if he is able to play he will.
Andre Johnson will always get his targets because he is Andre Johnson. He dictates defenses. (more…)
We at Razzball realize that exporting our views across the country has damaging consequences on the blogosphere. To help make amends, we are reaching out to leading team writers and ask for answers to pressing 2010 fantasy football questions regarding their team. We feel this approach will be fresher, more sustainable, and require less energy consumption (for us anyway). The 2011 Chicago Bears Fantasy Football Preview comes courtesy of beat reporter Sean Jensen of Chicago Sun-Times.
With the decision to let Olin Kreutz leave, the Bears have added T Gabe Camiri via the draft, G Chris Spencer and Matt Spaeth a notable blocking tight end from the Steelers. With the embarrassing game last year against the Giants where the Bears gave up 10 sacks still fresh in fans minds do you think these additions are enough to help both the running game improve and keep Jay Cutler out of harm’s way? And do you see them making any more moves to shore up this area?
It’s too early to tell, if these moves are enough. Players are genuinely distraught that Olin Kreutz is not returning for another season. The expectation from everyone — from players to the front office, to the coaching staff — was that Kreutz would be back, which is why they didn’t try to address the position in the NFL Draft or when they could pull off a trade. Now, they are kind of scrambling, signing Chris Spencer from the Seattle Seahawks. Bears offensive line coach Mike Tice is adamant that his starting five is in place, as follows: J’Marcus Webb at left tackle, Chris Williams at left guard, Roberto Garza at center, Lance Louis at right guard and rookie Gabe Carimi at right tackle. Louis, from what I have seen, does look like he may do a fine job. And while I’ve seen Carimi and Webb have some issues in pass protection, I’m fairly certainly any left tackle in the league would have some problems with Julius Peppers, one-on-one. Even Garza has looked solid at center. The player who has concerned me is Chris Williams, who has made defensive tackle Matt Toeaina look like he’s bound for the Pro Bowl. Toeaina looks more explosive than last year, but Williams has been on the ground several times in drills, and he has whiffed far too many times, when I’ve been paying attention. Maybe I’m just consistently catching him at the wrong time.
The Bears fantasy Defense/Special Teams is ranked near the top 5 in most experts rankings for this upcoming season. We know all about the core of this Bears defense being Julius Peppers, Brian Urlacher, and Lance Briggs. With the additions of DT Amobi Okoye, DE Vernon Gholston, and the returning free agents DT Anthony Adams, and CB Corey Graham, what should the expectations be going into this 2011 season? And can Vernon Gholston get his career turned around with Chicago, being able to use the 3 point stance like he did in college, and cause some havoc on QBs?
The Bears are blessed to return the core of its defense, especially re-signing Nick Roach and Anthony Adams. I’m surprised they haven’t added another corner — perhaps believing that Josh Moore is ready to step up — but they have definitely bolstered the defensive line with some serious depth. Second-round pick Stephen Paea has looked sharp, as long as his knee isn’t serious and won’t be a lingering problem. Amobi Okoye definitely looks like he can be a part of a rotation, and Matt Toeaina and Henry Melton both look excellent physically, embracing the fact that they’re both going to play a lot more snaps this year with the departure of Tommie Harris. But, so far, Vernon Gholston has not stood out to me. It’s early yet, but I haven’t seen a flash, like I have from every one of the other d-linemen I mentioned. The concern on defense is the back end. Major Wright, a third-round pick last year, hasn’t really distinguished himself at camp, so far. Chris Harris, who is playing for a new contract, will have a strong season, because he had one last year. And while Charles Tillman shows no sign of decline, the other cornerback spot looks shaky. Tim Jennings has gotten beaten quite a few times already this camp, and Zack Bowman hasn’t stood out. These guys, though, will go as the d-line goes. The defensive line could have better depth and quality then Lovie Smith has ever had, so the cornerbacks may not get exposed as much. As for the special teams, Dave Toub is among the league’s best coaches. The team was smart to re-sign linebacker Brian Iwuh and cornerback Corey Graham, and they also added special teams stud Sam Hurd, the receiver from the Dallas Cowboys. Now, they’ll need a few of the young guys to step up. Last preseason, the special teams looked dreadful. But, Toub whipped it into shape for the regular season. And one of the biggest weaknesses — at punter — was upgraded, it seems, with Adam Podlesh.
Roy Williams had the best two years of his career with Mike Martz in Detroit in 2006, and 2007. He caught 146 balls for 2,148 yards, and 12 touchdowns. He’s also familiar with receivers coach Darryl Drake who was his position coach at the University of Texas. Do you expect Williams to come close to his 06 and 07 production and what does his presence do now for Johnny Knox, Devin Hester, and Earl Bennett in terms of targets? (more…)
We at Razzball realize that exporting our views across the country has damaging consequences on the blogosphere. To help make amends, we are reaching out to leading team blogs and featuring their locally blogged answers to pressing 2011 fantasy football questions regarding their team. We feel this approach will be fresher, more sustainable, and require less energy consumption (for us anyway). The 2011 Carolina Panthers Fantasy Football Preview comes courtesy of our friend Taylor Barbour, editor of Cat Crave.
The Panthers offense was an utter disaster last season scoring a horrendous 12.3 points per game, 4.6 points behind the 31st worst Cleveland Browns. It’s hard to get excited about any Panthers player fantasy-wise this season, but Carolina did bring back DeAngelo Williams to start alongside Jonathan Stewart in their dynamic backfield. Even with numerous 8 in the box defensive looks and no certainty at quarterback, do you see the running game revitalizing in 2011?
I think the running game will improve this season. I think last season was a product of zero passing game and also the most predictable offense you could ever imagine in John Fox’s last season. No matter who is starting, whether it be Cam Newton or Jimmy Clausen, the passing game will be better with a revitalized Steve Smith and new tight end additions Jeremy Shockey and Greg Olsen. These guys have to be covered and should help improve the passing game, which will enviably improve the running game. Teams won’t be able to stack 9-10 guys in the box and get away with it like they did last season.
The one down thing I see is that I don’t know if the Panthers will run the ball quiet as much as they did under Fox. Fox loved running the ball and believed in game management and ball control, which he got from the running game. It remains to be seen if Rivera will utilize the run as much but you have to believe with the offense line the Panthers have and the two star running backs, but he would be foolish not to use them.
No matter how many times the Panthers run per game, the one problem for fantasy owners is that DeAngelo Williams and Jonathon Stewart will once again vulture each other’s points. The two backs are so good you have to split time between them. But because both are so talented and have showed that they can be an unstoppable tandem together, ala 2009 when both rushed for over 1,100 yards in a season. I would say both will be top-20 running backs.
I’m sure every Carolina fan would like to see Cam Newton start week one, but the last time the Panthers started a rookie out of the gate, it was Chris Weinke who led the Panthers to losses in the final 15 games of 2001. Also, the Panthers have Jimmy Clausen trying to prove something after a disastrous rookie campaign and have brought in veteran Derek Anderson. The Panthers passing game finished over 600 yards behind than the 31st worst passing team last year, so the passing game can’t get any worse. If it is Newton starting week one, what would his prospects look like? If it’s not Newton right away, do you think he takes over at some point during the season and has any impact?
At this point, it is Newton’s job to lose. All he needs to do to become the team’s opening day starter is to just show a bit, and I mean a small smidge of ability and understanding of the playbook in training camp and the job is his. Newton has a special talent that will make it impossible for the Panthers to keep him off the field.
Even if the Panthers go with Clausen or Anderson to start the season, Newton will be utilized in certain packages especially in the redzone. I would liken him to Mike Vick. With the Eagles in 2009, McNabb was the starter but Vick came in on certain plays especially in the endzone to provide that extra dimension to the offense. But if I would have to guess, if Newton doesn’t win the job outright in the preseason, it is only a matter of time until he takes over. Give it maybe week four or week five but mark my words Newton will finish the season as the Panthers starting quarterback. (more…)
We at Razzball realize that exporting our views across the country has damaging consequences on the blogosphere. To help make amends, we are reaching out to leading team writers and ask for answers to pressing 2010 fantasy football questions regarding their team. We feel this approach will be fresher, more sustainable, and require less energy consumption (for us anyway). The 2011 Philadelphia Eagles Fantasy Football Preview comes courtesy of beat reporter Geoff Mosher of Delaware Online.
1. Do you see the Eagles brass working with Desean Jackson on a new contract while he holds out? Should us fake footballers worry about him missing any time this season?
It may take a week or so, but eventually DeSean will get into camp. At some point he and the team will come to a contractual agreement but probably not before some more public haggling. He’s only making $565,000 this year – poor guy – in the last year of his deal, so a prolonged holdout makes no sense. He faces $30,000 a day in fines and would lose his accrued fourth year, which would negate his opportunity to become a free agent at the end of the season, another reason his holdout is likely to end sooner than later. When the smoke clears, he’ll be an Eagle this year.
2. Michael Vick is a fantasy football players dream. A player that accumulates both RB and QB stats all at one position. That versatility and amount of time with the ball does have many worried that he will miss some time due to injuries. Last season there was a lot of talk about him avoiding punishment by either getting out of bounds or sliding. Did you notice a difference last season? How do you see him approaching it during this season?
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If you look at Vick’s overall history in the league, aside from a broken leg in 2003 that sideline him for 11 games, he’s stayed healthy for every other season until last year’s rib injury cost him three starts. He’s older now, so the heavy workload is reason to be concerned. Also, the team’s persistent offensive line issues could be problematic. First-round pick Danny Watkins, expected to start right awat at right guard, missed the first five days of camp from a contract dispute and right tackle Winston Justice still hasn’t practiced. He had knee surgery in February, which may have been more serious than the team disclosed. Vick tried to slide at times last year at the advice of his coaches but looked uncomfortable and unnatural and pretty much trashed the idea after a few unsightly attempts.
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3. What does the back up running back position look like in Philly right now? Or in other words, if I am drafting LeSean McCoy for my fake team who should I draft late as injury insurance?
Looks pretty good now that Ronnie Brown hopped aboard. Brown is perfect for Reid’s offense. The team needed a veteran ball carrier to back up McCoy. Brown’s a hard-nosed runner with smooth hands out of the backfield and an excellent blocker in blitz pick-up. He’ll have to play third fiddle to McCoy and the passing game but that’s good for Brown, who’s injury prone. The reduced role will alleviate the pounding on his body. He could easily step in and carry the workload if McCoy were to miss some time from an injury. (more…)
