Back to the Drawing Board September 24, 2008
Posted by Neil in : Uncategorized , add a comment{Quick syndication note: this is the next in a series of weekly installments that I’m contributing to Fantasy Insights, throughout the NFL Season. A big thank you to Shawn McCullough for allowing us to syndicate to our site.]
Last Week:
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The Jets got dominated in front of a national television audience on Monday night by San Diego 48-29 to drop to 1-2. The Jets defense was woeful, and the offense was inconsistent. The Chargers treated this like a must-win game, and they showed why they are one of the elite team in the AFC. The game was evidence of the large gap that the Jets have to make up with the elite in the AFC if Gang Green has hopes of making the postseason and doing something once they are there.
This Week:
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The Jets return to the Meadowlands to take on the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. This begins a critical 3 game stretch for Gang Green against very winnable opponents. The Jets have home games against the Cardinals and the winless Bengals, before traveling to Oakland. The Jets offense hopes to get some sort of consistent production against what is a very average Cardinals defense. However, with weapons like Boldin and Fitzgerald, Warner and Co. will put up points. Prediction: The Jets improve to 2-2 with a 27-20 win at home over the Cardinals.
Rumors:
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It is not a rumor, but a prediction. The Jets will win the next 3 games to move to 4-2.
Injuries:
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Favre is worried about his sore ankle, and the limitations he will face this Sunday. He will play and keep his consecutive games streak alive. Coles has been banged up this summer which has had an impact on his practice time and ability to build chemistry with the ‘Ol Gun Slinger. He was listed as a limited participant again at Wednesday’s practice with a thigh injury again, but will play on Sunday. K Mike Nugent strained a muscle in his right thigh on the opening kickoff of the season in Miami and has been sidelined. He will be out for a couple of weeks and Jay Feely is taking over the kicking duties.
Position Analysis:
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QUARTERBACKS: Favre was playing from behind for much of the night, and finally had a chance to sling it around a bit. He was 30 of 42 for 271 with 3 TD’s and 2 INT’s. The Cardinals defense has holes, and I look for Favre to exploit them. I predict Favre has his best game in a Jets uniform to date throwing for 225 yards with 2 TD’s and 0 picks.
RUNNING BACKS: Thomas Jones was taken out of the game due to the big Chargers lead. He only had 37 yards on 10 carries. He will have twice as many carries and more than twice the production this week. Prediction: Jones gains 110 yards and a TD. I still wouldn’t play Leon Washington as his touches are so inconsistent. He had 1 rush for -1 yard and 2 catches for 20 yards in San Diego. One thing to watch for as the season develops is the use of Washington in the screen game that Favre holds so dearly. I expect 25 yards rushing and 20 receiving from Washington this week.
WIDE RECEIVERS: I expect a breakout campaign from Cotchery this year. He had a solid game with 10 catches for 76 yards in San Diego. I expect even better numbers from him this week. I expect him to snare a TD with 110 yards. Coles is still struggling with his thigh, but he had his best game of the year with 6 catches for 75 yards and a TD. I expect him to catch about 7 balls for 75 yards this week and for Chansi Stuckey to continue to get more playing time after his third TD in as many games. He is becoming a potential #3 WR on your fantasy team if you need one.
TIGHT ENDS: Favre loves his TE’s, especially in the red zone. I expect him to throw a TD to one of them this week again, however the question as always is which one will it be. Even though Dustin Keller continues to develop, I wouldn’t play any of the Jets TE’s at this point.
PLACE KICKER: Jay Feely was 1 of 1 last week with 2 PAT’s. I expect him to have a good game on Sunday. I am going to predict he makes 2 FG and 3 PAT’s.
DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS: I wouldn’t touch the Jets defense on Sunday against the explosive Cardinals. Leon Washington should make some plays in the return game as he is good for 3 return TD’s this year.
AFC Season Preview September 16, 2008
Posted by Neil in : Uncategorized , add a commentNeil Berman’s 2008 AFC Projected Standings and Predicted Playoff Results
Note: I am glad to be making these prognostications after a strange Week 1 around the AFC. With Tom Brady out for the season, the Patriots go from being the prohibited favorite to perhaps one of the myriad of hunters in what should be a highly competitive and balanced AFC.
AFC East
- New York Jets 10-6
Brett Favre completely changes the dynamics and aspirations for this team. With Tom Brady’s season-ending injury, Gang Green could be poised to take home the AFC East title if Thomas Jones stays healthy beyond a vastly improved offensive line. If #4 plays nearly like the ‘Ol Gunslinger he was last year, the Jets could make a run to at least the AFC Championship Game.
- New England Patriots 9-7
Tom Brady is done for the season. While nothing more really needs to be written about the Patriots chances of getting back to the Super Bowl, people shouldn’t forget about all of the veterans on this team who have excelled throughout their careers. I don’t think Matt Cassel can lead this team through the playoffs, but he certainly can steer them there.
- Buffalo Bills 8-8
This could be the surprise team that wins the division. However, while I like Trent Edwards, I don’t think he is a productive enough QB to make plays to win the game in the 4th quarter at this stage of his career. However, this teams is a distant sleeper to go to the Super Bowl in what could be a crazy AFC.
- Miami Dolphins 5-11
This team is an embryo with an aging QB with no arm. All Chad Pennington is doing is retarding the progress of younger QB’s who need playing time if this team is going to turn around their fortunes under Bill Parcells management in the next couple of years.
AFC North
- Pittsburgh Steelers 11-5
They have a brutal schedule, but I believe they are the best overall team in the AFC this season. Big Ben and Hines Ward already have it clicking, and Willie Parker has already surpassed last year’s TD total. If Polamalu stays healthy, this team could win the Vince Lombardi trophy again.
- Cleveland Browns 7-9
This offense had the capability to be extremely productive as it was last year with Derek Anderson and Braylon Edwards having huge years. The chemistry is missing this season, and with a woeful defense they will be lucky to finish second in a terrible AFC North.
- Baltimore Ravens 6-10
Joe Flacco is a starting QB in the NFL. I guess that is an improvement on Kyle Boller. Unless Ray Lewis and Co. score two defensive TD’s a game, this team will struggle to get double-digits in most games.
- Cincinnati Bengals 4-12
This is could be the worst team in the NFL. Marvin Lewis will be the first coach to be 86’d. Or would that be Ocho Seis’d.
AFC South
- Indianapolis Colts 10-6
Still the most explosive team in football. They will put up pinball points once Peyton, Marvin, and Reggie find their stride.
- Jacksonville Jaguars 9-7
David Garrard will not be as stingy with his INT’s as he was last season. However, despite a bad performance in the opener, Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew will carry the Jags into the postseason again.
- Tennessee Titans 8-8
VY is hurt. However, I think Kerry Collins actually gives them a better chance to win right now. Albert Haynesworth might be the most dominating defensive presence in the NFL right now.
- Houston Texans 6-10
This team made some improvements last season. While the defensive should be decent, I still think they are a long way from their first postseason birth.
AFC West
- San Diego Chargers 11-5
Despite a bad Week 1 loss at home to Carolina, this team is equal to the Steelers as the best team the AFC has to offer. LT will make his first Super Bowl this season.
- Denver Broncos 9-7
Jay Cutler is the most improved player in the league. However, this team has the propensity to disappear during some games. Another good year for Shanahan, but not enough firepower to move deep into the playoffs.
- Oakland Raiders 6-10
How bad a start to the season can a team have? McFaddon and Fargas are going to be an explosive tandem, but JaMarcus is going to have some growing pains.
- Kansas City Chiefs 3-13
Brodie Croyle or Damon Huard, who cares? Get those ice bags ready for LJ as it will be a long season.
AFC Playoffs
Wild Card Weekend
Jets over Jacksonville
Indy over New England
Divisional Round
SD over Indy
Jets over Steelers in Pittsburgh
AFC Championship
SD beats Jets and moves to Super Bowl
Super Bowl
Chargers take on the Cowboys as Wade Phillips coaches against the team he was once the defensive coordinator for. The Cowboys take a lead into the 4th quarter, but Tony Romo throws 2 picks to lose game and Jessica Simpson leaves him. LT wins Super Bowl MVP and Carrie Underwood consoles Romo after his disastrous performance. Chargers 27-Cowboys 24.
Balance of Power in the AFC East at Stake September 16, 2008
Posted by Neil in : Uncategorized , add a comment{Quick syndication note: this is the 3rd of several weekly installments that I’m contributing to Fantasy Insights, throughout the NFL Season. A big thank you to Shawn McCullough for allowing us to syndicate to our site.]
Last Week:
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The Jets started off the season with a crucial AFC East road victory in Miami over Chad Pennington and the Dolphins 20-14. Brett Favre made two magical plays, including the lengthy TD pass to Cotchery that opened up the scoring. The Jets D played well in shutting down the Dolphins run game for a majority of the game, and got inspired play from rookie CB Dwight Lowery out of San Jose State. Thomas Jones ran the ball very effectively behind the revamped offensive line and depsite a few tense moments late in the game (and losing Mike Nugent), this was a nearly perfect opener for Gang Green.
This Week:
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Can you have your biggest game of the season in Week 2? If so, this is it. With Tom Brady out for the season, Matt (White) Cassel will make his first road start of his career since high school. The Meadowlands will be as loud as it has ever been for Gang Green as the Jets welcome in their bitter AFC East rival Patriots for a late afternoon showdown. If the Jets can win this game convincingly, this contest could be evidence of a shift in power in the AFC East (at least for this one season with Brady on the sidelines). Don’t forget, even without Brady the Pats have a multitude of options and veterans who have been to the top of the NFL mountain. The Jets will have to play their best to come out with a win. That means Favre will have to keep his mistakes to a minimum and have 1 or 2 brillant plays as he is prone to do in a game. Prediction: The Jets move to 2-0 and take over control of the division with a 27-24 win in a raucous Meadowlands.
Rumors:
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The Jets might be the best team in the AFC East with Brady on the shelf for the season.
Injuries:
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Coles has been banged up this summer which has had an impact on his practice time and ability to build chemistry with the ‘Ol Gun Slinger. He was listed as a limited particpant at Wednesday’s practice with a thigh injury again, but will play on Sunday most likely. However, he was certainly slowed last week in Miami with only 1 catch for a measly 5 yards. The biggest injury that almost cost the Jets the game last Sunday was the loss of K Mike Nugent. He strained a muscle in his right thigh on the opening kickoff and was sidelined. He will be out for a couple of weeks and Jay Feely will take over the kicking duties.
Position Analysis:
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QUARTERBACKS: Favre was his vintage ESPN Classic self last Sunday. While he certainly was somewhat rusty, he also made two brillant plays to secure victory in his Jets debut. He was 15 of 22 for 194 and 2 TD’s, but most importantly no INT’s. Belichick and Co. will try to confuse him and throw a lot of looks at him this Sunday. That may lead Favre to struggle since he is not yet in tune with most of his receivers. However, this is his home debut and he will rise to the occasion. I predict he slings the pigskin for 225 yards and 2 TD’s with a pick.
RUNNING BACKS: Thomas Jones had a perfect start to the season. He carried the ball 22 times for 101 yards and a TD (to match his TD total from last season). He loves his upgraded offensive line and he enjoys playing with Favre. I think another bid day is in order for Jones against the Pats. Prediction: Jones gallops for 110 yards and a TD. I still wouldn’t play Leon Washington as his touches are so inconsistent. He had 6 rushes for 9 yards and 2 catches for 17 yards in Miami. One thing to watch for as the season develops (and especially if New England brings a lot of pressure) is the use of Washington in the screen game that Favre holds so dearly. I expect 25 yards rushing and 20 receiving from Washington this week.
WIDE RECEIVERS: I expect a breakout campaign from Cotchery this year. With Coles having been banged up all summer, I think Cotchery will be Brett’s go to guy early in the season. He showed that right off the bat in Miami with only 3 catches, but 80 yards and a long TD. I expect him to snare 7 balls for 110 yards and a TD this week. Coles is struggling with his thigh. I expect him to catch about 3 balls for 25 yards this week and for Chansi Stuckey to continue to get more playing time after his TD last week. I wouldn’t play Brad Smith and Chansi Stuckey at this point unless Coles or Cotchery get hurt this year and miss games.
TIGHT ENDS: Favre loves his TE’s, especially in the red zone. I expect him to throw a TD to one of them this week, however the question again is which one will it be. Chris Baker and Bubba Franks each caught two passes in Miami. They and rookie Dustin Keller are all going to get extensive playing time again. I wouldn’t play any of the Jets TE’s at this point.
PLACE KICKER: Mike Nugent suffered an injury on the kickoff that almost cost the Jets a win. He will be out for a couple of weeks. The Jets have signed Jay Feely who is used to the wind and other elements at the Meadowlands having played for the Giants. I expect him to have a good game and get a lot of chances this Sunday. I am going to predict he makes 2 FG’s, one of which is from over 40 yards.
DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS: The Jets D is not a great turnover defense. I normally wouldn’t play them, but if your normal defense is having a tough matchup this week, then you might want to consider them. The reason is Matt Cassel. He could make a lot of mistakes this week in his first true road test of his life. Leon Washington should make some plays in the return game as he is good for 3 return TD’s this year.
Historic Opener for Favre in Miami September 8, 2008
Posted by Neil in : Uncategorized , add a comment{Quick syndication note: this is the 2nd of several weekly installments that I’m contributing to Fantasy Insights, throughout the NFL Season. A big thank you to Shawn McCullough for allowing us to syndicate to our site.]
The NFL season is upon us and the New York Jets are one of the glitzy teams to follow in the NFL (those words haven’t been uttered in many decades). With Brett Favre and a revamped offensive line, last year’s offensive ineptitude has been forgotten and there is an exciting sense of optimism surrounding Gang Green. I am predicting a 10-6 season and an AFC Wild Card birth!
This Week:
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The Jets open up in Miami against Chad and the Dolphins on Sunday. This is such an appropriate way for the Brett Favre era to begin (although if they were playing Green Bay or New England that would even be more juicy). #4 will take on the Big Tuna’s Dolphins who will have Pennington dinking and dunking down the field. Forget the hoopla around Favre v. Pennington and the fact that most of the country will be tuned into CBS or at least Sunday NFL Ticket’s coverage of this matchup. This game is vital for the Jets playoff chances as if they lose this one they will likely fall to 0-3 with the next two games being against the Patriots and in San Diego. They need to win road games such as this over mediocre teams if Mangini and Co. are going to make the postseason. I expect Brett to have a typical theatrical performance. He will throw for highlight reel TD’s and head scratching INT’s. Most importantly, he will find a way to leave Dolphins Stadium a winner as the Jets get a late Mike Nugent FG to win 27-24.
Rumors:
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The Jets are actually relevant again! It is interesting to note that Brett Favre was voted as one of the captains of his new team today.
Injuries:
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Coles has been banged up this summer which has had an impact on his practice time and ability to build chemistry with the ‘Ol Gun Slinger. He was listed as a limited particpant at Wednesday’s practice with a thigh injury, but should be good to go for Sunday in Miami.
Position Analysis:
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QUARTERBACKS: It is all about #4 on Sunday. He will be under some of the most intense scrutiny in NFL history. Will he be rusty? Yes. Will he turn the ball over? Most likely yes. Will he be the playmaker he always has been? Absolutely. Favre is an interesting fantasy player. Personally, I didn’t want anything to do with him. There are at least 8 other more solid QB’s around the league that I would rather count on. However, he will throw for yards and TD’s. He also has a flair for the dramatic, including rising to the big occasion. If you have him, use him this week. I predict he slings the pigskin for 275 yards and 2 TD’s with 2 picks.
RUNNING BACKS: Thomas Jones should be the most excited about Favre’s arrival. Even more, he should be grateful to the Jets front office that they have rehauled the offensive line. I expect Jones to get a lot of work this week, as Favre gets acclimated to the Jets system. If the Jets have an early lead, Jones could carry the pigskin in excess of 25 to 30 times. He also will improve on his measly 1 TD of last year. Prediction: Jones gallops for 110 yards and a TD. I wouldn’t play Leon Washington as his touches are so inconsistent. One thing to watch for as the season develops is the use of Washington in the screen game that Favre holds so dearly. I expect 25 yards rushing and 20 receiving from Washington this week.
WIDE RECEIVERS: I expect a breakout campaign from Cotchery this year. With Coles having been banged up all summer, I think Cotchery will be Brett’s go to guy early in the season. I expect him to snare 8 balls for 120 yards and a TD this week. Coles will also have a great year working with Favre. I expect him to catch about 7 balls for 80 yards this week against a mediocre Dolphins defense. I wouldn’t play Brad Smith and Chansi Stuckey at this point unless Coles or Cotchery get hurt this year.
TIGHT ENDS: Favre loves his TE’s, especially in the red zone. I expect him to throw a TD to one of them, the question is which one will it be. Chris Baker, Bubba Franks, and rookie Dustin Keller are all going to get extensive playing time this year. I expect Keller to eventually emerge from the group and become one of Brett’s favorite targets. If he was not drafted in your league, you may want to pick him up and put him on your bench until later in the season. I wouldn’t play any of the Jets TE’s at this point.
PLACE KICKER: Mike Nugent is very solid. I expect him to have a good game and get a lot of chances this Sunday in the season opener. I am going to predict he makes 2 FG’s, one of which is from over 40 yards.
DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS: The Jets D is not a great turnover defense. Chad Pennington won’t turn the ball over much this Sunday as they will rely on the run. I wouldn’t play the Jets D this week. Leon Washington should make some plays in the return game as he is good for 3 return TD’s this year.
Golden Nuggets: San Francisco’s “JT” to Hit NFL Stage September 8, 2008
Posted by Paul in : Uncategorized , add a comment
[Quick syndication note: this is the 2nd of several weekly installments that I’m contributing to Fantasy Insights, throughout the NFL Season. A big thank you to Shawn McCullough for allowing us to syndicate to our site.]
Last Week:
The J.T. O’Sullivan Era is about to commence this coming Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals. The Bay Area is abuzz about it. Much ink has been spilled on the subject, and many opinions have been formed on this relatively unknown quantity uprooting the once-heralded Alex Smith from his starting gig. Will Mike Martz work another miracle with yet another obscure quarterback? Have the 49ers considered the odd scenario of having Alex Smith, as the savior of this team, and thereby thought he may be best suited coming off the bench, if things were to go awry with their chosen starter? How uncertain are the Niners chances this year, when one knows how much quarterback play matters in the present day’s NFL bottom line?
This Week:
With these questions firmly lodged in each 49ers fan’s noggin, San Francisco takes on an offensive juggernaut in Arizona at Monster Park. One of the compelling story lines will have the former protege–the aging Kurt Warner–pitted against his former mentor, 49ers offensive coordinator Mike Martz. Martz had turned the former grocery-bagging Warner into a SuperBowl MVP in 2000. On Sunday, he’ll be on a quest to re-create a similar scenario with his newest NFL reject, J.T. O’Sullivan. In this NFC West match-up, the key is going to be Arizona�s explosive offense scoring just enough points to, in the end, asphyxiate the 49ers inexperienced attack. Final score: the Cardinals establish a pecking order with a 28 - 20 win over the 49ers.
Injuries:
No main injuries going into the regular season opener…
QUARTERBACKS: As discussed above, the talk of the town has been the emergence of the relatively unknown J.T. O’Sullivan up the Niners depth chart and into the starting role this Sunday. Mike Martz, known as a magician for signal-callers, is expected by some to once again to pull a few tricks out of his bag, and transform another mediocre QB into a Pro-Bowl candidate. Kurt Warner, Marc Bulger, and Jon Kitna are all too familiar examples of this feat. Although San Francisco’s very own “JT” hadn’t been named starter till just a couple of weeks ago, he’s been receiving most of the first team snaps for some time now. Expect him to be ready to go on Sunday. He won’t have the game of his life, but expect him to give you 200 yards passing, with 1 TD: a good all-around start to his season under center.
RUNNING BACKS: Frank Gore is well worth a look this week, although he’s going against a defense that last year gave up just 98 yds per game. Opposing defensive coordinators facing San Francisco all season will have the same type of game plan, as those facing Minnesota. (Yes, probably the only type the seaside city is compared to the land of one thousand lakes). Put eight men in the box and force the game into O’Sullivan’s hands. Unless Mike Martz proves efficient enough at loosening up those defenses, you can expect this to continue through the year. This game will be no except. Watch Gore to have 100 yards and 1 TD rushing, while garnering 30 yards through the air.
WIDE RECEIVERS: With Ashley Lelie migrating across the Bay, the Niners have chosen an interesting mix of over-seasoned experience, and spry young talent at wide receiver. Isaac Bruce has been shying away from the media and many practice snaps, for the training camp period, electing to save his aging body (and possibly his reputation as a top-tier wide receiver). Bryant Johnson will be playing against his former team, but don’t hold your breath. Between the both of them, you can tabulate 150 total yards receiving and a touchdown.
TIGHT ENDS: As I mentioned in the Regular Season Preview, there is no way I would even consider playing 49er tight ends, until they’ve proven themselves in the early stages. Yes, Vernon Davis looks like a Greek Adonis with his clothes off, and possesses enormous physical gifts. But when he’s asked to “strap in on” and the ball is snapped, he has yet to prove that he’s worth his weight in salt. Until he shows any signs of being the highly sought-after end, please stay away or you’ll be more disappointed than even GM Scot McCloughan. Davis will garner 2 receptions for 25 yards, at best.
PLACE KICKER: I know what you’re thinking. This team is playing the Arizona Cardinals. They are bound to have opportunities for field goals from last year’s team leader in scoring. Unless you’ve got a decrepit alternate kicker, stay away from Joe Nedney, as he’s kicking at Monster Park. The winds can pick up at any time, and disrupt even the easiest of kicking tries. Place your bets on Nedney nailing 2 FGs from between 30 and 39 yards out, and getting 2 extra points.
DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS: San Francisco’s defensive unit is going to be single element that is going to keep the team in games, and enable it to get chances to win in the 4th quarters, this season. They are young, hungry, fast, and ball-hawking. Considering the weapons that Arizona brings to the table, on the offensive side of the ball, I would shy away from inserting the Niners into your starting lineup, unless you don’t possess a top-tier defense.
We’ll see you next week, as we continue to pan for gold within the 49ers roster…
Golden Nuggets: From Sexy to Stale in One Season… September 6, 2008
Posted by Paul in : Uncategorized , add a comment
[Quick syndication note: this is the 1st of several weekly installments that I’m contributing to Fantasy Insights, throughout the NFL Season. A big thank you to Shawn McCullough for allowing us to syndicate to our site.]
We all remember the high expectations last year, for San Francisco. In a dreadful NFC West, the 49ers were sexy pick by many analysts to (somehow) make the playoffs. They were supposed to surprise many, with a re-vamped defense, sturdy running game anchored by Frank Gore, and a new promising signal-caller in Alex Smith. Instead, we can now say that we’ve all seen the train wreck and been disillusioned on this team. The 49ers lived through a season of turmoil that had them go 5-11, had their alleged franchised quarterback and tough-minded head coach butt heads publicly and even procured some tension-filled end-of-season meetings between ownership and its main coaching protagonists. After several days of politicking to keep his job, Mike Nolan was able to save it by relinquishing some of the personnel decision-making to GM Scot McCloughan and bringing onboard one of the league’s foremost offensive gurus in Coordinator Mike Martz. To say that the Niners are in a transition would seem repetitive, as they seem to have been in this rut since Mariucci was not given his just due by 49er brass. Oh, what a different story this may have been had the smooth Mooch stayed onboard instead of first heading to Detroit, and then donning those suits and that million dollar smile for the NFL Network. But I digress… San Francisco is perhaps in one of the most defining years of its rebuilding phase. The stadium project has barely made any progress, and they still reside in one of the worst facilities of the NFL. Coach Nolan is on the chopping block if this team doesn’t, as least make some progress, and show some promise. And Mike Martz will be there to usurp the newly-opened vacancy, if a firing is deemed the right move at season’s end. To say that uncertainty is swirling around Stalag 49 would be the year’s understatement.
Here are the main dynamics of this franchise this year, going into the regular season. Let’s first remember that San Francisco was in the doldrums offensively—ranking a dead last 32nd in the league in both points scored (13.7 points/game) and total offense (237.3 yds/game). Because most leagues are centered around procuring the best offensive players, I would steer clear of the 49ers in your league draft for the most part. They are not world-beaters on that side of the ball—that’s for sure. They don’t even possess a singular weapon that would make them the envy of the league at one position, with the possible exception of Frank Gore.
Rumors:
The main rumor going around Stalag 49 is that JT O’Sullivan will be selected as the regular season starter under center.
Injuries:
We’ll get into those before the regular season starts…
QUARTERBACKS: I’d be a fool to even have you consider any of the candidates for starter. As I am writing this, the Niners have not committed to anybody as their starting quarterback for the regular season. The only thing we know is that JT O’Sullivan has been named the starter for the 3rd pre-season game. Many are interpreting that as a sign that he will be under center when the regular season commences. But we have yet to receive a clear sign from either Nolan or Martz. Even if JT O’Sullivan does start, and prove to be serviceable starter (averaging a team best completion percentage of 52% in the pre-season), which is the best case scenario, he will suffer from not having great weapons at his disposal. Vernon Davis is nice to look at in Men’s Health, but has yet to make his mark in less photogenic pursuits. Isaac Bruce is over the hill, and hasn’t partaken in games much. The whispers around camp are that he’s hiding how much he has slipped from his prime.
RUNNING BACKS: This is probably the only area worth considering on this Niner offense. Frank Gore will be the workhorse, and will get his fair share of carries in that role. The only worry which was one that plagued many such backs last season (see Larry Johnson) is that opposing defenses will decide to put 8-men in the box, and force an otherwise unproven/inept passing attack to beat them. Please factor in that Martz has been added to the payroll, and shall prove more effective with his system, in loosening defenses with his aggressive play-calling. Gore rushed for 1102 yards last season, with another 436 yards through the air. With Martz at the offensive helm, you could expect a 10%-20% rise in his yardage output, at least. From a touchdown perspective, Gore only produced 6 trips into the end zone.
WIDE RECEIVERS: As mentioned above, there is nothing terribly exciting about this wide receiver corps. Those who read this column, last year, knew my thoughts on this past season’s wide-outs: there wasn’t much to sink your teeth into. This year brings us Bryant Johnson and Isaac Bruce, as additions to the lineup. Bruce seems to be far from his prime, and is the benefactor of having played for Coach Martz. Bryant Johnson has never hit the 800-yard mark in any of his previous 5 seasons. He did get 528 yards, last annum, as the 3rd receiving option, in Arizona, behind Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin. So perhaps there is an upside to him, as he’s going to be getting more playing time. But only keep him in mind for late rounds…
TIGHT ENDS: Stay away at all costs here. There is nothing worth looking at, in this section. Don’t let the allure of window shopping fool you. That sexy ensemble you’re looking at in Vernon Davis is a great physical specimen. But he’s simply not going to pan out. Stick with the known quantities at tight end.
PLACE KICKER: Just because Joe Nedney was the Niners’ best scoring threat last season—with 73 total points scored—doesn’t necessarily mean that he’s the a great pick in your draft. He will most certainly get his fair share of kicking attempts, as San Francisco will be poised to make it deep into the opponent’s territory more often this year, under Martz. But to say that Nedney is a top priority for anybody in your league is complete rubbish. Focus on what will bring home the bacon!
DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS: Unless you’re in a crazy league, you’re not going to be selecting a defense very early on. Having said that: a great ball-hawking turnover-generating squad could carry you through a few tough match-ups, through the season. While San Francisco hasn’t proven to be a top-earning fantasy defense, their young, tough secondary could prove potent in bringing down a few turnovers. If they are left on the board, late in your draft, this underrated unit could be worth a second look…
We’ll see you next week, as we continue to pan for gold within the 49ers roster…
