Golden Nuggets: A (Caffeinated) Walrus Invades The Bay September 30, 2007
Posted by Paul in : Uncategorized , trackback
[Quick syndication note: this is the 5th 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.]
Before I begin writing about the happenings in Pittsburgh, I’d like to move to the other prominent metropolis is the state of Pennsylvania for a personal anecdote. As everyone knows, Motown came into Philly for a good ol’ fashion shootout. As a fantasy owner, I’ve prided myself into (more likely than not) finding the most appropriate time to play the men that compose my roster. Having grown frustrated over Kevin Curtis’ lack of fantasy production as Philly’s #2 wide receiver, I was pondering on finding an alternative to starting him.
I was well aware that Detroit’s defense has as many holes as a freshly cut slice of Swiss Cheese. But then again, I knew I had the possibility to pick up Joey Porter; Oakland’s wide receiver, who—in most people’s minds—is a bigger name than the aforementioned Curtis (please leave Jamie Lee out of this!). Porter was going against an equally staunch pass defense in Cleveland; who had let Carson Palmer throw touchdowns at will the week prior. I thought: why not go with the more proven commodity? I struggled to wake up 30mins before kickoff to pull off the maneuver. 10mins before the pigskin left the kicking tee, Curtis had been given the hook and Joey had been added and inserted in my starting lineup. I’ll let you fill in the rest of the story… The moral of this episode is dealing with the prospective is an arduous proposition. As hard as this might be to believe: no one has a crystal ball…
Last week, the inevitable happened. San Francisco—one of the league’s trendiest playoff picks—went down to a clearly superior team in the Steel City. Their weaknesses were exposed. Their hopes were dashed. And the reality check was chilling and cruel. The report card was handed down. The inflated grades were brought down to a more well-founded GPA…
Although reports out of Sacramento (of all places) have him not playing in this week’s game or next week’s game, Vernon Davis has certainly mastered the art of lobbying. So much so, that he may have a job waiting for him in the Nation’s Capital after his playing days are over. In the week leading up to the game against Pittsburgh, Davis reportedly stormed Coach Nolan’s office and asked for the ball on the coming Sunday. The Physical Specimen had apparently grown wary of not being featured at all in a Niner offensive attack that could have certainly used his Services. The message must have traveled down the ranks, as Hostler was much more creative in manufacturing opportunities for his young TE since the very outset of Sunday’s game. I don’t quite know what Hostler was thinking in not leveraging his young TE’s natural ability. But the wake-up call certainly was delivered. May this be a lesson to Prima Donna/Diva wide receivers (you know who you are: TO, Randy Moss, “Give me the Damn Ball” Keyshawn): there are efficient ways to lobby in-house without causing a disruption within the locker room. What a novel idea!
Interestingly, this week Monster Park is going to house two behemoths of the NFC West; clashing for division supremacy. Seattle will come down from its perch in the Pacific Northwest and battle San Francisco. These teams are fairly equivalent; and this match-up will come down to home field and time of possession. In both categories, the 49ers have an advantage, as Gore will be handed the ball early and often. Although most would see how Mike Holmgren has pulled a Tony Bennett in leaving “his heart in San Francisco”, the Walrus will also be waddling back to the Caffeine Capital without a victory this Sunday. San Francisco takes it, in one that will keep you on the edge of your couch: 24-21.
INJURIES
1) Vernon Davis: listed as “Questionable”
It seems that his knee injury is much more serious than the “questionable” tag used to label him for this week’s game. The Sacramento Bee (not a local paper, mind you) reports that the Niner tight end will not be back in the lineup for at least two games…
(Quick note: another round of applause for the 49ers training staff as this week’s list of the Walking Wounded appears to be a solo act…)
QUARTERBACKS
Alex Smith: Although Mr. Smith put up better numbers than anticipated due to some garbage time heroics after the game’s outcome has been minted this past Sunday. And given he’s facing the 30th pass defense in the NFL on Sunday, this is a golden opportunity for the 49er QB to reproduce some of the theatrics he put up last year against the ‘Hawks on Monday night.
Week 4 Prediction: 250 yards, 2TDs passing & 1 INT, with 25 yards scampering
RUNNINGBACKS
Frank Gore: Much like his other alleged Fantasy stalwarts (LT, LJ, Steven Jackson), Gore has struggled to prove that he was worthy of a high first round pick (only averaging 3.4 yards/carry). He’s apparently frustrated at the lack of offensive production from his team; and has been adamant that Seattle was a perfect target for an expedited anger-release. Putting those vocal comments aside from the offense’s truest star, let’s activate our critical minds for a second and look at this objectively. While being horrendous at defending the pass, Seattle is just plain mediocre when it comes to stuffing the ground game—ranking a middle-of-the-pack 16th, allowing 102 yards per game. Looking at Gore, as one of the best in his line of work, it doesn’t take complex projections to see that he’ll most likely put out over 100 yards on the ground on Sunday.
Week 4 Prediction: 25 carries for 120 yards & 1 TD rushing, 25 yards & 1 TD receiving
WIDE RECEIVERS
Darrell Jackson: As the Niner’s #1 target, he still hasn’t yet put up a game that would legitimize him as such. Watch for him to be extra-motivated against his former team. Jackson breaks out with a performance reminiscent of his namesake at the Grammy’s.
Week 4 Prediction: 8 receptions, 105 yards & 1TD
Arnaz Battle: If Jackson is the Niners’ #1 target, this gentleman is certainly 1A. Sunday will prove to be an efficient day for Battle, as the Seattle’s defense will be focusing its efforts elsewhere…
Week 4 Prediction: 5 receptions, 80 yards
Ashley Lelie: Can you say “practice player”? Until he shows us more than zeroes on the stat sheet, I’m going to think that his consistency prevails…
Week 4 Prediction: 0 receptions, 0 total yards
TIGHT ENDS
Billy Bajema: Whom you ask? Yes, the Niners may be kicking themselves now, for having shipped off veteran Eric Johnson to the Crescent City. Lacking a veritable #2 tight end, San Francisco will pin its hopes on Bajema this Sunday. Showing very little statistical prowess over his three year NFL career, don’t expect Hostler to feature him heavily in the game plan.
Week 4 Prediction: 1 receptions, 10 yards
PLACE KICKER
Joe Nedney: The Stick’s swirling winds would play havoc for any kicker. This guy is certainly no exception. Factor in the recent cruddy weather in the Bay, and the fact that San Francisco will have conversion of TDs when entering the red zone on Sunday, and you’ve got yourself a low output from Nedney.
Week 4 Prediction: 1 FGs, from between 30 and 40 yards away
DEFENSE
49ers Defense: Shall I continue to tell my readers that it may well still be too early to start this unit on a regular basis? Alexander has a broken wrist, which may generate more drops and more loose footballs. But please don’t count on a Mike Holmgren-coached offense for turnovers. The Walrus has a great track record in mentoring his young pupils towards error-free football (Exhibit A: Brett Favre). Hasselbeck is healthy this time; and has been connecting on a semi-frequent basis with Deion Branch. Patience will be your best virtue with San Francisco’s D. By the end of the year, they may well have gained enough experience to be considered amongst the League’s best. Until that happens, they’ll be a little wet behind the ears…
We’ll see you next week, as we continue to pan for gold within the 49ers roster…
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