Kellen Clemens Dealt Low Blow In Brett Favre Injury Conspiracy

Someone said there’s a dead horse around here that still needs to learn who’s boss.

It’s no secret that Kellen Clemens never stood a chance against rookie Mark Sanchez in their quarterback competition this summer. But fans should wonder as to the true depth of the rabbit hole that houses the former second-round draft pick.

The tale of Clemens received a final exclamation point on Thursday when New York Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum confirmed Brett Favre’s claims of a smudged injury report.

The Vikings QB discussed his torn biceps with the Minnesota media, forcing the NFL to investigate the Jets for not disclosing Favre’s condition. As per league rules, the torn tendon should have been included on a weekly injury report.

Tannenbaum says the team did not disclose the 39-year-old’s status because he did not seek treatment for the tear. Instead, Favre opted for cortisone shots to relieve the discomfort.

And that’s where things get particuliarly ugly for Clemens.

While Favre claims he was “receptive to sitting,” Tannenbaum maintains that the decision to stay with Favre was reached collectively.

With Favre’s support, former coach Eric Mangini, former QB coach Brian Daboll, offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, and Tannenbaum all believed that an older, injured QB gave the Jets “the best chance to win.”

There goes that phrase for Clemens again. First-year coach Rex Ryan echoed that statement when he named Sanchez the starter last month.

Tannenbaum’s inadvertent confession could be the most telling detail in a Kellen Clemens era that never was.

For Clemens, it has to sound like the equivalent to “it’s not you, it’s me” in an uncomfortable divorce.

Being dumped hurts, but being a healthy veteran who hopes to play, only to be told you don’t give your team the best chance to win, says everything and nothing at the same time.

Using a gentle let-down stings worse than the truth—mainly because there’s no honesty in the scapegoat. The truth is that it is “you.” It always is.

How could Clemens ever understand where things went wrong if the Jets would tell anyone willing to listen that he’s a capable quarterback?

The decision to play an injured Favre over his healthy backup bears a striking resemblance to the 2005 season when two quarterbacks were lost in one game. Former Jets’ QBs Chad Pennington and Jay Fiedler suffered season-ending shoulder injuries in Week 4 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

After Fiedler’s injury, ex-coach Herm Edwards asked an injured Pennington to finish the game over a fresh third-string QB in Brooks Bollinger. Edwards’ hesitation to support Bollinger continued when he called 43-year-old Vinny Testaverde off his couch to start the very next week.

Would that make Kellen Clemens the new Brooks Bollinger?

No one should have expected the Jets to confess their lack of faith in Clemens, but fans have to wonder about the length of the string used to pull him along all these years.

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Scouting Rookie WRs: Britt and Wallace

Being in a dynasty football league, I really watch the rookies on the field. Especially against tough opponents. You need these guys to make splashes and step up.

Looking at Kenny Britt.

I passed on him in the rookie draft, and he made me wish I didn’t. Although Collins doesn’t have the confidence in him like Just Gage, Britt is learning. Watching the game, Britt showed pretty good straight line speed.

His hands seemed pretty reliable, and he really looked the ball in. His biggest weaknesses are route running and ball adjustment. He even said it after the game, referring to the Polomalu interception:  “It was a great catch by him. A rookie mistake. You learn, if I can’t get it, nobody gets it.”

His route running got better during the game. On an out in the second half, Ike Taylor nearly jumped it, as Britt didn’t come back to the ball. If Britt wasn’t so big, it may have been a pick six.

However, later in the drive, they went right back to it, Britt came back hard, and had a nice completion. If Britt can consistantly come back to the ball, make those catches, and not allow his QB to get intercepted deep, he will be an elite receiver in this league.

He already does a great job blocking. Right now, he’s as good as Roy Williams (Dallas), just not as consistent—yet. Last night’s line: six targets, four catches, 85 yards.

Mike Wallace reminded me of Desean Jackson and Eddie Royal.

He’s fast. He’s open. Ridiculous speed (He plays with that 4.3 speed). He showed at the combine. 

If he had been drafted by the Colts, he’d may be a lock for 6-9 TDs, what Stokley did a few years ago. I’m glad I traded for him in my dynasty league. When he learns to block better, he’ll get much more playing time.

It appeared that he is much more comfortable than Sweed in Pittsburgh’s offense. It seems that Big Ben feels pretty confident in him. Last night’s line: six targets with three catches. One of those targets was a pass to Ward that Wallace almost got to from across the field.

If you’re in a dynasty league, and either of these are available, you may want to stick them on your roster if you have the space. There is a lot of upside here. Good picks by both the Titans and Steelers. Nicks, Harvin, and Maclin have some more pressure put on them by the performances of these two.

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Smart Money: How Long Before Larry Fitzgerald Gets Hurt?

The cover art for Madden 2009 is Troy Polamalu hitting Larry Fitzgerald.

The two squared off in the Super Bowl in January, and shared the cover of the popular video game for this year’s edition, the cover that allegedly carries a curse.

The Madden Curse has historically been an urban legend, where whomever is on the cover has a down season statistically, or gets hurt after being the face of EA Sports’ biggest franchise.

Last night, the curse didn’t wait too long to hit the Steelers’ Polamalu.

Late in the second quarter, on a blocked field goal, Polamalu apparently sprained ligaments in his left knee and will miss three to six weeks of action. Less than 30 game minutes into the Steelers’ defense of their Super Bowl title, they lost the hairy heart of their defense.

And the Curse lives on.

Now, the smart money asks: what’s an appropriate over/under on when the Curse hits Larry Fitzgerald?

In Week One, the Cardinals play the 49ers in Arizona. If Fitzgerald catches a ball within 20 yards of the line of scrimmage, he could have a few talented, hard-hitting linebackers hunting for him.

In Week Two, the Cardinals travel to Jacksonville. That could be a game with a lot of hitting, as well.

It’s in Week Three, however, that the curse probably has it’s best chance of coming for it’s other 2009 victim.

It is then that the Cardinals host the Indianapolis Colts, who could see the return of safety Bob Sanders in time for the matchup with the league’s best group of receivers. Reports are that Sanders could miss the first five weeks of the season, but getting their best defensive back on the field against the Cardinals is obviously of interest to the Colts.

If Sanders, who is cut from the same mold as Polamalu and Baltimore’s Ed Reed, plays in Week Three, Smart Money says Fitzgerald better keep his eyes open.

Over/Under: Halftime, Week Three

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Daily Haze: Reaction from Steelers-Titans

How are your fantasy teams this morning?

Chances are if you own either of the defenses, you are feeling pretty good about the first weekend on fantasy football. Both units got their fantasy owners off to good starts.

Ben Roethlisberger was more than serviceable as a QB1 last night. The interceptions were bad but the pass attempts and yardage were very nice. If Pittsburgh cannot run the ball this year, I would expect more results like last night.

Speaking of running games, neither teams’ shined last night. Chris Johnson was held in check and my advice to withhold LenDale White from fantasy lineups was well played. However, I also said to start Willie Parker (FAIL) and bench Heath Miller, who had a nice night if you play in a PPR league (eight catches for 64 yards).

Another observation: A pair of rookie receivers were highly involved in the offenses. Mike Wallace caught the pass in overtime which set up the game-winning field goal and was targeted a good number of times by Ben Roethlisberger. I think he is the clear-cut No. 3 wide receiver. Meanwhile, Kenny Britt continued to get open all night for Kerry Collins and looked very poised for a rookie. He caught three less passes than Justin Gage but appears to be a bigger threat downfield.

Here are today’s great reads:

• More thoughts from last night’s NFL regular season opener, including discourse on John Madden’s replacement in the booth. [The Big Lead]
• Justin Gage’s stat line (7-78-1) jumps off the page, but is he ready to become a regular fantasy football contributor? [RotoProfessor]
• Absolutely the last time the fantasy football mock draft market will be analyzed this summer. I think. [Mock Draft Central]
• 10 NFL linebackers that you love in an individual defensive player league or hate to face in standard leagues. [National Football Post]

Got a pressing fantasy football question and need an answer now? Or just want to chat about all the recent developments in the sports’ world? Head over to The Hazean’s fantasy football forums for all that and more. Also remember to check out The Hazean’s fantasy rankings and mock draft database.

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Chicago Bears: Remember The Titans?

Much has been made in the days leading up to the 2009 NFL season about the Chicago Bears.

Whether it’s new quarterback Jay Cutler and the circus that surrounded his Denver departure, or the apparent lack of a big play receiver, or the health of the secondary, there has been no shortage of reasons to talk about this group of Bears before they even step on the field.

Another story that’s been getting some ink lately is the Bears’ schedule. It’s not easy, and certainly doesn’t open in a way that, on paper, makes the road to 2-0 look a lot harder than 0-2 could be.

Cutler’s first game under center for the Bears: at Green Bay, in prime time.

Cutler’s first home game as the Chicago signal caller came against the defending Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers.

Last night the Steelers opened their title defense by defeating the Tennessee Titans in a well contested overtime game. There was plenty of hitting going on last night, with numerous players leaving the game for some time throughout the game.

One player for Pittsburgh, didn’t come back from the locker room after he went down. Safety Troy Polamalu, one of the top hitters in the game who was off to a fantastic start to the season, has was what initially diagnosed as a sprained MCL in his left knee, and will miss at least three weeks.

The Titans’ Alge Crumpler made his last name an adjective when he landed on Polamalu’s leg after the Steelers blocked a field goal attempt.

The loss of Polamalu had a noticeable effect on the Steelers’ secondary, with Tennessee receivers like rookie Kenny Britt finding seams for nice chunks of yardage in the second half.

The Steelers run defense was as strong as ever last night, allowing only 57 yards on 15 carries to speedster Chris Johnson. Getting Matt Forte off against Pittsburgh’s run defense is not going to be easy in the home opener.

But given the Bears questionable receiving group, not having to face Polamalu greatly increases the chances for Cutler and the Bears offense to be effective moving the ball through the air. Incorporating Greg Olsen, as the Bears likely will a lot this year, will be easier without Polamalu on the field.

Indeed, Polamalu is the brains and the sword on the Steelers’ defense. The fact that he won’t be available when the Bears face the Champs in their home opener could be the biggest factor if the Bears win in Week Two.

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ESPN Monday Night Football: Ice Cube To Perform New Song at Raiders game

Live from Oakland, California rapper Ice Cube will perform his new song called “RAIDER NATION.”

The performance will take place on Monday Night Football when the San Diego Chargers go up against the Oakland Raiders in a huge ESPN prime time matchup between division rivals of the AFC West.

Ice Cube, a life-long Raiders fan, has been repping for the silver and black since the 80’s. Al Davis has invited Ice Cube to come out and put on the pre-game show which will have the fans and players fired up and ready for war. 

Although the media and major sports networks show hate towards the Oakland Raiders, there are still many loyal celebrity fans who have been down with the Raiders since day one.

It’s going to be great to see the Raiders come out to that song; I’ve been looking forward to this game for some time, and with the news of Ice Cube performing, it only makes it better.

The place will be sold out and loud; get ready, Raiders fans. Ice Cube is going to set it off in a major way. YAAAAY, YAAAAY!

Another thing that I’ve read is that pre-game from 2pm-6:30pm the Oakland Raiders will introduce a new fan fare event for every home game called “Raiderville.”

It will be located in the south parking lot (same side as the RV’s) in parking lot G.

“Raiderville” will be a half pipe snow mountain, in which snowboard riders will perform aerial stunts presented by Coors Light; there will also be autograph sessions with Raiders’ legends.

The Raiderettes will also preform live on stage as well.

Not only that, the Oakland Raiders will introduce for the first time ever their own drum line marching band, in which they will be going through the parking lot making tons of noise.

It should be a great time out in the south parking lot; they will also have nine foot LED HD TV screens with all the games from around the NFL playing.

In the north parking lot, there will be the side of the Black Hole tailgate party. These are always fun and crazy.

Either side you are on, you should be able to get into some fun action, and if you are early enough you might be able to see both parking lots.

Be sure to have your beer in hand, and purp in the air.

And don’t forget your ticket at home!

Go Raiders, see you guys out there.

Here is a video of Ice Cube talking about his performance for Monday Night Football, San Diego vs. Oakland.

ICE CUBE TALKING ABOUT MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

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Cleveland Browns’ Fantasy Football Preview: Sleeper Players To Watch

With one official regular season game in the books for 2009, I found myself tracking players that I had on my fantasy football team who were playing in last night’s Steelers-Titans game, and thought to myself, “Who do the Browns have on its team that are sleeper picks that I can stash on the bottom of my depth chart?”

After spending some time thinking about it and doing some research, the following players, I believe, are worth picking up and putting on your team because they may surprise many and produce some good fantasy numbers in 2009.

 

Josh Cribbs WR/KR/PR

If you are in a league that gives out points for return yardage, then Cribbs is a must-have addition to your team, but to top it off, he is now listed as the starting wide receiver opposite of Braylon Edwards.

Cribbs is the type of “team-first” player that all coaches love and he has the drive and passion for football that will allow him to succeed for many more years in the NFL.

Very exciting once the ball is in his hands, Cribbs runs with the ball like a 250-pound running back and he is very hard to tackle.

If Edwards continues to drop passes in 2009, then look for Brady Quinn to throw more passes to Cribbs, whose fantasy value can only increase.

Cribbs will not be worthy of starting in week one of your fantasy season, but if he has a few great games right out of the gate, then you may have to move him up on your depth charts.

Projected stats:

Receiving: 40 receptions for 750 yards and five touchdowns

Rushing: 150 yards and one touchdown

Kick Returns: 1,200 yards and two touchdowns

Punt Return: 315 yards and one touchdown

 

James Davis RB

Though Davis may not start in the first few weeks of the season, if Jamal Lewis cannot perform at a high level, look for Davis to take over the starting role at some point during the 2009 season.

Davis has that rare combination of strength, speed, and elusiveness that can make a running back a great player at the NFL level.

He may not run for over 1,000 yards, but look for Davis to have a decent rookie campaign and he may be a good No. 3 running back option on your fantasy team.

Projected stats:

Rushing: 700 yards and four touchdowns

Receiving: 250 yards and one touchdown

 

The Cleveland Browns’ Defense

You may be thinking, “The Browns defense are you crazy?”

No, I am not crazy, but the defense is better in 2009 than it has been compared to the last several years with added depth on the defensive line, in the defensive backfield, and at linebacker. The players will be fresh throughout games with a steady stream of substitutions.

In 2008, the Browns were second in the NFL in interceptions (23) and look for that ranking to stay around the same level (they had five picks in their four preseason games), and look for their near the bottom of the league pass rush to improve dramatically, especially since it can’t get any worse.

The two leaders of the defense, inside linebackers D’Qwell Jackson and Eric Barton, will keep all of the other players in the right position and make the proper adjustments according to what the opposing offense is doing.

Also look for linebacker Kamerion Wimbley to make major contributions for the defense since he will be playing in different spots on the defense to throw the offense off balance.

Shaun Rogers is a beast, and he will continue to gobble up double and triple teams, freeing up others to get pressure on the opposing quarterbacks.

Projected stats: 265 points given up, 25 interceptions, 10 fumbles, 30 sacks, three touchdowns, three blocked kicks

 

These three may not garner the type of attention as other players or defenses in the NFL, but you should still keep one eye on them because they may be a solid pick up as a backup for your team.

 

(Article originally posted on Dawg Scooper: An Unofficial Cleveland Browns News Source)

 

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NFL Week 1 WR Injury Updates: Boldin, Bryant, Welker, Walter, Berrian

Gazing through the Thursday edition of the official NFL Injury Report, it’s clear that one fantasy-relevant position will be affected by injury more than any other: wide receiver.

A plethora of No. 2 and No. 3 WRs are listed on the Thursday injury reports and could impact your lineup decisions. Here’s a quick rundown of the latest injury updates on each of the dinged up pass catchers.

 

Anquan Boldin Injury Update

Boldin has been battling a hamstring issue and was a limited participant in Thursday’s practice.

The Cardinals coaches are obviously hoping that Boldin will be ready to go, as are his fantasy owners, but this is an injury to watch as the games approach on Sunday. You will probably have to make your decision before pre-game warmups though, as the Cardinals play in their typical 4 p.m. slot on Sunday.

Boldin’s teammate Steve Breaston was a full participant in practice and would be a good option should Boldin not be able to go.

 

Antonio Bryant Injury Update

Bryant is battling a knee injury and was limited in Thursday’s practice. According to RotoTimes’ latest injury update on Bryant, Bucs head coach Raheem Morris said that Bryant and teammate Michael Clayton are okay and the team is just being careful leading up to Sunday’s game against Dallas.

The Cowboys are susceptible to big plays in the passing game, so Bryant appears to be a solid start this weekend.

 

Wes Welker Injury Update

The Patriots’ diminutive dynamo has been battling a knee injury that has him listed as a limited practice participant on the injury report.

Of course this is New England, so injury updates on Welker are hard to come by. What you see in that link to the Boston Globe is about as much as you’ll get out of the tight-lipped Pats.

Monitor this one because it appears relatively serious and could keep Welker sidelined. The Patriots play Monday night, so you’ll probably have to make your decision Sunday. If you have a solid option ready, think seriously about using it. But if any positive reports about Welker come out over the next 48 hours, keep him in your lineup as the Patriots should be able to throw the ball effectively against the Bills.

 

Kevin Walter Injury Update

Walter is listed on the Texans’ injury report with a hamstring issue and did not participate in Thursday’s practice.

According to the Texans’ official website, the latest injury update on Walter is that he will be a game-time decision for the team’s 1 p.m. matchup against the Jets on Sunday. If he’s healthy he will play, but there is no telling if the hamstring issue will linger. I’d have another option ready to go and be checking the pregame reports if you are intent on using Walter.

 

Bernard Berrian Injury Update

Berrian has a hamstring injury and was a limited participant in Thursday’s practice. The latest injury update on Berrian from the Minneapolis Star-Tribune is not all that optimistic about his prospects for Sunday, as they cite the fact that this is the first time Berrian has battled hamstring issues in his career.

For a straight speed receiver, this type of injury can be especially troublesome. The Vikings want to make sure he is totally healthy before green-lighting him, so check on this one up until kickoff Sunday.

 

Other WRs Of Note Battling Injury Issues:

• Kevin Curtis is listed on the Eagles’ injury report with a knee issue, but was a full participant in Thursday’s practice. He should be good to go Sunday.
• Chris Henry has a thigh injury and did not participate in Thursday’s practice.
• Deion Branch has a hamstring injury and did not participate in Thursday’s practice.

I will update this post with any new reports on the availability of these WRs.

**********

* – Anquan Boldin photo credit: The Cards

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NFL Week One: Fantasy Fill-Ins

Let’s face it.  Nobody wants to start their fantasy football season off with a loss, although half of us do.  I want you to end up in the happy half so I’ve uncovered some guys you can plug in if you are dealing with an injury or tough matchups.

Matt Hasselbeck, QB, Seattle Seahawks – Hasselbeck has a pretty cake matchup against St. Louis.  With an actual threat at WR in T.J. Houshmandzadeh, he is a nice spot play.  This is one of those weeks.  I would prefer to roll with Matt over QB’s like Eli (Washington) or Cutler (Green Bay).

Mike Bell, RB, New Orleans Saints – Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush are going to be out or limited so Bell should get some touches.  Anytime you can use a RB that’s playing the Lions, you have to feel good about your chances.

Fred Jackson, RB, Buffalo Bills – I don’t expect a monster effort from Jackson, but he will provide yards on the ground and through the air.  With Marshawn Lynch out, Jackson’s a decent RB2/flex play this week.

Derrick Mason, WR, Baltimore Ravens – Mason continues to produce despite his age.  Joe Flacco should get the opportunity to throw a little more in his second year, and Kansas City is terrible, making Mason a nice WR3 option.

Chris Henry, WR, Cincinnati Bengals – Henry had a spectacular preseason, and appears to have gained so much maturity.  He’s a big play threat, and should be able to take advantage of Denver’s secondary.

Visanthe Shiancoe, TE, Minnesota Vikings – Shiancoe was a breakout player last year, and has had a strong preseason.  Brett Favre has targeted him several times, and he should be able to get open against Cleveland.  Favre’s smart enough to know that his wides aren’t great, so Shiancoe’s number could get called early and often.

Steven Hauschka, K, Baltimore Ravens – Hauschka has flown under the radar for the most part, but he will likely be one of the biggest adds after week one when he piles up the points against Kansas City.

Houston Texans Defense – Facing a Rookie QB in Mark Sanchez, Houston should be able to capitalize with some turnovers.  They will also bring plenty of pressure, which should result in multiple sacks making the Texans a nice spot start in week one.

Originally published at LestersLegends.com.

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The Brutally Honest NFL Preview: AFC South

Part three in our 2009 NFL preview. Teams are ranked by projected finish.

 

1. Indianapolis Colts

On paper, Peyton’s boys should run away from the rest of the division. In reality, the race for first will likely be a three-team battle that includes Houston and Tennessee, as well.

The Colts have the edge in experience and talent. Their offense is tops in the AFC South, even in spite of the departure of WR Marvin Harrison.

Harrison is replaced in the starting lineup by third-year pro Anthony Gonzalez, a sure-handed threat that should see a significant uptick in production this season.

Alongside Gonzalez is the ever-reliable Reggie Wayne, who is quite simply one of the best in the business.

Indianapolis should benefit from a younger, healthier running back corps led by Joseph Addai. Addai is coming off a subpar 2008 campaign in which his numbers suffered due to injury.

Despite the fact that the organization brought in rookie Donald Brown to hold down the No. 2 tailback role, this is Addai’s job to lose.

No, Indy’s defense isn’t what it used to be, but Dwight Freeney is still a pass-rushing game-changer that will affect every play, and with an offense as potent as the Colts have, winning games should be second-nature to the boys in blue.

 

2. Houston Texans

The Texans are poised for a breakout season, but they’ll need their franchise quarterback to stay healthy all year in order to contend for a playoff berth.

QB Matt Schaub missed five games last season to injury and witnessed his team go 2-3 during his absence. He still managed to throw for over 3,000 yards in his 11-game season, but his departure only served to prove his importance to this ballclub.

In addition to Schaub, Houston has great talent at every offensive skill position, including wideout (Andre Johnson and Kevin Walter), running back (Steve Slaton), and tight end (Owen Daniels).

On the other side of the ball, it is defensive end and former No. 1 overall pick Mario Williams that changes games for this Texan team.

Like Indianapolis before them, it is offense that will make the difference for this club.

3. Tennessee Titans

Team 1C in the South, Tennessee is, on paper at least, the third-best club in this division.

Unlike the rest of their divisional counterparts, the Titans win games thanks to a powerful defense and a grind-it-out running game.

They say defense wins championships, but in order to compete in this league, you need some semblance of offense, as well.

While the Titans were able to surprise a lot of teams last year with QB Kerry Collins under center, they’ll be hard-pressed to sneak up on opponents this season.

The one-two punch of speedback Chris Johnson and powerback LenDale White will be the focus of opposing gameplans, forcing the Titans to throw the ball more and stray from their bread and butter.

With an unproven receiving corps (the starters at WR are Nate Washington and Justin Gage) and an aging QB, an enormous amount of pressure will be put on the defense to carry the load for this team.

Can they repeat the magic of 2008? Maybe, but we don’t think so.

 

4. Jacksonville Jaguars

Just one year ago, Jacksonville was everyone’s sexy pick to go to the Super Bowl. Uh…what?!

A year later, the Jags are a forgotten ballclub after going 5-11 in 2008. I guess that’s what crack cocaine will do to a club.

Not that it’s entirely crack’s fault, but the drug has seemingly vanquished the entire receiving corps (beginning and ending with Matt Jones, though former first-rounder Reggie Williams has also been linked), leaving behind a shell of the talent that used to exist at wideout.

This year, the top three wideouts are completely overhauled from 2008. Veteran Torry Holt is the only guaranteed starter, while former Minnesota Viking Troy Williamson as well as third-year pro Mike Sims-Walker should both receive playing time on the opposite side.

In the Jaguars’ backfield, Maurice Jones-Drew will, for the first time in his career, assume the role of feature back with Fred Taylor’s departure. That’s great news if you’re a fantasy owner, but bad news if you’re the Jaguars.

Allowing Jones-Drew the luxury of sitting plays out was a tremendous boon to the team’s offense in past seasons and the added load could have a negative effect on MJD’s production late in the season.

Jacksonville’s defense is middle-of-the-road and on top of all that, the ballclub plays a tough schedule, going on the road for five games against playoff contending opponents.

In just one year, the atmosphere in Jacksonville has completely changed. Will it work out for the best? Not this season.

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