Reviewing the KFFL Fantasy Football Analysis Draft’s First Round

The KFFL Fantasy Football Analysis Draft with our staff of writers has begun.

This year’s draft is one of the most difficult I’ve ever seen with so many mediocre players vying for the No. 1 overall slot—by mediocre, meaning everyone has questions regarding production and/or injury.

Any pick in the first round in most leagues could end the season as the best player. It’s that wild of a year trying to figure who really is the best fantasy player entering the season.

 

Team: Ilan Mochari

1) Matt Forte, running back, Chicago Bears: I can’t argue with Ilan’s explanation regarding Forte’s reception total of 63 last year. However, one would think new quarterback Jay Cutler’s strong arm will not allow for as many pass receptions, especially as he has taken to tight end Greg Olsen.

Some may think opening up the offense will help Forte with more yardage because the line won’t be stacked up, but the team re-signed Kevin Jones and is expecting him to step up.

The team does not want to put the full load on Forte, because they know 379 carries can cause problems down the road.

I guess I view Forte as a serviceable back that fits the Bears, but not as an elite back. This just shows me how badly the running back position has dropped off in recent years. Running back by committee is the reason for some of the issues this year and what makes Forte attractive.

 

Team: Michael Egnak

2) Adrian Peterson, running back, Minnesota Vikings: I have no issues with this pick outside the fact I wish Peterson would catch the ball more.

I blame the Vikings for that.

They should be force feeding him the ball through the air at practice to better his skills with his hands. That would also allow him to get to the outside even more and to showcase his skills.

Come on, this is the West Coast offense.

 

Team: John Kotch Jr.

3) Michael Turner, running back, Atlanta Falcons: Turner showed himself to be the real deal.

He reminds me of Maurice Jones-Drew in build. I think this is a solid spot for him as the Falcons upgraded their passing game with tight end Tony Gonzalez, which will help the Falcons to open up the field along with Roddy White and Michael Jenkins stretching it.

A smart, safe pick here!

 

Team: Bryce McRae

4) Maurice Jones-Drew, running back, Jacksonville Jaguars: I’m not sold on Jones-Drew because he has never done it on his own, and he will be expected to.

He has the size and build because he’s so dense and strong, but, if the Jaguars don’t get a consistent passing game going, he could quickly become a bust.

I don’t expect him to be a bust in a points-per-reception league, but he has always shared time with Fred Taylor prior to this upcoming season. That stated his potential if he can carry the load brings a high ceiling.

 

Team: Keith Hernandez

5) Chris Johnson, running back, Tennessee Titans: Here’s the player I would have taken over Jones-Drew and Forte.

Why?

Well, after seeing him play multiple times last year, I’m still wowed at how good he is. Unlike most, I believe the committee system with LenDale White helps him.

Sure, he had some long touchdowns and statistically speaking it will be hard to repeat.

However, I think the Titans know he is the key to their season, and I believe if he didn’t get hurt against the Baltimore Ravens that we’re looking at Jeff Fisher’s first Super Bowl win.

 

Team: Matt Wilson

6) Steve Slaton, running back, Houston Texans: I can’t argue this pick either. Slaton proved me wrong last year despite his size. I did not think he would stay healthy a full season. His size once again concerns me this year, but I won’t argue the pick because it’s a PPR league. In a PPR league his value is obviously much higher, and he seems like a lesser version of Chris Johnson.

Team: Tim Piotrowski

7) Steven Jackson, running back, St. Louis Rams: I don’t mind this pick, but I’ve always had issues with the fact he’s nicked up, and right now the Rams are a bad team.

I’m looking at the line being stacked to stop him, and it makes me wary of this pick. It reminds me of Larry Johnson from the last two years. If you’re the only legitimate weapon, you can be stopped unless the rest of the team steps up.

I won’t argue the pick based on him being No. 7, but I wouldn’t have made it.

 

Team: Cory J. Bonini

8 ) LaDainian Tomlinson, running back, San Diego Chargers: I love this pick, and Bonini explains it very well.

To be frank, I’m hoping I don’t have the first pick in any drafts I play in and he falls to me, because in the end, outside of Peterson, I think I feel safe with Tomlinson.

He’s proven, has a track record when healthy, and there’s no reason he should not be able to play much better than last year. Remember, he suffered the dreaded turf toe injury in Week One last year.

I don’t see that happening this year.

Phenomenal value!

 

Team: Tim Heaney

9) DeAngelo Williams, running back, Carolina Panthers: He had a monster season last year as a one-two punch with Jonathan Stewart, and I don’t see the Panthers changing their game plan.

However, I can’t argue those taken before him in this format. Some may have taken Brian Westbrook, but I agree with Heaney and his analysis on why he let him slide.

That stated, I’m not sure, but believe I would probably have gone Westbrook to be safe.

 

Team: Nicholas Minnix

10) Brian Westbrook, running back, Philadelphia Eagles: I’m not a big Westbrook fan this year as he has already undergone one surgery and the season has not begun!

Because of that, until I actually draft, I’m not sure what I would have done as noted in the last paragraph. Logic states I would have taken him ahead of any of the one-year wonders based on his track record, but that’s speculating.

That stated, at No. 10 overall, he brings great value if he comes back 100 percent from his ankle injury.

 

Team: Ryan R. Bonini

11) Frank Gore, running back, San Francisco 49ers: I like the value here because of new head coach Mike Singletary’s run-first philosophy. I think this was a safe pick by Bonini, but arguably the correct pick. His explanation states why—he is a 1,000-yard back the last three seasons, despite various issues at the quarterback position, nicks he has had to deal with, and different offensive schemes in that time.

 

Team: Kostas Bolos

12) Andre Johnson, wide receiver, Houston Texans: I can’t argue this pick at all because Bolos has the ability to come back with a running back. I think with so many running back committees the wide receiver strategy in a point-per-reception format has great legitimacy.

There’s my take.  Each one was shorter than the rest because I didn’t want to give the editors too much to work with.

Look for concise breakdowns moving forward with highlights of whom I like and why.

Worst Pick: Matt Forte as I just don’t believe he’s worth the No. 1 overall pick.

Best Value: LaDainian Tomlinson because even on a down year he posted.

Around the NFL with Injury Updates and More

At times individuals ask me when and why I would take someone, so I’m attacking these blogs from that perspective. As always, let me know what you’re looking for. As one of the industry’s most dominant players, I have no qualms in sharing my knowledge.

It’s my job and what I enjoy doing! Let’s get down to some injuries I’ve seen cross my desk as I continue playing catch-up from being cut off from the Internet.

RB Willis McGahee on his ability to contribute despite his injuries: “I know what I can do.“ I’ll be frank here; I’ve never been a McGahee (knee, ankle) fan. The Buffalo Bills wasted a first-round draft choice on him.

There were questions surrounding his health this offseason, and it turns out he had two surgeries. He’s saying the right things and states the knee is not affecting him. However, he has been nothing but a bum for the Ravens, and it’s no surprise we’re hearing the team would not be opposed to shopping or releasing him.

However, with a $40 million contract they probably can’t move him. His average draft position (ADP) is 91.34, the eighth round in a 12-team league. Obviously with the news of his two surgeries and the fact Ray Rice has the early lead to be the Ravens’ every-down back, McGahee’s stock will begin to drop.

Honestly? In my humble opinion (IMHO), I wouldn’t waste a draft pick on him. He’s injury prone, and in the end, I still think Le’Ron McClain has a shot to see carries as part of a 1A-1B tandem with Ray Rice. However, that is speculation, and training camp will answer many questions.

WR Kevin Curtis, Philadelphia Eagles on his sports hernia surgery: “The big thing for me is just getting healthy.“ Curtis (sports hernia) had to have offseason surgery for the hernia because of discomfort he felt.

He’s not concerned with where he will fall on the depth chart and is focusing on getting back into shape, citing fatigue. He states he should be ready when veterans report on July 29.

I like Curtis, but his problem has always been consistency, and because of that I view him as a No. 3 or No. 4 receiver at best. I believe in consistent production from my positions because you need points every week in head-to-head formats, and he doesn’t give you that outside point-per-reception (PPR) leagues.

His ADP is 124.67, which is the 11th round in a 12-team league. At that point with his potential (speed and receptions for PPR leagues), he’s well worth the risk. If healthy he will see plenty of playing time, and that’s the reason you take a chance on him. He’ll get on the field, and he has upside because of his talent.

However, he is 31 and may have lost some of that speed. If that’s the case, and he shows his age, then his value will drop. We’ll have to wait for him to hit the field at 100 percent before we know that.

Agent Bus Cook on his client, QB Brett Favre, having shoulder surgery: “That’s a confidential client privilege.“ I believe Favre (shoulder) will play for the Minnesota Vikings this year, but it’s going to hurt the team.

Favre has not been working out, and his great season two years ago came after he rededicated himself to offseason training. He needs to develop chemistry with his receivers, learn the nuances of the playbook (regardless of how familiar he is with it) and get back into football shape. That’s a lot to ask of anyone.

Most will say he’s a veteran, but he’s also much older than a typical veteran. However, if he signs with Minnesota, look for his draft stock to shoot up from an ADP of 206.46, which is the 17th round in a 12-team league.

I would take him as a No. 2 fantasy quarterback at that point, but odds are because of all the offseason news he’ll be taken way too early once he does come back. I’m hoping training camp will show us how he looks and what to expect.

However, since it will probably be the first time he’ll work with the team, then I don’t even see camp giving us an idea of what to expect because he’ll be behind in so many ways!

RB Brian Westbrook, Philadelphia Eagles, on his recent ankle surgery and knee: “I’m not worried in the least about these injuries….“ Westbrook (ankle) had some bone fragments removed from his ankle, and the team is cautiously optimistic he’ll be back in time for the regular season.

Westbrook’s doctor stated he does not expect him to play in the preseason, and I would imagine his time would have been limited anyway if he was healthy. The team knows what he can do and he’s a proven veteran.

I like Westbrook, and if you want him odds are you’ll have to use a first-round pick on him. His ADP overall is the ninth pick, and though that should slightly drop, it won’t be by much.

At this point, I’d only take Westbrook in a point-per-reception league. I like him, and if forced I’ll take him but at that point, I’ll grab someone with less injury history who’s not over 30 and enters the season ready for a big year.

They’re out there—running backs such as the Carolina Panthers‘ DeAngelo Williams, the Tennessee Titans‘ Chris Johnson, and others.

As always, if you’re looking for breaking news updates that get to you faster than e-mail, follow me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/wdelpilar

Around the League with Carson Palmer, Jamal Lewis and more

I am behind, and I don’t like it. I live in the country (by choice) in the greater San Diego area because I enjoy a yard and having a little land.

Some technologies are not as readily available when they go down. Instead of having a cable modem, I have DSL and when something happens, AT&T takes their sweet time to fix it.

The techs are great once they get out here…always polite, friendly and willing to troubleshoot everything they can to fix the problem.

My issues are those darn customer support numbers we’re forced to call! Either way, I am back and happy to get to it.

There’s always injury news during the offseason, and this year is no different. We’re in June, so let’s take a look at those cats and see where they stand with organized team activities (OTAs) having wrapped up.

I’ll be hitting injury updates as they cross my desk while prepping my projections. Unlike the rest of the industry, mine won’t be available anywhere, so I don’t face the harsh deadlines my peers and employees do.

However, I’ll use this forum to talk about some of them and ask for your thoughts. Those are future blogs, so let’s get to this one.

QB Carson Palmer, Cincinnati Bengals on his elbow injury: “The arm felt great and the elbow felt great.”

There is no doubt in many minds, including mine, that Palmer (elbow) is ready to go after throwing a 50-yard spiral on the first day of OTAs that wide receiver Chris Henry caught in stride.

He states he feels great and is ready; offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski stated Palmer looked sharp. With his average draft placement (ADP) being 92nd overall, eighth round in a 12-team league, some will be able to draft him as their No. 2 fantasy quarterback.

I would be hesitant to look at him as a No. 1, because on the surface, Palmer has always appeared to be top notch, but when you break down his numbers closer you’ll find some cause for concern. Add the loss of wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh and you have legit questions.

 

RB Jamal Lewis, Cleveland Browns on his injured ankle: “I don’t want to do anything crazy or take the chance of injuring it.”

Lewis (ankle) had offseason ankle surgery, and although he attended OTA, he did not participate in many drills. In fact, Jerome Harrison has been working with the first team. Harrison, at one point, was the team’s No. 3 running back and like most backups is always popular when starters struggle.

I fully expect Lewis to be the top Dawg when healthy and believe the team feels the same way. One final note: Many reports are hammering on Lewis not practicing, but that’s overblown considering he’s a veteran and is healing.

His current ADP is 94th overall, the eighth round in a 12-team league. Right now, I’d make sure he was the best rated running back left on the board before taking him, just to be sure. Only then, he would become my No. 3 fantasy back.

 

HC John Harbaugh, Baltimore Ravens on WR Derrick Mason being ready for camp: “Derrick starting the season healthy is our No. 1 concern.”

Mason (shoulder) is the Ravens’ most underrated player and is a bona fide fantasy producer. While there have been a few questions on when Mason will be ready, the final answer is sometime during camp.

However, he’s a veteran with a season of working with quarterback Joe Flacco and knows the offense. Sure you want him to continue working with the young quarterback, but his health is of greater concern. He’ll be fine.

He’s going with the 93rd overall pick right now, the eighth round in a 12-team league, but that’s great value in my eyes. I’ll take him as my No. 3 fantasy receiver at that point.

 

Reporter Chad Cushnir’s article title on Jacksonville Jaguars WR Mike Walker’s 2009 potential: Ready for Breakout Season?

Walker has suffered a bit this past year. After making a splash in Week 5, he suffered a sprain of the medial collateral ligament. He then suffered a staph infection and personal tragedy. Walker lost his best friend and father in the same month.

While technically not an off-season injury, his early 2008 knee injury has made many forget him. Don’t make that mistake as 2009 is a new season.

He’s healthy and is in the early lead to start opposite Torry Holt. I would view him as a late-round sleeper right now. Currently his ADP shows he’s not being drafted! I view him as a late-round sleeper.

 

Super Agent Drew Rosenhaus on his client TE Jeremy Shockey, New Orleans Saints: “100 percent and feeling great.”

Most if not all of us now know Shockey (dehydration) was partying a bit too hard in Las Vegas. The kid is just living the high life, and in the end, he just needs some better friends watching out for his stupidity. We’ve all been there.

I’m no Saint (pun intended) and have been in just as bad or worse situations. We can’t forget our own youth when looking at and forming opinions on others. However, passing out at approximately 2 p.m. is pushing it! Pace yourself, Jeremy!

Shockey’s real issue is that he’s an inconsistent, injury-prone tight end, and he has this year to show the Saints he can get it together. He’s not a No. 1 tight end, in my book. He’s going with the 120th overall pick in a draft, the end of Round 10 in a 12-team league.

As a No. 2 that is acceptable for most, but not me. I would hold off for someone else later in the draft such as Kevin Boss and possibly even Tony Scheffler.

 

Before I forget, two links of note:

• Mock Draft Central: This site is not just ADP, but you can host all your mock drafts here.
• KFFL ADP: Powered by Mock Draft Central, our ADP is detailed yet simplistic to use.

As always, if you’re looking for breaking news updates that get to you faster than e-mail, follow me on Twitter.

Around the League with Injury Updates on B. Marshall, T. Brady and More!

There has been quite a bit happening the last few weeks concerning players coming back from injury. Let’s take a look at those cats and see where they stand with OTAs wrapping up. This is the first part of injury updates for players. I’ll be hitting them as I see their updates cross my desk. Let’s get to it:

 

WR Brandon Marshall, Denver Broncos, on his hip injury: “I’m almost there. I’m almost there.“

Marshall (hip) is taking his time with his injury but states if the team were playing in the Super Bowl right now he would be out there. Great news as he’s begun to run, but the bad news is that he’s decided to move his rehabilitation to Orlando.

Some speculate the move is sending a message to the Broncos as he’s looking for a raise. The Denver Post reports the team, obviously, has off-the-field concerns with him, even though he reportedly won’t be suspended for his latest gaffe involving a domestic dispute. He has had his share of problems.

His request for a raise is interesting because he’s an unrestricted free agent (UFA) after this season, but if there is a new bargaining agreement his UFA status could change. In the end, he’s under contract and scheduled to make about $2.2 million, but he’s clearly underpaid.

As a general manager, I give him his raise but have enough off-the-field clauses in there to protect myself. That’s a win-win, and Marshall would do well to live with it if offered. However, what I find ironic is that the article talks about him hosting an event for kids, hoping they can learn about life. While I believe experience is key to growth, Marshall would do well to heed his own words.

 

WR Marques Colston, New Orleans Saints, on his microfracture surgery: “a little bit ahead of schedule.”

We knew Colston (knee) had surgery in January, but as the NFL allows teams to do, they did not fully disclose his surgery being microfracture. The kneecap had a small hole in it that needed taking care of. This is serious because Colston has been injury prone the last two years.

Last year he missed six weeks because of a torn thumb ligament. However, the good news is that he’s already running and the team expects him back at full speed in time for training camp.

Be aware of this and don’t put too much stock into reports until training camp. That’s when we’ll see if he is coming along. Because of this new news, I drop him right now into my No. 3 fantasy receiver slot. That would mean, I would probably not draft him as he’s going right now with the No. 26 overall pick, the 10th receiver taken. That’s the early third round, OUCH!

I will recommend him only if he’s healthy come training camp, but with an injury-prone player like him and the seriousness of microfracture surgery, be pessimistic right now and let him prove us wrong.

 

WR Sidney Rice, Minnesota Vikings, on his knee: “It’s not really an issue.”

Just a few weeks ago, I talked about Rice (knee) and how he was stating his knee was not 100 percent yet. This update is great news because Rice is arguably the team’s best receiver, or at least the one mentioned with the most overall talent.

After suffering a PCL injury last year, he was not able to recover enough to help his team or fantasy owners and in the end was a bust. However, during the last OTA he took part in every drill, made some plays and pronounced the knee as a non-issue.

He plans to continue working on strengthening the knee after OTAs and will have six weeks to get ready. Overall, Rice has looked good during the OTAs; remember this is his third season so as far as the playbook, he should be ready to take the next step.

I view him, if healthy, as a quality sleeper you may take near the end of the middle rounds as your No. 3 fantasy receiver. Yes, a bold statement but one many would not argue with if healthy. Right now he’s going late in drafts (around Pick 193 overall), and that’s even better.

 

Denver Post writer Mike Klis on RB J.J. Arrington: “This may further explain why the Broncos drafted Knowshon Moreno.”

There once was a time when running back J.J. Arrington (knee) was seen as a potential No. 1 fantasy running back. However, it’s been downhill since his rookie year with one disappointment after another.

The Denver Broncos were looking at him as their third-down back, which would not have meant much in fantasy terms.

At best, a Kevin Faulk-type player who could spot start for you. Arrington was not recovering well enough from his offseason microfracture surgery and was not able to pass his physical. His release creates some breathing room for fantasy owners come draft day.

Right now, speculating, I would say Moreno will be your top back who will share time with Correll Buckhalter and Ryan Torain. I would imagine LaMont Jordan to be a dark horse, but if he makes the squad he’ll see at least the short-yardage touches.

What is sad is that Arrington is out a $3 million roster bonus, but managing editor Cory J. Bonini told me he will still pocket $100K. Not exactly chop liver to us common folk!

 

QB Tom Brady, New England Patriots, on his surgically repaired knee: “I feel as good as I could possibly feel.“

After missing the 2008 season Brady (knee) is saying and doing the right things. He’s taking part in OTA drills but is not making any promises on being ready opening day. That’s the tale of the tape. Do you use a second- or third-round fantasy draft pick on him?

Right now I would say no considering other quarterbacks such as Donovan McNabb, Jay Cutler, Kurt Warner, Philip Rivers, Aaron Rodgers and others are going later than him. Let someone else take the risk. We’ll know more on Brady once training camp is upon us, but until then I opt for a different and healthy quarterback.

 

There you have it with my first blog of the week covering some players healing from injuries.

Most organizations, including KFFL, will be releasing their rankings sooner than later. It will be interesting where some of the injured players stand. I say that because where they’re projected determines if the organization believes they’ll be healthy enough to contribute or not.

As always, if you’re looking for breaking news updates that get to you faster than e-mail, follow me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/wdelpilar.

Around the League with Brady Quinn, Adrian Peterson and Others!

Sadly, my week that started so great ended badly. Nothing bad in my life, it just didn’t pan out in carrying out some projects.

Sigh, what can you say when a curveball comes your way? You swing and hear a big “pfft” of bat hitting nothing but empty air! That’s why we call it life, but we have a great holiday weekend coming up!

As we enter Memorial Day weekend, be safe, have fun and enjoy the fact we live in the greatest country in the world.

Before we get to my blog, I want to congratulate my dear friend Evian “Chico” Rivera, who is graduating this week from San Diego State. Congratulations, brother! It took awhile, but you’ve done it!

HC Tom Cable, Oakland Raiders, on Michael Vick: “I’m not going to go there.” Do a search on Vick and you’ll see headlines such as “Jerry Jones: Cowboys not a contender for Michael Vick,” “49ers might bite on Michael Vick after ban,” “Letter: No place for Vick with Patriots” and on and on.

However, Cable, who was with Vick in Atlanta, states football is secondary right now but did not come out and say they have no interest. This is classic Raiders as owner Al Davis loves to give players another shot.

The assumption is the player has a chip on his shoulder to prove everyone wrong. Vick IMHO would upgrade the position.

Sure Jeff Garcia is there, but he’s older and limited, and JaMarcus Russell will never live up to draft expectations. If Russell fails this season, never say never!

HC Eric Mangini, Cleveland Browns, on the quarterback battle: “Brady will get the first reps today.” According to Mangini, Brady Quinn has the early lead in the quarterback battle, but Mangini is keeping it fair with remarks such as “Not that Derek hasn’t done well, but [Quinn] gets the first reps.”

I think it’s Quinn’s job to lose. The team knows what it has in Derek Anderson and needs to see if Quinn can be the QB of the future or show enough for Cleveland to trade Anderson.

Quinn is not as good as the prognosticators believed he was when drafted, but the Browns have to give him a shot. I’m not sure how good he can be with the team around him, but because of that, I’m staying away from either player come draft day.

RB Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings, on gaining weight: “God willing [I will get to] 225, 230…” Peterson wants to get bigger as he’s a physical running back. I can’t blame him. Fans forget, as a season wears on players lose weight and get weaker every week.

As fans, we don’t think about a season in its entirety and how this violent game wears the players down. I think this is a great goal for him, and if anything maybe it helps with his durability as the season wears on.

He’s this year’s No. 1 overall fantasy player; he’s not an exciting No. 1 IMHO, but he is someone worthy of the pick. Gaining the weight will help.

Frank Gore on sharing the carries: “… the more I touch the ball, the better player I am.” The 49ers drafted Glen Coffee with their third-round pick, and many believe it could become a time share.

However, Gore doesn’t necessarily agree, and head coach Mike Singletary talks about having someone give Gore a break and share some of the load. This leads one to believe Gore will not share time but be the primary ball carrier week in and week out.

Gore has disappointed the last two years, with only 14 total touchdowns and an average of 74 rushing yards and 28 receiving yards per game. Disappointing or not, Gore will see most of the carries, which makes him a low first-round pick this year.

RB Laurence Maroney, New England Patriots, on why he sucked last season: “I had a broken bone and I was trying to play with it.” Maroney is talking about playing hurt and analysts and fans knocking him for his poor play without knowing.

There is truth to what he said, but I look back at how poor a player overall he has been. Especially in their last Super Bowl, when the team needed him to keep the New York Giants‘ front four honest. He couldn’t.

He went down at times behind the line of scrimmage without any hard contact. Yes, this is the year he has to prove himself, because so far he has been nothing but a monumental disappointment.

Even then, he’s worth nothing more than a late-round flier at the earliest with Fred Taylor, Kevin Faulk, BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Sammy Morris on roster.

GM Mickey Loomis, New Orleans Saints, on RB Edgerrin James: “We’ve spent some time evaluating Edgerrin.” Alex Marvez pens another solid story, but I disagree with anyone who believes James still has anything left in the tank, particularly when you consider what his asking price will be.

You can probably find or could have found equal talent out there at a much lower cost. James has always been about the money and never about heart.

The article talks about how he averaged 67.2 rushing yards during the final five games last season and started all the Cardinals’ post-season games. I buy that, but I am also not foolish enough to realize his lack of playing time until those final five games and the postseason were a result of fresh legs and nothing more.

The Saints would regret signing him, and he would also hurt the overall value of Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas, mostly the latter.

Deuce McAllister on Deuce McAllister: “I want to play a couple more years.” Deuce is still working out five hours a day at a clinic run by orthopedic surgeon James Andrews. In dollars, if healthy, he’d make a better signing than James would.

If he understands his role would be something to the effect of coming off the bench for seven to 12 touches, he would be fine.

I say that because Deuce, if healthy, can help a team balance its offensive attack. For fantasy owners, Deuce going back to the Saints would not affect Bush or Thomas as much as Edge would.

There you have it. Be safe this weekend and enjoy the hard-earned time off from work! As I always say, if you’re looking for breaking news updates that get to you faster than e-mail, follow me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/wdelpilar

The Orton-Cutler Saga: Why Kyle Orton Should Get Some Respect! Part II

(Originally published Apr. 10, 2009)

I did not want to shorten this blog, as I felt I had a lot to talk about, so I broke it into two parts to make it easier for the KFFL editors (a bunch of babies! I’m just kidding). That staff makes me look good too many times that I can’t thank them enough!

If you missed Part I, please go back and read that first before reading Part II! Let’s continue my take on the Orton-Cutler saga, the fallout, the positives and the negatives.

 

What does Orton bring to the table?

• Orton is 21-12 as a starter and is also 15-2 at home, which is the best in the NFL since he came into the league in 2005. You don’t hear this number at all; all you hear is how great Cutler is when the team has a lead. Yes, it’s not all Orton, but it’s also not all Cutler when it comes to winning records. The NFL is the consummate team sport. It’s funny how we forget that when it’s convenient!
• Orton is also playing for a contract as he’s wrapping up a one-year extension this year. I like quarterbacks in contract years!

 

System Quarterback

Many involved in the industry, including insiders and reporters, claim Orton is a system quarterback, but that is wrong. What is that based on? His tenure in a vanilla Chicago offense? I don’t buy it. Are we saying that Tom Brady and Matt Cassel are system quarterbacks?

Isn’t the West Coast offense a system built specifically for quarterbacks? Based on that belief, wouldn’t logic dictate Cutler is a system quarterback? It would, but we know that’s not true; he can create his own magic as well as his own disasters!

I don’t agree with the system quarterback comments. I think Orton played within the framework of what the team wants and, in his case, specifically not to deviate from it, thus all the checkdowns to running back Matt Forte last year.

 

The Future

• Head coach Josh McDaniels: Orton now has an opportunity to learn from someone who helped make Brady one of the greatest winners in NFL history. Someone who turned Matt Cassel from a backup into an NFL quarterback who is going to earn $14 million-plus for one year of play!
• Orton’s Surrounding Cast: Orton has the following receivers to throw to: Pro Bowler Brandon Marshall and the up-and-coming Eddie Royal. Add a sure-handed tight end in Tony Scheffler, along with receiving running backs J.J. Arrington, LaMont Jordan and even Correll Buckhalter, and he has a stable of quality receivers and backs that can catch.
• Cutler’s Surrounding Cast: Cutler has Devin Hester, Rashied Davis, Earl Bennett (a former teammate at Vanderbilt) and tight ends Desmond Clark and Greg Olsen. He also has running back Matt Forte. I think Orton wound up with the better receiving corps, but Cutler will improve his receivers to a certain extent – don’t undersell Bennett as he knows Cutler and his tendencies!
• Pressure: Will Cutler be able to handle the pressure if he plays in Chicago like he did in the second half of last year with game-changing interceptions? I think Bears fans are much more savage in their treatment of players than Broncos fans.

Sorry Denver, just an observation in my 34 years of watching football and traveling the world. Cities such as Chicago, Philadelphia and New York still have the most hardcore fans I’ve ever encountered. Let’s toss Cleveland in there because IMHO they have the most hardcore fans!

 

Leadership

• Orton in a Chicago Sun-Times article: “Leadership doesn’t come overnight,” Orton, true to his character, said after arriving in Denver. “I plan to put my head down and go to work and show the guys what my work ethic is.”
• He also stated, “It’s all I’ve ever wanted,” he said.” It’s all I ever asked for in college [at Purdue] or here. As long as I have a fair chance, I can deal with whatever the coach decides.”

I love that about the guy because no one is born with leadership abilities, and most champions or successful individuals will tell you all they ever wanted was an opportunity!

I believe you have to experience and work with great leaders to understand it! I have seen men who you look at in awe because of their abilities to have gained your complete trust, loyalty and belief failure will not happen, nor is it an option.

It’s magical, it brings hope, it gives you the confidence you need to play your role, and it’s rare! I was fortunate to see this in action…more than once! When everything hits the fan, you see leaders emerge.

• In the NFL, I would say Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis epitomizes what a leader is! In fact, arguably, he’s the league’s greatest leader over the last 10 years! I watch him play, and when I look at him I see opponents fear him – and players rising to the occasion to play with him! I see Tom Brady in this mold as well as past champions such as Joe Montana!

Leadership is an intangible measure. To be frank, I don’t believe most who are writing on Cutler have experienced it! Thus their takes have flaws to an extent because they don’t fully understand its importance because it’s not a statistic. I’m not saying they’re wrong, just that they’re missing an important aspect of life that’s needed to succeed.

You learn to become a manager, and then you learn to become a leader. They are different but go hand-in-hand. Our personalities will dictate how successful we are as leaders, but in the end you can become a great leader by continually working on it, recognizing what a leader is and following through.

I believe this is what Cutler is lacking. He may get it eventually, but he doesn’t have it yet! Orton is much more along the leadership cycle.

At times we forget—when we’re dazzled by talent and potential—the NFL is the consummate team sport! Terry Bradshaw and Troy Aikman are two leaders who have seven Super Bowls between them.

I’ll take those two over Brett Favre, Dan Fouts and Dan Marino any day of the week. Those three are viewed by many as three of the greatest quarterbacks of all time.

• Three great Hall of Fame (Hall of Fame-to-be for Favre) quarterbacks with one ring between them!

Orton has worked with, adapted to and learned from various offensive coordinators and will do the same in McDaniels’ system. He’s the perfect candidate to come in, learn the system and run it how the coach wants it run. He understands his role and has the talent—and potentially, the leadership ability to succeed.

He has spent his professional career always looking over his shoulder, and anyone who knows football will tell you when that’s the case a quarterback can struggle. Orton overcame that to become the team’s starter over Rex Grossman.

The perceptionsurrounding Orton is wrong! Orton’s proven himself a winner in the win-loss record as well as life after overcoming the adversity he faced to be the Chicago Bears quarterback.

Some final thoughts on Cutler in an article by Teddy Covers:

• He never won in college.
• He has yet to win in the NFL.
• He was part of the Broncos’ collapse the last two years.
• He has great arm strength, but so did Jeff George, David Carr, and Joey Harrington. I love that one!
• He currently does not have the intangibles of a Philip Rivers or Drew Brees. He’s not a natural born winner.

I view that final bullet point in the same vein as the fact he still needs to learn how to be and to develop into a leader. If he does that then he’ll start winning.

His Win-loss records as a player:

• Heritage Hills High School: 26-1.
• Vanderbilt University, 11-35.
• Denver Broncos: 17-20 as a starter.

I found it humorous that his Wikipedia page listed his high school record but made no mention of his Vanderbilt record! Things that make you go “hmmm!”

For the record, anyone who states Cutler’s win-loss record since high school doesn’t matter may not be an idiot but is awful naive for dismissing it! Sure there are many factors in determining a win-loss record and it’s not the all inclusive answer in determining someone’s potential and long-term success.

However, it does tell us some things. It tells us about leadership, and confidence or cockiness does not make a leader. When you research Cutler you discover a lot about that but not much on his leadership ability.

I wonder if Cutler had been a better leader instead of an arrogant cocky player, would Vanderbilt have had a few more wins than they did?

Leadership Defined

• Leader: a person who rules or guides or inspires others
• Theories of leadership: Leadership has been described as the “process of social influence in which one person is able to enlist the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common task” [1].
• “A simple definition of leadership is that leadership is the art of motivating a group of people to act towards achieving a common goal. Put even more simply, the leader is the inspiration and director of the action. He or she is the person in the group that possesses the combination of personality and skills that makes others want to follow his or her direction.”
• “Anyone can learn to manage; it’s a matter of looking at a piece of paper and moving your resources and manpower to fulfill objectives. However, a leader is someone who is able to get his staff to go to war without asking! Anyone can learn to manage but not everyone can learn to lead!” – William Del Pilar – Hey, did you think I would not toss in my own two cents?

Time will tell us who the winner of this trade is, and I’m not saying Orton will succeed or Cutler will fail. I just don’t agree with those who are laughing at Orton as an inferior quarterback when he came from a culture and regime that has never been able to develop a quarterback as long as I’ve been living on this earth!

Cutler should be successful and has the potential to go down as a great quarterback, but he won’t fulfill his potential until he shows maturity and the ability to lead.

NFL Sport Channel Latest

• Just How Far Would You Go?
• Sorry Rex, But It Isn’t Happening
• Super Bowl Predictions: Five Stat-Free Reasons Why the Eagles Will Reach The Super Bowl
• Seahawks Attempt to Turn Corner With Heavy Pursuit of Pete Carroll
• Bill Cowher Unlikely to Coach in 2010