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Ahmad Bradshaw: No Wind Means More Fire
Published: August 17, 2009
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A nice compliment to Jacobs….
With fantasy drafts well under way, a name that could get lost and forgotten in the shuffle this preseason could the New York Giants new, but not so new back-up running back Ahmad Bradshaw.
For the past two seasons it has been the “Earth, Wind, and Fire” show in the Meadowlands, but the show has often lacked quite the same pyrotechnics that we may be accustomed to seeing in 2009. With a backfield that included Brandon Jacobs, Derrick Ward, and Bradshaw, the Giants running game was at the top of the league in 2008 chewing up over 2,500-yards on the ground.
Often over-shadowed by his counter-parts (Jacobs & Ward), Bradshaw was easily the more unheralded contributor of the group. He did not grab all the spotlihg
The hidden gem in Bradshaw, who was limited to just 67 of the teams 502 carries, was his big-play ability. Last season Bradshaw broke off a long run for 77-yards and had over four carries of 20-yards or longer. His 1-out-of-every-16.75 ratio of long runs ranked higher than Adrian Peterson’s one-out-of-every-18.15, DeAngelo William’s one-out of every 18.2 carries, and Chris Johnson’s one-out-of-every-27 carries.
With Derrick Ward signing with the Buccaneers in the offseason, the sometimes fragile Brandon Jacobs (8 games missed the last two seasons) is not likely to be expected to carry the load on his own. The vacancy of the number two spot is most likely going to be filled by Ahmad Bradshaw. Bradshaw is a homerun hitter and would appear to be a great complimentary change-of-pace back-up option in the Giant’s backfield.
What to Expect….
As Jacob’s primary backup the last two seasons, Ward had collected 182 carries in 2008 and 125 attempts in a crowded 2007 backfield. With the health of the big-horse (Jacobs) always a concern, I wouldn’t expect to see the Giants increase his touches in 2009. Bradshaw has playmaking skills and gives the offense that big play threat defenses will need to be concerned about.
The Giants shifty back has shown in the past he can be a reliable ground gainer. In Week 16 of 2007 against the Bills, Bradshaw finished the game with 17 carries for 151-yards and a score. He was also very pivotal in the postseason during the team’s championship run and win over the Patriots in Super Bowl XLII.
The Fantasy prognosis for Bradshaw in 2009 looks very good. In a system that supports a heavy run game (502 attempts in 2008), not only will Jacobs reach his quota, but Bradshaw playing the role as the primary back-up should see his fair share of work.
Bradshaw’s explosiveness and great burst of speed make him a threat to break it every time he touches the ball. In two seasons the Giant’s number two runner has ran the ball 90 times for 545-yards for a career average of over 6-yards per carry. If Bradshaw sees the same type of work as the previous number two he’s got a shot to be another 1,000-yard runner for the G-men.
Jacobs is going to command a lot of attention on draft day for most fantasy leagues, for those owners looking to add quality depth, take note and put it on the board. Ahmad Bradshaw is likely to be undervalued in many leagues and has the upside to be a great RB3. He’s not going to sneak up on anybody as a true sleeper, but he’s a good bet to out perform many expectations and could help win many fantasy leagues this season.
That’s my take and I’m sticking to it.
By David Ortega
Andy Reid and Philadelphia Eagles Sign Michael Vick
Published: August 14, 2009
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Does this make sense for Philly?
On the surface you might have to view this move with some skepticism, but if you look beyond the off-the-field and PR issues, this is actually a smart move for the Eagles.
Sure there are going to be those critics who would like to bury Reid and the Eagles for signing such a despicable person, but assuming one day we all can move past the aftermath and sting of what Vick did this move could reap great rewards.
Putting all of Vick’s troubled past behind us, what makes sense is the Eagles have the kind of foundation that he can redevelop and flourish. Lets’ face it, Donovan McNabb is nearing the latter part of his career and while Vick has been out of football since 2006, at the age of 29 he’s got a little more tread on his tires.
Let’s not lose sight of reality either, even though the Eagles have signed Vick to a two year deal, they couldn’t possibly have any expectations of seeing him play any meaningful downs this season. It would make sense that this move is an initial step to a long term plan, should they get past the first step.
Certainly this is a gamble with a player of such questionable character, but with people like Tony Dungy standing in his corner, lets assume that Vick is trying to move forward in the right direction. Once you come to this point in the road, if you look at all possible paths to follow, this could be a “can’t lose” move for the Eagles.
Making a simple comparison, McNabb in his youth was very much a similar type of versatile quarterback like Vick. He was very athletic and mobile coming out of Syracuse, but obviously as we have seen had the talent and skill to excel as a pocket passer in the west-coast system.
Where the biggest difference lies between the two is Vick’s lack of development as a passer. He has tremendous skill and athletic ability and no question when in football shape, he’s a superior athlete.
The plus side in this move is Vick will be learning under the tutelage of Reid, a disciple of the west-coast system (coached under Holmgren) and former quarterbacks coach (in Green Bay).
The Key here is while Vick serves his suspension; he can learn under working under the same prototype of player in McNabb and absorb the offense while he trains to get back on the field.
We’ve already heard some criticism (to be expected) surrounding this move by the Eagles, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves. I don’t believe it would be realistic to expect Vick to return to the field of play this season (it would be a huge surprise).
Vick has been out of the game for two full seasons and he may be in shape, but football shape is a different story. It will take time for Vick to catch up to the game, he needs to learn the system, and he also needs to develop as a passer.
The last point is why I believe there is so much sense behind this move. Reid and his staff can work with Vick to develop technique, mechanics, and skill.
Vick is loaded with gifted ability and instinct. If he can develop as a passer and master the west-coast (or at least have a good grasp of it) at the bargain price the Eagles have signed him at, what a steal he could be.
Realistically the team is not investing a whole lot in the “Vick Experiment” if you will, although they probably won’t be invited to any future PETA events.
This may prove to not be the most popular move by the franchise to date, but given time there could be some genius behind it. Remember, for the casual fan and the diehard, when it comes to sports it’s basically all about winning. And what do they say “winning cures all.”
There are two parts to this experiment that will go hand in hand. While Vick has a monumental task of regaining his old form, he’ll have just as much work to do off the field.
Once again, what looms large over the image of Vick won’t just go away in a day or two, he’s got a lot of work ahead of him and a fairly large mountain to climb. The tasks that lie ahead won’t be easy to overcome, but one thing Vick has is time and with McNabb currently under center it’s safe to say, so do the Eagles.
Good move or not you can decide for yourself, I believe it makes sense for the Eagles. It’s a low risk high pay-off gamble.
That’s my take.
Fanatasy Football: Most Notable Back-Up Running Backs To Eye
Published: August 12, 2009
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Just like any year in fantasy football or any competitive team sport for that matter, depth is key for your team to go further. Perhaps the most key, and arguably the most critical position for any fantasy football team is the backfield.
Certainly a big arm can make a huge world of difference, but while some fantasy owners try to ride the bandwagons of Brady and Brees in 2009, there will be those that stock up talent and depth in the backfield leaving the rest to scrounge for the bottom of the barrel.
Not to fear my fantastically football challenged. While the talent pool may quickly seem watered down once you get through the perennial starters in the league, there are a great number of back-ups that are worth taking note. These are in some cases the hidden gems that may possibly serve as football gladiator saviors for the upcoming fantasy season.
The most heralded of this year’s non-starter without question is the Saints’ Reggie Bush. While he is not the starter, he is less likely a back-up and in many circles considered a starter off the bench. With Pierre Thomas filling the McAllister role, the dynamic Bush will more than likely play the more versatile role we saw his first couple of seasons.
Aside from the dynamic Mr. Electric, there are a handful of running backs in the league that will sit far enough down the depth charts and could be overlooked. There are going to be quite a few hidden gems that on surface may lack shine and could get passed over. Fantasy owners should take note to these players.
The running back by committee trend is still alive and well and finding those places where the wealth is spread generously may not be elusive as first thought. In 2008 the Ravens, Falcons, Patriots, Panthers, and Giants all ran the ball over 500 times. And while the Broncos, Chiefs, and the Jets did not have as many carries, they did move the ball well on the ground averaging over four-and-a-half yards per carry.
If you are looking for added depth and can’t grab Bush as your late running back pick in your fantasy draft, here are the next best picks to follow that will surely add that needed dimension to carry your team further;
2009 Best of the “Runner-ups to Reggie”
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Jonathan Stewart (Car)—With 10 touchdowns in 2008, he won’t be overlooked.
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Derrick Ward (TB)—Could emerge as the starter at some point.
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Ahmad Bradshaw (NYG)—Should see lots of work behind Jacobs.
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Leon Washington (NYJ)—With an aging Jones, he will see more action.
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Felix Jones (Dal)—Could play much bigger role in offense this season.
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Kevin Faulk (NE)—Almost 1,000-yards of offense in 2008.
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Ladell Betts (NO)—Had a big 2008, but will step down behind Colston.
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LeRon McClain (Bal)—Could see enough red-zone to be relevant in 2009.
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Fred Jackson (Buf)—Early opportunity could open door down the road.
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Peyton Hillis (Den)—Quietly becoming a fave in Denver, could be a huge sleeper.
Note Worthy:
Darren Sproles (SD)—If LT breaks down, could play a much larger role.
Chris Wells (Ari)—Has big upside, expected to be eventual starter.
TJ Duckett (Sea)—Could play similar role as McClain in Baltimore.
Jamaal Charles (KC)—A better fit in the spread offense, could do very well.
Jerious Norwood (Atl)—Expected to see more work in 2009.
Tashard Choice (Dal)—Needs an ooportunity, too much talent in front.
Michael Bush (Oak)—If he gets the chance, could prove to be a deep sleeper.
Just My Take
Peyton Hillis: The Next A-Train
Published: August 11, 2009
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The toughness and ferocity that Hillis has shown is truly reminiscent of former Buccaneer running back Mike Alstott. A tough hard-nose runner and blocker, Hillis plays the game old-school.
Even with a packed backfield that includes Lamont Jordan, Correll Buckhalter, and top rookie selection Knowshon Moreno, Hillis should still figure into the equation on offense. During the teams recent OTA’s Hillis has been seeing a lot of snaps in one back sets and head coach Josh McDaniels, likes his ability to catch the ball.
Like Alstott did much of his career in Tampa, the Bronco’s fullback could serve as a primary blocker in two back sets, but be utilized as the team’s primary short-yardage carrier. The dynamic that could prove most useful for McDaniel’s offense is Hillis’ pass receiving skills.
Last season Hillis caught fourteen passes for 179-yards, which included seven in Week nine against the Dolphins. The following week, because of an injury to rookie running Ryan Torain, Hillis was moved to tailback. From Week ten on he became the team’s primary ball carrier with fifty seven handles over the next four weeks, before his season ended with a torn hamstring.
According to McDaniels, Hillis “is a valuable player and versatile and can create some matchup problems for defenses” if the Broncos use him right. While at Arkansas blocking for Darren McFadden and Felix Jones, Hillis showed his versatility playing fullback, tight end, wide receiver, and special teams, along with tailback. Over his collegiate career he managed over 2,600 all-purpose yards and scored twenty three touchdowns.
There’s no question Hillis’ presence in Denver is going to upset the fantasy balance of the Bronco’s backfield. However the former Arkansas Razorback is making a strong case to see his share of touches. Fantasy owners had better take note; this Hog is demanding the ball and his 504 total yards (329-rushing, 175-receiving) with six touchdowns in his last six games in 2008 should be enough to merit such a demand.
It’s a good bet that Hillis won’t be the team’s starting tailback in 2009, but by the looks of things in Denver he’s a shoe-in to be fantasy relevant this season.
By David Ortega
Will Jay Cutler Make a Difference for the Chicago Bears?
Published: June 5, 2009
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When the offseason started, probably no one in the Windy City area would have thought the Bears would undergo such a huge change on the offense. Even when the news broke that, then Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler could be traded, likely no one in the Chicago area would have imagined that the he could end up under center for the Bears.
It’s a real mystery how the turn of events led to Cutler’s arrival, but here he is and now the Bears have a true top-flight quarterback. Last season the team ranked 21st in passing and its’ leading receiver was running back Matt Forte who finished 2008 with 63 receptions.
Despite the lack of play making ability at the receiver position, it appears the Bears will be content to roll with their current lineup and one of the leagues best quarterbacks. Cutler is coming off an impressive 2008 campaign passing for more than 4,500-yards and throwing 25-touchdowns.
Many feel he’s a huge step forward for the Bears’ offense at the quarterback position, but do they have enough talent at the receiver position for Cutler to be successful in 2009?
Their leading wide receiver is a converted kick-returner, albeit that it is the explosive Devin Hester, but he’s unpolished, unproven, and is still a work in progress. The most accomplished receiver Cutler will have to throw to is probably his new tight end Greg Olsen, but despite all the hype around the former Hurricane he’s yet to live up to expectations.
The Bears are not without talent, they do have some skilled players that can make plays, like Brandon Lloyd who has shown flashes. Lloyd biggest deficiency is his lack of consistency.
Last season Lloyd had a two game stretch where he caught 11 passes for 190-yards and a touchdown, then missed five games, and completed a stretch of six games in the second half of the season where two catches were the most in any game (tallied seven catches during the stretch).
There’s no doubt Cutler brings the Bears offense immediate credibility and playmaking at the quarterback position, but without top flight talent on the outside the passing game will be limited. Hester will have his moments, but will likely struggle to be consistent and the offense is going to be a work in progress as the nucleus builds chemistry.
Surprisingly the Bears seem content to keep what they have, even if it’s not a lot. With several free agents available and some big names floating around in trade rumors, we’ve yet to hear the Bears link to anything. Content or not, this is what they have and they will have to rely mightily on the rocket arm of Jay Cutler.
Cutler’s arm wasn’t big enough to lift the Broncos into playoff contenders, but they were a team without a defense. In Chicago he’ll have the benefit of having a better defense and a team that might not require as much of him.
With the lack of playmakers on offense to make the playoffs, he’s still going to have to be very good; but will it be enough?
By David Ortega
Anquan Boldin Fires Drew Rosenhaus
Published: June 4, 2009
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Time for the Cards to take Action…
After last season’s impressive run through the NFC West, past the NFC Championship, and onto the verge of winning their first Super Bowl title ever, there’s no question that the Cards must keep their nucleus intact to have a shot at repeating.
With quarterback Kurt Warner pushing 40 years of age, the window of opportunity could be closing for these birds—all the reason why the league’s fourth ranked offense needs to keep its best players right where they are.
In the offseason, the Cards took their first step, re-signing quarterback Kurt Warner. With Larry Fitzgerald already inked to a big deal, the obvious next move with Edgerrin James expected to be released would be to fix their situation in the backfield.
What about Anquan Boldin? That was a situation that was supposed to have already been resolved when the team re-signed him in 2007. Since that time the Cardinals’ second leading receiver has show dissatisfaction with his current deal, especially compared to the deal Fitz signed.
In recent news, the disgruntled receiver who had been following a hard line “new deal or trade me” stance, has fired his agent Drew Rosenhaus. Before Boldin had expressed his dissatisfaction, the Cards were a lock to return the same explosive weapons that carried them all the way to a lead late in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl XLIII.
With Boldin unhappy and management slow to move its feet, to many observers it appeared Boldin would be dealt by draft day. Well, the draft has come and gone, Boldin is still a Cardinal, still unhappy, and the two sides appear as far apart as ever.
That was until the recent news of Boldin firing his agent. Boldin has hired a new agent Tom Condon (not confirmed) and it appears the gray clouds over Glendale, Arizona could be clearing.
With a new agent to deal with, the Cardinals will have a whole new set of cards dealt on the table, and it could be just a matter of time before both sides find a common middle ground. There’s no question the Cards’ offense can be good without Boldin, but Larry Fitz and company will definitely be better with Q.
Together over the past three seasons, Fitzgerald and Boldin have averaged combined 169 receptions, 2,293-yards, and 17-touchdowns. Those are ridiculous fantasy numbers.
If the Cards hope to have the same kind of aerial assault in the desert this season, keeping Boldin in Arizona and on the playing field (including practice) should become a priority (if it isn’t already). With new player representation in play, now is the time for the Cardinals to take action and get Boldin resigned.
By David Ortega.
Arizona Cardinals: Boldin Fires Rosenhaus
Published: June 4, 2009
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Time for the Cards to take Action….
After last season’s impressive run through the NFC West, past the NFC Championship onto the verge of winning their first Super Bowl title ever, there’s no question that the Card’s must keep their nucleus intact to have a shot at repeating.
With quarterback Kurt Warner pushing 40 years of age, the window of opportunity could be closing for these birds, all the reason why the leagues fourth ranked offense needs to keep its’ best players right where they are.
In the offseason the Cards took their first step resigning quarterback Kurt Warner and with Larry Fitzgerald already inked to a big deal, the obvious next move with Edgerrin James expected to be released would be to fix their situation in the backfield.
What about Anquan Boldin? That was a situation that was supposed to have already been resolved when the team resigned him in 2007. Since that time the Cardinal’s second leading receiver has show dissatisfaction with his current deal, especially compared to the deal Fitz signed.
In recent news the disgruntled receiver who had been following a hard line “new deal or trade me” stance, has fired his agent Drew Rosenhaus. Before Boldin had expressed his dissatisfaction, the Cards were a lock to return the same explosive weapons that carried them all the way to a lead late in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl XLIII.
With Boldin unhappy and management slow to move its’ feet, to many observers it appeared Boldin would be dealt by draft day. Well the draft has come and gone, Boldin is still a Cardinal, still unhappy, and the two sides appear as far apart as ever.
That was until the recent news of Boldin firing his agent. Boldin has hired a new agent Tom Condon (not confirmed) and it appears the grays clouds over Glendale, Arizona could be clearing.
With a new agent to deal with, the Cardinals will have a whole new set of cards dealt on the table and it could be just a matter of time before both sides find a common middle ground.
There’s no question the Card’s offense can be good without Boldin, but Larry Fitz and company will definitely be better with Q. Together over the past three seasons Fitzgerald and Boldin have averaged combined 169 receptions, 2,293-yards, and 17-touchdowns. Those are just ridiculous fantasy numbers.
If the Cards hope to have the same kind of aerial assault in the desert this season, keeping Boldin in Arizona and on the playing field (including practice) should become a priority (if it isn’t already). With new player representation in play, now is the time for the Cardinals to take action and get Boldin resigned.
By David Ortega.
Denver Broncos: Has The Defense Been Reborn?
Published: May 29, 2009
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A lot has changed since that game. The team has added a new head coach, a new coaching staff, and a new quarterback. One more important thing the team has done this offseason is given the defense a complete makeover, or so it would appear.
Last season the defense was the team’s Achilles heel and the biggest culprit in the team’s disappointing finish, allowing 112 points scored and an average of 388-yards of offense in their three game slide to complete their horrid 2008 campaign.
As a result one of new head coach Josh McDaniels’ tasks was to reinvent the defense, by giving it a new look, a new attitude, and leadership that just might help it find a new identity. Last year, the Broncos had one of the league’s best offenses but one of the worst defenses (ranked 29th overall).
One of McDaniels’ first tasks was to find the heart and soul for the 2009 edition. With the acquisition of former Eagles safety Brian Dawkins, the team may have done just that.
McDaniels has not wasted anytime lowering the boom on underachievers and less than stellar performers, including DL Dwayne Robertson, LB Jamie Winborn, DL John Engelberger, and DB Marquand Manuel (all cut in the offseason). All were average performers at best, and none made the defense any better than mediocre.
The new faces to join Dawkins in Denver include LB Andra Davis, DL Darrel Reid, DB Renaldo Hill, and DB Andre Goodman. With existing talent returning, like LB DJ Williams and DB Champ Bailey, the defense certainly has an improved look.
One of the big keys for the defense will be the big boys up front stopping the run. Last season the defense ranked 27th against the run, allowing almost 150-yards/game on the ground.
Bailey will do his usual formidable job on one side, locking down the opposing team’s big receiving threat. However, because this defense is still considered by league standards and averages to be undersized, defensive coordinator Mike Nolan will have to find creative ways to pressure opposing quarterbacks.
From 2002-2004, as the Baltimore Ravens’ defensive coordinator, Nolan’s defenses averaged over 35 takeaways and more than 39 sacks.
After ranking near the cellar in consecutive campaigns, there’s no need to fool oneself into believing miracles can happen overnight, but the fans in the Mile High City have to already like the look of what will take the field this season as compared to last.
By making the move to the 3-4, the Broncos are addressing the biggest deficiency on defense; stopping the run.
By David Ortega
Arizona Cardinals: Edgerrin James Released, Where to Now?
Published: May 2, 2009
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When the postseason ended for the Cards, again it was highly speculated that the team would eventually release James, but few figured it would come after the draft. So hearing this news becomes less of a shock for any football prognosticator and analyst, but where he could end up will likely be open to much debate.
There is, however, one destination I could see James finding, where a starting gig could be waiting—Kansas City. Like the Cards, the Chiefs are still holding a rather expensive commodity in their backfield and could be looking to part ways soon.
Troubled star running back Larry Johnson is at the end of his welcome rope in KC and now that James is available, that could be all the Chiefs and head coach Todd Haley need to make this move. Remember, James played for Haley in Arizona.
What makes sense here to me, the reason Johnson is not gone yet, is that before the draft the Chiefs only had L.J. sharing a backfield with a handful of undersized running backs (Charles & Savage).
Earlier this offseason, the Chiefs won a grievance against Johnson that basically opened the door to his release from the team without any cap hits. What has likely stopped the team from making this move is the lack of better options in the backfield.
Without Johnson, the teams lacks an inside runner that can handle the punishment. Smith may get a shot this offseason to earn some carries and with Williams likely a long shot to even make the team as a seventh round pick, the choices are far and few between.
James is familiar with Haley’s system and can give the Chiefs the larger inside runner they will need in the red-zone and for short yardage. Charles and Savage, with their smaller sizes and quickness, would give the team a needed change of pace.
The biggest invitation to making this move today is the price tag. James, now a free agent, would likely come with a huge discount, while L.J. still commands a rather hefty salary (nearly $4 million in 2009).
These are just my thoughts, while we’re talking some football, but why not?
By David G. Ortega
