Posts Tagged ‘matt ryan’

Hate Mark Sanchez, But Don’t Bench Him

I vouched for this kid. And regardless of many other experts opinions, he made me look like a genius, while leading the surprise New York Jets to a 3-0 start.

But I never said this was a Cinderella story. I said this was a playoff team, but I never alluded to the dream that he was a playoff-caliber quarterback.

He’s a rookie, folks. This is what rookies do. Read more…

Fantasy Football: Top 5 Rookies

There won’t be a Matt Ryan or Joe Flacco this year.

Mark Sanchez could see his team get the playoffs, but it will undoubtedly not be because he throws for 3,000 yards and 20+ touchdowns.

There’s not going to be an Adrian Peterson, or a slew of Chris Johnson’s, Steve Slaton’s, and Matt Forte’s.

Realistically, there are only two rookie running backs worth drafting in the top five rounds.

That might even be a reach.

Wide Receivers are no different.

There are a few with a solid chance at starting, and a few more with duties in the slot almost guaranteed.

But superstars? Not even Michael Crabtree.

If you must take a chance, or are investing for a dynasty or keeper league, here’s the top five guys that could pan out, just as you’d hoped.

Honorable Mentions: Donald Brown, Shonne Green, LeSean McCoy, Kenny Britt, Percy Harvin

5.Michael Crabtree, WR, San Francisco 49ers

Regardless of what some biased scouts said about him, the guy can flat-out play.

He has the hands, smarts, and body control of a dominant NFL wide receiver, and that’s exactly what he’ll be-some day.

Crabtree is still behind Isaac Bruce, Josh Morgan, and probably even Jason Hill.

Due to missed practices and the depth ahead of him, Crabtree is in danger of starting his rookie year as the fourth option.

He’s still been going high (eighth) round, so you may have to fight for him.

But I suggest you let someone else take that chance.

4. Brian Robiskie, WR, Cleveland Browns

If there’s any receiver who is a shoe-in to start, it’s Robiskie.

He has exceptional hands and body control, and reportedly runs routes and handles coverage like a veteran.

He may not have blazing speed, but Robiskie is vastly underrated, and projects to snag the number two spot before the season starts.

Robiskie would make for a nice steal in rounds 8 to 10.

3. Knownshon Moreno, RB, Denver Broncos

He could very well end up being the best player on this list (this year, and beyond), but his offensive system and depth at his position really don’t suggest so.

Head Coach Josh McDaniels runs 3-4 backs at all times, and prefers the pass over the run. If Kyle Orton does well, they’ll stick to that plan, which could have Moreno falling short of 1,000 yards, despite being “the starter.”

2. Jeremy Maclin, WR, Philadelphia Eagles

There’s simply too much talent ahead of him for him to start right away.

Kevin Curtis has paid his dues and is still effective, while it’s unrealistic to think the electric DeSean Jackson will take a back seat to the rookie.

Maclin’s talent is off the charts, though, with excellent size, speed, and hands.

He won’t start the season as Philly’s go-to receiver, but he’s likely to send Curtis to slot duties, eventually.

1. Chris “Beanie” Wells, RB, Arizona Cardinals

Don’t buy the hype.

Tim Hightower is a failed experiment, and Arizona spent a first rounder on Wells for a good reason: to start him.

He may be eased into the role, but there’s no reason to have him sit behind the ineffective Hightower.

Hightower has a slight advantage in the passing game, but expecting that to keep Wells off the field is simply laughable.

The Cardinals aim to have a more balanced attack, and if Wells can help make that successful, he could post the best numbers of all the rookies.

2009 NFC Quarterback Preview

Tony Romo lost his most talented weapon (Terrell Owens) this off-season, and now only has Roy Williams as a reliable receiver target.

However, the word in Dallas is that Owens being gone will lift any distractions from the team, and will have the offense performing more fluidly and in turn, will be more effective.

Maybe, and maybe not.

Read on to see who wins the quarterback position battles, who is falling, and who is on the rise, in a team-by-team glance:

Eli Manning-New York Giants

Manning has been overrated ever since winning the Super Bowl, and now he doesn’t have an elite receiver to rely on anymore.

Still, the Giants drafted two fantastic receivers in Hakeem Nicks and Ramses Barden, and the other young talent they have looks to be better than advertised.

While many are down on the Giants offense, I’m making an early guarantee: This offense will soar.

Verdict: May end the season with the elite

Proj: 3,700 yards, 28 TD, 16 INT

Donovan McNabb-Philadelphia Eagles

Just the fact that McNabb stayed healthy last season gives me optimism for him and the Eagles in 2009.

If he can stay on the field, his new offensive weapons should aid him in getting back to prime form.

McNabb put up solid numbers last season, but with a healthy offense, he could approach his 2004 numbers.

Verdict: Three good receivers means only good things

Proj: 3,885 yards, 27 TD, 15 INT

Jason Campbell-Washington Redskins

Against my better judgment, I have to go into 2009 believing the Redskins are fully confident in Campbell.

If they’re not, they aren’t really preparing themselves with a trusted insurance policy.

Regardless, Campbell still has a good arm and shows poise in the pocket. If his young receivers can step up, there could be some modest progress.

Verdict: Still not a great FF option

Proj: 3,334 yards, 15 TD, 12 INT

Tony Romo-Dallas Cowboys

Romo won’t be able to throw it down the field as confidently, but he still has Jason Witten and a solid running back backing him.

The question isn’t if Roy Williams can show up. It’s more about the development of Miles Austin.

Verdict: A balanced offense keeps Romo in the top 10

Proj: 3,698 yards, 31 TD, 16 INT

Aaron Rodgers-Green Bay Packers

The problem in Green Bay is still their defense, and even if it gets better, it still won’t be great.

Rodgers stats will only increase, because he’ll have another season of having to keep Green Bay in high-scoring affairs.

Verdict: Top 10 pick

Proj: 3,966 yards, 27 TD, 14 INT

Jay Cutler-Chicago Bears

Cutler should be able to make something out of Hester, and will discover Greg Olsen to be a nice, speedy target at tight end.

The offensive weapons aren’t sexy, but with time, they definitely could be.

Matt Forte and the rest of the ground game will be Cutler’s new best friend.

Verdict: Cutler shocks some people and keeps 2008 form

Proj: 4,229 yards, 29 TD, 16 INT

Matthew Stafford-Detroit Lions

I speculated about it myself, and have now begun to hear rumors about Stafford starting “earlier than thought”.

I don’t have much faith in a severely regressed Culpepper, and also don’t feel the Lions have much to lose by throwing their rookie into the fire.

Verdict: That doesn’t mean he should be on your team, though.

Proj: 2,470 yards, 14 Td, 16 INT

Brett Favre-Minnesota Vikings

If Brett Favre does in fact stay retired, then I feel Brad Childress has had enough of Tarvaris Jackson, and we’ll see more of Sage Rosenfels, the “Human Helicopter”.

But after he finally spoke up, I believe Favre will be wearing purple come September.

Favre still has a gun (prodiving it doesn’t fall off), and he’s backed by the best running back in the league. He and the Vikings will be just fine.

Verdict: Serviceable

Proj: 3,639 yards, 24 TD, 16 INT

Jake Delhomme-Carolina Panthers

Despite his five-interception game against the Cardinals in the playoffs, Delhomme is still Jon Fox’s guy, or at least until we’re told otherwise.

The Panthers still have one of the NFL’s best receivers, Steve Smith, at his disposal, along with a great running back tandem to ease the pressure.

Verdict: As usual, he’ll do just fine

Proj: 3,779 yards, 24 TD, 14 INT

Matt Ryan-Atlanta Falcons

Forget about the strides he made, or the excellent chemistry he established with his receivers.

He and the rest of that ridiculous offense are entering year two of being comfortable, and now they have an elite tight end in Tony Gonzalez.

Verdict: Grab Ryan when you can

Proj: 3,591 yards, 25 TD, 13 INT

Byron Leftwich-Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Leftwitch easily beats on Josh Johnson and rookie Josh Freeman, but will probably have to work fairly hard to fend off the pesky veteran, Luke McCown.

In the end, though, Leftwitch has the best amount of experience and the best talent to lead this team, and could form a special connections with Antonio Bryant and Kellen Winslow.

Verdict: You can get him late-at doing so is advised

Proj: 2,677 yards, 18 TD, 9 INT

Drew Brees-New Orleans Saints

Is it really possibly for this guy to throw for over 5,000 yards in back-to-back season? Possible—yes. But it won’t happen. That’s just too insane.

Still, Sean Payton has tons of tricks up his sleeves, and Brees has way too much talent around him to drop off too much.

Verdict: Top five quarterback

Proj: 4,791 yards, 32 TD, 16 INT

Kurt Warner-Arizona Cardinals

Knock him for being old all you want, but I see Warner finishing 2009 healthy, and relatively still on top of his game.

With or without Anquan Boldin, this is a scary-good offense, and the addition of Ohio State’s Chris Wells only makes it tougher and nastier.

Verdict: Like Brees, a top five guy

Proj: 4,211 yards, 31 TD, 15 INT

Shaun Hill-San Francisco 49ers

If Mike Singletary wants to win, he’ll go with Hill. After all, all Hill does is lead an efficient offense and win games.

Hill won’t deliver big numbers, even if the Niner’s are winning, but he will still be the guy slinging passes for them in 2009.

Verdict: Stop-gap

Proj: 3,246 yards, 17 Td, 12 INT

Marc Bulger-St.Louis Rams

As a lover of football and good offensive production, I pray that the rumors of St. Louis being interested in Michael Vick are true.

Bulger has a lot to prove to have me forget about his last two seasons. His offense has been crumbling around him since 2007, but he still hasn’t looked very sharp, even when they’ve won games.

Verdict: Stay away until things get better

Proj: 2,798 yards, 15 TD, 15 INT

Matt Hasselbeck-Seattle Seahawks

Two things went horribly wrong for Seattle and Hasselbeck last season.

First, their running game never took off, and then all their receivers landed on IR.

Oh, and then Hasselbeck broke his back.

With Hasselbeck and his receiving corps back to full healthy, things are already looking up. The only question is, what will they be getting from their rush attack?

Verdict: Hasselbeck returns to near 2007 form.

Proj: 3,476 yards, 22 TD, 15 INT

Early 2009 Fantasy Football Preview: AFC Quarterbacks

Knee injury or not, Brady is still the man.

It’s the first day of June, which means all of those premature NFL power rankings and fantasy football rankings are no longer, well, quite as premature.

While everyone (including myself) is discussing LeBron James and his handshake phobia, the Magic and the Lakers, or Bruno’s fall into Eminem’s lap, I’ve decided to take that free fall dive into the loving arms of fantasy football.

And yes, the fantasy realm loves me back.

However, let’s pace ourselves. After all, it is in fact the first month of summer (first day, no less), and we don’t want to generate pre-football heart attacks.

I mean, Brett Favre hasn’t even made up his mind yet, so why should the rest of us be getting antsy?

Regardless, here is a team-by-team look at all 32 starting quarterbacks, their weapons, offenses, and how they may destroy or enhance your team.

Still worried about Favre’s final decision, camp battles, or injuries? I’ll do my best to fill you in, allowing you an early look at which quarterbacks may be the best bets, which could be potential sleepers, and which ones you should stay away from.

Tom Brady—New England Patriots

Matt Cassel is in Kansas City, and Brady is back in camp, meaning two things.

You have nothing to worry about, and you have nothing to worry about.

Brady has looked sharp in limited practice, and still has the same awesome weapons he had in 2007 during his 50-touchdown season. This list isn’t a ranking, but if it were, I’d have Brady at the top.

Verdict: If you can get him in the second round, you’re already winning.

Proj: 4,090 yards, 35 TD, 13 INT

Mark Sanchez—New York Jets

Don’t buy the Kellen Clemens hype (not that there actually is any).

For better or worse, Sanchez will begin the new Joe Namath era.

It won’t be as sexy or productive as either of Matt Ryan or Joe Flacco’s seasons last year, but I wouldn’t be shocked if the Jets reached the playoffs.

Verdict: Not yet an option for FF

Proj: 2,400 yards, 16 TD, 17 INT

Trent Edwards—Buffalo Bills

I like the addition of Owens, but not the loss of Marshawn Lynch to start the season.

Edwards isn’t as bad as people think, and now he has a sound offense around him. He’s a borderline top-15 quarterback, and depending on how he looks in pre-season, could crack that barrier quite easily.

Verdict: Sleeper

Proj: 3,555 yards, 26 TD, 14 INT

Chad Pennington—Miami Dolphins

This is probably Pennington’s last hurrah with Miami, and something tells me the exciting juice that this offense had last season has all but dried up.

Pennington still doesn’t have enticing options, and he’s got two quarterbacks breathing down his neck.

He’ll be serviceable to start the season, but you won’t claim your league’s championship if he’s your starter.

Verdict: He’s a stop-gap

Proj: 3,100 yards, 17 TD, 14 INT

Ben Roethlisberger—Pittsburgh Steelers

If he endures a Super Bowl hang-over, we could see some bad numbers.

Because, as we’ve learned, the less Big Ben throws, the better he is.

He’s still a fantasy quarterback with solid weapons around him, so don’t be afraid to snatch him up.

Verdict: Serviceable

Proj: 3,470 yards, 23 TD, 18 INT

Brady Quinn—Cleveland Browns

Personally, I think Derek Anderson has the better arm and size, but Braylon Edwards favors Quinn, and the organization is more likely to run with the young, more familiar face.

Quinn is actually a good, young quarterback, and I’m not sure why Eric Mangini isn’t higher on him.

Regardless, aside from Braylon “Mr. Drop” Edwards, Quinn has no weapons.

Verdict: Things could get ugly

Proj: 2,899 yards, 20 TD, 20 INT

Carson Palmer—Cincinnati Bengals

He was awful last season, going 0-4 before bowing out with an arm injury.

However, his weapons are still potentially elite, and if he can return to form, could easily put up numbers that will have you kicking yourself for passing him up in the fourth round.

Verdict: Possibly ends the season as a top-5 passer

Proj: 3,884 yards, 27 TD, 17 INT

Joe Flacco—Baltimore Ravens

Flacco proved to be a capable game-manager, and has reportedly looked good over the offseason.

However, the Ravens are likely to base their offense around the run, and Flacco doesn’t have superstar options surrounding him.

Verdict: See Chad Pennington

Proj: 3,335 yards, 18 TD, 16 INT

Vince Young—Tennessee Titans

Call me crazy, but I don’t see Kerry Collins finishing the first half of the season as the starter.

He’s up there in age, which makes a regression or an injury extremely likely, and if things aren’t going well, he’ll be benched rather quickly.

Young may not have a cloudless head on his shoulders, but he still can make things happen with his feet.

Verdict: Young might surprise some people

Proj: 2,467 yards, 15 TD, 13 INT, 430 r yards, 4 TD

Peyton Manning—Indianapolis Colts

Manning loses Marvin Harrison, Tony Dungy, and two other important assistant coaches.

That doesn’t mean he’ll suddenly lose his touch, but there’s only so much Anthony Gonzales and Austin Collie can make up for.

Verdict: Draft him below Tom Brady, for sure this time

Proj: 4,300 yards, 33 TD, 19 INT

David Garrard—Jacksonville Jaguars

He lost Matt Jones, but gained Torry Holt.

Something tells me Garrard won’t really notice.

Jacksonville’s offense is all about grinding it out, but they were forced to put the ball in the air more last year because of an atrocious offensive line.

Verdict: A better line means Garrard is good again

Proj: 3,090 yards, 20 TD, 12 INT, 260 r yards, 3 TD

Matt Schaub—Houston Texans

Schaub has too many weapons to fail. The only problem is, he needs to stay on the field.

If he can play even 13 games, he’ll put up huge numbers, while leaving everyone guessing, yet again, what he’d do if he played a full season.

Still, with Andre Johnson, Kevin Walter, Steve Slaton, and Owen Daniels, the future looks good for Schaub.

Verdict: He can lead your team to a title

Proj: 3,800 yards, 25 TD, 16 INT

Philip Rivers—San Diego Chargers

If Rivers’ defense can back him up, unlike in 2008, he could easily approach last year’s numbers, and possibly even surpass them.

With a healthy Antonio Gates and LT, Rivers is more confident than ever.

Verdict: Draft him like he’s Tom Brady

Proj: 4,270 yards, 30 TD, 16 INT

Jeff Garcia—Oakland Raiders

I just don’t see the JaMarcus Russell experiment lasting more than three or four losses in 2009, and wouldn’t be shocked to see him benched in the pre-season.

As long as Garcia wins a few games, Al Davis will let him start. After all, he brought him in for a reason.

Verdict: Nobody in Oakland is worth your while

Proj: 2,300 yards, 15 TD, 9 INT

Matt Cassel—Kansas City Chiefs

Cassel is in a new place with a huge drop-off as far as offensive weapons. He still has good experience from last season, combined with his solid arm and good athleticism.

However, we’ll all be left wondering what could have been, had Tony Gonzalez not been traded to Atlanta.

Verdict: Stay away in year one

Proj: 3,700 yards, 22 TD, 23 INT

Kyle Orton—Denver Broncos

Orton was putting together a solid season in Chicago before hurting his ankle. Once he came back, he played admirably through injury, and didn’t have the best options out there.

In Denver, he’ll have a friendlier offensive line and system, as well as excellent receiving options.

Verdict: Orton could make the leap to elite

Proj: 3,600 yards, 24 TD, 16 INT

The NFC Edition will be made available, depending on the reads/comments for this article. Thanks for reading, and for those basketball enthusiasts, check out my NBA blog: www.robertsroundballreport.com

Top Ten Early Candidates For 2009 NFL MVP

AP could be a shoe-in.

There are more lists filtering through this site than pop-up ads. It’s getting to that “awesomely ridiculous” stage.

And I’m not complaining. God, no. I love it.

What’s better than the actual NFL season? The answer is nothing, but a close second is the constant coverage it gets, despite being almost four months away.

We have the Brett Favre Saga, fantasy football hype, trades, roster changes, and best of all, rankings that in no way matter right now.

Such is the life of an NFL fan-waiting and praying over their team, their decisions, and crossing their fingers that their top guy doesn’t go all “Tom Brady” on them in training camp.

Oh, and then there’s the Madden Curse. Will Troy Polomalu and Larry Fitzgerald put an end to the curse? Heck, will we be seeing them facing off again in 2010′s title game?

To all, I say maybe.

But as long as we’re all stuck on maybe’s, let’s add a few more to the fire. Here are 10 guys who, based on past history and current situations, have a real shot at claiming this upcoming season’s MVP award.

1. Adrian Peterson, RB, Minnesota Vikings

His chances greatly increase if Brett Favre strolls into town, but even if he’s backed by Sage Rosenfels or Tarvaris Jackson, Peterson is primed for another huge year.

If the Vikings are going to have another shot at the division, Peterson will have to be at his best. In fact, even if he can simply match last season’s totals of 1,700 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns, he’s a shoe-in.

Regardless, just a healthy season and a trip to the playoffs could lock it up for him.

2. Tom Brady, QB, New England Patriots

He’s up for Comeback Player of the Year in many people’s minds (and I’d agree), but how about two awards in one season?

If Brady doesn’t have any set-backs, it shouldn’t be too outlandish to expect at least 35 touchdowns and over 4,000 yards.

Oh, is that the definition of outlandish?

Sure, he tore his knee up and his been out of football for a year now, but his system, coaches, and offensive weapons are too good to slow him down for long.

Oh, and he’s Tom-friggin-Brady. Remember when Carson Palmer came back from his knee injury? Yeah, he was still pretty good.

Just imagine Brady.

3. Kurt Warner, QB, Arizona Cardinals

I know he’s old, but I’m tired of doubting Warner. He’s just too nice of a guy.

Still, I’m not picking him as a candidate because he gives thanks to God or bagged groceries with a smile on his face. He makes the list because with or without Anquan Boldin, he has a sick offense, and last time we saw him, he was still ungodly amazing.

Unless an unfortunate injury vaults Matt Leinart into the line-up, we can get ready to see another 3,700+ yard season, and close to 30 touchdowns.

There has to be a drop-off eventually, but something tells me 2009 isn’t the year it happens.

4. Frank Gore, RB, San Francisco 49ers

After coming out of nowhere to put up over 1,600 yards a few years ago, Gore has put together two average seasons for a starting running back.

However, it’s nowhere close to being his fault, and any kind of positive results from the quarterback position could pay huge dividends, both for Gore and the entire offense.

As that passing game begins to get more respected (a big if), Gore will be able to run more freely.

5. Drew Brees, QB, New Orleans Saints

Can we expect another run at Dan Marino’s yardage record (5,084)? Sure.

Brees still has the same weapons and system, and last time I checked, is still Drew Brees.

As long as the Saints defense can hold up, and they can get consistency out of their running game, Brees keeping his 2008 form is very possible.

To snag the MVP, though, he may have to do more than just make the playoffs. The Saints may have to win the division.

6. Peyton Manning, QB, Indianapolis Colts

Manning is the poster boy for consistency, and is constantly among the league leaders in every passing category.

He loses offensive coordinator Tom Moore, as well as Marvin Harrison, but still has the same offense (roughly), and a ton of weapons.

The deciding factor on Manning is if the Colts can stay among the elite, despite drastic loss, and whether or not Anthony Gonzalez and Austin Collie can step-up and produce behind Reggie Wayne.

7. Donovan McNabb, QB, Philadelphia Eagles

McNabb finally put in a full 16 games in 2008, and it paid off.

Despite his team’s early struggles, McNabb and his offense re-grouped, and ended the season with a hard-fought battle with the Arizona Cardinals in the NFC Championship game.

McNabb now has three solid receivers at his disposal after the front office nabbed Missouri’s Jeremy Maclin, ensuring him the chance at another top-ten season if he can stay healthy.

As long as he’s healthy and doesn’t drop-off, McNabb now has the necessary tools to pick defenses apart, while having a one-two punch at running back to help finish the job.

8. Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers

Too soon? I don’t think so.

In his first season, amidst all the controversy of the Brett Favre situation, Rodgers stepped up in a big way, throwing for over 4,000 yards and 28 touchdowns.

Rodgers proved to be an exceptional leader, and made enough big plays to suggest that he has a very bright future in Green Bay.

If the defense can get significantly better, Rodgers and his well-groomed offense could guide the Packers to a division crown.

9. Michael Turner, RB, Atlanta Falcons

I’m almost tempted to put Matt Ryan here, but it’s clear that the Falcons’ biggest offensive strength is their rush offense. That is, until we see what the addition of Tony Gonzalez does for Ryan and the rest of the passing game.

Regardless, Turner jumped out on day one with a huge 220-yard game, as well as three touchdowns. He brought in consistent production the rest of the way, as he ran for 1,699 yards and 17 touchdowns.

He could have arguably been the MVP last season, but if he can repeat his 2008 success, he’d be a strong candidate.

10. DeAngelo Williams, RB, Carolina Panthers

After piecing together a wonderful season as the lead back, Williams is looking forward to 2009 as his “2008 wasn’t a fluke” proof.

Williams is a great back with excellent speed and quickness, and also possesses fantastic vision in the open field.

He does share carries with Jonathan Stewart, another impressive back, so getting back to 1,500 yards and 18 scores.

(Philip Rivers, Tony Romo, LaDainian Tomlinson, Chris Johnson, and Clinton Portis were also considered for this list.)