Posts Tagged ‘tony romo’

Fantasy Update: Is Tony Romo’s Star Falling?

It was just three weeks ago that we were talking about how spot-on Tony Romo was, and how Roy Williams and co. were replacing Terrell Owens so well, some had forgotten “get to popcorn ready” ever existed. Well, I haven’t, and I’m here to tell you that, while it’s not impossible that Romo is fine and his receivers are solid, as it stands, they are not.

And with a trip into Denver against a 3-0 surprise defense and an efficient offense, the Cowboys could be looking at falling to 2-2, and while we hate to admit it, the once glorious fantasy starter, Romo, could deliver his third straight flat performance.

Read more…

NFL Fantasy Football Player Updates

Michael Vick to Play For Eagles on Sunday

Don’t get too excited, it won’t be as the quarterback.

Still, the coaching staff is counting on Vick to make plays, projecting him to be involved in somewhere between 10-15 plays.

You can probably even count on more than that. Kevin Kolb is expected to start as it stands, but Vick will likely be deployed in a number of packages.

The problem is, just how effective can he be in his first regular season game in more than two years?

Wes Welker Back at Practice

As inspiring as this is, it still means nothing.

While he did participate in Thursday’s practice, he was limited, opening the door to a possible “target share” with rookie Julian Edelman.

Bill Belichick isn’t foolish. If Welker isn’t 100 percent, he’ll just use him as a decoy and get some production out of Edelman. The rookie clearly has talent, and the Patriots would be doing themselves a disservice to sit him the rest of the way.

Monitor this situation all the way up until their game with the Atlanta Falcons.

Jerry Jones Gives Tony Romo Vote of Confidence

Well, I should sure hope so.

They got rid of Terrell Owens, labeling him as the one and only problem in Dallas. And now the owner raises doubt by saying he’s “backing” Romo after one bad game?

Don’t be like Jones and get too excited. Romo was facing the Giants tough front-four and the Cowboys barely lost the game.

Start Romo with confidence this week in a favorable match-up with the Carolina Panthers.

Saints Running Backs Sharing Reps in Practice

Add Tynell Hamilton to the mix in the Saints backfield.

Who? Well, regardless of not being very well known, Hamilton figures to get some grind with Mike Bell (knee) out this week, and Pierre Thomas being slowly brought back from his own knee injury.

Reggie Bush also factors into the muddled equation, making all three Saints running backs risky starts. And you thought it was difficult to predict their production before.

Chargers Center Nick Hardwick Out Until December

It just keeps getting worse for the San Diego running game.

This doesn’t hurt Daren Sproles’ value that much, as most of his production comes from the passing game and bouncing runs outside.

LaDainian Tomlinson, who is dealing with his own injury, could find it even more difficult to run in the middle when he returns, however.

Hardwick has ankle surgery, and if things continue to work against San Diego, he could end up going on IR.

Jamal Lewis Misses Wednesday’s Practice

Lewis is dealing with a bad hamstring, as well as a horrid performance against the Broncos, rushing for just 38 yards on 14 carries.

If he’s out this week, a suddenly-healthy James David could split carries with Jerome Harrison, making both Cleveland back-ups interesting plays.

Well, they would be, if they weren’t facing the Baltimore Ravens.

Marion Barber Practicing, Wants to Play Monday Night

While this isn’t exactly earth-shattering news, it’s worth noting.

Knock Felix Jones’ value down a bit with Barber practicing, although a hindered Barber ensures at least a few more touches for Jones and Barber’s other back-up, Tashard Choice.

The way the Carolina Panthers rush defense is going, all three backs could field solid numbers on Monday night.

2009 Dallas Cowboys: Five Things to Watch For

The Cowboys were supposed to be “America’s Team” again.

They were fresh off of an impressive 13-3 record and 2007 division title. They were Super Bowl contenders, and at the very least, playoff guarantees.

Well, one broken pinkie later, and all that 2007 created in Dallas was ruined.

Fast forward to the off-season, and the team has lost several starters from last year, including star receiver Terrell Owens, pass-rush specialist Greg Ellis, and safety Roy Williams.

The Cowboys have a lot of ground to make up, despite having a smart offensive plan and a slew of weapons.

Read on to see the top five issues facing the Cowboys as they prepare for August’s pre-season action.

5. The Addition of Igor Olshansky

The Cowboys got most of their pass-rush from Demarcus Ware last season, and brought in Olshansky from San Diego to add power to their front line.

Olshansky wasn’t brought in to rush the passer. His strength and brutality on the line will be of great use, as Dallas tried to improve on their 12th ranked rush defense.

The addition of Olshansky doesn’t completely make-up for the losses of Greg Ellis and Chris Canty, but he’s the type of player in the trenches that can change the tone of a game.

4. Can Ken Hamlin Bounce Back?

After a fantastic debut season with Dallas in 2007, where he registered 62 tackles and five interceptions, 2008 saw Hamlin regress after signing a big, six-year contract.

The money may have gotten to Hamlin for a year, but threats of a possible release (if 2009 goes sour) should snap him back into form.

Hamlin has little help at safety, but his secondary play and pass rush are bordering on elite.

He’s the clear-cut starter, and at only 28, is still one of the most talented safeties in the league.

3. Can Roy Williams Effectively Replace T.O.?

After showing glimmers of star-quality in Detroit, Williams came to Dallas in a trade, and after one lackluster half-season in the big “D”, Williams’ time to step up is coming.

His presence prompted the release of Terrell Owens, and with no other proven receivers aside from Patrick Crayton, Williams is officially the designated “star” receiver for Dallas.

However, it’s arguable that the Cowboys’ current third receiver, Miles Austin, is the best overall receiver on the team, and could end up thriving in the Cowboys new, balanced attack.

Regardless of how Austin or Crayton perform, Williams should see plenty of targets, that is, once he gets back on the field.

2. Marion Barber vs. Felix Jones

There are rumors swirling that the Cowboys intend on using Felix Jones and Marion Barber together on the field at the same time.

Jones’ versatility, speed, hands, and athleticism allow Offensive Coordinator Jason Garrett to place him just about anywhere.

Barber, on the other hand, is still the Cowboys’ bread-and-butter chains mover, as well as their short yardage and goal-line stud.

Jones figures to (at the very worst) play on third downs, return kicks, and slide out on special plays, strictly as a receiver.

They both, along with third running back, Tashard Choice, are immensely talented, and should combine their efforts to form a formidable rush offense.

Contrary to popular belief, a talented three-headed horse at the tailback position is in no way a bad thing.

That is, unless you’re talking about fantasy football.

1. How Will Tony Romo’s Break-up’s Affect Him?

First T.O. had to go. Now there are reports that “it’s over” between Romo and now ex-lover, Jessica Simpson.

Oddly enough, both departures from Romo’s life could turn out to be the best thing possibly for him.

Terrell Owens was getting too big, even for Dallas, and whether you believe in jinxes or not, Simpson’s involvement in Romo’s life brought a negative and almost “unlucky” vibe.

With a clear head and a new mind-set, Romo should be able to spread the ball around more, while relying on one of the finest trios of running backs the league has to offer.

Even if Roy Williams can’t take hold of the number one spot, Romo should perform well.

Michael Vick: Five Potential Suitors

With his partial reinstatement back in the NFL, Michael Vick suddenly has a lot to think about. Or worry about, depending on your outlook on his financial situation, as well as his professional football career.

Regardless, some team out there in the NFL will be interested enough to take him on. After all, despite some bad PR for taking on such a risk, there is always the good PR for being the team that “rescued” Vick, and gave him another chance.

While conventional picks for a Vick signing, San Francisco, Seattle, Washington, and Oakland all being ruled out (thanks to NFL Insider, Adam Schefter) Vick’s landing spot just got a little more difficult to predict.

Vick is currently under a special reinstatement that will allow him to participate in all team activities, including the entire training camp, as well as the final two pre-season games. His current suspension until week six is reportedly not a “done deal”, and could erode into no suspension at all.

Depending on Vick’s behavior, he could be able to play in week one.

However, that doesn’t do fans much good, considering teams aren’t exactly lining up to pay for his services.

Still, he’s still too talented to not have a place in this league, and as long as a team believes he’s truly remorseful and a changed person, he will definitely be suiting up for someone in 2009, and very possibly as the starter.

Here’s a look at five teams that could pull the trigger:

Miami Dolphins

Current Starter: Chad Pennington

True, the Dolphins have a capable starter in Pennington, and have two young signal callers, Chad Henne and Pat White, who they would probably prefer to have on the roster, rather than the controversial Vick.

However, if Vick’s speed and explosiveness haven’t left him, he would potentially be a perfect fit for their Wildcat offense.

Again, White was drafted both for that, as well as a possible quarterback that could out-perform Henne.

But if Vick was just signed to a one-year deal, the Dolphins could mold the rest of their offense around him, and give it a go.

The worst case scenario would be that the team upsets the 33-year old Pennington. And considering they’ve already stated that Henne is their guy for 2010, they won’t be too worried about that.

Verdict: If it’s all about the Wildcat in Miami, then why not? Very possible.

St. Louis Rams

Current Starter: Marc Bulger

The Rams are moving in different directions on both sides of the ball. They are trying to be more defensive-minded, while changing their air attack offense into a more time-controlled ground attack.

With Steven Jackson, that’s entirely possible. With Marc Bulger? Not so much.

The Rams could really use an extra explosive weapon on offense, as well as an athletic and elusive passer that can help their line grow as a unit, rather than take sack after sack.

Bulger has been ineffective for two straight years, is mobile as a rock, and is older than Vick.

The Rams play indoors and with their current rebuilding project, would be a fine place for Vick to start over.

Verdict: If you can upgrade over Bulger, you should. Unless the Rams hate him, it’s a perfect fit.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Current Starter: David Garrard

Garrard regressed last season, but also showed improved passing skills and the ability to take over games with both his arm and legs.

However, he’s not the explosive player that Vick is. He may have better accuracy and is currently a better fit for the offense, but Vick’s potential in an offense that already doesn’t really rely on it’s air attack is quite interesting.

With a player like Vick, a patchwork offensive line turns into “not such a big deal”, while opening things up for newly acquired Torry Holt, Maurice Jones-Drew, and possibly turning the inconsistent Marcedes Lewis into a more reliable target.

The Jaguars are said to be remotely interested in his availability, and if his suspension is lifted, Jack Del Rio just might try this one last dash to save his job.

Verdict: Vick is about as good as Garrard as a passer, but blows him away in athleticism. Slightly possible.

Dallas Cowboys

Current Starter: Tony Romo

There’s no way Dallas would bring in Vick to take over for Romo, but if they’re truly adamant about implementing the Wildcat offense, signing Vick to a one-year deal wouldn’t be a bad decision.

After all, Jerry Jones has already shown he likes to take chances with both Terrell Owens and Adam “Pacman” Jones.

The real question isn’f if Dallas wants Vick or if he’ll fit in. We know Jones and co. loves talent.

The question is, has Jones learned his lesson?

Verdict: Jones will probably continues to take silly chances, but this is still unlikely. Vick wants a starting gig at all costs.

Minnesota Vikings

Current Starter: Undecided

If Brett Favre does indeed come back, this drops from unlikely to completely unrealistic.

However, if the Vikings are even slightly worried about Favre making it through a full 16 -game season, adding Vick as a situational passer wouldn’t be a terrible idea.

After all, if Favre does indeed sign, Tarvaris Jackson has reportedly said he’d want to be traded, which would leave the door open for another athletic quarterback to run special packages-if that’s something Minnesota would be interested in.

My gut tells me Favre signs, Jackson leaves, and Sage Rosenfels does what he does best: holds a clipboard and refrains from helicopter dives.

Verdict: Vick’s best shot at starting in the NFL is in St. Louis, with Miami taking the immediate backseat. Favre is likely to sign, making this move almost impossible.

Overall, there could still be random interest in Vick across the league, depending on injuries in pre-season, as well as poor play.

For example, if the Jets suddenly weren’y happy with Kellen Clemens or Mark Sanchez, it’s not too crazy to imagine them bringing Vick in.

I’m still not sold on Washington, Oakland, Seattle, and San Francisco all having no desire to even bring Vick in for a tryout.

Monitor these five situations, however, as they currently appear to be the most logical.

NFL 2009 Predictions: Who’s Going to the Playoffs?

It’s still early in the off-season, but I’d like to put my stamp on my official preseason playoff predictions.

It seems everyone out there is doing all types of player rankings (as am I) or power rankings, which leaves this writer thinking, “why not me, too?”

The big questions are what teams won’t repeat as playoff contenders, as well as whether or not there will be any huge surprise teams to crack the rotation—such as the Arizona Cardinals from 2008.

It’s a waste of time to predict what team’s will have what records, as injuries, roster changes, and coaching philosophy hasn’t taken it’s full effect, and probably won’t until mid-season.

However, with the draft in the books, the first big wave of free agency done and over with, it’s time to take a breather from the Brett Favre-sage, among other things, and ponder what 12 teams will vie for a title next season.

Spoiler Alert: The Lions aren’t one of them.

AFC

New England Patriots

A healthy Brady means a wild, and crazy “bunch”. The offense was fine without him—but it just wasn’t the same.

With more depth added on defense through the draft, we will start to see somewhat of a rebuilding project, all while this team makes a fun for the Super Bowl.

Verdict: Division Winner

New York Jets

The only huge question mark is the quarterback position. Leave the defensive decisions to the mastermind, Rex Ryan.

If their running game can help out rookie Mark Sanchez (who will be the starter), then they have a real chance to get close to 10-6, and nab a wild-card spot.

Verdict: Wild Card

Buffalo Bills

The new addition of Terrell Owens will do more than the experts think, but the playoffs? That’s a bit of a reach.

Owens’ presence will allow Trent Edwards and Lee Evans to develop faster, and the Bills offense should grow, as a whole. There are too many question marks with their pass rush and overall depth on defense, though.

Verdict: Just Miss Out

Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins weren’t built to go 11-5 last year, but an easy schedule and a scorned quarterback led them to a remarkable season.

They’ll probably regress to somewhere between 6-10 and 9-7, but not without steady improvement from their receivers. 2010 will be their season to strike.

Verdict: Just Miss Out

Pittsburgh Steelers

Ben Roethlisberger and co. are too tough and determined to have a Super Bowl-hangover.

With Willie Parker healthy, they’ll have a solid ground game to rely on, once again, which will open things up for rising star, Santonio Holmes.

Verdict: Division Winner

Baltimore Ravens

We should see steady improvement from Joe Flacco in his second season, but then again, that’s what everyone said about Rick Mirer.

I believe in the Flacco buzz, but he doesn’t have elite offensive weapons, and his defense is aging.

Verdict: Just Miss Out

Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals are more prepared to win now, than people give them credit for.

They still have solid receivers and a Pro Bowl-type quarterback in Carson Palmer. Clearly their main issues are on defense, but if Cedric Benson can run like he did in the final three games last season, they could push for a wild card.

Verdict: Stuck in Mediocrity

Cleveland Browns

It’s never good when you aren’t even sure who your starting quarterback is. To make matters worse, they have a receiver who drops passes, no tight end, and no true weapons to rely on.

It’ll be a rough first year for Eric Mangini.

Verdict: Bottom of the Barrel

Indianapolis Colts

Eventually this team has to drop-off, right?

With Tony Dungy, Tom Moore, and Marvin Harrison all gone, it’s the perfect time for the Colts to fall away from being contenders.

But they have Peyton Manning, Reggie Wayne, and Dallas Clark.

Just those three players are good enough for them to win the division.

Verdict: Division Winner

Houston Texans

If Matt Schaub can stay healthy (that’s a big “if”), then there could be good things coming Houston’s way.

They have elite options at every offensive position, and are backed by a consistently improving defense.

Verdict: Wild Card (Finally)

Tennessee Titans

When you lose Albert Haynesworth, there’s bound to be a drop-off.

Teams will be able to key in on their running game, as Kerry Collins isn’t the most difficult quarterback to game-plan against.

Verdict: Just Miss Out

Jacksonville Jaguars

Letting go of Fred Taylor was a bolder move than you’d think. Maurice Jones-Drew can handle the starting gig-that’s not the problem.

But after seeing their offensive line depth (or lack thereof) exposed, they’re now risking the same thing happening to their running back corps.

And as for those receivers; do you really think Torry Holt can rescue them in one season?

Verdict: Cellar

San Diego Chargers

A healthy group of offensive weapons, as well as a revitalized Shawne Merriman, could realistically place this team right back where they left off in 2007.

They’re still one of the most talented teams in the league, so the rest falls on Norv Turner.

Verdict: Division Winner

Denver Broncos

I, unlike many others, actually believe in Kyle Orton. He put up solid numbers last season, despite being hurt and not having many elite weapons.

Now he’s walking in with a good running scheme, as well as Brandon Marshall, Eddie Royal, and Tony Scheffler as top targets.

Verdict: Just Miss Out

Oakland Raiders

I’m not buying that JaMarcus Russell can progress enough to stave off the veteran, Jeff Garcia.

Garcia is old, but he brings accuracy, leadership, and poise. The Raiders will win at least five games if Garcia is starting.

Darren McFadden stepping into the starting role can only help their chances.

Verdict: Not Even Close

Kansas City Chiefs

I’m on the Matt Cassel bandwagon, but not necessarily for 2009. He has new weapons, a new environment, and it will take time to adjust.

Larry Johnson remains a huge question mark, as does this defense.

Can they improve on their league-low 10 sacks? God, I hope so.

Verdict: Dead Last

NFC

Philadelphia Eagles

As long as cancer-stricken defensive coordinator Jim Johnson hangs around, their defense will be right near the top again.

New weapons Jeremy Maclin and LeSean McCoy won’t be starting, but will eventually find ways to make an impact.

Verdict: Division Winner

Dallas Cowboys

If Roy Williams can step-up, we shouldn’t see any drop-off in Tony Romo’s production.

And if Dallas does what everyone knows it needs to in order to win (run the ball), then they have a shot at the division, too.

Verdict: Wild Card

New York Giants

Eli Manning doesn’t have a dependable target-yet. This could make him grow, or make him squirm.

Losing Derrick Ward could hurt a lot if Brandon Jacobs goes down at all again.

Overall, they still have a very good team. However, the NFC East is brutal, and their tough schedule on the outside of it will wear them out.

Verdict: Just Miss Out

Washington Redskins

They showed glimpses of true talent and a desire to win, but they’re not there yet.

Unfortunately, that will mean Jim Zorn will be gone, and the franchise will look to move on from Jason Campbell.

Verdict: Bottom of the Barrel

Green Bay Packers

Even if Brett Favre comes back, the Packers still have a very good shot at taking over this division.

It’s going to be a hard fight throughout the season, but their defense should improve enough to help them get to 10-6, which will be good enough to win the North.

Verdict: Division Winner

Chicago Bears

Jay Cutler will have to adjust, just like Matt Cassel, and it may be even more difficult, considering his limited receiving options.

That chemistry and development will take time. Their defense will keep them above .500, but there are too many other teams with better core groups.

Verdict: Just Miss Out

Minnesota Vikings

I don’t care if they won their division last year. The Packers won it in 2007, but I didn’t see them winning it in 2008, did you?

Quarterback, quarterback, quarterback.

The Vikings are solid all across the board, but there’s little-to-no faith in either one of their current signal callers. If Favre jumps aboard, they have a shot at the division.

Verdict: Just Miss Out

Detroit Lions

Matthew Stafford will play eventually, but the odds are Culpepper plays the first few games. Once the Lions are 0-5 again, management will have nothing to lose, and they’ll plop the rookie in.

There needs to be a lot of improvement throughout the entire team just to win 2-3 games next season.

Verdict: Cellar

New Orleans Saints

There is a common theme in the NFC South: whatever team finishes last this year, finishes first the next. So far, so food.

The Saints definitely have the offense to match-up with any team, but what about their defense? Common upgrades at each position should have them competing at a high level on both sides of the ball.

Verdict: Division Winner

Atlanta Falcons

While many feel the Falcons will fall in Matt Ryan’s second try, I think they’ll only get better.

With the addition of future Hall of Famer tight end, Tony Gonzalez, as well as improvement from Roddy White and Michael Jenkins, this offense can only get better.

Verdict: Wild Card

Carolina Panthers

It’s back to mediocrity after we saw a taste of what the Panthers can do. The only problem is, their defense is only average, and they have an extremely tough schedule.

Is Julius Pepper staying or going? Consider he’s the glue holding that average defense together, that may be the make-or-break question.

Verdict: Just Miss Out

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

They don’t have a quarterback, and they’re starting over, almost completely.

I like their offense with Derrick Ward, Antonio Bryant, and Kellen Winslow, but that won’t be enough.

Telling Jeff Garcia to take a hike was a mistake.

Verdict: Cellar

Arizona Cardinals

Arizona won’t have any lingering effects from their Super Bowl loss. They know better than that.

They’re aware that they were an average team going into the post-season, so they are already concentrating on simply getting better.

They retained Warner, got rid of Edgerrin James, and now all that’s left is to resolve the Anquan Boldin situation. If they can do that, they have this division. They probably have it, anyways.

Verdict: Division Winner

Seattle Seahawks

This time around, no more tears, Seattle.

(Name the boy-band!)

Matt Hasselbeck should return to form, or at least close to it, and they should actually have some healthy/productive receivers this season.

There are still question marks on their offensive line and with their running game. They can get back to 7-9 or 8-8, but probably won’t compete for the division.

Verdict: Just Miss Out

San Francisco 49ers

Mike Singletary has the right idea. Defense wins championships. Hell, he should know.

However, he’s actually building a solid offense. Now, about that quarterback thing…

Verdict: Stuck in Mediocrity

St. Louis Rams

No, they won’t be this year’s Miami Dolphins.

Marc Bulger may have Chad Pennington’s No. 10, but he just isn’t what he used to be.

For me, it’s as simple as that. If Bulger starts, the Rams lose.

Summary

The AFC representatives for the NFL Playoffs will be:

Patriots

Jets

Steelers

Colts

Texans

Chargers

As for the NFC…

Eagles

Cowboys

Packers

Saints

Falcons

Cardinals

And the Super Bowl?

The Eagles will push past Green Bay and Arizona in the playoffs to meet up with the Patriots, where Randy Moss will finally get that elusive ring.

Can McNabb Lead Another Late Run?