Colts Football

Bill Parsons asked:


The paddle game, and the chair, and the remote control, and Rudi Johnson’s luggage, for sure”. Yep, Tatum Bell has been a colossal disappointment in Detroit after the Lions greatly overpaid to get him by trading Dre Bly and he was upset when they signed a castaway to replace him. Ah, just one of the many misfires by Matt Millen; the NFL management equivalent of Isiah Thomas, sans the harassment charges.

Speaking of thievery, the Super Bowl jinx jumped in and stole the NFL’s marquee player on the first drive of New England’s first game. Unbelievably, after loads of speculation about the health of Tom Brady’s foot, he gets taken out at the knee and tears his ACL, costing him the 2008 season. While this was by far the costliest loss of Week 1, it wasn’t the only loss, not by a long shot. Seattle lost their last starting WR for the year (Nate Burleson), Jacksonville lost damn near their whole front line, Vince Young (if VY was your starting QB, you have much bigger problems) may be out 2-4 weeks, and the jury is still out on injuries to Jeff Garcia, Dallas Clark, Joseph Addai, Maurice Morris and Albert Haynesworh.

As far as the games were concerned, Carolina managed to steal a game from San Diego in dramatic fashion. The Chargers found ways to lose 3 our of their first 4 last year, so they aren’t overly concerned, but it is massively deflating to lose on a TD pass in the back of the end zone after the clock has ticked to zero. The Bears managed to steal the playbook out of 2005-2006 and taught Indianapolis a lesson in deliberate, conservative offense and swarming defense. And, Aaron Rodgers managed to steal Brett Favre’s thunder just when everyone expected him to shrink in the face of overwhelming pressure.

Every year, the aftermath of Week 1 yields the largest number of transactions as fantasy owners drop injured players, as well as poor performers, for backups and pick up flash in the pan free agents in hoping for finding a diamond in the rough, such as Marques Colston from 2006. This year will be no exception, especially with so many rookies having impressive opening weeks. Let’s take a look at the hottest players on the waiver wire.

QB Matt Cassel (NE) – Well, duh. EVERYONE knows that Brady is done for the year and NE still has a serious arsenal of receiving weapons. There aren’t many QB options on the waiver wire so grab him if you can. If you play in a league that uses the Quarterback Team (QT), then you are set already.

QB Kerry Collins (TENN) – The word is not come in yet about Vince Young knee, but he is out no matter how serious it is. Coming off of a horrendous year and playing just as bad on Sunday caused the Titan fans to finally turn on him and he did not handle it well. Even if his knee is mildly sprained, his focus and desire are almost irreparably strained. The Titans don’t have the strongest receiving units, but Collins could put up respectable numbers.

RB Sammy Morris (NE) – It is becoming more and more apparent that Bill Belichick is growing frustrated with Laurence Maroney. Not only is Morris getting the goal-line carries, but he is also getting the same amount of carries as Maroney. With Brady out, expect both to get more carries.
TE Dante Rosario (CAR) – Wow, what a game this youngster had on Sunday (7-96-1)! With Muhsin Muhammad, D.J. Hackett and Dwayne Jarrett supposedly the benefactors of playing in place of, and alongside of, Steve Smith, it was Rosario who dominated. At 6’4” and 250lbs, I think he is in for the long haul this year.

TE Anthony Fasano – The kid from ND was one of the happiest people in Miami when no-arm Chad Pennington was signed. Ted Ginn Jr. outruns every throw from Pennington, even if it is a 10-yard Out, so Fasano should continue to lead this sorry team in receiving almost every game.

With caution

WR Deion Branch (SEA) – Branch has had a few great years and has a fabulous opportunity to do it again this year with all Seattle receivers except Steve Largent hurt. However, he is coming off a torn ACL and I think Seattle may be rushing him back too fast. Don’t overspend on him.

WR Hank Baskett (PHIL) – Week 1 of every season provides at least one receiving threat that is undrafted in all leagues that has a big game and then disappears. Baskett is this year’s version. I know Philly is missing 2 of its top receivers, but Baskett is still the fifth or sixth option on this team. His numbers were grossly inflated Sunday due to a 90-yard TD after slipping a tackle. I believe you are better off picking up Greg Lewis on Philly than Baskett.

 

RB Sammy Morris (NE) – It is becoming more and more apparent that Bill Belichick is growing frustrated with Laurence Maroney. Not only is Morris getting the goal-line carries, but he is also getting the same amount of carries as Maroney. With Brady out, expect both to get more carries.

TE Dante Rosario (CAR) – Wow, what a game this youngster had on Sunday (7-96-1)! With Muhsin Muhammad, D.J. Hackett and Dwayne Jarrett supposedly the benefactors of playing in place of, and alongside of, Steve Smith, it was Rosario who dominated. At 6’4” and 250lbs, I think he is in for the long haul this year.

 

TE Anthony Fasano – The kid from ND was one of the happiest people in Miami when no-arm Chad Pennington was signed. Ted Ginn Jr. outruns every throw from Pennington, even if it is a 10-yard Out, so Fasano should continue to lead this sorry team in receiving almost every game.

With caution

WR Deion Branch (SEA) – Branch has had a few great years and has a fabulous opportunity to do it again this year with all Seattle receivers except Steve Largent hurt. However, he is coming off a torn ACL and I think Seattle may be rushing him back too fast. Don’t overspend on him.

WR Hank Baskett (PHIL) – Week 1 of every season provides at least one receiving threat that is undrafted in all leagues that has a big game and then disappears. Baskett is this year’s version. I know Philly is missing 2 of its top receivers, but Baskett is still the fifth or sixth option on this team. His numbers were grossly inflated Sunday due to a 90-yard TD after slipping a tackle. I believe you are better off picking up Greg Lewis on Philly than Baskett.

 



SETH

Brent Warnken asked:


Indianapolis Colts tickets are always popular, but they have gotten a little bump in hotness after the NFL Draft. The fans in Indy are excited to get out to the games to see the new players and how they will help the Colts get back to the Super Bowl. But will the rookies help the offense more, or the defense? How will the numbers from 2007 improve due to the new guys on the team? Let’s get into the picks and what part of the team they will improve. Then, when you realize that the Colts will get back to the Super Bowl, you can get some Indianapolis Colts tickets for the upcoming season.

The Colts did not have many picks to ponder. In fact, they did not select a player in the NFL Draft until late in the second round. When they did, they picked up a guy who will probably help out the team in an area where the Colts, although strong, might need help in the next few years. As you might know, the Colts only had five lost fumbles while rushing the ball, and Peyton Manning only threw 14 interceptions on the year, which is well above average. Manning was stellar through the air. He finished the season with 4,040 yards and 31 touchdowns, so his fantasy managers were quite happy. Joseph Addai rushed for over a thousand yards, caught passes for 364 yards, and scored 12 rushing touchdowns, 3 receiving touchdowns. He carried the ball 261 times but never fumbled the ball once. Basically, when your running game and passing attack are working like that, your offensive line is pretty good, right? Well, they are and they were. But like most goof NFL lines, they might get old quick, and there is a need for fresh, non-injured legs in the trenches.
That’s why the Colts brought in Mike Pollack with the 59th pick overall in the draft. This Arizona State center will help mainly with pass-blocking, as he can stay with anybody when it comes to lateral movement. How much time will he play next season? Depends on how many offensive linemen end up in the trainer’s room. But we predict a couple of snaps per game, as the Colts would like to get this guy up to speed quickly, and there should be lots of garbage minutes when Indy gets up by a few scores.

As you are certainly aware, the Colts’ defense was the best unit in the league by most analysis. They gave up the fewest points (262) and the third fewest yards (4,475) in the NFL. But with some Indianapolis Colts tickets you might see even better defense, as they have brought in a couple of Peach State linebackers, Phillip Wheeler (93 overall, Georgia Tech) and Marcus Howard (161 overall, Georgia).

 





WILBERT

John Turvik asked:


If all of you were like me, you thought for sure that Indianapolis would have absolutely no problem beating the San Diego chargers. It just seemed that throughout the season the Chargers were too on and off. Their non-consistent ways, plus if you’ve ever been in the RCA dome you know how loud that place can get, plus the Colts being healthier and of course PEYTON MANNING!!!

Free Sports Picks

Well then the game started, and it was a slow first half. I just knew when Manning got the ball next he was going to score a touchdown and I’d be twenty minutes of game time left till I cashed my betting ticket. But no that didn’t happen because Rivers had to hit Chambers for a 30 yard touchdown pass in the first 4 minutes of the 3rd quarter. Still no need to worry plenty of time on the clock and it looks like Indianapolis is driving. In fact they drive all the way to the two yard line and a tipped ball is intercepted for the second time today. This just doesn’t seem like my day or Mannings. Maybe I under estimated the Chargers defense as I watched them hit Addai so hard he had to leave the game for a few plays. Then on the same drive hit Keith hard enough to send him to the sidelines. And even after the interception Bob Sanders gets hit hard in the hand while trying to tackle Michael Turner. It was only a matter of 3 minutes of game time and 3 big names on Indianapolis were ******* wind on the sidelines, thanks to the hard hitting Chargers.

Well finally we get our first three and out in this game at 6 minutes left in the third quarter. So things are again looking good for my Indy -9 bet, but everything has to go right. And it does on this drive, when Reggie Wayne defies gravity at just the right moment to score a touchdown putting the Colts up 17-14. Well at this point I am pretty pleased with my Indy -9 bet ticket and I actually start to think about how I’m going to spend this money. Then 3 minutes and Rivers toss a short pass to Sproles who turns it into a 56 yard touchdown. This put the chargers up 21-17 and me further away from a winning bet ticket.
Free Sports Picks

At this point I am wondering when the Chargers are going to let up and the Colts will just take off with the lead and eventually the game. My prayers seemed answered when Peyton hits Gonzalez for a 55 yard touchdown pass, putting the colts only 10 minutes away from an AFC championship game and me that much closer to my glorious win. But unfortunately no told Volek, who came in to replace Philip Rivers, my plans as he marched down the field executing a great drive before he ran it himself into the end zone from the one. There goes any hope of my betting ticket being a winner. And with the way that the chargers played out the last 4 minutes of the game I am not sure my ticket ever had a chance. So I have been sitting here trying to think of the reasons I was so confident in a Colts victory and by more than nine. And it seemed that turnovers were the death of my betting ticket, and Indy’s chances at repeating the Super bowl victory dance. Any time a team is expected to win by a number greater than six in the NFL they can not turn the ball over 3 times, it is impossible to score enough points to cover a spread like that, when you keep shoting yourself in the foot.

Now do the Chargers have what it takes to beat the undefeated Patriots?????

Free Sports picks and articles available at: Sports Picks



MARC

Daniel Sitar asked:


Click Here & Sign Up to Download Yes Man Ringtones

Download Yes Man Ringtones for your cell phone. Get Ringtones from the movie Yes Man. If you’re looking for new ringtones for your phone, Yes Man Ringtones are an awesome choice. Yes Man is a 2008 American comedy film directed by Peyton Reed and starring Jim Carrey. The film is based on the true story and 2005 biography ‘Yes Man’ by British humourist Danny Wallace. Production began in Los Angeles, CA in October 2007. The film’s soundtrack will feature original music by Munchausen by Proxy, the band to which Jim Carrey’s character is incessantly invited to see by an over-eager manager/street promoter. Along with female lead Zooey Deschanel, the fictional band was created by Von Iva. The San Francisco-based all-girl power trio of vocals, keyboards and drums were hired to collaborate with the actress to write and perform the original songs and stylized aesthetic of the group for this pivotal scene. Von Iva got the part of the fictional ensemble in the film after the movie’s music supervisor, Jonathan Karp, saw the cover of their CD in Amoeba in Hollywood

** Get Bonus Ringtones for Your Cell Phone **

Yes Man is an awesome movie and Yes Man Ringtones are an awesome choice for your phone. If you want to download Yes Man Ringtones, click on the link below and sign up. You will be able to instantly download Yes Man Ringtones, including the Yes Man Theme Ringtone, directly to your phone. Click on the link below and download Yes Man Ringtones now!

Click Here & Sign Up to Download Yes Man Ringtones



MARK

Karol Lucan asked:


INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (12-4 SU, 8-8 ATS): Led by an unheralded offensive line that allowed the fewest sacks in the league for the third straight season, the Colts racked up an NFL record third down conversion rate of 56.1 percent last season. QB Peyton Manning, WRs Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne, and RB Joseph Addai, who added 1,071 yards rushing as a rookie, are back for another season. The defense, which repaired a poor performance against the run late in the season, must replace a pair of cornerbacks but has solid depth and should be adequate.

By the Numbers (Regular Season, 1998-2006)

SU: 92-52

ATS: 72-68-4

HF: 32-31-1

HD: 3-3

AF: 21-16-2

AD: 14-13-1

Sportsbook Buster: The Colts are 8-1 ATS versus the Chiefs, who they play at home, Nov. 18.

Sports Betting Angle: Indianapolis is 7-1 ATS the week after playing division weakling, Houston.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (8-8 SU, 8-8 ATS): The Jaguars took several steps back from their 12-4 season in 2005 and the blame rests squarely with an offense that was anemic last season. Head Coach Jack Del Rio fired three offensive assistants and the Jags will opt for a power running game, relying on the tandem of Maurice Jones-Drew 941 yards) and Fred Taylor (1,146 yards), taking some heat off QB Byron Leftwich, who lacks a quality receiving corps. Despite a bevy of injuries, Jacksonville’s defense finished second in the NFL. If Leftwich remains healthy and the offense improves, the Jaguars could challenge for a wild card spot.

By the Numbers (Regular Season, 1998-2006)

SU: 77-67

ATS: 73-65-5

HF: 27-23-2

HD: 12-7-1

AF: 12-19-1

AD: 22-17-1

Sportsbook Buster: The Jaguars have covered four straight games against the Steelers, who they meet in Pittsburgh, Dec. 16.

Sports Betting Angle: Jacksonville is 5-0 ATS the game after a double-digit loss.

TENNESSEE TITANS (8-8 SU, 11-5 ATS): The Titans won six of seven games down the stretch, mostly because QB Vince Young began to demonstrate his extraordinary talent, proving himself to be a player who could take over a game and make things happen. Sadly, Young is just about on his own now that top rusher Travis Henry (1,211 yards) and wideouts Drew Bennett and Bobby Wade, the top two pass catchers, have left the team. The defense, which had only 26 sacks last year, was devastated by the loss of CB Pacman Jones, who now has bigger problems than man-to-man coverage. Even with the explosive Young, it’s tough to envision the Titans back in the playoffs.

By the Numbers (Regular Season, 1998-2006)

SU: 81-63

ATS: 71-67-2

HF: 21-26-1

HD: 13-10

AF: 10-13-1

AD: 24-21

Sportsbook Buster: The Titans are 0-9 ATS as road favorites of less than three points after a SU win.

Sports Betting Angle: Tennessee has covered four straight against both Atlanta and Tampa Bay, who they meet on successive weekends, Oct. 7 and 14.

HOUSTON TEXANS (6-10 SU, 7-9 ATS): The Texans finished 28th in offense last season and QB David Carr, who suffered 43 sacks, was sent packing, making Matt Schaub the starting quarterback. The addition of former Packer Ahman Green gives Houston a veteran running back and Andre Johnson, who caught 103 passes last year despite numerous double teams, is a quality receiver. The offensive line, long a problem area, still needs a left tackle. The defense improved as the season went on but the Texans just don’t have enough quality overall to make a move up the division ladder this year.

By the Numbers (Regular Season, 2002-2006)

SU: 24-56

ATS: 39-40-1

HF: 4-6

HD: 16-13-1

AF: 0-0

AD: 19-21

Sportsbook Buster: The Texans are 4-13 as a non-division underdog of more than three points.

Sports Betting Angle: Houston is 5-1 ATS versus Jacksonville, who they play on the road Oct. 14 and at home Dec. 30.

Legend:

SU = Straight Up

ATS = Against the Spread

HF = Home Favorite

HD = Home Underdog

AF = Away Favorite

AD = Away Underdog

Third of an eight-part NFL betting preview series

Next: Analyzing the AFC West



NED

Chris Limburg asked:


2008 represented a up and down year for the San Diego Chargers.  The team started horribly then somehow rebounded to finish 8-8 and managed to steal the AFC West from the Denver Broncos by beating them 52-21 on the final week of the regular season.  The Bolts then defeated Indianapolis 23-17 in the Wildcard round before finally bowing to the eventual Super Bowl Champion Pittsburg Steelers 35-24 in the Divisional Playoff.  The year saw QB Phillip Rivers emerge as one of the NFL’s elite and also witnessed the first sign that LaDanian Tomlinson may be on the decline.  What kind of options do the 2009 Chargers provide fantasy owners? I now offer my thoughts on the topic.

Rivers really came into his own in 2009 by throwing for 4009 yds and 34 Td’s with only 11 Int’s.  The former NC State product was on point all year long despite the teams early struggles and it was a complete joke that Rivers failed to make the Pro Bowl as he clearly was one of the best QB’s all season.  Rivers returns this year with pretty much the same offensive unit however it will be hard to duplicate last year’s numbers.  First, as I will discuss further in a moment,  I expect LT to rebound this year and if he does that will cut into Rivers numbers.  Furthermore, I not really sold on the Chargers receivers especially when Vincent Jackson is your number one guy. It’s tough to get on Rivers case and he is certainly one of the top five QB’s available in fantasy drafts along with Manning, Brady, and Brees.  I would be surprised but not shocked if he exceeds his 2008 numbers.  Draft him around the 3rd or 4th round.

According to all the pundits Tomlinson had a “horrible” year.  Since when is a horrible year 1110 yards and 12 total TD’s?  99% of the RB’s in the NFL would call those stats a CAREER year.  It really shows you what kind of career Tomlinson has had when everyone is ready to kick him to the curb after one injury riddled, slightly sub-par year. Granted 3 of his TD’s came in week 17 which is the fantasy equivalent of the Pro Bowl week as most leagues conclude the previous week and if I had drafted LT first overall I probably would have been pissed too.  But seriously people. Give the dude a break. I don’t think LT is the next Shaun Alexander and unlike NFL.com’s Michael Fabiano I don’t think Tomlinson is done although his days of rushing for 28 Td’s are over.  From all reports I am hearing out of San Diego Tomlinson is practicing with a chip on his shoulder and is 100% healthy and looking awesome.  With Darren Sproles proving to the nation last year that he is a more than adequate substitute despite his size, LT will not have to take the pounding as he did in the past.  Sproles will spell LT more this year thus Tomlinson should stay fresh throughout the year.  LT has been going anywhere from the late first round to the late second round of the mock’s I have been doing.  I have even nabbed him coming back around after drafting Peterson number one overall so essentially round 3.  If you can get Tomlinson anywhere in the 2nd round you are committing larceny. If you draft him just make sure you handcuff him later in the draft with Sproles.

In my estimation the Chargers receiving corps is average at best with Jackson leading the way with 1098 yards and 7 TD’s.  After Jackson the Chargers have Chris Chambers, Malcom Floyd, and Legedu Naanee essentially rounding out the position.  I had Chambers last year and was starting him before he got hurt and the former Wisconsin product was actually on a pretty nice TD run before his injury. He would have one catch and that catch would usually go for a score.  Then he fell off dramatically after sustaining the injury and was subsequently firmly entrenched on my bench.  As for Jackson, a lot of people think he has the potential to break out this year and that belief is illustrated by the fact that he has been going around the 4th-5th round of the CBS Sports mock drafts. In my estimation that is too high for him but that is only my take and if you have a gut feeling that he will perform then draft him.  The Chargers sport a potent offense and Jackson is unquestionably the number one receiving option on the squad along with TE Antonio Gates. Im just pointing out that 2008 was the first time that Jackson has been over 1000 yards and I honestly view him no more than a number 3 receiver or Flex option.  Furthermore, Jackson has a accumulated a series of DUI’s one of which is currently being litigated on and thus will be a character risk for any owner that selects him. To his defense, he does have Rivers throwing him the ball and that will certainly help as will the fact that the Bolts offense is capable of putting up serious points.  If you have a gut feeling about Jackson take him I just personally don’t have that gut feeling and will more than likely avoid him on draft day.  As for Chambers, Naanee, and Floyd, avoid all until they prove they are capable of putting up consistent stats.  Floyd, based on his last year’s performance is the wildcard to watch for the Chargers early on as he and Rivers seemed to form some nice chemistry as the season progressed.

TE Gates remains one of the NFL’s elite at the position.  2008 witnessed his yardage drop significantly but TD’s remaied on par.  Last season Gates caught 60 passes for 704 yards and 8 scores. The yardage total was clearly Gates lowest output since his rookie campain but I don’t really think that there is any cause for concern.  First, Gates turns 29 tomorrow so age is not a factor.  Futhermore, the stubborn toe injury that may have played a part in his yardage totals dropping is healed and Gates appears to be 100% healthy.  Finally, he is still the number 1 option in the potent passing attack led by Rivers.  In summary, don’t be swayed by the somewhat off year that Gates had in 2008.  The former Kent State product still remains one of the best at his position.  Draft him behind Dallas Clark and Jason Witten only.

The Chargers DST is one of the best options for fantasy owners heading into 2009 for a variety of reasons. First, Shawn Merriman returns this year after missing nearly the entire season in ‘09 after undergoing knee surgery.  Furthermore, the Chargers used their first round pick in this years draft on OLB Larry English out of Northern Illinois thus giving the Bolts a very formidable duo at LB pairing the rookie along with Merriman.  Moreover, Sproles is threat to return every punt or kickoff he touches for a score.  The Chargers DST struggles early then came on late much in the same way the entire team did and that was without the services of Merriman and English.  Look for this unit to be one of the best fantasy options in ‘09 and expect them to be off the board after Pittsburgh, NE, and possibly the NY Jets who will no doubt be stout defensively with new Head Coach Rob Ryan in town.  Next up:  The Denver Broncos.



CARL

cbloom815 asked:

Indianapolis Colts Football … american football Bob Sanders Indianapolis Colts Peyton Manning

PAUL

Chris Limburg asked:


The Houston Texans represent a virgin regarding the NFL Playoffs since their inception into the league in 2002.  Head Coach Gary Kubiak and Texans fans have reason to believe that will change in 2008 and quite frankly I am on the bandwagon as well.  The team has developing skill positions and a defense that has been built around DE Mario Williams (remember when everybody ridiculed the Texans for taking Williams over Reggie Bush?????) and now features first round draft pick LB Brian Cushing out of USC.  Basically, the Texans are trying to build a foundation whose main purpose is to stop Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts and I believe they are getting closer towards that objective.   Furthermore, the Texans have multiple players who possess significant fantasy value including Matt Schaub, Andre Johnson, Steve Slaton, Kevin Walter, and Owen Daniels.  Let’s analyze the fantasy prospects for the Texans heading into 2009.

I have never really been sold on Schaub since his departure from Atlanta but I am slowly moving closer in that direction.  Schaub is still not in my top 10 QB prospects but depending your particular draft strategy may represent someone that you hone in on come draft day.  Schaub obviously has some nice weapons to work with and that improves his draft stock significantly.  Johnson, in my opinion is the 4th best receiver in the NFL behind Randy Moss, Larry Fitzgerald, and Calvin Johnson and always posts amazing reception numbers.  Johnson clearly is Schaub’s go to guy and there is nothing to say anything will change this year.   Schaub has a cannon arm, and is getting much more adept at reading defenses and adjusting accordingly.  Furthermore, teams must respect Slaton with more defenders in the box thus allowing for more open lanes for Schaub to look down field.  In summary, Schaub can be a low end number 1 fantasy QB for owners who utilize the drafting strategy of stockpiling RB’s and WR’s in the early rounds while waiting to get a QB in the later rounds.  I am not a proponent of this strategy and do not think it is conducive to winning but as I have mentioned in other articles there are still plenty of ignorant fantasy owners who refuse to try anything different on draft day.  As they say the definition of insanity is trying the same thing over and over again expecting a different result.  All in all though if you miss on one of the elite options at QB then Schaub is more than serviceable.

Slaton was a nice surprise for owners in 2009 similarly to Matt Forte and Chris Johnson bursting onto the scene with 1282 yards and 9 TD’s and he also chipped in with 50 receptions for 377 yards and 1 TD.   I had the latter 2 ball carriers and they assisted me to a championship and Slaton followed suit by also helping countless owners to their leagues title.  Needless to say I don’t think that Slaton will be there in the 10th-14th rounds which are probably where he was drafted in 2008.  Where should Slaton be drafted in 2009?  I don’t know if I am completely sold on Slaton yet but that is not saying much because I am not really sold on any of the top tier RB’s with the exception of Adrian Peterson and MJD.  Bottom line is that Slaton will be picked somewhere in the late 1st round/early 2nd round and that will be good value for him.  Personally if I am picking in the 8-12 range where Slaton would be a viable option I will most likely end up taking Larry Fitzgerald or Calvin Johnson.

Regarding the Texans receiving corps the focus lies with Johnson, Walter, and Daniels all of whom are viable fantasy options heading into 2009.  Johnson is without question one of the top 5 WR’s in the NFL today but he is towards the bottom of that list for me on account of a couple variables. I have had Johnson a couple times throughout the years and both instances he has let me down be getting hurt and missing a lot of time and as a result I have avoided Johnson recently on draft day.  Furthermore, Johnson piles up massive amounts of catches and yardage but never seems to score that much as evidenced by his career high 8 TD’s in 2008.  I like Johnson but not nearly as much as I like Fitzgerald, Randy Moss, and Calvin Johnson all of whom have proved to be TD machines during their careers.  Obviously however, you can’t go wrong with A. Johnson as a number one fantasy WR as long as he stays healthy.   Walter represents a WR that everyone seems to be afraid of and yours truly was a prime example of this last year.  I drafted Walter late in last years draft and I watched him score TD’s from my bench week after week while suffering through the inadequacies of Jericho Cotchery from the Jets.  For some reason last year I just couldn’t pull the trigger playing Walter more often even though he far outshined Cotchery in terms of numbers.  The few occasions I did play Walter last year he did nothing but whenever he was on my bench (which was often) he produced in a big way.  Don’t kid yourself as Walter is entrenched as the number 2 WR on a potent offense with a good QB.  Moreover, having Johnson on the other side helps Walter out immensely as he constantly faces single coverage.  Consider Walter as and excellent number 3 WR or Flex option in drafts this summer and if you get him late he is an absolute steal.  At this time no other Texans WR warrants a draft selection this August.

Daniels is another overlooked option for most fantasy owners despite putting up good stats year after year and despite making his first Pro Bowl in 2008.  Daniels caught 70 balls for 862 yards but only had 2 TD’s to show for all of his production.  There lies owners concern with Daniels.  He just doesn’t score that much so a lot of his catches and yardage totals go for naught.  However, Daniels remains one of Schaub’s main targets and you have to think that the TD’s will increase and if they do Daniels will be a fantasy stud.  In the very least Daniels is a very nice fantasy option if you miss on one of the elite TE’s such as Dallas Clark, Jason Witten, or Antonio Gates so keep him in mind on draft day.

Remember when everyone was ridiculing the Texans for taking Williams over Bush?  Well, who is laughing now?  I believe that would be Charlie Casserly and his former team the Texans because Williams is a Pro Bowler and Bush is rapidly approaching the term bust.  The Texans have been improving their defense year after year in an effort to stop Manning and the Colts and I believe that they are getting closer.  They continued that trend this year by drafting USC LB Brian Cushing with their number 1 selection in this year’s draft.  Cushing and Williams along with DeMeco Ryans fortify a defense that is quickly becoming a unit to monitor especially if you are combing the waiver wire looking for a stop gap DST solution.

In summary, the Texans are a rapidly improving team on both sides of the ball and have no shortage of players who could greatly assist your fantasy team in some capacity come this fall.  Next up: The Tennessee Titans.



LES

JAMES asked:


To the Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, former head coach Tony Dungy, wide receiver Marvin Harrison and offensive co-ordinator Tom Moore are three important persons during Manning’s rookie year.

With that trio surrounding Manning, the Colts have won 12 or more games for an NFL-record seven consecutive years.

But Dungy has retired, Harrison was traded to other teams. Moore’s new role is up in the air. Manning have a difficult time in new season.

“Even though Tony Dungy won’t be on the sideline, I feel like the winning atmosphere and the environment he created in our building will carry through,” Manning said Friday.

“Coach Caldwell assured me he’s got a good plan. Hopefully, August 2 we’ll be able to hit the ground running.”

Manning couldnot run after surgery last year. Then he suffered superficial infection which made him miss 2008 pre-season. Overall, Manning has played better after a sluggish start, though Colts failed the first 4 games of the regular season.

Peyton brothers had erratic performance last playoffs. Colts lost San Diego Chargers the past two years. Eli whose New York Giants were upset by the Philadelphia Eagles in their playoff opener after matching the Colts’ 12-4 regular-season record.

Both would like to get back to the Super Bowl. Peyton was the MVP-winning quarterback of the Super Bowl in 2007. Eli was the MVP-winning quarterback of the Super Bowl in 2008. People are looking forward to see the competition betweeen the brothers.

“I know the media would love it and have a field day with it,” Eli said. “There’s no better feeling than winning a Super Bowl … to know your brother is going through a loss would make it really hard to enjoy the moment.”



RANDOLPH

soccer4eva17 asked:

My brothers midget football team played against cumberland this weekend and dominated winning 39-15. I got most of the touchdowns on tape but I only missed 1 touchdown and 1 interception. The sun got in the way of some of the clips but I tried my best to block it out buy anyways enjoy! … Riverside Raiders Cumberland Colts Football Boom! Touchdown

JARVIS