There has been much talk this week about Goodell's meetings with Pacman Jones and Chris Henry. We now await the handing down of a judgement on what the two's extracirricular activities will mean to their NFL careers. Meanwhile, back in Denver, WR Brandon Marshall was cuffed last week for a misdemeanor domestic dispute, and a felony level false imprisionment.
This all bothers me. Why, you ask? Is it because I'm ashamed of the NFL players? Is it because they set a bad example? Or is it something more...
It is because this whole thing is chaos. In recent history we have seen celebrity trump justice time and time again. It's grotesque. Every level of popular culture has examples of dudes who somehow skirt the rules because we know who they are. It's dumb. A crime should fit a punishment, but our culture has made it nearly impossible to recall what that is behind the glare of a spotlight. Sometimes, in reaction, we even get a violent backswing of a cop or jury coming down harder on a celeb because "they shouldn't get away with it".
Do I know what's going on with Jones or Henry? No. I wasn't there. I'm not a cop. So this isn't about them. Do I know what happened when Randy Moss or Jamal Lewis were cuffed years ago? No. Do I know what happened with Brandon Marshall? No (though my family does have a history in law enforcement, and I know the charges don't make sense... combined, they're incongruent... but I won't get into that, again, it's speculation). Here's the real question. Do I believe they should be suspended?
No.
I know, shock and awe. But why? They're bringing down the game, their bad role models...
Blah blah blah. I said I don't believe they should be. What I do believe is that if they do a crime, they should be punished fairly for it, just as anyone else in the world should be. It's hard to make catches from behind bars. But when we, as a society, have let things spin so violently out of control that a private organization can decree punishment upon an individual, things are bad. I think the fact that the NFL has to start handling how players act off field is more of a criticism of our justice system and less of right step in business policy.
But I know what some are thinking... "Jmac, what if someone at your work was taken to jail for..." whatever. They would be fired. There would be no negotiation. Like the monopoly card says "GO STRAIGHT TO JAIL. DO NOT PASS GO. DO NOT COLLECT $200." That's that. You get sentenced for something, you find other work. You wear a bracelt around your ankle with a pager like device attached. You do not work in a "Professional Environment". Let some of these guys try to rebuild careers after contract after contract has been torn assunder because they can't keep their #### on the straight and narrow. But you know what, let the judicial body be the judge of it (haha. Judge. Get it?) Not a private corporation. If my workplace started telling me how to live morally, I would be out of their in a flash.
And what of the role model issue?
They're football players. They play a game. Look up to person for who he is and what he does (See my bit about Rod Smith for further details). Not what his contract allows him.
QB, or not QB. That's not a question.
Back to the fantasy stuff. I explained what my primary league looks like in my last blog. I also gave you a look at my top 20 running backs for next years fantasy draft. Now I am proud to show my top 20 QBs, but keep in mind, nothing is solid. Already, the running back list I posted has been... altered... as this list will likely be as well. But I figure, why not?
This year, my overall draft is likely to include 3 QBs in the FIRST ROUND. That's right, a 12 man league, and my first round wish list is 9 running backs and 3 QBs. Why?
Because there are many good runners. There are precious few good QBs, and depending on your leagues point system, QBs can kill you. So here we are...
1. P. Manning (Ind QB) - Of course he's first amongst QBs. He's damn good, and I've avoided him the last 2 years and felt like an #### for it. So, unless he scores the cover of Madden, yeah, I want him. 2. C. Palmer (Cin QB) - I still like Carson's situation. Housh and Ocho Cinco are a nice combo, and I think Palmer didn't do well until late in the year due to the knee injury. It's amazing what he put up after he decided not to worry about it anymore and got his mechanics backs. 3. T. Brady (NE QB) - Another guy I used to avoid like the plaugue for personal reasons, he's just a damn good QB, and with a bevy of capable wideouts coming in, he should be really good. Why is he behind Carson? Chemistry. Carson know his guys. 4. D. Brees (NO QB) - Who can't love Drew after last year? The injuries are a concern, but the dude is tough. He's not a first round for me, but the margin is minimal. 5. M. Bulger (StL QB) - This could change too as St. Louis line gets better. Again, injuries can be scary, but it's an always potent offense if Marc can stay on his feet for a few seconds. 6. D. McNabb (Phi QB) - SO MANY INJURY CONCERNS. Welcome to the NFL, I guess, but when in there, Donovan will put up points like nobody's business, and I think overall, the Eagles will be even more improved than last year. The question is, of course, will Donovan's hip? 7. M. Hasselbeck (Sea QB) - Trade away Darrel Jackson, and Matt slips on my list. Again, I love QBs and WR who know eachother. Marvin and Peyton. Joe and Jerry. This sort of thing is essential when trying to make a smart pick. Without Darrell, I'm just not convinced. 8. J. Cutler (Den QB) - Call me a homer. Whatever. I like the wideouts. I like Jay's ability, and I love the defense's ability to give Jay more chances. 9. P. Rivers (SD QB) - He's good. He really is. Give him a real set of wideouts, and man... the guy should blow minds. 10. B. Farve (GB QB) - Favre is the official point in the draft where I start getting REALLY nervous. If I don't get one of the top 9, I guess Favre would be OK, but his season had more dramatic ups and downs than a French art film last year. 11. B. Rothesberger (Pit QB) - I think Ben will be better next year. I also think Brittney looks better bald. What do I know? 12. M. Schaub (Hou QB) - If they get a second wideout, I'm psyched for him. I think the line has been improved in the offseason. I secretly hope the Texans move up in the draft, and through a trade with Detroit pick up Calvin Johnson. Then it will be Johnson & Johnson, a family company. Schaub should have a field day. 13. J. Delhomme (Car QB) - I don't know why everyone is so down on Jake. He had a bad season last year, and he NEEDS Steve Smith on the field. But he's servicable, and there are worse options. 14. C. Pennington (NYJ QB) - Injury worry, slow as frozen pudding, but a cannon and some great options... add to that an ever improving line and Thomas Jones, and he may be great. Or, he may not. 15. E. Manning (NYG QB) - I simply don't trust him, nor the Giants. Just don't. But... hey, he might be worth a gamble. 16. M. Leinart (Ari QB) - He drops off the list if the Cards did anything dumb like trade away Fitzgerald, as was rumored earlier in the season. If the line improves and other key pieces stay, he's a good #2 for me. 17. T. Romo (Dal QB) - I think he's overhyped. I also think I could do worse, and someone has to throw to T.O. 18. A. Smith (SF QB) - He dropped when they pull Lelie. Seriously. Get better wideouts. 19. V. Young (Ten QB) - Rushing yards count too, and while he scares the #### out of me, Vince Young just wins games... and there's nothing wrong with that. 20. S. McNair (Bal QB) - Do I trust McNair, no. But I like the Ravens againt this year, and someone had to be #20.
People who might slide in:
No one. Seriously, if I don't draft 1 or 2 of those guys listed above, I'm quitting fantasy football.
That is all from me. Hope all is well with all of you.
Rod Smith is having to sit out of preseason work outs for the first time in NFL career. His offseason hip surgery should keep him off the field until the official training camp begins, but by all estimates, he should be good to go come the season. Many thought the resigning of Brandon Stokely may be an effort to assure a solid third if Rod cannot play, but knowing Rod Smith’s history, the chances of that are unlikely.
Rod Smith is an NFL rarity. An undrafted pick up, Rod has racked up phenomenal stats and two superbowl rings in his career. While being listed as the #1 receiver on the Broncos depth charts for as long as I can remember, he has worked himself non-stop in an effort to compete. I remember in a pre-season interview last year he was asked if he felt the signing of Javon Walker was a threat to his continued career. He laughed it off and replied that every season he expects to walk into the locker room and see his name removed from the locker. He uses this self doubt to work himself harder. Never have I had the experience of watching such a mix of confidence, heart, and humility in a professional athlete. I don’t think this will be his last season, but when the time come, I hope the voting community keeps that well in mind when choosing candidates for the hall of fame when his eligibility rises.
Fantasy – RB draft order (for now) -
I have begun positioning my draft order for next year's fantasy league. In both keeper leagues and other leagues, the Running Back is often the first position reviewed. They will get you more points on a more consistent basis than other positions.
But first, some background on my league of focus... my friends and I have become a bit competitive, so I plan heavily around this league to avoid continued mockery throughout the year. Points are gained for touchdowns, rushing yards gained, receptions, receiving yards gained, extra points, field goals, and points are lost for fumbles, interceptions (which happens), and concerning QBs, sacks. An empahsis is still placed on runners, but QBs and top WR become a little more important than your standard league. We also draft individual defensive players rather than team defenses, but I'm sure I'll get to that later.
In the meantime, I offer my insight into the RB market this year with a top 20 on my list, and why.
1. L. Tomlinson (SD RB) – L.T. should be the undeniable first pick in any league this year. What he did last year was amazing, and barring any major changes with coaching staff change over, it should be much the same this year. I’m not too worried, as it seems this coaching staff should emphasize L.T. as well. 2. S. Jackson (StL RB) – This is most specifically due to the fact that I’m involved in PPR leagues. I think the continued potency of St. Louis’ offense, Stephen’s ability to play non-stop, McMichael’s being pulled in at TE, and a slightly improved line only bodes well for a guy who finished near the top last year anyway. 3. S. Alexander (Sea RB) – Likely to slip slightly due to the injury plagued year, Alexander should be a steal for anyone lacking the top spot. His line isn’t as potent as it was when he was the man 2 years ago, but he’ll still be likely to haul in the points week in and week out. I drafted him last year with the top pick, and learned a valuable lesson. THE MADDEN CURSE IS REAL. If LT lands on the cover this year, don’t pull him until the second round. I don’t care. It’s real. Be aware, and try not to become involved in any league that drafts before the cover is announced. 4. B. Westbrook (Phi RB) – Again, being a PPR league, Westy is a strong pick. Unfortunately, he is a constant injury risk, though he proved last year that if there is a chance he can play, he will. 5. W. McGahee (Bal RB) – McGahee found himself in a very sweet situation. He has a line that helped make a declining Jamal Lewis look like a pretty good back last year, and a team that depends on the run only bodes well for fantasy leagues. McGahee can run just as hard as Lewis, but is more dodgy and his speed could equal more home runs this year. Add to that McNair’s love of dumping the ball off on passing situations, and it looks like McGahee will be able to do some major damage. 6. T. Henry (Den RB) – Similar to McGahee, Travis Henry finds himself moving from a team with a questionable run line to a team built for it. Henry also had to compete with Vince Young’s rushing ability last year, and he still managed to go well over 1,000 yards. The one cut run system in Denver is a perfect match for Henry’s running style, and while some may think a tandem with Mike Bell may hurt Travis’ ability to go big, it is in keeping him fresh that I think this guy will do serious damage. 7. W. Parker (Pit RB) – I foresee the rebirth of Big Ben this year. While up and down in his logic last year, I think he should be good to go. Add to that the addition of Sean Mahan and I like Willie Parker to produce numbers this year. He’s still a work load back, and they haven’t dubbed him “Fast” Willie Parker for just any reason. Week in and week out, he should provide a strong, consistent set of points. 8. J. Addai (Ind RB) – Addai sans Rhodes... it’s interesting. On one hand, he played several games last year where Rhodes would simply spell him. He was the definitive receiving back for the Colts, and he did serious damage throughout the playoffs. On the other hand, I can’t be sure about him as a single workhorse for an entire season without seeing it first. It is this doubt and this doubt alone that keeps me from pulling him earlier. 9. R. Bush (NO RB) – Now, you may ask yourself in a PPR league why would I pull a RB who doubles as a WR so late? There are answers to all things, and here there are 2 strike marks I can foresee. The first, he is still a tandem back, and like it or not, McAllister will still take a good amount of weight from his shoulders. The second, the kid scares me. His high flying acrobatics and the sacrificing to pull those last few inches makes me nervous. They’re great for 2 things. Highlight reels and short careers. I am a Bush believer, but sometimes, you have to listen to your gut. 10. L. Johnson (KC RB) – I expressed in my first blog my fear of Larry Johnson this year. He’s a powerful back and a workhorse to boot, but I just don’t like the odds stacked against him this year. Unless KC beefs their line again, I’m going to pass on this pick a while. And for anyone who gets clever and wants to argue I said he’s a second rounder for me... he still is. Peyton Manning, Carson Palmer, and Tom Brady are ahead of him on the complete draft list. Why so many first round QB’s? Because in a league where you can lose points for ints, sacks, and fumbles (like my primary league), a bad QB will screw you for the season. 11. L. Maroney (NE RB) – Now the solo back for New England, I think the more potent receiver corps will only help him. So why is he here? Because I’m not sure all the same. 12. R. Johnson (Cin RB) – Could very well move up in short order. He’s another one on a very potent offense that I just can’t make a final call on yet. On one hand, I think the offense will be great this year and I see Rudi’s role expanding. But until a few other pieces move into place, this is as high as he goes. Fortunately, he won’t drop any either. 13. M. Jones-Drew (Jax RB) – If he is announced the team’s returner again this year, his stock rises. Until then, his placement is marred by the likely heavy involvement of Fred Taylor and LaBrandon Toefield 14. T. Jones (NYJ RB) – OK, it took all the strength I had in me not to rank Jones higher. I love him in New York. I love the continued growth potential of their line. I really do. But I dropped him because 1) I might be able to snake him later than other RBs, and 2) I can’t be sure yet on some of the Jets’ other off season moves. But I really like Jones. 15. R. Brown (Mia RB) – People are worried about Ricky Williams’ possible return hurting Brown’s value. Not me. I’m worried about that off-season surgery and not having a truly helpful second back. Williams hasn’t played in the NFL for a while and won’t be the guy to help enough here. Ronnie may be good, but if he plays 10 games as the solid workhorse without major support, I’ll be shocked. 16. F. Gore (SF RB) – Why is Gore all the way down here? Because last year’s effort was a fluke and he fumbles too much. Now he has guaranteed money, and I don’t see him trying as hard as he did last year. Yes, I’ll still take him over about 80% of the backs in the NFL... but there are a lot of backs in the NFL. 17. C. Portis (Was RB) – He’s Clinton Portis. He’s great. Unfortunately, his shoulder injury was pretty severe. Ladell Betts was damn good backing him up, and if the coaching staff has the slightest bit of hesitancy, Portis will sit a good amount. 18. E. James (Ari RB) – I think Arizona’s line will improve this year. I like Edge. I still think there’s so much room for improvement from last year that I won’t try too hard to pull Edge. 19. C. Benson (Chi RB) – I think Ced will do just fine. But not great. I think there will be great cause to miss Thomas Jones. But Benson will be a second or third back I’d be happy to have. 20. V. Morency (GB RB) – My top 20 finishes out with a bit of a surprise, even to me, but I think Morency showed some ability last year and he should be more familiar with the offense now. Without playing behind Green, he’s primed for a breakout season. Add to that the thought that I believe Green Bay will turn to the running game more this year in hopes to take some focus off of Favre, and he’s worth a bit of an effort in the draft.
OTHER GUYS WHO MIGHT SLIDE IN:
M. Turner (SD RB) – If he gets traded, especially to the Titans, he will leap dramatically, and displace a good amount of backs on my list. M. Barber III (Dal RB) – Am I the only one who still thinks Julius Jones could end up else where? If it does happen, I still don’t se J.J. making a leap to the top 20, but Barber will. D. Williams (Car RB) – Another back who could break out if he can move out of a supporting role... but only pre-season will tell. A. Peterson (Undrafted) – I learned last year to never underestimate the ability of a rookie. Depending on the situation he lands in, he could make a leap.
