Well, here it is, my first FOXSPORTS blog.

I begin this with zero intent of ever really being read, and a fiendish obsession with football that needs a healthy outlet. First, some background...

I am a Denver native, and grew up in a house with a shrine dedicated to John Elway. I was babysat by VCR recordings of early 80's Broncos playoff victories and Super Bowl defeats. Eventually, I became a fan myself. This was all well and good until I bought my first copy of Madden football in 1996. My interest began to spread across the leagues, and I began a development of playbook knowledge, players aptitude, and a general sense of what makes a team good. The crap finally hit the fan when I participated in my first fantasy football league two years ago. I have managed over 20 teams across multiple platforms and point systems in that time with an 86% win percentage... not bad for a guy who's still pretty new.

Now, I run the possibility of loosing my job at any moment for my constant dwelling on football, and I consider myself a fan of the game of football... who just happens to give preferential treatment to the Broncs.

I'm not here to talk crap, just to wonder aloud about things in the league. This has been a crazy off season, and since completing my fully adjustable spreadsheet for next years draft, I need something new to keep my football thoughts occupied. So, let's begin...

Lost Carr...

I like the Texans. Kubiak is still kind of a Bronco in my mind, so I root for him. I applauded the drafting of Mario Williams last year. Reggie Bush is a potent back who plays dangerously, and on draft day, Kubs went for a long term answer. He also thought he had Domanick Williams (Davis? Whatever) at the time. I thought in the moment, Mario was the second best option for Kubs (D'Brickshaw Fergueson being the best. I mean, that line... so bad). I like the Texans.

But this I don't get. Trading picks and slots with the Falcons to replace David Carr with Matt Schaub is fine. I think if the Texans continue to improve their line (signing Justin Black may be one of the most under-rated moves in their offseason), Schaub and Andre Johnson may become quite a combo. It could be a good fit. Where I get lost is the immediate release of Carr. I believe Carr is a capable QB who may thrive elsewhere in the NFL. While certainly not a pro bowl caliber guy, he could win many games in the right situation, and many teams are bound to have much worse available next year. I think he will likely be signed before the draft to compete for a starting spot. What boggles me is why the Texans wouldn't fish him a bit longer for some value in return. Even a 6th round pick is something.

In the short attention span nature of today's NFL, Kubiak is probably fighting for his job this year. I just hope he uses everything he can to his advantage.

Rumor of the day

More than just a rumor, I guess, the Bears and the Redskins are apparently bartering for Lance Briggs. The deal is apparently that in exchange for Briggs and the 31st pick in the draft, the Bears will move up to the 6 slot. I don't like this one bit. Sure, it makes sense for the Bears, since at the moment Briggs won't play for them next year. And I think Briggs will help whatever team he is on. But this doesn't make sense for Briggs.

When he began his stand against the contract stingy organization, he listed several reasons:

1. He wanted a long term deal. The Skins may well sign him to one, but this is an organization that's willing to pull the trigger on a trade at a moment's notice. Because of their awkward contract structuring, they release players before the later half of a contract is fulfilled, just to save cash and make yet more chaotic moves. More than any other team in the NFL, in my opinion, long term with the Skins in no way means long term.
2. He wants to be the man. He wants to be the field general. That's all fine and well, but it won't happen as long as he's playing next to the Skins other off season pick up, London Fletcher-Baker.

I just don't like it. I also think if the Bears really wanted to, they would be able to get a lot more out of a Briggs deal than just a top 10 flip-flop. Don't get it at all.

Fantasy

For my first fantasy observation, I would like to state that I think Larry Johnson is probably going to be the biggest flop on your draft board. Anyone thinking as far ahead on the upcoming fantasy year as I am probably has him ranked at least third or fourth overall. I will tell you, I will laugh at anyone who pulls him that soon, especially in a PPR league. With an aging, retiring offensive line, an unsure QB situation, and still a lack of real wideouts, Larry will once again be expected to hulk the team on his back... and play in the AFC West against 3 of the better defenses in the NFL on a frequent occasion (do you see that Raiders fans? I gave your defense props. We can be civil). Larry is a great back, but unless the Chiefs make some unexpected moves to help him out, he's a second rounder at best in a 12 player PPR league.

Broncos News

There are apparently efforts to trade away Al Wilson. I hope this doesn't happen. I know it's hard to argue against the business side of football, but I really hope that Denver can find a way to keep him on, and Al may be able to restructure his contract slightly to be able to one day retire as a Bronco. Loyalty and money can often be enemies, and I get that, but as a fan... I hope there is another way.