Part two of pre-preseason takes on an intriguing fantasy players with fellow FFToolbox writer George Bissell. Click here for this week's podcast which touched on teams and players including:
Giants (Victor Cruz, David Wilson)
Lions (Jahvid Best)
Vikings (Percy Harvin)
Cardinals (Michael Floyd)
Rams (Danny Amendola)
Bills (C.J. Spiller)
Steelers (Antonio Brown)
Jaguars (Laurent Robinson, Justin Blackmon)
Chiefs (Jammal Charles)
Broncos (Eric Decker)
Click here for part one of the look at intriguing fantasy players (Michael Vick, Cam Newton, Roy Helu Jr., Ravens, Redskins, NFC South, etc.)
(In case you were wondering, the upcoming part three will include players on the Cowboys, Packers,
Seahawks, Dolphins, Jets, Bengals, Browns, Colts, Texans, Chargers - and more Broncos)
Podcast also includes talk about Roddy White and the Falcons passing game, Santana Moss and the Redskins receiving corps.
list includes Victor Cruz, Jammal Charles, Demaryius Thomas plus players on the Steelers, Bills, Lions and Cardinals. Plus the latest news from around the league and Ben's shares the 411 he learned covering the Redskins OTA. Any questions for the crew, send them to
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Monday, May 28, 2012
Free Agency watch, Redskins style (CSN)
Now that salary cap-gate is over, what's next for the Redskins 53-man roster. There is around $3.8 million of salary cap space left, though some of that coin goes toward signing the remaining draft picks. The rest...
Considering the remaining free agent options are largely backup types, there are few must-have players. Regardless, you never know what happens between now and the start of training camp and the regular season. That is why I've been compiling a list of the viable and rainy day options among remaining NFL free agents.
Offensive tackle/line
Running back
Defensive back
Wide receiver
Tight end
Considering the remaining free agent options are largely backup types, there are few must-have players. Regardless, you never know what happens between now and the start of training camp and the regular season. That is why I've been compiling a list of the viable and rainy day options among remaining NFL free agents.
Offensive tackle/line
Running back
Defensive back
Wide receiver
Tight end
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Fantasy Footballing - Podcasts and Profiles
Over the last week I hosted two podcasts and profiled fantasy footballers on four teams. Proof exists below...
Podcasts: First things first. Click here and then subscribe to the podcast via ITunes, Zune or Google Listen. Thay way, whenever I post the latest edition of the handy dandy FFToolbox podcast (always hosted by yours truly), the download happens on your end automatically. Helps me, helps you. Good? Good.
*The first of two episodes. NY Times and CBS Sports NFL writer Andy Benoit talks about the transactional offseason and Dallas Cowboys blogger K.D. Drummond analyzes the fantasy battles in Big D.
* Next up, I called my FFToolbox colleague George Bissell for some pre-preseason takes on an intriguing fantasy players. We talke Michael Vick, Cam Newton, Roy Helu and other notables from 12 NFL teams including the Ravens, Bears, Raiders and the entire NFC South.
Rankings: Click on each team name for the full monty of profiles, which for each includes at least quarterbacks (2), running backs (4), wide receivers (4), tight ends (2), kicker and defense/special teams. Since we all love a good sampler course, I served up one profile for each team below...
Washington Redskins - RB Roy Helu Jr.: Following Tim Hightower's injury, Helu went from deep sleeper to electric fantasy star before his own late season ailments sidelined him. The dual threat topped 1,000 yards from scrimmage and finished with four 100-yard games, one coming as a receiver. Best suited as a situational option. If overworked with 20+ touches, could break down. If used appropriately, could be explosive RB2.
Dallas Cowboys - RB Felix Jones: Bad news for anyone who typically avoids the Felix Jones hype train: many more people are now on your side. After laboring through the Cowboys' first five games last season, injuries slowed Jones (shocker!) and DeMarco Murray happened. Both are training room regulars so a depth chart is possible, but for now Jones is the other guy – and a fantasy reserve.
Philadelphia Eagles - WR Jeremy Maclin: Entered 2011 battling a mystery illness. Ended the season leading the Eagles in receptions. Missed three games or likely would have topped 1,000 yards for the first time as a pro. The safer of the Philly starting receivers and yet his skill set pops. Entering camp healthy should boost Maclin's numbers. Strong second fantasy receiver.
Baltimore Ravens - WR Torrey Smith: The true definition of a home run hitting receiver. Smith blazed onto the scene in Week 3 with five receptions for 152 yards and three touchdowns. Topped the catches and yardage total in Week 10 later. In all other games, went over 80 yards just once. Tremendous potential, especially once he learns how to run routes. Certainly a fun pick and fine as a low-end WR2, better as an all-upside WR3.
Redskins link-o-rama
My recent Redskins links, all on one page. Yeah, we're in a informational lull right now...
* My fantasy football writing duties include profiling players on a certain burgundy and gold team. RGIII, Helu, Royster, Garcon, Hankerson, Cooley, both kickers and more! (FFToolbox)
* While my CSNwashington colleague Rich Tandler profiled the bulk of the Redskins drafted rookies, I focused on the late, late rounders plus some sneaky undrafted types, including:
Safety Jordan Bernstine - Based solely on reading up on the versatile defensive back with 4.4 speed and knack for hard hits, I'm thinking Bernstine has a strong chance to make the 53-man roster. I mean, have you seen the secondary depth chart???
Cornerback Richard Crawford - The slot corner and return specialist is part of the flowing pipeline from SMU to Ashburn
Inside linebacker D.J. Holt - The undrafted rookie out of Cal does the tackling thing, has special teams experience and is will compete with an unsettled group of reserves. (CSNwashington)
Wide receiver Lance Lewis - SI.com dubbed the East Carolina target who likes playing in traffic the Redskins most intriguing undrafted free agent.
* Finally, a look around the NFC East, from Jerry Jones jabbing the Redskins offense to the ongoing spat between a Giants pass rusher and Eagles running back LeSean McCoy. This one has a motherly vibe.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Scouting the hot NBA assistant coaches
In this space yesterday, we highlighted one NBA writer’s case for why former Portland and Seattle coach Nate McMillan should be the next Wizards head coach.
Now that the Orlando Magic have been mercifully knocked out of the playoffs, we could be only days away before Stan Van Gundy becomes available.
Should Wizards management decide interim coach Randy Wittman will not return and a veteran leader is their desired target, McMillan and Van Gundy are clearly viable options.
However, should they pass on a retread hire yet still want a coach with NBA experience, the question becomes which assistants are ready for the main job.
Monitoring the news out of Charlotte might provide some insight.
Unlike the tight-lipped Wizards operation, reports have been dripping out about whom the Bobcats intend on interviewing.
The latest name to surface, Orlando assistant and former Georgetown Hoyas and New York Knicks star Patrick Ewing. Yahoo's Adrian Wojnarowski reports, "Ewing is a close friend of Charlotte owner Michael Jordan, and several sources believe the Hall of Fame center will turn out to be a serious candidate for the opening."
Ewing is one of several names alreadly linked to the job.
Previously Wojnarowki reported the Bobcats would interview Warriors assistant Mike Malone, the NBA's highest-paid assistant.
Then there is the one assistant even casual fans are aware of, Brian Shaw. The former Lakers assistant under Phil Jackson, Shaw is currently on the bench with the Pacers, who await the winner of the Heat-Knicks series (so Miami) in the second round.
Sam Amick from Sports Illustrated reported the Bobcats asked for permission to interview Shaw, but "permission was neither granted nor denied for Shaw to speak with Charlotte because he prefers to focus on the playoffs at the moment."
McMillan is also on Charlotte's radar, though some have questioned whether an established coach would want to take over a total rebuild. Regardless, these initial reports indicate the Bobcats are intent on exploring the assistant route for their young and clearly in need of help squad.
As for the Wizards, obviously Ewing's experience as a scorer and defensive presence could benefit their young bigs, especially Kevin Seraphin. Malone's star is on the rise and he could have his pick of jobs. Considering the young roster and another top 5 pick on the way, this job could be attractive for someone looking to mold the team after his own vision and not simply coach the established veterans on hand.
Shaw clearly knows from winning. My one concern here would be whether he intends on bringing the famed triangle offense to Washington. On the surface John Wall's style and speed does not make for a great fit with the point guard-light scheme that's more east-west than north-south. Of course, the Pacers are not using the triangle, so we'll see.
Of course the Wizards have yet to make a decision - publically anyway -on Wittman, so, we'll see.
Now that the Orlando Magic have been mercifully knocked out of the playoffs, we could be only days away before Stan Van Gundy becomes available.
Should Wizards management decide interim coach Randy Wittman will not return and a veteran leader is their desired target, McMillan and Van Gundy are clearly viable options.
However, should they pass on a retread hire yet still want a coach with NBA experience, the question becomes which assistants are ready for the main job.
Monitoring the news out of Charlotte might provide some insight.
Unlike the tight-lipped Wizards operation, reports have been dripping out about whom the Bobcats intend on interviewing.
The latest name to surface, Orlando assistant and former Georgetown Hoyas and New York Knicks star Patrick Ewing. Yahoo's Adrian Wojnarowski reports, "Ewing is a close friend of Charlotte owner Michael Jordan, and several sources believe the Hall of Fame center will turn out to be a serious candidate for the opening."
Ewing is one of several names alreadly linked to the job.
Previously Wojnarowki reported the Bobcats would interview Warriors assistant Mike Malone, the NBA's highest-paid assistant.
Then there is the one assistant even casual fans are aware of, Brian Shaw. The former Lakers assistant under Phil Jackson, Shaw is currently on the bench with the Pacers, who await the winner of the Heat-Knicks series (so Miami) in the second round.
Sam Amick from Sports Illustrated reported the Bobcats asked for permission to interview Shaw, but "permission was neither granted nor denied for Shaw to speak with Charlotte because he prefers to focus on the playoffs at the moment."
McMillan is also on Charlotte's radar, though some have questioned whether an established coach would want to take over a total rebuild. Regardless, these initial reports indicate the Bobcats are intent on exploring the assistant route for their young and clearly in need of help squad.
As for the Wizards, obviously Ewing's experience as a scorer and defensive presence could benefit their young bigs, especially Kevin Seraphin. Malone's star is on the rise and he could have his pick of jobs. Considering the young roster and another top 5 pick on the way, this job could be attractive for someone looking to mold the team after his own vision and not simply coach the established veterans on hand.
Shaw clearly knows from winning. My one concern here would be whether he intends on bringing the famed triangle offense to Washington. On the surface John Wall's style and speed does not make for a great fit with the point guard-light scheme that's more east-west than north-south. Of course, the Pacers are not using the triangle, so we'll see.
Of course the Wizards have yet to make a decision - publically anyway -on Wittman, so, we'll see.
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