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Let’s face it, the fantasy football offseason sucks. Most of us don’t talk to one another from January through August (I
think I’ve only spoken to Scott and Parker since New Years). It’s especially bad in January, when it’s too early to start
planning for the draft, but not enough time has past to get the bad taste of the past season out of your mouth (unless
you’re Jay).
So to past the time, I figured I would bless you all with a monthly update.
So far, not much has changed outside of coaches.
In Miami, Saban is out and it looks like San Diego offensive coordinator Cam Cameron is in. This may mean good
news for a weak offensive Miami squad. Hopefully, and most importantly, Cameron will make some good use of
Ronnie Brown and Chris Chambers.
In Arizona, Denny Green is out and Ken Whisenhunt is in. Whisenhunt is the offensive genius behind the Pittsburgh
attack the past three years. Look for him to establish a better running game with Edgerrin James having a sleeper
year next year (solid second round pick as of right now). But the biggest beneficiaries may be Anquan Boldin and
Larry Fitzgerald, both of whom the new coach will no doubt look to use in a few trick plays. Especially since Boldin
played a little QB in college. Remember what Whisenhunt did for Hines Ward and Antwaan Randle El. This is good
news for Parker and Jarrett (if they decide to keep them).
In Atlanta, Mora is out and Petrino is in. The recent track record for college coaches who jump to the pros has not
been great (Butch Davis, Nick Saban, etc). But then again Jimmy Johnson was a former college coach, so who knows
what to expect other than more years of frustration for Michael Vick owners.
In Pittsburgh, Bill Cowher stepped down and it is currently a three-man race for the job to replace him. The three
candidates are Mike Tomlin (defensive coordinator of the Vikings), Russ Grimm (current defensive coordinator of the
Steelers), and Ron Rivera (Bears defensive coordinator). Look for Grimm to get the job, since I predict they will keep
it in house. The biggest change that could affect this team will be the lost of Whisenhunt and Cowher, not sure what
that means to their offensive system in 2007, but important to note for Willie Parker, Hines Ward, and Ben
Roethlisberger owners.
In Oakland, Shell is out and it appears that USC offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian is the new man. This should
interesting if only to see what the new guy gets out of the #1 pick (Brady Quinn or JeMarcus Russell?) and if he can
keep Porter and Moss happy and on the field. But expect another solid year from the Oakland defense (sleeper
fantasy defense folks).
In other news, two coaches on the hot seat (Schottenheimer and Coughlin) got one more year to try and turn it
around. Personally, I think the Giants should have gotten rid of Coughlin. Now that he stays, you just know Eli is not
going to progress much more. However, keeping Marty was the right move, at least for the regular season. Look for
continued regular season success for LDT, Rivers, Gates, and the San Diego defense.
Since free agency has yet to occur (although at the moment it appears there will be some movement featuring such
big names as Michael Turner, Jamal Lewis, Fred Taylor, and Ahman Green), the other big news has been the
underclassmen that have declared for the draft. Potential early round fantasy players to watch are Adrian Peterson
and Marshawn Lynch (California RB). However, other names to look for on fantasy draft day will include the
aforementioned Quinn and Russell, Calvin Johnson (the best WR in the draft), and Ted Ginn Jr. My prediction. Jarrett
takes Peterson in round one. Lynch goes later in the draft (i.e. Addai and Maroney in this years draft) to either Josh
or Gregg. Quinn and Russell will get drafted late (much like Leinart and Vince Young this year). Somebody will jump
on Calvin Johnson early (I could see this being the annual young WR that Parker picks). And Ginn could be this year’
s Sinorice Moss (late round pick).
In other news: Tony Gonzalez resigns with the Chiefs for five years (Nick cheers loudly from overseas). Jason Taylor
announced he would be coming back for at least one more year (Marc cheers loudly while updating his blog).
McGahee wants more money, a new contract, and less paternity suits (lawyers in the Buffalo area prepare for
increased business). But the most overlooked transaction has occurred in New York, where the gang green has
signed free agent wide receiver, Frisman Jackson. Yes, that Frisman Jackson.
Things to watch for in the coming months: The Ricky Williams situation (Will he come back to Miami?), what happens
to Parcells and T.O. in Dallas (I predict Parcells returns and T.O. is given the boot), and will Brett Favre return for one
more year (Yes, he will and because he does, Jay decides to keep Donald Driver).
Till next month……..Saints vs. Colts.
think I’ve only spoken to Scott and Parker since New Years). It’s especially bad in January, when it’s too early to start
planning for the draft, but not enough time has past to get the bad taste of the past season out of your mouth (unless
you’re Jay).
So to past the time, I figured I would bless you all with a monthly update.
So far, not much has changed outside of coaches.
In Miami, Saban is out and it looks like San Diego offensive coordinator Cam Cameron is in. This may mean good
news for a weak offensive Miami squad. Hopefully, and most importantly, Cameron will make some good use of
Ronnie Brown and Chris Chambers.
In Arizona, Denny Green is out and Ken Whisenhunt is in. Whisenhunt is the offensive genius behind the Pittsburgh
attack the past three years. Look for him to establish a better running game with Edgerrin James having a sleeper
year next year (solid second round pick as of right now). But the biggest beneficiaries may be Anquan Boldin and
Larry Fitzgerald, both of whom the new coach will no doubt look to use in a few trick plays. Especially since Boldin
played a little QB in college. Remember what Whisenhunt did for Hines Ward and Antwaan Randle El. This is good
news for Parker and Jarrett (if they decide to keep them).
In Atlanta, Mora is out and Petrino is in. The recent track record for college coaches who jump to the pros has not
been great (Butch Davis, Nick Saban, etc). But then again Jimmy Johnson was a former college coach, so who knows
what to expect other than more years of frustration for Michael Vick owners.
In Pittsburgh, Bill Cowher stepped down and it is currently a three-man race for the job to replace him. The three
candidates are Mike Tomlin (defensive coordinator of the Vikings), Russ Grimm (current defensive coordinator of the
Steelers), and Ron Rivera (Bears defensive coordinator). Look for Grimm to get the job, since I predict they will keep
it in house. The biggest change that could affect this team will be the lost of Whisenhunt and Cowher, not sure what
that means to their offensive system in 2007, but important to note for Willie Parker, Hines Ward, and Ben
Roethlisberger owners.
In Oakland, Shell is out and it appears that USC offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian is the new man. This should
interesting if only to see what the new guy gets out of the #1 pick (Brady Quinn or JeMarcus Russell?) and if he can
keep Porter and Moss happy and on the field. But expect another solid year from the Oakland defense (sleeper
fantasy defense folks).
In other news, two coaches on the hot seat (Schottenheimer and Coughlin) got one more year to try and turn it
around. Personally, I think the Giants should have gotten rid of Coughlin. Now that he stays, you just know Eli is not
going to progress much more. However, keeping Marty was the right move, at least for the regular season. Look for
continued regular season success for LDT, Rivers, Gates, and the San Diego defense.
Since free agency has yet to occur (although at the moment it appears there will be some movement featuring such
big names as Michael Turner, Jamal Lewis, Fred Taylor, and Ahman Green), the other big news has been the
underclassmen that have declared for the draft. Potential early round fantasy players to watch are Adrian Peterson
and Marshawn Lynch (California RB). However, other names to look for on fantasy draft day will include the
aforementioned Quinn and Russell, Calvin Johnson (the best WR in the draft), and Ted Ginn Jr. My prediction. Jarrett
takes Peterson in round one. Lynch goes later in the draft (i.e. Addai and Maroney in this years draft) to either Josh
or Gregg. Quinn and Russell will get drafted late (much like Leinart and Vince Young this year). Somebody will jump
on Calvin Johnson early (I could see this being the annual young WR that Parker picks). And Ginn could be this year’
s Sinorice Moss (late round pick).
In other news: Tony Gonzalez resigns with the Chiefs for five years (Nick cheers loudly from overseas). Jason Taylor
announced he would be coming back for at least one more year (Marc cheers loudly while updating his blog).
McGahee wants more money, a new contract, and less paternity suits (lawyers in the Buffalo area prepare for
increased business). But the most overlooked transaction has occurred in New York, where the gang green has
signed free agent wide receiver, Frisman Jackson. Yes, that Frisman Jackson.
Things to watch for in the coming months: The Ricky Williams situation (Will he come back to Miami?), what happens
to Parcells and T.O. in Dallas (I predict Parcells returns and T.O. is given the boot), and will Brett Favre return for one
more year (Yes, he will and because he does, Jay decides to keep Donald Driver).
Till next month……..Saints vs. Colts.