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The free agency signings are going fast and furious, so what better time to do a ROFFL winners/losers after the rush
of early activity.
WINNERS:
FIVE SECOND STARE –
The Thomas Jones trade clears the way for Cedric Benson. The return of Brett Favre means Donald Driver maintains
his status as a top ten WR. Throw in the fact that Fred Taylor resigned with Jacksonville and Deuce McCallister will
have another year playing with Reggie Bush and Drew Brees. I’d say it’s been a good couple of weeks for the
returning champ. The bad news, Nate Burleson CANNOT be kept. I repeat, Nate Burleson CANNOT be kept.
Early keeper predictions: Benson and Driver.
NEW JERSEY JACOBINS –
Jeff Garcia signing with Tampa Bay means Donovan McNabb is still the man in Philly. That’s good b/c Dave’s keeper
options were looking slim. His only other option, Andre Johnson resigned with Houston (although since they cut Eric
Moulds, it will be interesting to see whom they replace him with. Otherwise, it’s double coverage on AJ all day). And it’
s a bit of a stretch, but if Moss stays in Oakland and they draft JeMarcus Russell, then we could be seeing a lot of 80
yard TD passes from Russell to Moss.
Early keeper predictions: McNabb and Andre Johnson.
CANTON FC –
New England cut Corey Dillon, thus paving the way for the emergence of Laurence Maroney as a full time starter. The
ankle injury to Reggie Bush is minor. So all in all good news for his two obvious keepers. For non-keepers, Wesley
Welker is traded to New England where he will be in prime position to catch passes and return kicks. He’ll be a mid
round draft pick next year.
Early keeper predictions: Maroney and Bush.
INCHING WORMS –
Joseph Addai showed he could replace Edgerrin James just fine. Larry Fitzgerald is healthy and ready to put up
monster stats for Ken Whisenhunts offense (although there was a brief scare when Fitz got all upset because Denny
Green, whom he has known his whole life, got fired). Speaking of Edge and Whisenhunt, the two could be a good
match in Arizona. Whisenhunt was known to run the ball a good amount at Pittsburgh and Edge is out to prove he’s
still got it. Also, if Parker opts to go in that direction, Ahman Green was signed by Houston and will be the starting RB
there. Although Houston is not a great team, Kubiak was the man behind all those 1,500 RB’s at Denver. Then again,
Green is 30 years old and on the downside of his career.
Early keeper predictions – Addai and Fitzgerald.
NEUTRAL:
NOMADS IN THE DEEP –
Another brief Drew Brees injury scare, another surgery for TO, and the resigning of Fred Taylor that will limit Maurice
Jones-Drew’s touches next year equals neither a win or loss for the returning regular season champ. In addition, you
have to be wary of the amount of carries LJ had last year. No news on Steve Smith, which is good news. Plus, Norv
Turner leaves San Francisco to coach the Charges. That could have a negative effect on Frank Gore’s production.
Turner is an offensive genius, if nothing else.
Early keeper predictions: Frank Gore and a surprise move, Maurice Jones-Drew over LJ.
SHERMTANKS –
LDJ is coming off a career year. You have to expect some dropoff. Although new head coach Norv Turner is an
offensive genius. Plus they resigned fullback, Lorenzo Neal and offensive lineman, Kris Dielman. Two important
pieces in LDJ rushing the ball. Brandon Jacobs looks like he won’t just be given the keys after Tiki’s retirement (rumor
has Dominic Rhodes signing with the Giants). Willie Parker looks like he will still be the man though, so Jason could
keep him again (Pitts resigned Davenport). However, the good news is Travis Henry moves to Denver, the land of
1,500 yards.
Early keeper predictions: LDJ and in a coin toss, Travis Henry.
FIGHTING BLUE CRAB –
Peyton finally won the big one, so it’ll be interesting to see what he does for an encore (will he have the same drive or
will he be satisfied with one?). Jamal Lewis was cut, but he’ll probably resign with Baltimore. DeAngelo looks to take
over the starting spot from DeShaun, but Foster will still get some carries. Marion Barber’s role looks undefined with
Parcells gone. But it’ll be difficult to match that TD total from last year. Chad will still be Chad and Hines will have a
healthy Big Ben. All in all, it’s been a wash.
Early keeper predictions: Manning and DeAngelo.
NOSE –
The same keeper options at the end of the year are basically still there with the same situation now. In other words,
not much has changed. Carson Palmer will be one more year removed from surgery, so he should be fine. Torry Holt
will be one more year older and it’s yet to be seen what role Drew Bennett will play in St. Louis’s offense. Boldin and
Leinart will have more time to find some chemistry in the passing game. But K2 had microfracture surgery and looks
to miss some time.
Early keeper predictions: Holt and Palmer.
labor power –
Who knows what to expect from Tony Romo after the last minute snap debacle versus Seattle in the playoffs and the
loss of his biggest supporter, Bill Parcells? Wali Lundy loses a lot of value with the signing of Ahman Green. But
Reggie Wayne is still an elite WR and Antonio Gates is still the best TE in the game.
Early keeper predictons: Reggie Wayne and Romo.
BALTIMORE TOOLS –
Not much to report. Trent Green was cut. Portis is back, but look for Ladell Betts to play a minor role. Chester Taylor
is coming off a career year, but he has Lamont Jordan 2006 written all over him. Roy Williams may be catching
passes from Brady Quinn (most likely not)?
Early keeper predictions: Portis and Taylor.
BROCK’S BANDITS –
The hope was the Michael Turner got traded or signed to another team, but San Diego is asking for a #1 pick. So it
looks like Turner will play out his contract with SD and become an unrestricted free agent next year. That’s huge, b/c
Brock was banking on keeping him. Rudi Johnson is still a keeper, but at this rate, he may get arrested for mistaken
identity. Tom Brady is an option since he might have some people to throw the ball to this year (Wes Welker being
one). Also, Thomas Jones has become a viable option now that he has been traded to the Jets.
Early keeper predictions: Rudi and Brady.
BORN TO RUN MY MOUTH –
Things could have been worse and I was undecided on whether or not to put him as a loser, b/c Shaun Alexander is
30 years old and a step slower. Then Eli really needed someone else to come in (Jason Garrett); b/c Coughlin won’t
help Eli make that next step to elite level QB. But Colston is the clear-cut #1 WR in New Orleans after they cut Joe
Horn. And Cadillac could be a surprise after a down year.
Early keeper predictions: Colston and Shaun Alexander.
LOSERS:
OC BEACH BALLERS –
Poor Scott. First rumors that KJ may be healthy come training camp. Then Detroit makes the trade for Tatum Bell as
insurance. Wherever Tatum goes, running back by committee follows. The second keeper option is still up in the air.
Will Coles have another good season with Chad at the helm? Will Santana bounce back from a subpar year? Is Jason
Campbell an elite QB? Mark Clayton the answer to the Ravens WR woes?
Early keeper predictions: KJ and Santana.
ME –
Not only does nobody read these. But do you really think LenDale White will be the starting RB in Tennessee? If you
do, then you must have thought Mike Bell would be the starting RB at Denver. Throw in the near certainty that Ricky
Williams returns to take away carries from Ronnie Brown and you’re looking at another down year for yours truly.
Early keeper predictions: WOULDN’T YOU LIKE TO KNOW???
I’m sure people will disagree, but if you were marked as a loser or neutral and felt like you belonged in the winner
category, just keep this in mind. I’m an amateur and know absolutely nothing. To tell you the truth, you’re all winners.
Why? Because you get the privilege to read my writings for free.
of early activity.
WINNERS:
FIVE SECOND STARE –
The Thomas Jones trade clears the way for Cedric Benson. The return of Brett Favre means Donald Driver maintains
his status as a top ten WR. Throw in the fact that Fred Taylor resigned with Jacksonville and Deuce McCallister will
have another year playing with Reggie Bush and Drew Brees. I’d say it’s been a good couple of weeks for the
returning champ. The bad news, Nate Burleson CANNOT be kept. I repeat, Nate Burleson CANNOT be kept.
Early keeper predictions: Benson and Driver.
NEW JERSEY JACOBINS –
Jeff Garcia signing with Tampa Bay means Donovan McNabb is still the man in Philly. That’s good b/c Dave’s keeper
options were looking slim. His only other option, Andre Johnson resigned with Houston (although since they cut Eric
Moulds, it will be interesting to see whom they replace him with. Otherwise, it’s double coverage on AJ all day). And it’
s a bit of a stretch, but if Moss stays in Oakland and they draft JeMarcus Russell, then we could be seeing a lot of 80
yard TD passes from Russell to Moss.
Early keeper predictions: McNabb and Andre Johnson.
CANTON FC –
New England cut Corey Dillon, thus paving the way for the emergence of Laurence Maroney as a full time starter. The
ankle injury to Reggie Bush is minor. So all in all good news for his two obvious keepers. For non-keepers, Wesley
Welker is traded to New England where he will be in prime position to catch passes and return kicks. He’ll be a mid
round draft pick next year.
Early keeper predictions: Maroney and Bush.
INCHING WORMS –
Joseph Addai showed he could replace Edgerrin James just fine. Larry Fitzgerald is healthy and ready to put up
monster stats for Ken Whisenhunts offense (although there was a brief scare when Fitz got all upset because Denny
Green, whom he has known his whole life, got fired). Speaking of Edge and Whisenhunt, the two could be a good
match in Arizona. Whisenhunt was known to run the ball a good amount at Pittsburgh and Edge is out to prove he’s
still got it. Also, if Parker opts to go in that direction, Ahman Green was signed by Houston and will be the starting RB
there. Although Houston is not a great team, Kubiak was the man behind all those 1,500 RB’s at Denver. Then again,
Green is 30 years old and on the downside of his career.
Early keeper predictions – Addai and Fitzgerald.
NEUTRAL:
NOMADS IN THE DEEP –
Another brief Drew Brees injury scare, another surgery for TO, and the resigning of Fred Taylor that will limit Maurice
Jones-Drew’s touches next year equals neither a win or loss for the returning regular season champ. In addition, you
have to be wary of the amount of carries LJ had last year. No news on Steve Smith, which is good news. Plus, Norv
Turner leaves San Francisco to coach the Charges. That could have a negative effect on Frank Gore’s production.
Turner is an offensive genius, if nothing else.
Early keeper predictions: Frank Gore and a surprise move, Maurice Jones-Drew over LJ.
SHERMTANKS –
LDJ is coming off a career year. You have to expect some dropoff. Although new head coach Norv Turner is an
offensive genius. Plus they resigned fullback, Lorenzo Neal and offensive lineman, Kris Dielman. Two important
pieces in LDJ rushing the ball. Brandon Jacobs looks like he won’t just be given the keys after Tiki’s retirement (rumor
has Dominic Rhodes signing with the Giants). Willie Parker looks like he will still be the man though, so Jason could
keep him again (Pitts resigned Davenport). However, the good news is Travis Henry moves to Denver, the land of
1,500 yards.
Early keeper predictions: LDJ and in a coin toss, Travis Henry.
FIGHTING BLUE CRAB –
Peyton finally won the big one, so it’ll be interesting to see what he does for an encore (will he have the same drive or
will he be satisfied with one?). Jamal Lewis was cut, but he’ll probably resign with Baltimore. DeAngelo looks to take
over the starting spot from DeShaun, but Foster will still get some carries. Marion Barber’s role looks undefined with
Parcells gone. But it’ll be difficult to match that TD total from last year. Chad will still be Chad and Hines will have a
healthy Big Ben. All in all, it’s been a wash.
Early keeper predictions: Manning and DeAngelo.
NOSE –
The same keeper options at the end of the year are basically still there with the same situation now. In other words,
not much has changed. Carson Palmer will be one more year removed from surgery, so he should be fine. Torry Holt
will be one more year older and it’s yet to be seen what role Drew Bennett will play in St. Louis’s offense. Boldin and
Leinart will have more time to find some chemistry in the passing game. But K2 had microfracture surgery and looks
to miss some time.
Early keeper predictions: Holt and Palmer.
labor power –
Who knows what to expect from Tony Romo after the last minute snap debacle versus Seattle in the playoffs and the
loss of his biggest supporter, Bill Parcells? Wali Lundy loses a lot of value with the signing of Ahman Green. But
Reggie Wayne is still an elite WR and Antonio Gates is still the best TE in the game.
Early keeper predictons: Reggie Wayne and Romo.
BALTIMORE TOOLS –
Not much to report. Trent Green was cut. Portis is back, but look for Ladell Betts to play a minor role. Chester Taylor
is coming off a career year, but he has Lamont Jordan 2006 written all over him. Roy Williams may be catching
passes from Brady Quinn (most likely not)?
Early keeper predictions: Portis and Taylor.
BROCK’S BANDITS –
The hope was the Michael Turner got traded or signed to another team, but San Diego is asking for a #1 pick. So it
looks like Turner will play out his contract with SD and become an unrestricted free agent next year. That’s huge, b/c
Brock was banking on keeping him. Rudi Johnson is still a keeper, but at this rate, he may get arrested for mistaken
identity. Tom Brady is an option since he might have some people to throw the ball to this year (Wes Welker being
one). Also, Thomas Jones has become a viable option now that he has been traded to the Jets.
Early keeper predictions: Rudi and Brady.
BORN TO RUN MY MOUTH –
Things could have been worse and I was undecided on whether or not to put him as a loser, b/c Shaun Alexander is
30 years old and a step slower. Then Eli really needed someone else to come in (Jason Garrett); b/c Coughlin won’t
help Eli make that next step to elite level QB. But Colston is the clear-cut #1 WR in New Orleans after they cut Joe
Horn. And Cadillac could be a surprise after a down year.
Early keeper predictions: Colston and Shaun Alexander.
LOSERS:
OC BEACH BALLERS –
Poor Scott. First rumors that KJ may be healthy come training camp. Then Detroit makes the trade for Tatum Bell as
insurance. Wherever Tatum goes, running back by committee follows. The second keeper option is still up in the air.
Will Coles have another good season with Chad at the helm? Will Santana bounce back from a subpar year? Is Jason
Campbell an elite QB? Mark Clayton the answer to the Ravens WR woes?
Early keeper predictions: KJ and Santana.
ME –
Not only does nobody read these. But do you really think LenDale White will be the starting RB in Tennessee? If you
do, then you must have thought Mike Bell would be the starting RB at Denver. Throw in the near certainty that Ricky
Williams returns to take away carries from Ronnie Brown and you’re looking at another down year for yours truly.
Early keeper predictions: WOULDN’T YOU LIKE TO KNOW???
I’m sure people will disagree, but if you were marked as a loser or neutral and felt like you belonged in the winner
category, just keep this in mind. I’m an amateur and know absolutely nothing. To tell you the truth, you’re all winners.
Why? Because you get the privilege to read my writings for free.