Sep
5
2011
Every week during the preseason and season, I will throw out some quick observations of the previous NFL week. With the invention of the DVR and Directv’s ”Quick Bits”, I am able to watch every snap of every game and give you a lightning “blitz” war “krieg” to bring to your fantasy league for domination. The fake games have ended, so bring on some real football!
After less than a minute of watching the Seattle o-line, it was clear that they struggle to run block and that TE Zach Miller may be stuck doing that for often than not. Oakland’s Michael Bush ran strong, but didn’t make any plays that his o-line didn’t create for him. Leon Washington looked to be a better back than Justin Forsett. Charlie Whitehurst played better than Tavaris Jackson, but the level of competition was lacking. Taiwan Jones heard footsteps in his 2nd preseason game, I hope he gets over that soon.
The Stafford to Calvin Johnson connection worked for a long completion. Fantasy owners hope this continues. Jerome Harrison looked ready to step up in the Mikel Leshoure role, forget Aaron Brown. CJ Spiller, despite being very streaky, is looking like he will play more of a role this year. Fitzpatrick’s numbers were down this game, but there were many drops by the receivers.
There isn’t a lot to say about the Bucs/Redskins game as I had to listen to Theisman, which is painful as you all know. Kregg Lumpkin was stuffed 3 times at the one yard line. I think Ernest Graham would have converted the TD. John Beck was adequate as the starting QB as I would expect the Shanahans to make that decision soon. Anthony Armstrong was getting targeted often by Beck.
When watching the Ravens/Falcons game, it was easy to see why rookie RB Anthony Allen made the team. He ran hard and caught the ball well, while Jalen Parmele did not. Julio Jones wants to contribute this year, even if it’s a reverse. Jacquizz Rodgers looked very good in space, but struggled at the line of scrimmage. Falcons need to use him on stretch plays and in the flat.
Cam Newton is starting to let his legs do the talking by scrambling. He also does a good job targeting his TEs, but if he continues to miss Steve Smith, watch out for Smith’s right hand. Isaac Redman looks like a great handcuff for Mendenhall owners. Emmanuel Sanders is back and ready to play, buy him cheap before the Antonio Brown hype dies. Also keep an eye on Mike Goodson, both D-Will and J-Stew aren’t the healthiest of cats (panthers, get it?).
I came away impressed with Ryan Grant’s hard running. Don’t expect more than #3 RB production, but he can contribute. Dynasty darling QB Matt Flynn looked awful going 2-10 in the game, good thing Aaron Rodgers is the starter. Cassel was more improved, but it might be most of his production came when the Packers’ second string team was out there. Bowe looked phenomenal, too bad with the loss of TE Moeaki, it’s only going to get harder for Bowe to make plays.
Dane Sanzenbacher was very active against the Browns. Johnny Knox was trying to get his starting WR spot back from Roy Williams, and he helped himself with a nice TD grab. Nothing happened on the Browns side that was worth noting.
Rookie QB Christian Ponder showed off his athletic gifts against the Texans. He passed for a TD and added 61 yards on the ground on 8 carries. The Texans were shutout and appeared to be focusing their efforts on their regular season game against the Colts.
