How is the FBG in-season IDP coverage? (1 Viewer)

jonboltz said:

Been back in IDPs after a few years off, and could always use some extra info.

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LB Josh Mauga (8 solos) and James-Michael Johnson (2 solos, 1 asst), KC
With Derrick Johnson suffering a torn Achilles that will end his 2014 season, both Chiefs inside linebackers figure to see a bump in value. Mauga earned the starting spot next to Johnson this year and had an impressive Chiefs debut with 8 solo tackles. The other Johnson took over midway through the game and wasn’t quite as productive, but looks headed for a big increase in playing time.

LB Zach Brown, TEN (0 tackles)
Brown was expected to play a key role in the middle of the Titans defense this year, but he only lasted four plays before leaving the game with an injury. Brown suffered a torn pectoral muscle that could wind up ending his season. If he’s out long-term, it looks like Zaviar Gooden could be next in line but the Titans may go to more of a big nickel as their base.

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MIAMI

Oh, hello there, Cameron Wake. Rumors of your demise were much exaggerated.

That GIF should be enough to quell any concerns about Wake's 2013 season, which was due to bad luck in the first month and playing through the residual effects of a MCL sprain for much of the rest of the season. Wake had multiple plays like the one to the right -- quick first step, strong use hands and leverage, and an elite ability to flatten and close -- yesterday. As long as he stays healthy, he'll remain an elite fantasy play.

Unfortunately, the Dolphins' defense is already hard hit by injuries. Koa Misi went down with an ankle injury. The Dolphins initially said he was out indefnitely, though the Miami Herald is now reporting the potential for only a 1-2 week absence.Dannell Ellerbe left early with a hip injury. While there are no specifics yet and it looked as if he just got his foot caught in the turf running in coverage, Ellerbe was put on injured reserve [SIZE=13.3333339691162px]on Monday. Add those injuries to [/SIZE]Philip Wheeler[SIZE=13.3333339691162px]'s thumb injury and Jordan Tripp's chest injury that kept both inactive and the Dolphins are light at linebacker.[/SIZE]

There may be an IDP sliver lining here, however. Jelani Jenkins is very likely to be Ellerbe's replacement at weak side linebacker and will likely be an every-down player, whether Wheeler is ready to return or not. The unknown is how Miami will handle middle linebacker. It's possible Wheeler will move inside. The Dolphins may also use Jason Trusnik or, eventually, Jordan Tripp in a bigger role.

For now, grab Jenkins. Keep an eye on my Twitter feed for any additional information from Miami. And make certain you getReshad Jones rostered if he's sitting there on your waiver wire while serving his suspension.

MINNESOTA

Sharrif Floyd looked terrific against the Rams. He was extremely quick off the ball and won with a strong bull rush on more than one occasion. The play to the right stands out as an example of Floyd's day. Floyd beat everyone off the snap and was in the backfield before the trap block could reach him. He stayed low and finished off the elusive Tavon Austin easily. Floyd suffered a shoulder injury, but told reporters after the game that he expects to play this week. Linval Josephhad the splashier stat line, but Floyd was every bit as impressive.

Also impressive was Everson Griffen, who had two sacks and was in the St. Louis pocket all day. I had him as an Upside DL2 and value target this preseason, but I'm not ready to move him any higher yet. He'll need to prove he can play the run consistently enough to give him a chance to hit the 40 solos or more necessary to become an elite fantasy player.

Don't overreact to Chad Greenway's disappointing 2-0 line yet. Greenway wasn't as dynamic as usual, but it's too soon to see this as more than one week aberration. The next two weeks will put Greenway in the middle of the field for a huge number of nickel snaps against New England and New Orleans. If Greenway's numbers don't improve by then, it'll be time to panic. The same goes for Harrison Smith. The corollary to this is that Robert Blanton's value will depend on how Greenway and Smith recover. It wasn't great play from Blanton that bumped his stat line and dropped that of Greenway and Smith.

NEW ENGLANDJerod Mayo is off to a strong start with a 10-2-1 and a fumble recovery. Jamie Collins was a mess on the field at times, but managed eight solos, a forced fumble and a pass defensed. I expect the strong production of both to continue, particularly at home with a favorable stat crew. But that's where the fun ends in New England.



TAPE REVIEW | CHANDLER JONES:
The Patriots showed a base 3-4 frequently in the preseason and I thought it was lucky that
http://subscribers.footballguys.com/players/JoneCh98-1.phpChandler Jones
http://subscribers.footballguys.com/players/JoneCh98-1.php, who was playing an outside linebacker role in the 3-4, wasn't re-classified as a linebacker. Call it karma or chalk it up to another Bill Belichick curveball, but the Patriots played every snap in a 3-4 base front against Miami -- with Jones head up on an offensive tackle as a 3-4 defensive end. That's infuriating. With luck, the Patriots will see how ineffective Jones was against the run and in pass rush on those base downs and make a schematic adjustment. Jones will be adequate in this role, but he's not going to be another
http://subscribers.footballguys.com/players/JordCa99-1.phpCameron Jordan
http://subscribers.footballguys.com/players/JordCa99-1.phpor
http://subscribers.footballguys.com/players/WilkMu99-1.phpMuhammad Wilkerson
http://subscribers.footballguys.com/players/WilkMu99-1.php.
Belichick also threw a curveball in the secondary, starting and giving the bulk of the strong safety snaps to Patrick Chungwhile Duron Harmon played only five snaps. Wait for a clear and consistent trend to develop before moving on any New England secondary player.

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Houston Texans

From a talent and potential perspective, safety D.J. Swearinger is a player that has been on the radar since he was drafted last year. His stock gets a big boost now that he is lining up with Brian Cushing as linebackers in the Texans nickel packages. After targeting him as a third defensive back or even depth over most of the offseason, Swearinger now has DB2 potential. Surprisingly, he is still available as a free agent in some twelve team leagues that start three. Pick him up before the competition is alerted.

Indianapolis Colts

Another defensive back to keep an eye on is Colts safety Mike Adams. The 33 year old journeyman is not the most talented of players, but he has won the starting job opposite LaRon Landry. This is the same position that made Antoine Bethea a solid fantasy option for a long time. Adams is far from a sure thing, but if he is productive in the opener, it will not be a fluke.

Jacksonville Jaguars

I looks as if the Jaguars have settled on Telvin Smith as the nickel linebacker next to Paul Posluszny with Geno Hayes and LaRoy Reynolds at outside backer in the base. This effectively kills the value of any Jacksonville linebacker not named Posluszny. Smith is worth keeping an eye on but at only 219 pounds, he is going to have a hard time getting on the field in the base package.

Red Bryant continues to start at defensive end opposite Chris Clemons but Andre Branch is going to be a big part of this defense. Against the Lions he continued to see action in nearly all passing situations and was on the field for some base package snaps as well. Branch made a nice play on an interception when Jacksonville had him working as an outside backer in a 3-4 look. I am somewhat concerned that not playing full time will limit his tackle numbers but Branch is making a lot of plays when he is in the game. I am particularly optimistic about his big play potential

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