Celek vs. Smith (1 Viewer)

[Dave Stauff]

OK - Brad Celek had a monster game replacing the frequently injured L.J. Smith. Does he figure to secure the starting position going forward, or does LJ regain it as soon as healthy? IIRC, Smith's contract is up after this year. Haven't seen much discussion so I thought I'd throw out a line . . .

 

[thriftyrocker]

There was a lot of talk before the Seattle game about the Eagles spending a high draft pick on a replacement for LJ. LJ got the franchise tag, so the Eagles have no ties to him after this year. I think he is done, not just with the Eagles. I don't think any other team would put up with him, except maybe Minnesota who even gave Pinkston a 2nd chance.

I like Celek. He has had glimpses before (last year). But I think the team wants someone better, whether it's a rookie who's more of a gamechanger or a vet like Gonzo. I think he is worth adding for this year, but he's more of a backup TE NFL-wise.

That said, Eagles often go cheap on skill players and start backup-quality guys. I wouldn't be surprised if he has a couple more good games if they give him a Greg Lewis-like contract for many years at a low rate. I would say 20% chance. Which would give him LJ-like value going forward (worth rostering but not a top guy).

 

[Bushead]

OK - Brad Celek had a monster game replacing the frequently injured L.J. Smith. Does he figure to secure the starting position going forward, or does LJ regain it as soon as healthy? IIRC, Smith's contract is up after this year. Haven't seen much discussion so I thought I'd throw out a line . . .

Very possible he gets the job after this year. LJ, at the pace he is going, will probably not get signed to an extension - he is already playing this year on a franchise tag.For this year, Reid already announced this week that the starting job is LJ's when healthy - and it sounds like he will play this week.

 

[jasvic]

It's LJ's job. Keep in mind, part of the reason Celek had the big game is because the Seattle D paid little attention to him. LJ gets more attention, normally.

While I'd like to see Celek get more looks and potentially take over, if LJ is healthy he's the starter.

 

[Dirty Hairy]

Celek is a dynasty play.

Smith will leave and Celek will ascend to be #1 next year (not this year).

 

[Buffaloes]

What about for week 10? I just checked the WW and found LJ and Celek on the wire. Apparently LJ is listed as "out" because of a concussion? can anyone confirm this?

 

[gonzobill5]

Who is this Brad Celek of whom you speak?

Is it Brent's twin brother? And if so, can Brad block as well as LJ? Cause Brent sure can't.

 

[thecardiackid]

What about for week 10? I just checked the WW and found LJ and Celek on the wire. Apparently LJ is listed as "out" because of a concussion? can anyone confirm this?

Also need a ww TE and Celek is there in a 14 team league. Half of what he did last week would do in a pinch.Anyone know - shorter term - what's going on w/ LJ (practicing, limited, rested this week)?Is there a DY (Pats) type of info source lurking in Philly?

 

[NYG Endzone]

Eagles TE L.J. Smith is ready to play and returned to practice Wednesday after missing a game with a concussion. He'll be back in the starting lineup for Sunday's game against the Giants, leaving Brent Celek, who caught six passes for 131 yards last week, back as the backup. Celek has accepted the decision and wanted no part of talking about any tight end controversy. "I don't think I've really earned it," Celek said. "I think I've shown what I can do. Like I've always said, L.J.'s a great player and I'm happy he's back this week."

(Updated 11/05/2008).

Fantasy Analysis

Celek might see more playing time, but expect Smith to be the primary tight end for the Eagles. About the only advice we can offer on Celek is to stash him in keeper leagues since he may have proven last week that he can carry the load as the No. 1 tight end for the Eagles starting in 2009. Don't use him in Week 10, though.

- http://fantasynews.sportsline.com/fantasyf...ayerpage/408126

 

[NYG Endzone]

Anyone actually starting Celek this week?

 

[Pip's Invitation]

Celek runs good routes and can catch, but he's slow as molasses. I doubt he'll ever ascend to fantasy TE1 status, regardless of whether LJ comes back next year.

 

[rockalum]

Who is this Brad Celek of whom you speak?

Is it Brent's twin brother? And if so, can Brad block as well as LJ? Cause Brent sure can't.

this is why andy reid has already said lj smith is his starting TE when healthy.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

OK - Brad Celek had a monster game replacing the frequently injured L.J. Smith. Does he figure to secure the starting position going forward, or does LJ regain it as soon as healthy? IIRC, Smith's contract is up after this year. Haven't seen much discussion so I thought I'd throw out a line . . .

I'm going on record that Celek > Smith. It's obvious - he did more than Smith has done all year. Yards after the catch, including 3 20+ yard receptions (most TE receiving yards in a regular season game for the Eagles ever, breaking Keith Jackson's 1989 record) - and blocking to boot.LJ Smith

 

[NYG Endzone]

OK - Brad Celek had a monster game replacing the frequently injured L.J. Smith. Does he figure to secure the starting position going forward, or does LJ regain it as soon as healthy? IIRC, Smith's contract is up after this year. Haven't seen much discussion so I thought I'd throw out a line . . .

I'm going on record that Celek > Smith. It's obvious - he did more than Smith has done all year. Yards after the catch, including 3 20+ yard receptions (most TE receiving yards in a regular season game for the Eagles ever, breaking Keith Jackson's 1989 record) - and blocking to boot.LJ Smith

Jeff: What about Celek's outlook this week?

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

OK - Brad Celek had a monster game replacing the frequently injured L.J. Smith. Does he figure to secure the starting position going forward, or does LJ regain it as soon as healthy? IIRC, Smith's contract is up after this year. Haven't seen much discussion so I thought I'd throw out a line . . .

Very possible he gets the job after this year. LJ, at the pace he is going, will probably not get signed to an extension - he is already playing this year on a franchise tag.For this year, Reid already announced this week that the starting job is LJ's when healthy - and it sounds like he will play this week.

That cinches it - Celek starts.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

OK - Brad Celek had a monster game replacing the frequently injured L.J. Smith. Does he figure to secure the starting position going forward, or does LJ regain it as soon as healthy? IIRC, Smith's contract is up after this year. Haven't seen much discussion so I thought I'd throw out a line . . .

I'm going on record that Celek > Smith. It's obvious - he did more than Smith has done all year. Yards after the catch, including 3 20+ yard receptions (most TE receiving yards in a regular season game for the Eagles ever, breaking Keith Jackson's 1989 record) - and blocking to boot.LJ Smith

Jeff: What about Celek's outlook this week?

If he starts (which I think he will) it is a great matchup as the Giants don't cover TEs well.

 

[gonzobill5]

OK - Brad Celek had a monster game replacing the frequently injured L.J. Smith. Does he figure to secure the starting position going forward, or does LJ regain it as soon as healthy? IIRC, Smith's contract is up after this year. Haven't seen much discussion so I thought I'd throw out a line . . .

I'm going on record that Celek > Smith. It's obvious - he did more than Smith has done all year. Yards after the catch, including 3 20+ yard receptions (most TE receiving yards in a regular season game for the Eagles ever, breaking Keith Jackson's 1989 record) - and blocking to boot.LJ Smith

I didn't see any mistakes last week, but in camp I watched as Celek couldn't block LBs, safeties, or even CBs. I guess he's big enough, but I haven't seen anything remotely resembling toughness from him. Of course, missed blocks don't hurt you in fantasy, so if he's forced to see the field he's a good play. And after watching LJ get destroyed on that hit I wouldn't be surprised if they ease him back in.