Miles Austin (1 Viewer)

[Sack-Religious]

I don't want to rehash the Monday night game again but I only recall two passes from Kitna going to Austin. I know he officially had five targets but the only two I remember being at least reasonably close to him were the one he caught and the one in the end zone (which he had no chance to realistically catch because it was a bad throw by Kitna). But even if it actually was five actual targets for Austin the fact his he was third on the team in targets from Kitna and second at his own position. Perhaps it's just semantics but I view that as being major negatives. As an Austin owner I'm hoping a week of practice with the starters will help Kitna get on the same page with Austin. We'll see.

Targets are targets. If we subtract what you deem to be throws that were not "reasonably close" to the other TEs and WRs, then their numbers drop significantly, as well. It's all relative.Austin had two catches from Kitna: a 7-yard catch across the middle and the aforementioned 17-yard skinny post. Hardly huge numbers, but there isn't a huge sample of gametime to use as a reference. The sheer volume of targets to Witten, IMO, shows that Kitna was relying on short dump-offs because he didn't have a choice. The other factor many people seem to be ignoring is that the Cowboys were down by so much they were going to 3 WR sets more frequently, which increases the looks to other WRs. That's why a partial game, that was a blow-out for the most part, with a new QB isn't enough data to make any clear conclusions from.One would think that with a week of practice Kitna will get more comfortable.The other thing to note is that with the increased looks Dez is getting and the ensuing success, it likely means that Austin will see more space to work with. The emergence of Dez is hardly a horrible thing for Austin. In fact, I'd argue that Witten becoming relevant again increases the liklihood of Austin's success. Perhaps he doesn't see 10 targets a game, but his chances for success with each target may increase.

 

[packersfan]

The sheer volume of targets to Witten, IMO, shows that Kitna was relying on short dump-offs because he didn't have a choice.

It could also be because those are the only throws Kitna can consistently make. If that's the case, that doesn't bode well for Austin. In order for Austin to remain a strong WR1, he needs the deep ball and that's not Kitna's strength. Now, one would think the Cowboys will figure out a way to get Austin the ball but even if they do a key part of what made him an elite fantasy WR is likely gone with Romo out. It's also concerning that Kitna looked far more comfortable throwing to other players, including another WR, more than Austin. Again, more practice time could fix that but I'm not sure we can sit here with any sense of confidence about Austin's situation right now. At least I can't. He just lost a far more talented QB, he's coming off his third poor game in the last four and his last game with his new QB was one which saw him generally being a non-factor. There's a lot of things Austin has to overcome right now. I'm hoping he can and I definitely need him to. I'm just not convinced it's going to happen but like I said I hope like hell I'm wrong.

 

[Sack-Religious]

The sheer volume of targets to Witten, IMO, shows that Kitna was relying on short dump-offs because he didn't have a choice.

It could also be because those are the only throws Kitna can consistently make. If that's the case, that doesn't bode well for Austin. In order for Austin to remain a strong WR1, he needs the deep ball and that's not Kitna's strength. Now, one would think the Cowboys will figure out a way to get Austin the ball but even if they do a key part of what made him an elite fantasy WR is likely gone with Romo out. It's also concerning that Kitna looked far more comfortable throwing to other players, including another WR, more than Austin. Again, more practice time could fix that but I'm not sure we can sit here with any sense of confidence about Austin's situation right now. At least I can't. He just lost a far more talented QB, he's coming off his third poor game in the last four and his last game with his new QB was one which saw him generally being a non-factor. There's a lot of things Austin has to overcome right now. I'm hoping he can and I definitely need him to. I'm just not convinced it's going to happen but like I said I hope like hell I'm wrong.

I disagree strongly that Austin needs the deep ball to remain a strong WR1. One of Austin's biggest assets is that he's insanley good after the catch. He's a lot like TO or Brandon Marshall in that he's so strong that he sheds tacklers and has the speed to break a short pass for a big gain when he does that. Perhaps I'm being too optimistic, but the fact that Austin is a deep threat, as well as a great YAC guy doesn't hurt his value as much since he can be used in the short game.As I said before, Austin had 2 bad drops last game on catches that he'll make 9 out of 10 times. He makes those 2 catches and he's got 5-70+ and a TD and I don't think many people are getting all chicken little on him.Austin had 2 horrible weeks WITH Romo as his QB, so cementing his status as a solid WR was already being called into question. Romo's been far from lights-out this season, so I really don't think Kitna is a precipitous drop-off at QB. Given the state of the Cowboys Oline and a couple bad weeks with Romo, IMO Austin was more of a WR2, with WR1 potential. Not where many of us drafted him, but that's where he was. This week will probably give everyone a better idea of where the Cowboys passing game will be.At this point, I think Austin is a HOLD, as I don't see many people giving up relatively fair market value for him. Austin owners will likely have to ride it out this week, hope he has a decent showing and then consider their options when his value has stabilized. It's too early to make a definitive statement right now, IMO.

 

[packersfan]

I respect your points and as an Austin owner I hope you're right. However, I strongly disagree that there isn't a huge drop-off from Romo to Kitna. I think it's gigantic. Kitna may not be a bum but I don't think he's close to Romo's class as a QB.

 

[raven1911]

I respect your points and as an Austin owner I hope you're right. However, I strongly disagree that there isn't a huge drop-off from Romo to Kitna. I think it's gigantic. Kitna may not be a bum but I don't think he's close to Romo's class as a QB.

Kitna is not getting any younger either. If Kitna was the class of QB that Romo is then he would be starting for a team in the NFL right now, not a backup QB. As an Austin owner, I hope he can get his timing down though. I think I might wait this week and see what happens this weekend and then consider trading him. I am eyeballing Jahvid Best, Ray Rice, or Ryan Torain right now for him. Its just hard to get a solid value on him.

 

[packersfan]

I am eyeballing Jahvid Best

That's who I'm looking at too. I know I couldn't get the Best owner interested with Austin coming off a horrible game and w/out Romo. But if Austin does well this week and Best doesn't look physically hampered that's a trade I may offer next week.

 

[Sack-Religious]

I approached the Best owner with Austin, but the guy already had Dez Bryant so he wasn't too interested in Austin.

I've got a deal on the table right now where I move Austin and Mike Bush to the McFadden owner for Jamaal Charles and Nate Burleson.

I've got Roddy White and Nicks, so Austin was a luxury in my WR3 spot. Going RB-heavy left me a little thin at RB, so adding Charles and his big-play capabilities helps me more in the short, and long term.

 

[Kiddnets]

Better numbers here on out: Austin or Dez

I think Kitna will click with Dez but Roy will still stifle his chances for this year. Boys were playing from behind so they were in 3 WR sets most of the 2d half. Still like Austin better for this year and next....but Dez is good

 

[Wet Doggg]

I just traded for Austin this evening. I gave up Forte and Smith (CAR). Neither will ever see my lineup and Austin coming over is now my #4 since I already have Calvin, Jennings and Maclin. If he does gel with with Kitna...I am golden. If not, I really lose nothing. Worth a gamble for me.

 

[CaptainHook]

wow im trading for austin after reading this thread

 

[the spanker]

wow im trading for austin after reading this thread

Already did yesterday. Can't remember if I posted trade in this thread but I gave up Fitzgerald/Charles for Bradshaw/Austin. My Wrs are CJ, S. Moss, Ward, and now Austin.I'm going crazy trying to figure out who to start with CJ this week.

 

[Kiddnets]

wow im trading for austin after reading this thread

Picked him up for Dez Bryant.....Miles ths yr and locked in next year at $75.......Dez 2 years at $39...I think I win short term...year 2 Dez may be the man

 

[tigerz]

I have both Austin and Jennings. I think they are both comparable. At least Austin is past his bye and has a good matchup this week but Jennings still has a bye. However, I still think Jennings is slightly better at this point because of Rodgers and less competition for targets. Austin has to take a hit with the loss of Romo, I seriously don't see how you can argue that he won't. He lost his upside to end up with a huge year, he's middle of the road now. At the very least, it's looking unlikely he will finish top 3 this year with Kitna though I still think he's top 10. I'm going to try to move Austin for McFadden, though I think McFadden is worth quite a bit more than Austin right now.

 

[gump]

Is Austin still more valuable than a mid-teens WR like Larry Fitzgerald?

 

[Koya]

I was trying to trade for Austin, but the owner - and I feel this may be common sentiment - still feels like there is a great QB situation there. I know kitna is not bad, but he definately has taken a hit in value. Fact is, he was worth a top RB in most leagues a week ago, now he is worth a #2 RB imo.

What scares me most is not kitna, its the fact that kitna himself is 38 years old and there are a lot of games left. Should kitna go down, do we have another Larry Fitz. situation?

 

[moondog]

I was trying to trade for Austin, but the owner - and I feel this may be common sentiment - still feels like there is a great QB situation there. I know kitna is not bad, but he definately has taken a hit in value. Fact is, he was worth a top RB in most leagues a week ago, now he is worth a #2 RB imo.What scares me most is not kitna, its the fact that kitna himself is 38 years old and there are a lot of games left. Should kitna go down, do we have another Larry Fitz. situation?

Valid point. Romo was very elusive in the pocket and could extend the play. I don't think Kitna at 38 has anywhere that type of movement to extend plays if the protection breaks down. If Dallas falls say to 2-7 after the next three games (Jax, GB, NYG) do they go to Stephen McGee to see if he can develop into their #2 QB for next year ? I think this is the worst case scenario for Austin, Bryant, etc

 

[turfman]

The Austin owner made an offer to me for R Moss and Floyd. I have D Jackson and Garcon as my top 2. I'm thinking this sures up my #3 because Moss hasn't looked good and could be even worse if Tavaris takes the reins, and Floyd is banged up and not sure what his role will be when V Jax gets back.

In regards to Austin, it was way too small of a sample size on Monday to make all of these assumptions on. If you are trading for him or trading him away this week you are basically going with your gut. I think he will be fine in the long run. And nobody has mentioned this, but Romo should be back in time for fantasy playoffs. Unless they but him on IR because Dallas blows. I love when Dallas loses, had to add that in.

 

[Kiddnets]

The Austin owner made an offer to me for R Moss and Floyd. I have D Jackson and Garcon as my top 2. I'm thinking this sures up my #3 because Moss hasn't looked good and could be even worse if Tavaris takes the reins, and Floyd is banged up and not sure what his role will be when V Jax gets back. In regards to Austin, it was way too small of a sample size on Monday to make all of these assumptions on. If you are trading for him or trading him away this week you are basically going with your gut. I think he will be fine in the long run. And nobody has mentioned this, but Romo should be back in time for fantasy playoffs. Unless they but him on IR because Dallas blows. I love when Dallas loses, had to add that in.

I could be wrong but so far Moss looks completely disinterested circa his time with Oakland....if I could get Austin for him I would take it.

 

[Pura Vida]

I hope Miles has a big week. If he does, i will definitely trade him. Forget Kitna, I see mcgee a coming in a few weeks. They will be crucial playoff weeks.

Come on Austin- one big game s I can go after someone like Jennings or Maclin.

 

[the spanker]

I hope Miles has a big week. If he does, i will definitely trade him. Forget Kitna, I see mcgee a coming in a few weeks. They will be crucial playoff weeks. Come on Austin- one big game s I can go after someone like Jennings or Maclin.

Wow you're really down on him. Maclin? DJax will be back too.

 

[Pura Vida]

I hope Miles has a big week. If he does, i will definitely trade him. Forget Kitna, I see mcgee a coming in a few weeks. They will be crucial playoff weeks. Come on Austin- one big game s I can go after someone like Jennings or Maclin.

Wow you're really down on him. Maclin? DJax will be back too.

Look at what hall has done for fitz. Expect the same when Mcgee throws to Austin.

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

I have Austin and I wouldn't trade him for Greg Jennings.We don't even know what will happen yet - we need to see 1 game with Kitna getting a full week of practice with the 1st team.I think they will develop some sort of Chemistry.

Isn;t it a concern that Austin has bad games 3 out of the last 4 weeks? I also didn't like 2-3 balls he should have caught and didn't. Kitna can't be a good thing for him.

I think you trade him after this week. The pass matchups don't get any easier except Detroit, so if he has a decent day today, I'd try and deal him for someone who has a good schedule down the stretch or package him with another lesser RB for an elite player if you can.I didn't like what I saw out of Kitna, those late Td's meant little to me as the Giants let him have that. I don't even think Kitna survives the year, Romo was mobile and got hurt, wait until this guy gets the heat Romo's been getting all year. Hope Austin has a good week, then deal him. That's what I'm hoping for and will try and do anyway.

 

[One]

I hope Miles has a big week. If he does, i will definitely trade him. Forget Kitna, I see mcgee a coming in a few weeks. They will be crucial playoff weeks. Come on Austin- one big game s I can go after someone like Jennings or Maclin.

Wow you're really down on him. Maclin? DJax will be back too.

Look at what hall has done for fitz. Expect the same when Mcgee throws to Austin.

I would #### if someone offered me Austin for Maclin, even today.

 

[Pura Vida]

I hope Miles has a big week. If he does, i will definitely trade him. Forget Kitna, I see mcgee a coming in a few weeks. They will be crucial playoff weeks. Come on Austin- one big game s I can go after someone like Jennings or Maclin.

Wow you're really down on him. Maclin? DJax will be back too.

Look at what hall has done for fitz. Expect the same when Mcgee throws to Austin.

I would #### if someone offered me Austin for Maclin, even today.

30 458 6 vs36 524 2 one is getting their starting qb back....one is getting a guy named mcghee.Plus Maclin has been much more consistent. Miles has three games with less than 6 points. Maclin is a 2nd year wr, former 1st rounder, just hitting his stride. Austin has major qb issues. I wish the maclin owner in my league thught like you. I traied to trade him austin and he said no.

 

[bleachercreacher]

I hope Miles has a big week. If he does, i will definitely trade him. Forget Kitna, I see mcgee a coming in a few weeks. They will be crucial playoff weeks. Come on Austin- one big game s I can go after someone like Jennings or Maclin.

Wow you're really down on him. Maclin? DJax will be back too.

Look at what hall has done for fitz. Expect the same when Mcgee throws to Austin.

I would #### if someone offered me Austin for Maclin, even today.

30 458 6 vs36 524 2 one is getting their starting qb back....one is getting a guy named mcghee.Plus Maclin has been much more consistent. Miles has three games with less than 6 points. Maclin is a 2nd year wr, former 1st rounder, just hitting his stride. Austin has major qb issues. I wish the maclin owner in my league thught like you. I traied to trade him austin and he said no.

You sound like it's a done deal that McGhee will be the QB in Dallas. Kitna could easily become a serviceable QB for the rest of the season. Heck, a lot of lesser WR's have done a lot more with lesser QB's. It took Maclin 14 targets to catch 5 balls last week, and DeSean Jackson will come back to steal his targets back. I don't think there is anyway that Dallas goes the rest of the season without making their best WR a focal point of their offense. If he gets open Kitna still has the arm to get him the ball.

 

[Teef]

6-102 so far in the 1st half.

 

[two_dollars]

6-102 so far in the 1st half.

and he was a half a foot down from a TD catch

 

[Teef]

I hope Miles has a big week. If he does, i will definitely trade him. Forget Kitna, I see mcgee a coming in a few weeks. They will be crucial playoff weeks. Come on Austin- one big game s I can go after someone like Jennings or Maclin.

Wow you're really down on him. Maclin? DJax will be back too.

Look at what hall has done for fitz. Expect the same when Mcgee throws to Austin.

I would #### if someone offered me Austin for Maclin, even today.

30 458 6 vs36 524 2 one is getting their starting qb back....one is getting a guy named mcghee.Plus Maclin has been much more consistent. Miles has three games with less than 6 points. Maclin is a 2nd year wr, former 1st rounder, just hitting his stride. Austin has major qb issues. I wish the maclin owner in my league thught like you. I traied to trade him austin and he said no.

I wish you were in my league.

 

[oukurt]

What can be offered to go get this guy?

Buy low? I wouldn't sell this guy for the moon. He has a couple of off weeks and you think you can get him cheap? lol

 

[Dizzy]

What can be offered to go get this guy?

Buy low? I wouldn't sell this guy for the moon. He has a couple of off weeks and you think you can get him cheap? lol

Isn't that how the whole, "Buy LOW, sell HIGH" theory works. It has nothing to do with a player's actual (end of the season) performance, it's about getting what you can, when you can, for who you can.

 

[Chaser1439]

A ton of guys in this post got him cheap from owners that got nervous when romo got hurt. Great post though guy.