Is Shaun Alexander Fantasy history?
Many analysts are breaking out the "Omigosh, he's 30" argument on Alexander, while others point to his fractured left wrist. Well, the man showed within the last 12 months that he has tread on the tire, and so long as he's not running on his hands, the wrist isn't a big issue.
Let's start with the stats. After posting two 100-yard games in the first three weeks, Alexander has 138 rush yards total over his last three with no touchdowns. But what's even more alarming is his yards-per-carry average:
Week 1 vs. TB 27 105 3.9
Week 2 at ARI 18 70 3.9
Week 3 vs. CIN 21 100 4.8
Week 4 at SF 25 78 3.1
Week 5 at PIT 11 25 2.3
Week 6 vs. NO 14 35 2.5
Take away that game against Cincinnati's poor defense, and Alexander's average has gone downhill this season. Even against tough run defenses like the Steelers, Alexander should be expected to get more than 2.3 yards per carry. And against a Saints defense ranked 17th against the run, Alexander had two rushes for five or more yards, his first and fourth touches of the game. In the second half, Alexander was mysteriously sidelined while RB/FB Leonard Weaver played, mostly pass blocking as the Seahawks threw to get back in the game.
Alexander has three 20-plus-yard rushes this season and six total dating back to the 2006 season, including the '06 postseason. Compare that with his 2005 total (he had 27 runs of 20-plus yards and six games without a 20-yard rush) and you'll see that something's different here.
Steve Hutchinson was his All-Pro guard until 2005, and while he might not have a lot to do with Alexander's statistical drop, maybe the offensive line he has now does. But I also think he's far less aggressive than he has been, and it could be because of the injuries he's endured over the past 12 months.
Ultimately, the guy looks like he's lost a step.
If you own Alexander, take his next two games to evaluate him. He should perform well -- not just good, but great -- hosting the Rams and playing at Cleveland, with a bye week in between. Neither of those teams could stop a baby crawling behind five offensive linemen. After those games, Alexander and the Seahawks don't have it too tough, but we both can agree that Alexander's long-term future doesn't look good regardless of his upcoming schedule.
Don't deal Alexander yet. Use his next two games to gain value. If you try to trade him now, you'll get Jason Wright and Lee Evans in return. Alexander should pump up his stats over the next three weeks, and that's when you trade him in for a decent RB with some upside (Maurice Jones-Drew?) and a good Fantasy WR (Wes Welker?).
per cbssportsline