What's new
Fantasy Football - Footballguys Forums

This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

TE Jimmy Graham, CHI (1 Viewer)

Jimmy's stat collapse is one of the most baffling things in a baffling fantasy season.

As someone said up thread, I think we're going to find out after the season that Jimmy's injury (or possibly injuries) were much worse than they let on.

Not that it does much good for hopefuly fantasy owners this year. :(

 
Last edited by a moderator:
There has to be some injury issue(s) that are not being fully disclosed. Has to be. This makes no sense. So now what? I know everyone will say you can't bench him but 2.5 standard for the last two weeks combined!? I could sign someone like Celek and get at least that. Or fugg it, pick Watson or the other TE on the saints. I managed to survive on a couple teams with him on and I just don't know what to do next week...

 
There has to be some injury issue(s) that are not being fully disclosed. Has to be. This makes no sense. So now what? I know everyone will say you can't bench him but 2.5 standard for the last two weeks combined!? I could sign someone like Celek and get at least that. Or fugg it, pick Watson or the other TE on the saints. I managed to survive on a couple teams with him on and I just don't know what to do next week...
He was even in during garbage time following being slightly banged up on his lower back, so Im still assuming he's healthy enough...and so a must-start unless you're sitting on another top TE.

 
I'm convicted he is playing hurt. His shoulder must be causing him issues
To play devil's advocate, how many guys aren't playing hurt at this point? After three years of being nicked up, it seems more and more that Jimmy doesn't play as well through injuries as some other top players do. Not that he's not tough, but just doesn't seem to easily overcome his injuries.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
I think Graham has always been soft and I think teams are starting to expose it, hit him off the line and just play him physical all game and he seems to get "dinged" more frequently and takes himself out of the game. I like Graham a lot and have him in a dynasty league but I have always thought he played a little soft and gets shook up by a lot of contact.

 
I'm convicted he is playing hurt. His shoulder must be causing him issues
To play devil's advocate, how many guys aren't playing hurt at this point? After three years of being nicked up, it seems more and more that Jimmy doesn't play as well through injuries as some other top players do. Not that he's not tough, but just doesn't seem to easily overcome his injuries.
Agreed
 
In my opinion, Graham looks like he's playing with a hesitant attitude---as if he's playing not to get hurt. It seems like he's scared to get up to full speed or full elevation on his jumps--perhaps because he's worried about collisions or impacts with his shoulder issue. The other thing that is possibly going under the radar a bit is the regression of Brees this season. Brees has historically been considered an elite QB in reality as well as an elite QB in fantasy. Aside from the 5 td game last week--Brees has not really had a great season (relative to his high standards). Many of his stats have been produced in garbage time--so his season would even look worse without these. In general--the Saints look very dysfunctional to me. I've been reading things about Payton not liking Ryan--and I have a feeling that there might be some sort of internal turmoil with the team. Just look at the product that they are putting on the field--it is an empty, gutless team that is void of pride. For a team to have a home game to keep them on top of their division---against an opponent that has looked very beatable this season---to get destroyed the way that they did shows that there is something wrong with the culture of that organization.

 
Question to the masses: What is worse-Losing a big name star to injury in the playoffs (A.J. Green goes out after 1 catch of a game) or riding a guy so hot all year just to have him lay an egg with everything on the line like Graham is doing?

For me, it's the latter.

 
Graham is still TE #2 in nfl.com scoring, he's not having that bad a season.

This nosedive needs to end immedietly, though.

 
Bottom line is, Saints still control their own destiny (assuming ATL loses to GB this week) and they face the horrendous Bears def next week. None of us are benching Graham next week. NONE OF US. So we can ##### and moan and whine all we want but theres really no reason to even think about this guy for another week.

 
In my opinion, Graham looks like he's playing with a hesitant attitude---as if he's playing not to get hurt. It seems like he's scared to get up to full speed or full elevation on his jumps--perhaps because he's worried about collisions or impacts with his shoulder issue. The other thing that is possibly going under the radar a bit is the regression of Brees this season. Brees has historically been considered an elite QB in reality as well as an elite QB in fantasy. Aside from the 5 td game last week--Brees has not really had a great season (relative to his high standards). Many of his stats have been produced in garbage time--so his season would even look worse without these. In general--the Saints look very dysfunctional to me. I've been reading things about Payton not liking Ryan--and I have a feeling that there might be some sort of internal turmoil with the team. Just look at the product that they are putting on the field--it is an empty, gutless team that is void of pride. For a team to have a home game to keep them on top of their division---against an opponent that has looked very beatable this season---to get destroyed the way that they did shows that there is something wrong with the culture of that organization.
Great analysis jv and I tend to agree but I believe its the putrid play of the offensive line more than a regression of brees and like I stated before about Ryan, most overrated coordinator in the league.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Bottom line is, Saints still control their own destiny (assuming ATL loses to GB this week) and they face the horrendous Bears def next week. None of us are benching Graham next week. NONE OF US. So we can ##### and moan and whine all we want but theres really no reason to even think about this guy for another week.
I'd imagine that probably half or over half of Graham owners probably don't have to worry about setting rosters for next week..lol

 
Interesting stat line for the Saints - pardon the formatting.

Graham was the most targeted of the NO receivers, but only caught 3 of 11. Yet no one else else had nearly as bad of a completion rate.

For those of us that didn't see the game, was Brees forcing the ball to Graham in uncatchable situations, or did Jimmy just not make a play on them?

Receiving Name Pts Rec Yds TD Tgt Cadet, Travaris NOS RB 2 2 13 2 Colston, Marques NOS WR 12 5 72 7 Graham, Jimmy NOS TE 3 3 25 11 Ingram, Mark NOS RB 5 2 13 2 Lorig, Erik NOS RB 2 2 -1 2 Morgan, Joseph NOS WR 2 2 23 5 Stills, Kenny NOS WR 3 3 23 4 Thomas, Pierre NOS RB 9 4 14 6 Toon, Nick NOS WR 8 4 45 4 Watson, Ben NOS TE 8 2 8 1
 
My opinion is that

1) Graham is not 100%, but he doesn't play as tough as he should.

2) It's much easier to gameplan and take Graham out of the game. Colston is on his last legs, and Stills is somewhat inconsistent.

3) NO runs the ball a lot more than they used to

4) NO REALLY misses Darren Sproles. That, and PT has missed a lot of time this year.

5) Something doesn't look right with Brees. He looked terrible yesterday.

 
Interesting stat line for the Saints - pardon the formatting.

Graham was the most targeted of the NO receivers, but only caught 3 of 11. Yet no one else else had nearly as bad of a completion rate.

For those of us that didn't see the game, was Brees forcing the ball to Graham in uncatchable situations, or did Jimmy just not make a play on them?

Receiving Name Pts Rec Yds TD Tgt Cadet, Travaris NOS RB 2 2 13 2 Colston, Marques NOS WR 12 5 72 7 Graham, Jimmy NOS TE 3 3 25 11 Ingram, Mark NOS RB 5 2 13 2 Lorig, Erik NOS RB 2 2 -1 2 Morgan, Joseph NOS WR 2 2 23 5 Stills, Kenny NOS WR 3 3 23 4 Thomas, Pierre NOS RB 9 4 14 6 Toon, Nick NOS WR 8 4 45 4 Watson, Ben NOS TE 8 2 8 1
It was a highly uncompetitive game so there is very little to take from the stats.


There were more well thrown balls bouncing clean off of shoulder pads than nice catches yesterday. Jimmy had one of those clunkers. He wasnt forcing it to Graham at all in my view. They didnt have enough plays in any drive through the first 3 quarters to force it to anyone.

The biggest take-away for me was the Graham stayed on the field on the very last garbage drive of the game despite being slightly banged up the previous drive. If injuries were of any concern at all, he wouldnt have played that last drive.

 
I May be starting Crowell at flex over Jimmy next week. Fortunately I also have Gronk
I am in the same boat! Have Gronk and Graham in one league I was lucky to make it in and will be facing another owner in another playoff with same dilemma. So do we actually sit graham out if the flex? What level of flex replacement would you use?

 
I May be starting Crowell at flex over Jimmy next week. Fortunately I also have Gronk
I am in the same boat! Have Gronk and Graham in one league I was lucky to make it in and will be facing another owner in another playoff with same dilemma. So do we actually sit graham out if the flex? What level of flex replacement would you use?
At Chicago? He could have gotten hit by a bus last night and I'd still start him vs the Bears. I don't have a dog in this fight, but damn that defense is worthless.

 
I May be starting Crowell at flex over Jimmy next week. Fortunately I also have Gronk
I am in the same boat! Have Gronk and Graham in one league I was lucky to make it in and will be facing another owner in another playoff with same dilemma. So do we actually sit graham out if the flex? What level of flex replacement would you use?
At Chicago? He could have gotten hit by a bus last night and I'd still start him vs the Bears. I don't have a dog in this fight, but damn that defense is worthless.
That's what most thought about Carolina yesterday. Playing the matchup game is guesswork at best.

 
I May be starting Crowell at flex over Jimmy next week. Fortunately I also have Gronk
I am in the same boat! Have Gronk and Graham in one league I was lucky to make it in and will be facing another owner in another playoff with same dilemma. So do we actually sit graham out if the flex? What level of flex replacement would you use?
At Chicago? He could have gotten hit by a bus last night and I'd still start him vs the Bears. I don't have a dog in this fight, but damn that defense is worthless.
Same defense that prevented Dez (and Witten) from going off. I agree their D stinks but the Saints are a mess right now. I don't think I could bring myself to bench Graham if I had him but I'm not sure the matchups mean a whole lot right now. Lotta big names haven't come through the last couple of weeks with great matchups.

 
Next week is a crappiest team contest between NO and CHI.

It's on the road, which isn't good for NO, but until that Oh-fer against PITT, Graham's numbers on the road this year have been great.

Had 11 targets yesterday.

Tough to predict, but really, do people have that many better options at TE?

 
Interesting stat line for the Saints - pardon the formatting.

Graham was the most targeted of the NO receivers, but only caught 3 of 11. Yet no one else else had nearly as bad of a completion rate.

For those of us that didn't see the game, was Brees forcing the ball to Graham in uncatchable situations, or did Jimmy just not make a play on them?

Receiving Name Pts Rec Yds TD Tgt Cadet, Travaris NOS RB 2 2 13 2 Colston, Marques NOS WR 12 5 72 7 Graham, Jimmy NOS TE 3 3 25 11 Ingram, Mark NOS RB 5 2 13 2 Lorig, Erik NOS RB 2 2 -1 2 Morgan, Joseph NOS WR 2 2 23 5 Stills, Kenny NOS WR 3 3 23 4 Thomas, Pierre NOS RB 9 4 14 6 Toon, Nick NOS WR 8 4 45 4 Watson, Ben NOS TE 8 2 8 1
Both.

Someday the Saints will realize that force-feeding Jimmy Graham in triple coverage isn't how you win games. I thought they grasped that last week at Pittsburgh.

 
But he's proven to be stoppable by physical coverage. Smaller guys (esp Aqib Talib and the Seattle defenders) hold his arms and completely neutralize Graham. That film has gotten around ... hard to see Graham sniffing his 2011-2013 stats ever again.
Wow! That sounds like a pretty strong take. Care to expand on the term "sniffing"? Are you saying Graham will never be a top 6? Top 10? Top 20?
:shrug:

 
PFF:

Jimmy Graham, TE: -4.0

Breakdown: Much was made of Jimmy Graham’s lack of stats in two of the last three weeks of play, but in this game much of that blame falls squarely on his own shoulders. He was as guilty as anybody on the Saints of checking out mentally from this game and it resulted in three dropped passes, matching the number he caught in the game.

Signature Stat: Graham was targeted 10 times, matching his third-highest figure of the season.

 
I May be starting Crowell at flex over Jimmy next week. Fortunately I also have Gronk
I am in the same boat! Have Gronk and Graham in one league I was lucky to make it in and will be facing another owner in another playoff with same dilemma. So do we actually sit graham out if the flex? What level of flex replacement would you use?
At Chicago? He could have gotten hit by a bus last night and I'd still start him vs the Bears. I don't have a dog in this fight, but damn that defense is worthless.
:lol:

 
Is he even going to play is the question? Monday start kills fantasy owners. I thought he left with about 3 minutes or so after dropping the ball after a tough hit on the sideline.

 
Graham is still TE #2 in nfl.com scoring, he's not having that bad a season.
His down season looks not so bad only due to the 9 TDs and the fact that the TE landscape has really dropped from where it was a few years ago.

Still, he's been far surpassed in yards and to a lesser degree, catches, by Gronk, Bennett and Olsen. Even Delanie Walker has more receiving yards, and Graham is barely ahead of the oft-underutilized rookie Kelce.

Based on expectations, I'd say that's a bad year..

 
Last edited by a moderator:
Rotoworld:

Jimmy Graham played on 55-of-71 (77.4 percent) of the snaps in Sunday's loss to the Panthers.

It's way up from last week, when Graham played on just 56.1 percent of the snaps and ran a meager 19 routes. With the Saints trailing for the entire game against the Panthers, he ran a season-high 46 routes but still frustrated by coming down with just 3-of-11 targets. Graham's usage is intact, so we're still confident in him as a top-3 tight end option at Chicago on Monday night in Week 15.


Source: profootballfocus.com
Dec 8 - 10:59 AM
 
Started the season (in a league with TE-friendly scoring) with Graham, Julius, and Allen (and we can start two). It's funny how quickly things can change... the TE position is looking relatively bleak for me right now. :lol:

Unless circumstances greatly change, I'm rolling with him next week. Not sure if I'd start Thomas (or Allen) at my flex or not. Depends on what other options (at RB/WR) I have (haven't looked too closely at the matchups yet). But, more than likely, I will stick with just one TE (Graham). There just aren't a lot of "sure thing" TE's right now, and certainly not on my waiver wire. The only way I'd sit Graham is if I have a sure-fire stud to take his spot (Gronk, or MAYBE somebody like Olsen). Otherwise, I think you plug Graham in, and hope for the best. Worst case, you get very little from him (like half the other TE's out there). Best case, he's back to normal (which is like having an extra RB/WR in your lineup).

As for the Saints, I think it's pretty evident that this is not the Saints of old, where you could consider them to be one of the most high-powered offenses in the league. They are in dissaray right now, on both sides of the ball. I'm not sure how they managed to beat Pittsburgh last week (other than that the Steelers are not exactly a model of consistency themselves), but the Saints were downright terrible yesterday. Sadly, I still like their chances of making the playoffs, based on their remaining schedule.

 
A few pages back, there was speculation that because JG got paid in the offseason, he might not be as incentivized to go all out and produce.

Some scoffed at it, but it's starting to look more and more possible.

 
11 targets, 3 receptions. I did not watch the game and assume some of those targets were poorly thrown, but that is a HORRIBLE ratio for a stud reciever.

 
Shoulder injuries make it very hard to high point the ball. All accounts are he is playing through some setious pain. I don't question his heart.

 
Shoulder injuries make it very hard to high point the ball. All accounts are he is playing through some setious pain. I don't question his heart.
Yup, this is what I've heard as well. Now the question is, do I have someone better for my flex spot or not, as I traded for Gronk earlier in the year, so my TE spot is fine. Any of my bench would be a better option than the last 2 weeks, but still not sure that should be expected going forward.

 
Shoulder injuries make it very hard to high point the ball. All accounts are he is playing through some setious pain. I don't question his heart.
Yup, this is what I've heard as well. Now the question is, do I have someone better for my flex spot or not, as I traded for Gronk earlier in the year, so my TE spot is fine. Any of my bench would be a better option than the last 2 weeks, but still not sure that should be expected going forward.
Have Gronk in at TE. Can bench Graham for Evans, Crowell or Benjamin. I traded Gio for Graham early on in the season.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Shoulder injuries make it very hard to high point the ball. All accounts are he is playing through some setious pain. I don't question his heart.
Yup, this is what I've heard as well. Now the question is, do I have someone better for my flex spot or not, as I traded for Gronk earlier in the year, so my TE spot is fine. Any of my bench would be a better option than the last 2 weeks, but still not sure that should be expected going forward.
Have Gronk in at TE. Can bench Graham for Evans, Crowell or Benjamin. I traded Gio for Graham early on in the season.
If I was favored to win, I'd probably play Crowell. Swinging for the fences maybe Evans. I feel best about Crowell after seeing what Bell did to CIN.

 
A few pages back, there was speculation that because JG got paid in the offseason, he might not be as incentivized to go all out and produce.

Some scoffed at it, but it's starting to look more and more possible.
well, he was killing it until these last 2 games, and thats with injury causing him to not produce for 2 other games. i mean, hes still on pace for 80/800/11 despite injury spoiling 2 games. lets see how he closes out the season before signaling his death.

 

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top