What we have learned after week 6 (1 Viewer)

[TheFanatic]

- Reggie Bush is a player in this league. The guy can catch. No doubt about it. My question is this. Can he run between the tackles? I think I've seen just a few of his plays this year (of course the over pimping from ESPN) and it's always a passing play. Can you N.O. homers chime in?

- Related to Reggie Bush, this just in: the Saints are good.

- Sometimes a lack of depth is a good thing. For those of us that had to start Kevin Jones this week due to no other options are doing fairly well right now.

- And the TO saga rolls on. Do you think he will shut up for a couple of hours after getting 3 TD's? I doubt it.

- Who would've thought that in the battle of Portis and Henry IN Washington would be a route by Henry? I didn't see that coming.

- 15/27 for 128 yards and 2 picks. That's the David Carr we know and love. I don't think he will be leading the league in passer rating after that perfromance.

- Did you see the Tory Holt Catch?

- Living in St. Louis and being forced to watch that blowout of KC by the Steelers sucked. So in the 4th quarter when CBS finally figures out that KC probably isn't coming back (gee, ya think?), they switch over to Miami/Jets. 20-3. :X At least it got competitive at the end.....

- Jake Delhomme? Where you been all season?

- I know it's VERY hard to go 0-16. So much so that no team has ever done it. That doesn't mean Oakland won't be the first this year. I always thought it was a travesty that Art Shell was not a Head Coach. Maybe those guys in the front offices around the league knew something I didn't.

What is everyone else seeing around the league?

 

[BigTex]

Pray whenever you're playing against LT.

 

[zamboni]

Also in regard to the Saints, Drew Brees was one of the best (and seemingly unheralded) free agent pickups in the offseason. What a change of pace from Brooks.

 

[Tiger Fan]

Bush can't run b/w the tackles right now. I say right now, b/c he looks like his feet are working faster than his brain. With time, I'm sure he'll learn to be more patient.

He's the man on those sweeps and pitches though.

 

[zamboni]

Only Herman Edwards can manage to totally derail the once-vaunted Chiefs offense.

To be fair, Green, Saunders and Shields not being there have been major factors, but the Jets fan in me can't help but enjoy it just a little bit.

 

[JuniorNB]

My observations:

While Bush has been an effective decoy, his performance on the field is a bit of a disappointment. This has been alleviated by the fact that the Saints have played so well.

The days of Denver having an auto-stud at running back seem to be over. Denver is playing more like the Ravens and Beras of previous years. Content to score 10-20 points and let the defense win it.

Chris Chambers will continue to confuse his owners. This is teh third week that I started him and, at halftime, swore I would never do it again. He then gets a late redzone touchdown and earns one more start.

Mike Martz has turned Jon Kitna into a fantasy weapon.

 

[IM666]

I posted this last night in the game thread:

Anyone remember during training camp when Art Shell told everyone to leave the field and go home? Yeah, that still is the best decision he has made this year so far.

Then again maybe it wasn't funny then or now...

 

[MutantEnemies]

- I know it's VERY hard to go 0-16. So much so that no team has ever done it. That doesn't mean Oakland won't be the first this year. I always thought it was a travesty that Art Shell was not a Head Coach. Maybe those guys in the front offices around the league knew something I didn't.

To give credit where credit is due, the Bucs, did have a winless season, going 0-14 under Mr. Fun N Gun himself. I have complete confidence that given two more games, they would have succeeded.

 

[packersfan]

Some thoughts from a fantasy perspective:

It sucks for the owners who were expecting to see this last season but Kevin Jones is finally making good on all of the promise his rookie season provided. This guy is a legit RB1 who may finish the year in the Top 10 (he's there now as we speak).

Julius is another Jones who continues to have a very good year as well. Sure he's losing TDs to Barber but he's getting quality yardage on a consistent basis.

Barber, though, is starting to emerge as a very viable RB3 option in larger leagues on a consistent basis. He's Top 30 in RB scoring in many leagues and in TD-heavy leagues the guy is absolute gold right now with 4 TDs in five games.

I'm starting to wonder if that big "break out game" for Reggie Bush is going to come ... next season.

More unheralded WRs are starting to emerge. The early weeks of the season were dominated by the likes of Bernard Barrian, Marques Colston, Greg Jennings and Jerricho Cotchery. Next up on the list are WRs such as Mark Clayton, Samie Parker and Eric Parker, all of whom have some nice upside going forward -- especially Clayton in my opinion.

Not only is Tony Gonzalez no longer an elite fantasy TE but he may not even be someone you can start anymore and cutting him may be a move that you actually don't regret. I don't recall ever watching the Chiefs' offense and seeing more passes thrown to other TEs (especially in the Red Zone) instead of Gonzalez. Maybe it's time to start legitimately wondering if the problem here is more about him and not so much the absence of Trent Green.

 

[Wheelhouse]

Julius Peppers is a flat-out beast. By the way, you don't want to be an opposing QB against the Panthers. Carolina has knocked out Chris Simms, Steve McNair and don't forget Daunte Culpepper from last year.

The Steelers defense will keep them in many games. Their season is not lost at all.

Vince Young is working out his growing pains. He still throws like Rob Johnson though Travis Henry looks REAL good.

This just in - the citizens of Oakland must hate professional sports right about now.

Roy Williams is clearly Kitna's guy. Oh yeah and the last two weeks WR's have gone OFF against the Bills. Do you think the Tigers winning the ALCS had an effect on the Lions getting their first win against BUF? Hmmm, could be?

I don't think the words "Harrington" and "the answer" will ever be remotely close in a sentence.

Playing the role of "Mr. Hyde" this week is the Washington Redskins. Or should I say "hide" because the fans and players should hide after losing to the previously winless Titans at home.

I don't like that rule that kept STL from winning the game. At the end of the game, SEA was hurrying to the line to spike the ball so they could attempt a game-winning FG. There was less than 10 sec left and the ball was spiked, but there was a flag. The offense was called for illegal formation at the line of scrimmage. A false start penalty with less than 10 sec left would end the game, due to a 10 sec penalty, however an illegal formation call does not have such a clock penalty. What's to keep a team from purposefully lining up illegally to save a down, but lose 5 yards when a similar circumstance presents itself? SEA went on to kick the game-winning 54 yd FG and the Rams lost. I don't like that call and I'm not even a Rams fan.

 

[Ilov80s]

Torry Holt is unstoppable right now. He has a chance to be truley special this year. He is on pace for 1400 yards and 18 TDs. Unlikely he hits that TD number, but then again who can stop him?

 

[Idiot Savant]

Yesterday was another reminder that the difference between good and bad isn't a whole lot.

The winless teams won, except Oakland, who at least covered the spread while on the road. The previous week, Tennessee easily covered a huge spread at Indy and could have won the game.

A big pass play here and there, a turnover here and there, a punt return here and there, etc., a key in-game injury, and the impossible suddenly happens. It's been like that in this league for a long time, yet every week there are those saying things like "Tennessee has NO CHANCE at Washington."

Even in the staff roundtable, there was a topic last week discussing when the winless teams would get their first win and when the Bears and Titans would get their first loss. Some of these staff members were actually suggesting that the only chance this or that team would get a win would be in this or that game. The fact is that in the NFL any team can win or lose any game. The Colts and Titans nearly proved it two weeks ago.

Those who think the Raiders won't win a game are simply wrong. There will be a week or two where it comes together and they surprise. The Bears and Colts will lose games (probably 2-3 each), and it may not be against the teams we think could upset them.

Leinart has NO CHANCE against the Bears tonight? There's always a chance, and a lot better one than most people think.

 

[Mole]

Some thoughts from a fantasy perspective:...More unheralded WRs are starting to emerge. The early weeks of the season were dominated by the likes of Bernard Barrian, Marques Colston, Greg Jennings and Jerricho Cotchery. Next up on the list are WRs such as Mark Clayton, Samie Parker and Eric Parker, all of whom have some nice upside going forward -- especially Clayton in my opinion....

Colston and Berrian are still performing Playing against T.O. and LT

 

[Warpig]

What happened to Michael Turner, Norwood, and Musa Smith?

Monster games by some WR's this week: Holt, S. Smith, R. Williams, TO...

I thought SF's defense was going to be decent?!?! I predict next year they will be fairly solid after the growing pains this year. Lots of young talent.

What is the over under for McGahee TD's this year? I'd say 2 or 3! Pathetic.

 

[packersfan]

Some thoughts from a fantasy perspective:...More unheralded WRs are starting to emerge. The early weeks of the season were dominated by the likes of Bernard Barrian, Marques Colston, Greg Jennings and Jerricho Cotchery. Next up on the list are WRs such as Mark Clayton, Samie Parker and Eric Parker, all of whom have some nice upside going forward -- especially Clayton in my opinion....

Colston and Berrian are still performing

Agreed. I wasn't trying to imply that they weren't; just saying there's a new batch of unheralded WRs who are starting to become very viable fantasy options as well.

 

[TheFanatic]

Also in regard to the Saints, Drew Brees was one of the best (and seemingly unheralded) free agent pickups in the offseason. What a change of pace from Brooks.

I gotta eat some crow on this one. I was sure that this guy with his already under powered arm had the rotator cuff surgery would do nothing this season in the Big Easy. I dumped not only him, but Stallworth and Horn for Aaron Brooks and Javon Walker. (did this really early in the offseason right after Brooks went to Oakland) Brooks is a complete dud and Brees is looking great. All the talk was about Culpepper and Brees was just an afterthought considering all the hype ESPN was giving to Bush. I gotta say, I got this one wrong....

 

[Two Deep]

Gradkowski reminds me of a young Brett Favre plays with no hesitation, Just throws.

 

[Nemesis]

I've learned that I can't stand seeing NBC's "Football Night in America".

-Quit flapping your gums (too much babbling......too many people trying to talk)

-show MORE Hi-LIGHTS.........less shots of 40 and 50 yr old's in suits sitting in front of the camera

-show MORE ANALYSIS as to WHY certain plays worked (isolate great blocks, point out defensive schemes, etc.)

-Shorten the conversations with Al Micheals and John Madden..........their going to get 3 hours for pete's sake........just introduce the SNF game and move on!

-When you put the final score up on the screen........show QB, RB, and WR STATS. Right now, they only give you 1 player.........that's it? (they must hate fantasy players)

Very frustrating to watch this program. I have begun to tape it and then FFD thru the crap. And the "good" crap isn't that very good.

The only redeemable new thing that I like is the snipets of the press conferences ("From the Mic"?)

This should actually have it's own thread as I'd like to see others reflect on their reactions.

 

[Tiger Fan]

My observations:While Bush has been an effective decoy, his performance on the field is a bit of a disappointment. This has been alleviated by the fact that the Saints have played so well.

Are you kidding me? This guy is leading the NFL in receptions. If he was solely used as a rusher and not a receiver, your point would have merit.Whenever the Saints need a first down, guess who gets it for them. Bush with a reception.The only people he may be disappointing are Bush owners in a non PPR league

 

[John Mamula]

My observations:While Bush has been an effective decoy, his performance on the field is a bit of a disappointment. This has been alleviated by the fact that the Saints have played so well.

Are you kidding me? This guy is leading the NFL in receptions. If he was solely used as a rusher and not a receiver, your point would have merit.Whenever the Saints need a first down, guess who gets it for them. Bush with a reception.The only people he may be disappointing are Bush owners in a non PPR league

 

[ATC1]

My observations:While Bush has been an effective decoy, his performance on the field is a bit of a disappointment. This has been alleviated by the fact that the Saints have played so well.

Are you kidding me? This guy is leading the NFL in receptions. If he was solely used as a rusher and not a receiver, your point would have merit.Whenever the Saints need a first down, guess who gets it for them. Bush with a reception.The only people he may be disappointing are Bush owners in a non PPR league

Bush is not ready to carry between the tackles and the Saints realize that. They will only allow him to do it a few times to keep defenses honest. To let you guys know. Duece did not play the entire 2nd Qtr, and A. Stecker got most of the carries between the tackles.

 

[vacaver1]

I've learned that I can't stand seeing NBC's "Football Night in America".

And the music beds under the highlights seem to have been piped-in from elevators. They actually make the highlights less exciting. It's like taking the fights out of hockey and replacing them with spontaneous moments of ballroom dancing.

 

[zamboni]

Kevan Barlow must have clearly benefited from a one-time strong offensive line in San Francisco. He's shown nothing since that 1000 yard season, when it looked like he would be a long-time stud.

 

[Sammy3469]

Julius Peppers is a flat-out beast. By the way, you don't want to be an opposing QB against the Panthers. Carolina has knocked out Chris Simms, Steve McNair and don't forget Daunte Culpepper from last year.

He was simply Nasty yesterday...basically played like a 280 pound linebacker all game...a couple of times he chased down WRs and RBs from the weakside. It was quite a display. Jenkins is also getting it back.Oh and Samari Rolle is horrible. The Panthers exposed him 3 times (the Carter and Smith TDs where both times they ran straight by him, and he let Keyshawn get by him, but Delhomme overthrew him).

 

[WhoDat]

My observations:

While Bush has been an effective decoy, his performance on the field is a bit of a disappointment. This has been alleviated by the fact that the Saints have played so well.

Are you kidding me? This guy is leading the NFL in receptions. If he was solely used as a rusher and not a receiver, your point would have merit.Whenever the Saints need a first down, guess who gets it for them. Bush with a reception.

The only people he may be disappointing are Bush owners in a non PPR league

Exactly. The Saints aren't 5-1 without Bush. Period.

Bush's value as a player stems from the absolute nightmare he causes in terms of mistmatches/predicating terms of how the game will be schemed/called and his physical abilities. It is equal parts. His value to an NFL team resides in his versatility.

He is not a FF darling but he is a damn good NFL player. S. Payton's ability to both use Bush and employ him as a decoy from time to time is Reason #1 the Saints offense is that good.

Reason #2 and or Reason #1 B would be the play of Brees in that system. It is a perfect fit.

Reason #3 would be the quick study and development of Colston.

The team defense is still in rough shape especially with the loss of Harper but, when called upon, they are or can be just good enough.

 

[H.K.]

The Colts have remained an extremely balanced team without Edge. Those who felt that Peyton would throw more without him (me), have been brutally wrong.

The Colts have actually averaged more rushing attempts per game this year at 29.6, than they did last season at 29.1.

 

[MSULions]

Yesterday was another reminder that the difference between good and bad isn't a whole lot.

The winless teams won, except Oakland, who at least covered the spread while on the road. The previous week, Tennessee easily covered a huge spread at Indy and could have won the game.

A big pass play here and there, a turnover here and there, a punt return here and there, etc., a key in-game injury, and the impossible suddenly happens. It's been like that in this league for a long time, yet every week there are those saying things like "Tennessee has NO CHANCE at Washington."

Even in the staff roundtable, there was a topic last week discussing when the winless teams would get their first win and when the Bears and Titans would get their first loss. Some of these staff members were actually suggesting that the only chance this or that team would get a win would be in this or that game. The fact is that in the NFL any team can win or lose any game. The Colts and Titans nearly proved it two weeks ago.

Those who think the Raiders won't win a game are simply wrong. There will be a week or two where it comes together and they surprise. The Bears and Colts will lose games (probably 2-3 each), and it may not be against the teams we think could upset them.

Leinart has NO CHANCE against the Bears tonight? There's always a chance, and a lot better one than most people think.

 

[Gr00vus]

Also in regard to the Saints, Drew Brees was one of the best (and seemingly unheralded) free agent pickups in the offseason. What a change of pace from Brooks.

I gotta eat some crow on this one. I was sure that this guy with his already under powered arm had the rotator cuff surgery would do nothing this season in the Big Easy. I dumped not only him, but Stallworth and Horn for Aaron Brooks and Javon Walker. (did this really early in the offseason right after Brooks went to Oakland) Brooks is a complete dud and Brees is looking great. All the talk was about Culpepper and Brees was just an afterthought considering all the hype ESPN was giving to Bush. I gotta say, I got this one wrong....

I'm with you on this one. I didn't think Brees would play well in N.O., mainly because I didn't think their line would give him the time he needs to be effective. I'm wrong on both counts AND in thinking McCallister was done after consecutive serious injuries. I don't feel so bad about it though, Drew Brees seems like a decent human being judging by his days with the Chargers, so it's nice to see things work out for him so far.

 

[CrossEyed]

Phillip Rivers has the potential to be scary good in that offense.

 

[Big Score]

Also in regard to the Saints, Drew Brees was one of the best (and seemingly unheralded) free agent pickups in the offseason. What a change of pace from Brooks.

I gotta eat some crow on this one. I was sure that this guy with his already under powered arm had the rotator cuff surgery would do nothing this season in the Big Easy. I dumped not only him, but Stallworth and Horn for Aaron Brooks and Javon Walker. (did this really early in the offseason right after Brooks went to Oakland) Brooks is a complete dud and Brees is looking great. All the talk was about Culpepper and Brees was just an afterthought considering all the hype ESPN was giving to Bush. I gotta say, I got this one wrong....

I'm with you on this one. I didn't think Brees would play well in N.O., mainly because I didn't think their line would give him the time he needs to be effective. I'm wrong on both counts AND in thinking McCallister was done after consecutive serious injuries. I don't feel so bad about it though, Drew Brees seems like a decent human being judging by his days with the Chargers, so it's nice to see things work out for him so far.

Ditto

 

[Snot Bubbler]

Bush can't run b/w the tackles right now. I say right now, b/c he looks like his feet are working faster than his brain. With time, I'm sure he'll learn to be more patient.He's the man on those sweeps and pitches though.

I totally disagree with this. I think Reggie Bush has been running great between the tackles. The Saints just usually call on #26 to run those plays. I think Reggie is less effective when he tries to swing it outside. Sure, he breaks about 1/4 of those runs for a decent gain of about 8+ yards, but half of the time he's stopped for no gain or a loss. That said I was impressed when I saw he break it upfield on a couple a sweeps before he got to the sidelines yesterday.

 

[intrinsic]

Those that thought "who is Mcnabb going to throw to?" before the Stallworth trade, including myself, are eating crow now as well.

With Stallworth out he hasnt missed a beat. He can consistently hit deep targets with accuracy, he actually fails more at short dump offs than anything it seems.

 

[TheFanatic]

Phillip Rivers has the potential to be scary good in that offense.

This is a great point. This guy is carrying my QB's in the Survivor contest....

 

[boubucarow]

That right now, the Chicago Bears are on a different level then everyone else in the league.

Edge misses Indy a whole lot more than Indy misses Edge.

McNabb is playing as well as any quarterback ever has so far.

The Raiders will win a couple games because their defense is actually pretty decent.

The AFC is no longer the dominant conference.

Rams vs Seahawks games are the most consistently entertaining games to watch.

There isn't much of a difference between McNair and Boller.

 

[DaWidowMaker]

Joe Gibbs needs to leave all the trickery in the playbook and off the field. Play some football and stop running 3 reverses, 1 flea-flickers etc....Thats not the Gibbs football I'm familiar with.

Mike Vick looks to be the same player as years past, make him throw the ball and you should beat the Falcons.

This is the best defense Denver has had since the Orange Crush days.

Carson Palmer really needs C.Henry....

Miami stinks w/wo Culpepper....

 

[Brunell4MVP]

McNabb looks much better when he can spread it around...sorta like Brady...doesn't need a go to guy

SD did the right thing by letting Brees go...Rivers looks nice

Yet NO did the right thing by picking up Brees...he's running that offense like a machine

Washington is so much worse than we thought (us homers at least) - GOD ####### AWFUL

TO stinks...sure he had 3 TDs, but only 45 yards. He'll destroy the DAL team by year end. Or preferably kill himself.

Nobody is talking about Indy...for some reason.

w/o Steve Smith, Jake Delhomme wouldn't have a job.

Art Shell is the worst NFL coach since Spurrier. His RBs average over 5 YPC, but he runs it 15 times.

 

[JuniorNB]

McNabb looks much better when he can spread it around...sorta like Brady...doesn't need a go to guy

SD did the right thing by letting Brees go...Rivers looks nice

Yet NO did the right thing by picking up Brees...he's running that offense like a machine

Washington is so much worse than we thought (us homers at least) - GOD ####### AWFUL

TO stinks...sure he had 3 TDs, but only 45 yards. He'll destroy the DAL team by year end. Or preferably kill himself.

Nobody is talking about Indy...for some reason.

w/o Steve Smith, Jake Delhomme wouldn't have a job.

Art Shell is the worst NFL coach since Spurrier. His RBs average over 5 YPC, but he runs it 15 times.

Indy racking up impressive stats this time of year is like Alex Rodriguez winning player of the month for May. We've seen it so many times and we know how it ends.Great points on Drew Brees.

 

[malice]

There isn't much of a difference between McNair and Boller.

People who started Derrick Mason this past weekend disagree...

 

[Keg]

key isnt hurting steve smith's numbers

 

[SteelerMurf]

Pray whenever you're playing against LT.

...he was playing SF

 

[Fantaholic]

Eric Metcalf has been re-born and his name is Reggie Bush

 

[packersfan]

Eric Metcalf has been re-born and his name is Reggie Bush

Metcalf rushed for 633 yards and scored 10 TDs as a rookie. Bush isn't going to come close to either of those numbers (especially not the TDs) at his current pace.

 

[JuniorNB]

Eric Metcalf Larry Centers has been re-born and his name is Reggie Bush

Fixed.

 

[Fantaholic]

Whether Bush reaches or surpasses those numbers this year remains to be seen. However, I haven't seen any player be used in this same capacity since Metcalf. Their size and skills are resemble each other. If Bush stays in N.O. along with McAlister, he will be EMet2

 

[WhoDat]

Eric Metcalf Larry Centers has been re-born and his name is Reggie Bush

Fixed.

If he is any Metcalf, then it is Terry.

 

[cubbie5150]

What is everyone else seeing around the league?

--The Bengals offense is overrated, & it won't get any better for them as the schedule is flat-out BRUTAL, especially the next 4 or 5 weeks--Drew Brees deserves a lot more credit than he gets; I made th ecomment on another forum that Brees is a "difference maker" & got laughed at; credit Reggie Bush or Sean Payton all you want: if Aaron Brooks were still in NO, they'd be 2-3 at best--Seattle's offensive success is mostly a product of their division schedule; they should post monster numbers going against the likes of StL, SF & AZ defenses--that's a minimum of 6 gamesplaying against the junior varsity; they have some nice players, but....--breaking news: Atl will NOT win a championship w/ Michael Vick as QB; the best thing that franchise could do is convert him to a Westbrrok/Reggie Bush type of RB & let Matt Schaub (someone who actually knows what a forward pass is) be the QB..they'll regret it when Schaub leaves via free agency...

 

[packersfan]

--The Bengals offense is overrated, & it won't get any better for them as the schedule is flat-out BRUTAL, especially the next 4 or 5 weeks

I think we're going to see better things from the Bengals starting very soon. Chris Perry should be back this week and Henry's suspension ends after this week. Those are two extremely talented players who will add even more punch to the Bengals' offense. I wouldn't write them off just yet.

--Drew Brees deserves a lot more credit than he gets; I made th ecomment on another forum that Brees is a "difference maker" & got laughed at; credit Reggie Bush or Sean Payton all you want: if Aaron Brooks were still in NO, they'd be 2-3 at best

I completely agree with this. There is absolutely no question about how Bush's presence has opened things up and I'm a huge Sean Payton fan but in my opinion the clear MVP on this team is Brees. Imagine how good this team might have been the past several seasons if Brees had been the QB instead of Brooks. He is light years beyond Brooks in terms of his ability to manage the game, understand defenses, minimize mistakes and take full advantage of what the defense is giving him. I do not believe this team would be 5-1 if Brees weren't the QB and they very well could have a losing record without him. He's the biggest difference I see on that team because unlike Bush he is actually producing at a high level in addition to making an impact with his presence.

 

[Sidewinder]

Eric Metcalf has been re-born and his name is Reggie Bush

Metcalf rushed for 633 yards and scored 10 TDs as a rookie. Bush isn't going to come close to either of those numbers (especially not the TDs) at his current pace.

Of course, Reggie's also on pace to nearly double Metcalf's receiving yards (760 to 397). No question he won't come close in TDs, but in 1989, Cleveland didn't have anyone besides Metcalf score more than 6 TDs. Colston and McAllister are both on pace for 11. The TDs will eventually come, it's just a matter of how teams are choosing to play defense right now.

 

[Fantaholic]

Eric Metcalf Larry Centers has been re-born and his name is Reggie Bush

Fixed.

If he is any Metcalf, then it is Terry.

Wow, you must really be down on Bush, because putting him in the same sentence as Larry Centers is a definite insult. Talent-wise, Centers was average albeit hardworking. Bush has skills.

 

[corpcow]

Only Herman Edwards can manage to totally derail the once-vaunted Chiefs offense.To be fair, Green, Saunders and Shields not being there have been major factors, but the Jets fan in me can't help but enjoy it just a little bit.