What we've learned after week 2 (1 Viewer)

[TheFanatic]

It's only 2 weeks in but there are some trends developing. Sure they could reverse just as easily as any of the 2-0 teams could be 2-6 at the midway point but it's still fun to talk about....

- I would have to say that the biggest surprise of the young season is GOOOOOOORRRRRRRREEEEEEE!!!! That guy is a player

- Could we see something similar to Big Ben winning the SB in his second year this year with Phillip Rivers and the Chargers? They've played two crappy teams but they nearly came away with two shut outs in a row. How are they doing it? Strong D, strong running game, and a passing game that relies more on not making mistakes than winning the game.

- McNabb is on a mission. He is out to prove that he doesn't need TO and that he can still be stud. So far he's done a pretty good job of doing so.

- Houston is not a very good football team but there is a glimmer of hope. Despite that I think all the Carr haters need to step up and take a look. Against two VERY good teams Carr has 40 completions from 54 attempts, 427 yards, 4 TD's and 0 picks and a QB rating of 123. YEsterday along he went 22/26 for 219 yards and 3 TD's. He only had 208 yards against Philly but he was sacked 5 times. Against Indy he was only sacked twice and had a much better game. I've said it many times. Give this kid some time in the pocket and he will make something happen other than dump the ball off to DD.

- Grossman? Sure it's been against GB and Detroit but Detroit did a good job of keeping the Seattle passing attack (and running attack) in check.

- If Alexander can't go off for 100 yards against the Cardinals at home, I'm starting to believe the Madden Curse, the loss of the All world Guard to the Vikes, the big contract, the loss in the SB, the 400+ touches last year might be having an impact

- How many rushing yards does Atlanta have after 2 games? 500+

- I don't think Culpepper is very good. So much for that sick winning percentage of Miami's in September at home.

- We've got good news and bad news in KC. The D is pretty good. The O isn't. Hopefully Trent Green sets down the Snicker Bar and Batman Cape soon and can turn this around.

- How can my beloved Rams lay down to San Fran AGAIN!?!?! Bulger was throwing passes to non existent players yesterday. HE's luck there weren't any defenders lurking in those areas the two times I saw him do it or that beating would've been uglier.

- Pennington isn't all that bad. He may be a start other than just against bad teams.

- Rhodes/Addai. Addai/Rhodes. This week, advantage Addai.

What is everyone else seeing thru week 2? I tended to focus on games that I had players in or players were playing against me. There were other games I didn't really look at (Balt/Oakland, Carolina/Minn, Cle/Cin, NO/GB). Any comments on these games?

 

[Doug B]

You worked too hard on this thread to have it go unanswered.

- Could we see something similar to Big Ben winning the SB in his second year this year with Phillip Rivers and the Chargers? They've played two crappy teams but they nearly came away with two shut outs in a row. How are they doing it? Strong D, strong running game, and a passing game that relies more on not making mistakes than winning the game.

Sure -- this formula has worked many times in the past. Not always for a title, but well enough.

A young QB having a solid team around them can breath a lot easier. Many inevitable quarterbacking mistakes will be made up for by a solid D. A great running game keep opponents from having very many opportunities to sell out their D against the pass. And so on.

A truly great QB, with experience, can carry a mediocre team on his back -- see Marino and Elway for much of the 80s. The flipside of that is even stud QBs, when new to the league, need a lot of team support -- see Steve Young's stint with the Buccaneers. Philip Rivers -- like Ben Rothlisberger and Tom Brady earlier in the decade -- is benefitting greatly from the quality of his teammates.

 

[bryhamm]

Fanatic, I would dismiss the Carr stats. He got most of his yards and all his TDs in garbage time yesterday against a prevent D.

 

[chocolate bomber]

I've learned that Miami looks bad on both sides of the ball. Home and away. Other than Ronnie, I wouldn't want to start any of these guys. If they can't get well against TENN this week, they are in big trouble.

 

[J-Rock]

I've noticed that the saints are using Bush and the 2 back system to perfection. I think Both backs will be worthy starters all year. Sean Payton is using Reggie just like USC did (minus a few carries + a few receptions) and he is delivering. He still looks faster than anyone on the field, even at this level.

Jim Mora and the Falcons have finally learned how to usr Vick. Running the college option out of the gun is perfect for him (not to toot my own horn but I've been saying this for years now). Vick reads the front 7 as good as anyone and to watch him sit back there and decide in a heart beat if he should hand it off look down field or take off with it has been fun. ATL looks like a real SB contender this year. NFL Defenses don't have an answer for this type of attack yet.

Nice to see 2 young coaches humble enough to acknoledge that NCAA systems can work in the NFL when applied to this right personnel.

 

[dickey moe]

What we've learned after Week 2:

Those owners who loaded up on sleeper WRs with mid and late round picks are probably reaping rewards.

 

[⚡DEADHEAD⚡]

Losman sucks and therefore so does Evans as a fantasy option.

 

[zoos]

1.i just learned that paul hackett is the offensive coordinator for the bucs.

had i known this, and being a jets fan, it is very possible i would not have taken cadillac williams.

2.i was very surprised when i found that mike furrey was caucasian. i am not sure why this surprised me, but it just did.

 

[davearm]

The 6-20 range was an absolute minefield in redrafts this year. Some teams out there are going to have their first two picks be some combo of Jordan, Caddy, Smith, Portis, Moss, Owens, JJones, KJones. Ouch.

Wali Lundy 2006 /= Willie Parker 2005. The guess here is that Samkon Gado 2006 /= Samkon Gado 2005, either.

Turns out a guy that has been running a resort for the last 6 years doesn't make a good NFL OC. It takes a special kind of clueless to make a healthy Randy Moss invisible. Maybe Jerry Porter's not so loopy after all with his get-out-at-any-cost strategy.

After a yearlong hiatus, Mark Brunell is back to being Mark Brunell.

The folks that were saying that Gates won't be a top 5 TE this year maybe aren't so crazy after all.

Of all the trainwrecks out there, it's hard to beat TB and their 1.5 PPG.

Nice to see Alex Smith coming around. The NFL doesn't need another downtrodden franchise wasting years on another first-round bust.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

- Bulger is having a hard time adjusting to a new system

- Delhomme needs SS really really bad

- Oakland needs the bye really bad, maybe they can fire the bed-n-breakfast OC

- Brunell looks horrible

- I was totally sleeping on Gore.

- Fire Matt Millen Already. only 1 decent top 10 pick out of 5.

 

[Jayrod]

I've noticed that the saints are using Bush and the 2 back system to perfection. I think Both backs will be worthy starters all year. Sean Payton is using Reggie just like USC did (minus a few carries + a few receptions) and he is delivering. He still looks faster than anyone on the field, even at this level.Jim Mora and the Falcons have finally learned how to usr Vick. Running the college option out of the gun is perfect for him (not to toot my own horn but I've been saying this for years now). Vick reads the front 7 as good as anyone and to watch him sit back there and decide in a heart beat if he should hand it off look down field or take off with it has been fun. ATL looks like a real SB contender this year. NFL Defenses don't have an answer for this type of attack yet.Nice to see 2 young coaches humble enough to acknoledge that NCAA systems can work in the NFL when applied to this right personnel.

Some observations:-The Broncos, Chiefs & Dolphins are in trouble offensively-The Jets, Bears & Niners are much better than I expected (and I already thought the Bears were good)-The Ravens D is back and they have a nice offense to complement-Atlanta looks really, really good (see above)

 

[corpcow]

It's only 2 weeks in but there are some trends developing. Sure they could reverse just as easily as any of the 2-0 teams could be 2-6 at the midway point but it's still fun to talk about....

in general.

- Pennington isn't all that bad. He may be a start other than just against bad teams.

I told you, don't sleep on my Jets. We were that bad last year because we were on our fourth QB. The running game has been weak, but Penny helps out because he is up there with Peyton on his play action fakes. He's a smart QB and if he can stay healthy we should be in most of the games this year. At the very least, we shouldn't be picking #4.

 

[Armando]

1.i just learned that paul hackett is the offensive coordinator for the bucs.had i known this, and being a jets fan, it is very possible i would not have taken cadillac williams.

 

[⚡DEADHEAD⚡]

If you drafted in the 8 - 12 spot in redrafts and did not go WR-WR, you are probably in deep #### this year.

Actually, even if you go R. Moss or T. Owens, you are in trouble so...

If you drafted in the 8 to 12 spot, your season may be over.

 

[Steelers4Life]

- Could we see something similar to Big Ben winning the SB in his second year this year with Phillip Rivers and the Chargers? They've played two crappy teams but they nearly came away with two shut outs in a row. How are they doing it? Strong D, strong running game, and a passing game that relies more on not making mistakes than winning the game.

I'm sure we could, I think Rivers has a lot of talent.But remember, Ben DID win a few games with his arm and brought the Steelers back from behind a few times. And in the playoffs prior to the Super Bowl, it was Ben's arm and not so much the running game that led the Steelers' offense.We'll eventually find out if Rivers is ready to do that - and if their pass defense has improved - when the Chargers actually face a legit opponent.

 

[corpcow]

-The Broncos, Chiefs & Dolphins are in trouble offensively

I wouldn't go that far yet. Culpepper is still getting back into it, and they have a lot of offensive weapons. They also played two very good defenses in Pittsburgh and Buffalo.Plummer has stunk, and as much as I'm not a big fan, I just sort of feel like he'll do better. He's not supposed to collapse until the playoffs, right?The Chiefs are not going to be the same prolific offense under Herm, but I also think they'll come around. Getting Green back, letting Turley get back into the flow of things, etc. But they are in trouble compared to where they were the last few years.

-The Jets, Bears & Niners are much better than I expected (and I already thought the Bears were good)

I already said not to sleep on the Jets, and I tell you this much - Alex Smith + Gore look good offensively. Smith doesn't look (as) lost as he did last year.

-The Ravens D is back and they have a nice offense to complement

Amazing what an offense can do to help a defense. They're fresh now, and they have a swagger. The Ravens could be a very big surprise this year.

 

[Two Deep]

There is absolutely nothing good about the Raiders, from the owner on down. They flat suck! How can you not attempt any kind of swing pass or screens or something other than the run, run, drop back and attempt to pass offense. Art Shell makes Herman Edwards look like a genius.

 

[DolphinsPhan]

1. the Dolphins D is old and Culpepper is awful (so far). It's amazing that Ronnie Brown is putting up the numbers that he is

2. Gore and Bryant are quickly becoming must starts every week

3. Ravens D will score more fantasy points than anyone on the Detriot Lions

4. Redskins offensive skill position players are killing their owners

5. Steve Smith needs to come back quickly otherwise the Panthers will be out of it

6. Cardinals still have no o-line or running game

7. Raiders might go 0-16 this year!!!!

 

[Macdaddy_2004]

How about seeing Eli grow into one of the best QB's in the league this year. It takes a special player to do what he did yesterday.

That game probably just defined his year.

 

[Warpig]

The 6-20 range was an absolute minefield in redrafts this year. Some teams out there are going to have their first two picks be some combo of Jordan, Caddy, Smith, Portis, Moss, Owens, JJones, KJones. Ouch.

My team:Vick McGahee C. Taylor/D. Foster Santana Moss :X Burress Heap Cooley Bears D Shayne Graham That Falcons team is turning into a machine.The Raiders and the Titans will be fighting it out for the #1 pick next year.Grossman, when healthy, is the real deal. He's the perfect compliment to that defense.What's up with Denver?!?!Martz needs to retire.Roaf needs to unretire for the Chiefs to hope of even sniffing the playoffs.Culpepper - Moss = :X The Saints are scrappy. Watchout.I had a psychic moment when my gut just kept telling me to get McNabb...he was too expensive so I went with Vick instead.Seattle...say hello to the Madden Curse.P. Rivers is the 2000 - 2001 version of Trent Dilfer.St. Louis is the Robert Smith of old. They can run and throw all over you between the 20's but can't punch it in the endzone.Washington...why do they suck with all those weapons? Oh, wait...Brunell. And what happened to that defense?

 

[bumpman]

My team:C. Taylor/D. Foster

So you are unhappy that Chester Taylor is a top 10 RB?

 

[diesel7982]

Zach Hilton cant be a #3 TE for 2 teams

 

[Uruk-Hai]

There is absolutely nothing good about the Raiders, from the owner on down. They flat suck! How can you not attempt any kind of swing pass or screens or something other than the run, run, drop back and attempt to pass offense. Art Shell makes Herman Edwards look like a genius.

The Raiders D actually didn't play that badly. They had their backs in the Red Zone the entire first half, thanks to their inept offense. That having been said, the Ravens offense sputtered badly yesterday. Their best drive was in two-minute mode at the end of the first half. Other than that, they were un-good.

 

[malice]

When you live in Detroit, you're used to seeing head coaches depressed in press conferences after losses...but I've never seen a man more broken than Schell after yesterday's game.

 

[TheFanatic]

Fanatic, I would dismiss the Carr stats. He got most of his yards and all his TDs in garbage time yesterday against a prevent D.

That's a good point. They changed the game at the halfway point to the Bills/Dolphins game.

 

[Blue-Kun]

I've learned that Ryan Longwell > Plummer as far as QB stats go.

Jake Plummer (QB, DEN): 38.61 QB Rating

Ryan Longwell (K, MIN): 158.3 QB Rating

Plus he kicks field goals and throws TD passes! Plummer has yet to do either.

 

[Sweetness_34]

Ronnie Brown will not be worth his ADP. I said it all preseason and after game 1 too. People can keep making excuses for him but a bad Qb and bad OL will make him a bust at the ADP.

 

[the rover]

Fanatic, I would dismiss the Carr stats. He got most of his yards and all his TDs in garbage time yesterday against a prevent D.

That's a good point. They changed the game at the halfway point to the Bills/Dolphins game.

but won't this be happening a lot? why dismiss the stats? Carr will have a lot of garbage time this year.

 

[Sweetness_34]

When you live in Detroit, you're used to seeing head coaches depressed in press conferences after losses...but I've never seen a man more broken than Schell after yesterday's game.

It is all his fault. Ever heard of dumping the football to your RB? You know someone who has caught 70 catches last year? Screw fantasy football, this is basic football knowledge. You bench your 2nd best WR weapon because your ego is too big, you deserve this beating. If Al Davis has any sense, he would trade Randy Moss before he leaves, trade Jerry Porter, start Andrew Walter and just rebuild from start on the O side of things. They have a decent D now. Let them continue to grow together and rebuild the O via the draft and FA.

 

[trader jake]

Ronnie Brown will not be worth his ADP. I said it all preseason and after game 1 too. People can keep making excuses for him but a bad Qb and bad OL will make him a bust at the ADP.

Maybe, but considering the 0-2 start and a game against the Steelers he's holding his own. Brown has also added nice reception numbers to his 15 carries a game in those losses.

 

[Billy Bats]

Some good topics in here, agree with alot of ya's. Here are a few thoughts from my two weeks...

^^The NFC East might be the toughest division like everyone has proclaimed, but only because all 4 teams stink.

^^Who's the your biggest surprise of the 2 and oh's?

New Orleans, Minnesota, Baltimore, San Diego

I'm going with Baltimore, if only because they're averaging 27.5 POINTS A WEEK!!! Watch out for this team if this continues.

^^Surprised at how terrible Plummer has been, the footsteps are getting louder even after a win.

^^NE hasn't missed Adam, yet, and kickers really are idiots

^^Frank Gore looks gooooooooood. Liked him but didn't see this coming

 

[Scarpati]

I have Carr myself (2 QB league) and I'm thrilled with him so far. I'd be thrilled to get 59 garbage minutes a game out of him for the rest of the season.

 

[my man otis]

What we've learned after Week 2:Those owners who loaded up on sleeper WRs with mid and late round picks are probably reaping rewards.

so true. i generally draft only a minimum amt of WRs, so now of course after rod smith and TO get hurt i'm scrambling for a trade. there's nothing on the WW b/c everyone's got 7 WRs on their team!

 

[Armando]

That Matt Jones will be a Top 10 receiver by the end of next year.

 

[Silverstreak]

Nice stuff here boyz...keep it comin'.

1) Walsh needs to go back to Idaho

2) Detroit teased us again after holdin Sea to a few FG's in wk 1

3) Maybe Min actually new what they were doin' lettin C-Pepp walk

4) Larry Johnson certainly won't live up to his ADP

most interesting,

5) the days of the 300+ pound tackles may be ending. Guards, maybe not, but who else has noticed the amount of DE's just flyin' by left and right tackles so far this year?...amazing, simply amazing the amount of speed overall on the D-Line corners...WOW!

 

[TheFanatic]

- The Jax D looked fantastic last night. Ben looked horrible. Was that more the D or more Ben being out of sync and possibly out of shape (not overweight, underweight).

- Fragile Freddy looked good. Can he keep it up for 16 games?

- Matt Jones is a BEAST. Hands, height, intelligence enough to see the seams in a zone D, speed, and serious ups.

- I never realized how much Lefty Rifles the ball. That guy has a cannon. He was fun to watch last night in a really low scoring ball game.

 

[Steelers4Life]

- The Jax D looked fantastic last night. Ben looked horrible. Was that more the D or more Ben being out of sync and possibly out of shape (not overweight, underweight). - Fragile Freddy looked good. Can he keep it up for 16 games? - Matt Jones is a BEAST. Hands, height, intelligence enough to see the seams in a zone D, speed, and serious ups. - I never realized how much Lefty Rifles the ball. That guy has a cannon. He was fun to watch last night in a really low scoring ball game.

Sure, Ben looked really rusty and missed a few open guys. He didn't scramble at all and cringed every time a guy had a good shot at him - he short-armed a few passes because of it. But a TON of credit should go to the Jags defense... they were hitting hard and flying to the ball, and they didn't miss many tackles.

 

[madsklz]

- Matt Jones is a BEAST. Hands, height, intelligence enough to see the seams in a zone D, speed, and serious ups.

Matt Jones - WHO?????

Don't worry guys, it's an inside joke. I'm just glad to see other people like the guy!

 

[TheFanatic]

- Matt Jones is a BEAST. Hands, height, intelligence enough to see the seams in a zone D, speed, and serious ups. Matt Jones - WHO?????Don't worry guys, it's an inside joke. I'm just glad to see other people like the guy!

You missedout last night Bill. I had Art, Derrick and Roy doing that same thing last night....

 

[Banger]

I've learned that Miaimi isn't as good as people were predicting and Buff isn't NEARLY as bad. In fact, I'd say Buff is my surprise team thus far. Two road games against division rivals and they won one (Miami) and lost in the last few minutes to NE. Their line/QB play hasn't been nearly as bad as most thought which has enabled them to run the ball and their defense has been stout for the most part.

Also, the Vikes have been a very big surprise. Running the ball like mad, efficient offense and the defense has been very solid. I certainly wouldn't have predicted victories @ Wash and against Carolina. This week against Chicago should be an excellent matchup of the 2-0 division leaders...

I'm surprised how BAAAAD TB has been.

Martz's departure may have taken the passing game with him.

SD will win their division. Denver/Oak/KC's offense SD is the only team with a great run game and great defense.

NE isn't as good as a lot people think.

 

[Despyzer]

Tomlinson is only outgaining his backup 202 - 175 on the ground.

 

[Skinsfansince72]

The 6-20 range was an absolute minefield in redrafts this year. Some teams out there are going to have their first two picks be some combo of Jordan, Caddy, Smith, Portis, Moss, Owens, JJones, KJones. Ouch.

My team:Vick McGahee C. Taylor/D. Foster Santana Moss :X Burress Heap Cooley Bears D Shayne Graham That Falcons team is turning into a machine.The Raiders and the Titans will be fighting it out for the #1 pick next year.Grossman, when healthy, is the real deal. He's the perfect compliment to that defense.What's up with Denver?!?!Martz needs to retire.Roaf needs to unretire for the Chiefs to hope of even sniffing the playoffs.Culpepper - Moss = :X The Saints are scrappy. Watchout.I had a psychic moment when my gut just kept telling me to get McNabb...he was too expensive so I went with Vick instead.Seattle...say hello to the Madden Curse.P. Rivers is the 2000 - 2001 version of Trent Dilfer.St. Louis is the Robert Smith of old. They can run and throw all over you between the 20's but can't punch it in the endzone.Washington...why do they suck with all those weapons? Oh, wait...Brunell. And what happened to that defense?

Skins d will not be very solid until:* Portis comes back. No D is going to be very good if the O is going 3 and out all the time. Portis should help move the chains and keep the d off the field. * Springs returns. Difficult to play their style of d if the corners can't go man to man. Rodgers is still learning and is a good number 2 corner. The rest of those guys (especially Wright) are not ready for prime time.As for Brunell, he has been bad and I would bench him for Campbell.Having said that, it's not all the fault of Brunell. He doesn't know the offense and neither does Campbell.They need to scale things back a bit until everybody knows this offense. The rb's were terrible at picking up their blocking assignments(again, Portis' return will help).

 

[The Ref]

Tomlinson is only outgaining his backup 202 - 175 on the ground.

Beat me to the punch.I have learned that there is no better lottery ticket player then Michael Turner. He may even work his way into a bye week starter if he keeps this up.I have learned that the Patriots Rushing attack is huge and if either one of the RB's go down they will be gold.

 

[Brunell4MVP]

Brunell makes his surrounding A list fantasy players look like Pop Warner rejects.

 

[Todem]

1) I was very off base and wrong about Donte Stallworth's impact this season for the Eagles. He has suprised me. And as long as his Hammy does not rear it's ugly head he is money for a top 15 finish this year.

2) Daunte Culpepper will finish the year a top 10 QB in HP scoring. Give the him another week or 2 and he will get it going. The Dolphins faced 2 very good defenses. no one is giving Buffalo any cred right now as they should have beat the Pats and showed they can play defense. The Fins had all there WR's covered for most of the day. Daunte could not find anyone open on half his sacks. That team will get things together and 2 weeks is too early to panic on C.Pep, Chambers, and Ronnie Brown.

3) Carolina needs Steve Smith or they are toast Duh!

4) Despite the Chiefs having a set back at QB, Larry Johnson still looks like a beast and will still score 14-15 TD's to go along with his stud Yardage and reception numbers. People are way to fast in their pushing of the panic button on LJ.

5) Warrick Dunn again is showing how underrated he is in the NFL. It's no secret he is valuable as an RB2 in FF.

6) The 3 most sure fire picks you can make in FF always seem to be as usual Peyton Manning, Marvin Harrison, and LT2. You can now add Carson Palmer to that list with Eli Manning rising with a bullet.

7) Fred Taylor continues to make me feel warm and fuzzy I drafted him a a lot of leagues as an RB3. And Ahman Green makes me feel good I traded for him in 2 of my Dynasty leagues as a RB3 for basically nothing. Made a big trade for Frank Gore in a dynasty and feeling good about that one. Only thing about Gore I ever wondered was can he stay healthy. So far so good but it has only been 2 weeks. (Fingers crossed).

8) Kevan Barlow still stinks

9) Reggie Williams finally looks like he gets it and Matt Jones is on the verge of super stardom. Ernest Wilford is the 3rd WR and that is becoming quite clear. But they really have a WRBC brewing for this season. Lefty will spread the ball around. I was a one of those who felt reggie Williams was on his way to being a bust but through 2 weeks he is proving a lot of us wrong.

10) SA is not running with the same urgency he did last year. Slow to the hole, quick to go down. Concerned yes, but I believe he will be money. That whole team is sleep walki ng right now and needs to turn it around fast on offense. The OL is not to blame for the most part. Alexander just looks slow right now. It is very wierd.

11) Once teams realize Rex Grossman is a good QB they will respect the pass and TJ will start to run wild. Benson is a bench warmer again.

And finally, it is only week 2 everyone. I feel you really can not get a solid firm read on everything till the end of week 4. So unless your team is tanking fast, relax and make smart pickups.