Julius Owners: Don’t Believe Holmgren
May 9, 2008 at 4:42 pm | Article by Paul Hickey |
Print This Page
| 
E-mail to Friend
Our sources aren’t buying into Mike Holmgren’s recent coach-speak about using a running back committee. Even though Julius Jones wasn’t spectacular by any means last season in Dallas, he is head and shoulders above Maurice Morris and T.J. Duckett. Our sources believe that Holmgren is using the media to send a message to his running backs that in mid-May, nobody should take anything for granted. However, Jones will definitely be the starter, and see the rock 20-25 times a game, assuming he stays healthy. We also hear that Jones has worked extremely hard in pass protection, and improving his receiving skills this off-season. In other words, Maurice Morris is not a threat to his fantasy value.
Chris Johnson & Darren McFadden To Play Wide Receiver - New Orleans’ Reggie Bush certainly started a trend, hauling in 161 catches in his first 28 games as a pro. His official roster position is running back, but we all know that he lines up in the slot, and even at split end sometimes. He also catches a plethora of passes out of the backfield, while other RBs like Deuce McAllister (when healthy), Pierre Thomas and Aaron Stecker have had fantasy-worthy 100 yard games at the same time. Our sources are confident that we’ll see two more offenses implement the same game plans in 2008, based upon their first round selections in the 2008 NFL Draft. The Oakland Raiders plan to use Darren McFadden at wide receiver on occasion, and Mike Heimerdinger will do the same with 24th overall pick, speedster Chris Johnson. This is not only great news for their PPR owners, as each should have very solid rookie seasons as flex options, but it’s solid news for the owners of Justin Fargas, Michael Bush and LenDale White. White, who is keeping the media guessing on his weight this off-season, should have another solid shot at 1,200 yards and seven or eight TDs this season, as Tennessee will certainly pound the rock. Bush, who hasn’t played football in two years, will compete to cut into Justin Fargas’ workload as Oakland’s workhorse. All in all, Johnson, White, McFadden and possibly Fargas and Bush, should all be solid fantasy contributors in 2008.
Shaun Alexander May Retire - According to our sources, one of the main reasons why Shaun Alexander hasn’t signed with a team yet (as of this writing), is because he’s actually contemplating retirement. It’s no secret that the former NFL MVP has lost much love for the game of football since getting his new big contract back in February, 2006. At age 31, he has nothing really left to prove, and could just walk away from the game. Hey, most fantasy owners would actually prefer it that way.
Clinton Portis Health Update - Apparently, Clinton Portis was extremely upset about his recent hip injury, suffered in a race with second year safety Laron Landry in practice late last week. He was really looking forward to being 100 percent healthy heading into the season, something that hasn’t happened since 2005. Portis has more milage on him than all other 26 year old RBs in the NFL, and is in for another big workload this year in Jim Zorn’s offense. We hear that Portis should be fine by training camp, but that he won’t really participate much until the end of August.
Troy Smith To Start For Ravens - There has recently been talk of Troy Smith starting for the Ravens in Week 1, and our sources are starting to believe that it’s very possible. First rounder Joe Flacco will be ready for training camp, so he is someone to watch, but Kyle Boller reportedly isn’t much competition for Smith. The former Heisman Trophy winner is grasping Cam Cameron and John Harbaugh’s offense very well thus far, and is exciting many at Ravens practices. He’s earning the respect of his teammates, which is huge for NFL signal callers. Smith would be a longshot fantasy option even if he were to earn the gig, but it’s still something to monitor closely.
D’Qwell Jackson To Bounce Back - Word is that Browns third year LB D’Qwell Jackson has bounced back well from nagging injuries that affected his 2007 production. Despite missing two games, he led Cleveland in tackles, and looks to once again take over the starting ILB role in Romeo Crennell’s 3-4 alignment. Look for Jackson to be a solid IDP sleeper in 2008.
Sinorice Moss To Be Released - Our sources tell us that the New York Giants may release 2006 second round pick Sinorice Moss this off-season. Moss has been injury-prone and has flat out under achieved since entering the league. With Mario Manningham and 2007 second round pick Steve Smith on the team, there isn’t much room for Moss, especially with David Tyree handling special teams duties.
Kevin Smith To Start In Detroit - The Detroit Lions are one of the most inept franchises in the NFL, so don’t be too surprised if you hear some weird rumblings about Tatum Bell and Brian Calhoun being the greatest thing since sliced bread over in Allen Park. According to our inside sources though, rookie third rounder Kevin Smith is the real deal and will earn the most reps at RB for the Lions. We’re told that by Week 3 at the latest, he’ll be the team’s featured back - and they’ll be no looking back after that.
2008 Fantasy Sleeper Of The Year - Available to Ultimate Strategist Package subscribers only. Join the USP today!
Related posts
