Skins get ‘Fin
The Redskins defense got on step better today, or at least one step smoother by acquiring Jason Taylor from the Miami Dolphins. The former Dancing with the Stars contestant is now part of the Washington Redskins, a move likely made necessary by the injury to current DE Philip Daniels who has a ACL injury.
Reports state that the Dolphins will receive a 2nd round pick in 2009 and a 6th rounder in 2010. These picks are big for a team undergoing a rebuilding effort. Taylor and GM Bill Parcells were not a good fit together and this move will be best for all concerned.
Taylor 33 had 11 sacks last season and has 117 for his career.
Let the controversy begin
Half the fun of Fantasy Football is not just the season, it is all of the action that occurs during camp. Your draft cheatsheet will be developed by the stories playing our at camp today. Here are a few fun stories to follow as the dog days of summer drag on:
What is going on in Chi Town?: The debate is already raging over who the Bears starter will be, but as many of a fantasy owner may proclaim “who cares”. Rex Grossman has been a mediocre starter at best, even as he led the Bears to the Super bowl XLI. Last year in the 8 games he played he had a 66.4 QB rating with 4 TD’s against 7 interceptions. Kyle Ortonhas not shown himself to be a much better candidate for the QB job. After starting 15 games in 2005, Kyle resurfaced in 2007 for 3 starts posting a 73.9 QB rating against his 3 TD’s and 2 INT’s. The reality is the answer for Chicago likely is neither of these guys, but let them duke it out and draft accordingly.
Dancing Defensive Dilemma: Jason Taylormade a name for himself in “Dancing for the Stars” and now he seems to be facing a career dilemma, shall I act or play football. If anyone remembers Brian Bosworth sometime the answer is neither, but in Taylor’s case I would say delay the acting career and focus on football. Although he is advancing in age, he is still one of the major defensive players in the NFL. The real issue appears to be where will he play. Head coach Bill Parcells did not like Taylor missing minicamp and has been known to drop players on perceived lack of dedication in the past. Watch to see how this plays out, Taylor has expressed a desire to play for a winner, which Miami won’t likely be this year. He can ultimately be a key addition to a Tier 1 defense near you.
Too many QB’s in Tampa Bay: It appears that Jeff Garcia will ultimately settle his contract dispute and this will allow him to retain the reign of the team’s number 1, so the question falls to who will remain of the four challengers fighting to be his backup. Brian Griese was signed last year to provide experience and veteran leadership, so he is likely to stay on as we draw closer to the season. This leaves Chris Simms, Luke McCown, Bruce Gradkowski, and 5th rounder Josh Johnsonin a battle for number 3 QB. Simms is likely on his way out, and Johnson is unproven, the battle is truly between McCown and Gradkowski. McCown showed some promise with a 91.7 rating (5 tD’s and 3 Int) in 5 games (three starts) and Gradkowski showed some ability in 2006 when he started 11 games for TB (65.0 QB rating,9 TD’s and 9 Int’s). Watch the loser take a spot as a potential number 2 on another teams roster and look for that player to be a strong handcuff option for its starter. (Note TB took the first step to clearing the picture by releasing Gradkowsi)
Saint comes marching in:Duece McAllister is back at minicamp from last years season ending knee injury. He is reportedly feeling good and looking forward to performing, but is there room for him in New Orleans? New Orleans already has Reggie Bush and last year Aaron Steckerproved himself more than capable to be a go to back for New Orleans. Watch Duece’s progress and see what may await this long time fantasy starter, he may not end up on New Orleans roster, but he can very well help yours.