Coming Down From The Mountains Into Week Three

First, let me apologize for my one-week sabbatical. I was trapped in the mountains on a family retreat and the sound of Scott Hanson’s lovely voice eluded me all day. Upon returning to the 28” TV in our cabin I had come to realize that Time Warner Cable had three days until they would sign a deal with the NFL Network. Needless to say, I got back to the routine this week.

So let’s talk football.

Let’s start with quarterbacks. Here are the top ten fantasy QBs this past week:

Ben Roethlisberger (39), Matt Schaub (33), Joe Flacco (31), Andy Dalton (30), Christian Ponder (28), Jake Locker (28), Andrew Luck (27), Matt Ryan (27), Robert Griffin III (26), and Peyton Manning (25).

What’s wrong with this picture? Well, where are Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Cam Newton, Matt Stafford and the other QBs we paid early round picks for? I guess it just goes to show that when we think we’ve seen everything Christian Ponder comes in and puts up 28 against The Niners. Oh, well….stick with your guns. I’m pretty sure this is an aberration.

On to the RBs.

Two words: Jamaal Charles. He absolutely scorched the Saints on the ground Sunday and looked completely healed from his ACL injury. He even busted a 91-yard home run to the house in what turned out to be the start of an amazing comeback. Hillis’ hopes of a committee backfield seem to be wasting away as Run-JMC looks more and more like his 1,500-yard 2010 self. Not only does Jamaal look great, but the Saint’s defense proved to be flawed yet again and they have allowed the most points to RBs this season. At GB next week may be the only time I advise starting Cedric Benson.

Honorable mentions of the week include Andre Brown in a 113-yard two-touchdown performance against the Panthers in his first start ever as well as Alfred Morris who amassed 78 yards and a touchdown himself against Cincinnati on the road. Per usual, Maurice Jones-Drew and Ray Rice both stuffed one in while each added over 150 yards from scrimmage. Mikel Leshoure gained 100 yards himself and scored as well. Look for him to overtake Kevin Smith in Detroit and capture lead dog status, pass heavy as that offense may be—good flex option.

Oh yeah I forgot to mention Chris Johnson got 14 carries for 24 yards. That brings his season total to 45 yards on 33 carries…1.4 yards per carry. At this pace, if he wanted to break his 2,006 yard record, he would need 1,433 carries this year…get rid of him while he is still starting. Won’t be long before Javon Ringer takes over and my ninth overall pick ends up on waivers.
Receivers and Tight Ends:

Calvin Johnson 10 receptions, 164 yards and a touchdown…it’s about time he broke the plane for six, even if it was in garbage time. Megatron is the man and its important to realize that he is averaging over one hundred yards a game this year. Do not lose hope in the 6’5” 240-pound monster; he will undoubtedly produce, barring a major setback. In other news, AJ Green benefitted from some accurate Andy “Red Rifle” Dalton throws. Those two have chemistry that could propel them to a Schaub/Andre level so watch out. Julio Jones added a nice toe-tap touchdown as well.

Martellus Bennett and Greg Olsen both had fine outings Thursday night. Jimmy Graham found the endzone also…what else is new. It is safe to say that he is the most consistent and reliable TE out there—sheer speed and a matchup problem for any team. Vernon Davis has gotten out to a fine start and Alex Smith has continued to look his way even with added threats such as Manningham and Randy Moss.

Let me conclude by making a quick comment on the referees.

They are trying their best and they are definitely not biased toward one team or the other. Having said that, watching the games with them officiating is close to intolerable. (I say close to because virtually nothing could ever legitimately distract me from football.)

And although I love football I must admit that it would be cool to see the players strike as well in solidarity. After all, it is a union, and that’s what its all about. So if getting the real professionals back means missing a week or two of Eli “Fourth Quarter Magic” Manning and the rest of the defending champion New York Football Giants, I’ll be alright…I hope.