Healthy Harrison Ready For Big Year
August 29, 2008 at 7:10 am | Article by Paul Hickey |
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Our sources are hearing that after a tumultuous last nine months, Colts WR Marvin Harrison is more motivated than ever to come back and have a phenomenal statistical season. This would be supported by recent comments made by head coach Tony Dungy.
Dungy has reiterated to media recently that Harrison has fully returned to 100 percent health. He apparently hasn’t missed any reps in practice, and looks like the man that recorded 85 catches for 1,300 yards and 12 TDs just two years ago. We haven’t seen the real Colts offense this pre-season, as Jim Sorgi, Jared Lorenzen and Quinn Gray have run the offense.
Our sources tell us that Peyton Manning won’t miss any time, and that Harrison is itching to get his signal caller back. Expect big things from number 88 in 2008.
Welcome To Splittsville – Normally, “Splittsville” is a phrase that scares the crap out of fantasy owners. However, our sources tell us that phrase will mean nothing but positive things in Carolina this year. Third year RB DeAngelo Williams has been extremely solid this pre-season, rushing for three TDs in three games and showing crazy explosiveness. After 2008 13th overall pick, Jonathan Stewart, rushed four times for only three yards in preseason Week 2, it looked like Williams had a firm grip on a potential featured back role. Then, Stewart – who had off-season toe surgery – exploded for 100 yards and a score on 10 carries against Washington in pre-season Week 3. However, Williamson one-upped him with 101 yards and a score on only nine carries.
Folks, be prepared for the Carolina RB situation to yield two extremely fantasy worthy running backs. Our sources believe that the two will each get 15-20 carries per game, resulting in a potential dual 1,000 yard backfield. Seasonal owners should feel comfortable with either of them as their RB3 or flex option, while dynasty owners should somehow try to lock up both players. Why? Our sources say that after a huge year 2008, Williams – who doesn’t hit the open market until 2011 – may want to be traded and become a featured back elsewhere.
Peterson Is Back…Strong – After missing most of the last two seasons with injuries, Jacksonville Jaguars 32 year old middle linebacker Mike Peterson has returned, with a vengeance. In search of a new deal, many outlets have reported that Peterson is playing angry. Our sources tell us that he’s fully confident he’ll play in 16 games in 2008, which automatically vaults him into the top 15 linebackers in all IDP formats – where he was previous to 2006. Go check your league’s waiver wire, chances are he’s there – if so – grab him now!
Chris Brown To Get Cut – Our sources tell us that former Tennessee Titans RB Chris Brown, who now is barely hanging on to a roster spot with the Houston Texans, will be released soon. The 6’3” RB is a powerful, talented, downhill runner, capable of picking up big yardage, but he just can’t stay healthy. As we’ve reported before, the Texans are very high on young rushers Chris Taylor and Steve Slaton, and have just restructured Ahman Green’s contract to give him less guaranteed money, due to his inability to stay healthy. We continue to love the fantasy upside of Taylor and Slaton in Houston’s zone blocking scheme.
IDP Sleepers – With the start of the NFL season right around the corner, our sources are starting to really identify some serious IDP sleepers. Starting in Kansas City, with the vacancy left by Jared Allen, our sources tell us that the team is extremely pleased with the play of DE Turk McBride, a second year man from Tennessee. McBride may not be the powerful pass rusher that Allen is, but the team believes he can come in and fill the roll well opposite 2006 first round pick Tamba Hali. Moving to New York, as expected, our sources tell us that 2006 first round pick Mathias Kiwanuka is more than thrilled to be moving back to his natural defensive end position. He’s reportedly extremely confident that he’ll have a huge year rushing the passer in Steve Spagnuolo’s defense opposite Justin Tuck. Oh, and what’s even more refreshing to hear is that the Giants are so confident in Tuck and Kiwi, that they’re not even really sweating the loss of each of their 2007 starting DEs – amazing. Rounding out this blurb are two long shots to keep an eye on – San Diego’s Jyles Tucker, who will replace Shawne Merriman when the 25 year old foolish pass rusher actually has no choice but to have season ending knee surgery (we give it no later than Week 3) – and Bobby McCray, the Saints third DE, who comes over from Jacksonville (where he recorded 10 sacks in 2006) and has impressed new Saints DL coach Ed Orgeron – according to our sources. McCray may play a similar role to what Justin Tuck played last year in New York, becoming the third DE in certain situations, and moving over to play DT in others – but staying on the field often.
Boley To Sit Four Games – Our sources are fairly certain that Atlanta Falcons SLB Michael Boley – who is one of two SLBs we actually condone using for fantasy purposes (the other is Seattle’s Julian Peterson) – will be suspended four games. The NFL hasn’t announced this yet, so Boley may be fine to start the season, but expect him to be punished at some point for his off-season domestic altercation.
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