Sweet Deal   The Matt Cassel trade

Matt Cassel is heading to Kansas City, which is a perfect fit for both him and the Chiefs organization, plain and simple.  Cassel becomes their long overdue franchise quarterback and he’ll be leading an offense/organization that will play to his strengths.  Had he ended up on the majority of other teams, he may have been set up for failure, but not here.  Straight out of Arizona, head coach Todd Haley will likely stick with a pass-heavy attack which is awesome for Cassel, Dwayne Bowe, and Tony Gonzalez.  Cassel will retain his top-ten QB status this year and beyond.  I’m loving me some D-Bowe next season.

Also, I want to mention that I saw NFL insider, Adam Schefter, on NFL Network last week making some super-interesting comments about Cassel.  Schefter said that he has had conversations with a few highly credible quarterback “gurus” from around the league, and overall they believe Cassel is a top-8 talent at his position.  I just found that inside info cool, increasing my faith in the unproven QB.   

WTF    What’s going on with Denver?

I am NOT diggin’ the off-season hoopla that we’ve been hearing out of Denver this past week.  When Josh McDaniels got hired, I got a hard-on thinking about the possibility of a Brady-Moss/Cutler-Marshall stats parallel.  (Okay, not numbers quite as historic, but a sky-high boost nonetheless).  Next thing I know, the 30-something head coach is shopping Jay Cutler for Cassel, and Brandon Marshall is getting arrested for disorderly conduct…yet again! 

I understand McDaniels wanting to acquire his “guy” Cassel because of their relationship and familiarity of the “system”, but Cutler has a rocket hose and is a star in the making, so this makes little sense.  What makes McDaniels think the pro bowler Culter has the inability to learn the “system” and flourish?  He is more talented and has a greater pedigree than Cassel anyways (first-round pick versus a seventh rounder).  At this point the Broncos organization can say whatever they want publicly, but they need to be honest with their franchise quarterback behind closed doors and move forward TOGETHER, so the hard feelings don’t linger.

As for Marshall, he is an immature idiot.  I love the kid’s funny personality and what he can do on the field, but come on dude.  His team is starting lose faith in him off the field, and so am I.  I’ve said for a while now, that his immaturity might prevent him from being a great one.  He certainly has all the physical tools to be elite.  He might be suspended a bunch of games again in 09’ so stay tuned.  On a side note, we love Eddie Royal this season fulfilling McDaniels' Wes Welker role.  If Marshall misses any time, Royal will get an even greater boost.

It’s also worth mentioning that the Broncos running back signings this off-season are ridiculous.  From a fantasy standpoint, their backfield is lamer now than any Shanahan depth chart ever was.  Stay tuned.

What can Brown do for S-Jax?    Jason Brown signs with St. Louis
  
I love the Rams picking up guard/center Jason Brown, specifically for Steven Jackson’s cause.  For a team with a grotesque offensive line situation the past few years, this is exactly what they needed.  The 25-year old Brown is of Pro Bowl caliber, making him one of the top free agents available.  The signing is great news for S-Jax, who might be undervalued this coming season.  I know, I’ll be keeping my eye on the Rams off-season activity/news to determine the probability of a S-Jax resurgence in 09’.  You should too.

Coles signs with Cincy    Becomes Palmer’s No. 2

The free agent period was a waiting game for Lavernues Coles, but somehow he landed in the best scenario available in Cincinnati.  For four years and $28 mill, he’ll start opposite Chad Johnson and catch passes from Carson Palmer (assuming his elbow is healthy), which is a better QB/WR combo than Coles has ever played with, especially the QB.  If the 31-year old Coles is ever 100% healthy – which seems like never – he should put up some nice numbers as a Bengal. 

Hasselbeck to Housh    T.J. Houshmandzadeh= Seahawks No. 1 WR

TJ Houshmandzadeh, meanwhile, moves out west to Seattle to jump in as their No. 1 wideout.  Many are knocking Housh’s projections down for 09’ because he has to learn the new system, take on double teams, and his 34-year old quarterback’s health has been in question.  These are all fair factors, but I think Housh will put up decent numbers as long as Matt Hasselbeck is healthy.  I expect Hass to show him mad love because Housh is Bobby Engram plus D.J. Hackett (two Hasselbeck go-to guys) rolled into one, except T.J. is more talented.  He can catch 90+ passes like Engram, plus be a red zone hulk like Hackett was.  Speaking of Hackett, they should re-sign his ass too. 

One thing in question in my eyes is the Seattle coaching staff.  I’ve never been a fan of Jim Mora Jr. or Gregg Knapp, but the offensive system won’t change in Mike Holmgren’s absence.  At this point, I peg T.J. Housh as an early fourth rounder this summer.

Derrick Ward gets his due    Signs with Tampa Bay

After rushing for 1,025 yards and 5.6 yards per carry last year as Brandon Jacobs’ backup, Derrick Ward joins Earnest Graham to form a nice one-two punch in the Bucs backfield.  The two runners have similar ideal skill sets to be effective in new O.C. Jeff Jagodzinski’s zone blocking scheme.  They both run hard and have good hands in the passing game.  The duo will take pressure off off Luke McCown, as they run behind a young, talented, mauling offensive line.  Ward has more juice than Graham and is getting paid more so he’s expected to lead the committee and have more opportunities in the passing game.  Both will be worth a roster spot, but Ward will be the greater fantasy factor as long as he’s healthy.   

Adding Missing Pieces    Sage Rosenfels to Minnesota and Nate Washington to Tennessee

The Sage Rosenfels trade acquisition was a great move by the Vikings.  They acquired him cheaply, for a 4th round pick, and instantly upgrade the quarterback position.  In six games last year (five starts), Rosenfels averaged a hulky 8.2 yards per attempt, which is actually better than Matt Schaub who was second in the entire NFL with 8.01 YPA (Rivers was tops with 8.39).  Rosenfels didn’t have enough attempts to qualify for the league leaders, but still, his aggressiveness is no joke.  At 31, he is now the leader of a run-first team with the best runner in the league.  Sage will put up solid workmanlike stats at the very least, with potential for more, depending on Brad Chilldress’ pass/run ratio.  The Vikes are a serious Super Bowl contender. 

Nate Washington gives the Titans a nice downfield threat opposite the big-bodied Justin Gage.  Washington made big plays on a regular basis during his time in Pittsburgh and adds to the receiving corps’ credibility.  From a fantasy standpoint, he will likely be Tennessee’s leading receiver next season.  He’ll also help take the heat off Tennessee’s running game.  I don’t understand why my hometown Bears squad didn’t go after this guy…or any free agents for that matter!  Just another reason why the Bears play second fiddle to my fantasy teams.

The Giants Reloaded    Are they the best?

It’s nice to see that one of our favorite fantasy hulks, Brandon Jacobs, will remain a New York Giant for another four years.  The Giants are wise in committing to Jacobs, as he enters his prime years full speed ahead, behind the most dominant offensive line in all the land. The image of Jacobs and company shredding through the Ravens defense last year remains an inescapable fixture in mind.  He’s a unique talent and if – a big if – he can stay healthy, he should see a career high in carries next year with Derrick Ward in Tampa.  The Giants are also excited to see Ahmad Bradshaw take on a bigger role, and don’t forget Danny Ware, the youngster out of Georgia. 

Speaking of the Giants…unbelievable job by the organization signing defensive free agents, Michael Boley, Chris Canty, and Rocky Bernard.  Off the top of my dome, I’d say they’ll be the top-ranked fantasy defense heading into next season.  Football guru, Mike Lombardi, believes the Giants feature both the best offensive line and defensive line in football.  Impressive, to say the least.

Big Name Veterans     Kurt Warner signed, T.O. released/ signed, Marvin Harrison done?

Kurt Warner and Terrell Owens are two huge names that we all see enough of on ESPN, so I’m not going to spend too much time on their situations here.  Warner going back to Arizona is the best move for him and the team, but that’s stating the obvious.  Matt Leinart’s future in Arizona is uncertain.  T.O. expects to sign on with a team by the end of next week but the question remains, who wants him? 

This just in (literally)… T.O. signs a one-year deal with Buffalo.  While Lee Evans gets the opposite receiver he’s always needed and deserved, this is a boom-or-bust move for the Bills.  We shall see.

Lastly, Marvin Harrison’s career may be over.  I said in my final Mr. Monday column last season that Harrison was through, whether on the Colts or not.  Since he’s been released, no one seems to want the services of a 36-year old smallish slow poke.  Okay, that may be a little harsh when talking about a career fantasy hulk, but “what have you done for me lately” comes to mind?  Ladies and gents I’d like to take this moment to reintroduce you to Anthony Gonzalez!