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Hache Man · 12-20-06, 07:36 PM

Don't Blame Shanahan
Coach Mike Shanahan receives a lot of criticism from fantasy players because the Broncos depress the value of running backs by essentially making them interchangeable in what is almost always an outstanding ground game. However, Shanahan revealed earlier this week that some of that criticism is perhaps unwarranted, or at least not being pointed in the right direction.

When asked why Mike Bell took over for Tatum Bell in the second half last week—continuing a seemingly never-ending series of switches in the Broncos' backfield—Shanahan indicated that the choice was made by running backs coach Bobby Turner. "He kind of gets a feel of how the backs are feeling during the game," Shanahan said. "Bobby felt, at that time, Mike was running a little bit better than Tatum was, like he was the hot back, and gave him some more opportunities."

"After looking at the film, he was right," Shanahan said of Turner's decision. "Mike was playing exceptionally well. Tatum wasn't having one of his better games." In other words, send those angry cards, letters, and e-mails regarding Tatum Bell and Mike Bell—and even the ones you have saved up from years past about Mike Anderson, Ron Dayne, Quentin Griffin, Reuben Droughns, and Olandis Gary—to Bobby Turner.

While I seriously consider taking back approximately half of the bad things I ever said about Shanahan, here are some other notes from around football …

* Shortly after I ripped him in this space for being unnecessarily coy about his quarterback situation, coach Brad Childress finally revealed his big secret to the media Tuesday: Tarvaris Jackson will start Thursday night against Green Bay. Of course, everyone knew that by Monday afternoon, because seemingly every person associated with the Vikings in any way (save for Generalissimo Childress) blabbed the decision to the media.

I was extremely impressed with Jackson after he took over for Brad Johnson Sunday and initially liked him as an underrated fantasy play this week. However, after reviewing the situation further I'm not so sure he's worth the risk. In addition to being a rookie quarterback from a Division I-AA school making his first NFL start, Jackson will be doing so on a national stage (sort of, the game is on NFL Network) in a tough road environment.

Beyond that, the Packers' pass defense is likely underrated because they have trouble stopping the run and the overall team stinks. Green Bay had little trouble shutting down Jon Kitna, Roy Williams, and the occasionally high-scoring Lions in Week 15 and dominated Alex Smith and the 49ers' passing game in Week 14. Toss in what could be rough weather at Lambeau Field and Jackson simply doesn't look like a great option despite totaling 197 yards and a touchdown in one quarter of action Sunday.

As my RotoWorld colleague Gregg Rosenthal has smartly advised of late, it's important to resist the urge to get overly cute with your lineup decisions at this point. The tendency is to jump on a player like Jackson, giving him the start over a more established option in the hopes that he'll make you look brilliant. However, as much as I like Jackson's long-term potential—and I really do think he has a chance to be a stud—I'd stay away.

* Of course, telling you to stay away from Jackson doesn't exactly solve anything for teams desperately searching for a one-week fix at quarterback in the most important game of their fantasy season. If you're in dire need of a QB2 who might be able to do a passable QB1 imitation for one day, look instead at Tim Rattay with a favorable matchup against Cleveland or Jason Campbell going up against St. Louis. Or just pray really, really hard. That worked once for me in the form of Billy Volek, which I'm fairly certain qualifies as a full-blown miracle.

Two-Minute Drill: Speaking about his future at a press conference Tuesday, Brett Favre seemed to indicate that he's leaning toward returning next season … Brad Johnson reportedly will serve as Tarvaris Jackson's backup for the final two games, but few expect him to remain in Minnesota beyond that … Despite some good work in relief of Steve McNair, the Ravens reportedly still don't view Kyle Boller as their long-term quarterback … Now that their running backs are healthy again, the Falcons have scrapped their double-quarterback formation featuring Michael Vick and Matt Schaub … Joey Harrington will start in Week 16, but reports suggest he'll be on a short leash in front of Cleo Lemon … Lions fans, who for some reason are upset that their team is 23-71 under Matt Millen, are planning a walkout midway through the second quarter Sunday.

Red Zone: Dallas Clark's knee injury has been deemed a sprain and he's targeting a possible Week 17 return … Javon Walker's shoulder injury may cause him to miss some practice time, but he's expected to suit up this week … Chester Taylor (wrist) is listed as probable, making him a must-start Thursday night against Green Bay … Coach Tony Dungy reiterated Tuesday that Joseph Addai's injury isn't a high-ankle sprain, which suggests he'll play this week … Cleveland placed Jason Wright (knee) on injured reserve, officially ending his season and handing Reuben Droughns the bulk of the carries for the final two games … Marvin Harrison has reportedly felt "tingling" in his elbow for weeks now, but is not expected to miss any time.

12-20-06, 07:36 PM	#1
Hache Man Moderator "Seven Days Without Gambling Makes One Weak" Join Date: Aug 19, 2005 Location: Orlando, Florida Posts: 62,331	Fantasy Football News 12/20/06 Don't Blame Shanahan Coach Mike Shanahan receives a lot of criticism from fantasy players because the Broncos depress the value of running backs by essentially making them interchangeable in what is almost always an outstanding ground game. However, Shanahan revealed earlier this week that some of that criticism is perhaps unwarranted, or at least not being pointed in the right direction. When asked why Mike Bell took over for Tatum Bell in the second half last week—continuing a seemingly never-ending series of switches in the Broncos' backfield—Shanahan indicated that the choice was made by running backs coach Bobby Turner. "He kind of gets a feel of how the backs are feeling during the game," Shanahan said. "Bobby felt, at that time, Mike was running a little bit better than Tatum was, like he was the hot back, and gave him some more opportunities." "After looking at the film, he was right," Shanahan said of Turner's decision. "Mike was playing exceptionally well. Tatum wasn't having one of his better games." In other words, send those angry cards, letters, and e-mails regarding Tatum Bell and Mike Bell—and even the ones you have saved up from years past about Mike Anderson, Ron Dayne, Quentin Griffin, Reuben Droughns, and Olandis Gary—to Bobby Turner. While I seriously consider taking back approximately half of the bad things I ever said about Shanahan, here are some other notes from around football … * Shortly after I ripped him in this space for being unnecessarily coy about his quarterback situation, coach Brad Childress finally revealed his big secret to the media Tuesday: Tarvaris Jackson will start Thursday night against Green Bay. Of course, everyone knew that by Monday afternoon, because seemingly every person associated with the Vikings in any way (save for Generalissimo Childress) blabbed the decision to the media. I was extremely impressed with Jackson after he took over for Brad Johnson Sunday and initially liked him as an underrated fantasy play this week. However, after reviewing the situation further I'm not so sure he's worth the risk. In addition to being a rookie quarterback from a Division I-AA school making his first NFL start, Jackson will be doing so on a national stage (sort of, the game is on NFL Network) in a tough road environment. Beyond that, the Packers' pass defense is likely underrated because they have trouble stopping the run and the overall team stinks. Green Bay had little trouble shutting down Jon Kitna, Roy Williams, and the occasionally high-scoring Lions in Week 15 and dominated Alex Smith and the 49ers' passing game in Week 14. Toss in what could be rough weather at Lambeau Field and Jackson simply doesn't look like a great option despite totaling 197 yards and a touchdown in one quarter of action Sunday. As my RotoWorld colleague Gregg Rosenthal has smartly advised of late, it's important to resist the urge to get overly cute with your lineup decisions at this point. The tendency is to jump on a player like Jackson, giving him the start over a more established option in the hopes that he'll make you look brilliant. However, as much as I like Jackson's long-term potential—and I really do think he has a chance to be a stud—I'd stay away. * Of course, telling you to stay away from Jackson doesn't exactly solve anything for teams desperately searching for a one-week fix at quarterback in the most important game of their fantasy season. If you're in dire need of a QB2 who might be able to do a passable QB1 imitation for one day, look instead at Tim Rattay with a favorable matchup against Cleveland or Jason Campbell going up against St. Louis. Or just pray really, really hard. That worked once for me in the form of Billy Volek, which I'm fairly certain qualifies as a full-blown miracle. Two-Minute Drill: Speaking about his future at a press conference Tuesday, Brett Favre seemed to indicate that he's leaning toward returning next season … Brad Johnson reportedly will serve as Tarvaris Jackson's backup for the final two games, but few expect him to remain in Minnesota beyond that … Despite some good work in relief of Steve McNair, the Ravens reportedly still don't view Kyle Boller as their long-term quarterback … Now that their running backs are healthy again, the Falcons have scrapped their double-quarterback formation featuring Michael Vick and Matt Schaub … Joey Harrington will start in Week 16, but reports suggest he'll be on a short leash in front of Cleo Lemon … Lions fans, who for some reason are upset that their team is 23-71 under Matt Millen, are planning a walkout midway through the second quarter Sunday. Red Zone: Dallas Clark's knee injury has been deemed a sprain and he's targeting a possible Week 17 return … Javon Walker's shoulder injury may cause him to miss some practice time, but he's expected to suit up this week … Chester Taylor (wrist) is listed as probable, making him a must-start Thursday night against Green Bay … Coach Tony Dungy reiterated Tuesday that Joseph Addai's injury isn't a high-ankle sprain, which suggests he'll play this week … Cleveland placed Jason Wright (knee) on injured reserve, officially ending his season and handing Reuben Droughns the bulk of the carries for the final two games … Marvin Harrison has reportedly felt "tingling" in his elbow for weeks now, but is not expected to miss any time.