The (Q)Bees' Knees

[Hache Man]

The (Q)Bees’ Knees

Dolphins quarterback Daunte Culpepper could be forgiven if he felt a bit apprehensive while taking on the team against which he tore three knee ligaments late in October of 2005. But if his mind was elsewhere while playing the Carolina Panthers Thursday night, it was awfully hard to tell. Though Culpepper’s pass timing was occasionally a little off, the Dolphins’ major off-season acquisition was highly effective against a talented Carolina defense.

He finished the night by completing 14 out of 19 pass attempts for 130 yards, with a would-be 32-yard touchdown strike to Chris Chambers nullified by offensive pass interference. More importantly, a quarterback sneak on third and one and an 8-yard scramble on first down strongly suggest that Culpepper’s knee is no longer a concern.

This is great news for fantasy owners of Culpepper, but even better for owners of wide out Chris Chambers. Chambers, a talent in his own right, has a legitimate opportunity to ascend to top-flight-fantasy-receiver status with a healthy Culpepper taking snaps. The average draft position of Chambers has also been a great deal higher than that of Culpepper, subsequently raising the stakes of his production.

In keeping with the theme of quarterbacks that tore knee ligaments last season, Carson Palmer announced Thursday that he will start for the Bengals in their third preseason game. Those who have already invested a draft pick in Palmer will be waiting with baited breath as he takes the field Monday night against the Packers, but a more telling indication of his readiness for the season will be how his knee responds the following day or two.

Palmer has experienced a mild amount of swelling in his surgically repaired knee, but if he does not experience any major setbacks, he could easily vie for top fantasy quarterback in 2006. The Bengals will have a short turnaround before their final preseason game next Friday, so if Palmer is able to play against the Colts on September 1, it’s a great sign that his knee is behaving.

Steelers coach Bill Cowher said Wednesday that the team is unlikely to utilize a short-yardage specialist this year. If true, starting running back Willie Parker’s value would dramatically increase. NFL Network’s Adam Schefter has already reported that Pittsburgh is trying to unload Duce Staley, but reports earlier in the week mentioned the Steelers as bidders for the services of T.J. Duckett. That doesn’t sound like a team that fully trusts Parker in the red zone.

And in keeping with goal-line vultures, extraordinary glory thief Stephen Davis may be set to swipe touchdowns in St. Louis. According to Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, a league source has stated that the Rams have offered Davis a contract. The potential signing may be precautionary in case incumbent running back Steven Jackson’s Achilles’ tendonitis develops into a problem, or it could just be an effort to shore up depth.

Jackson did run full speed at practice Thursday, so it seems that his Achilles’ is okay for the time being. But if Davis, the man who seemed to run for the most one-yard scores in the history of the league last year, does agree to terms with the Rams, Jackson’s value could take a major hit.

After an off-season of trade speculation and a training camp with a nettlesome back, key Chargers linebacker Donnie Edwards has been a risky pick as a top defensive player in IDP leagues. The most recent suitor for Edwards has been the LB-depleted New Orleans Saints, but the San Diego Union-Tribune reports today that trade talks have broken down.

But if the two sides are able to come to terms (and the Union-Tribune claims that the sides are just one round apart for proper draft-pick compensation), an intriguing fantasy free agent could be fourth-year pro Stephen Cooper. The newspaper reported Thursday that the Chargers are close to an extension with Cooper, and the un-drafted linebacker has been battling teammate Randall Godfrey for the second inside starting spot all training camp.

Cooper has been used on blitzes in the preseason, and he recorded a pair of 8-tackle performances while Godfrey was out in 2005. He may start the season regardless of a trade, but having Edwards out of the mix could do wonders for the rather anonymous Cooper.

And, hey! Since this column has been thematically consistent, now seems like as sensible a time as any to let you know that I’m a complete and utter IDP fanatic. Just for fun (and hopefully, your benefit), I’ll be dropping in an IDP sleeper or two at the end of these Daily Doses. Enjoy!

Will Witherspoon – MLB, Rams
As a playmaking weak-side linebacker who made a name for himself with the Panthers, Witherspoon displayed his versatility over the past few seasons by filling in for oft-injured mike ‘backer Dan Morgan. And after a nice free-agent pay raise by the Rams brought him to St. Louis, Witherspoon will be manning the middle full time. Still without much else in the way of tackling or playmaking on the Rams defense, the man that Tick fans have come to know as “Spoon” could be gobbling up stats faster than you can say, “Pisa Tinoisamoa.” Coming off a down year, Witherspoon should be available as an LB 3/4 but produce like a 1/2.

Two-Minute Drill

Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme did not look comfortable Thursday night against the Dolphins. Delhomme was visibly upset after a missed connection with Keary Colbert. … Newly minted Redskins running back T.J. Duckett will see some action Saturday versus the Patriots. … Bears running back Thomas Jones, out most of training camp with a hamstring injury, will start tonight for Chicago as it hosts the Cardinals. Second-year back Cedric Benson remains out with a mild shoulder separation. … Pro Bowl guard Will Shields is expected back from a high ankle sprain in time to start Week One for the Chiefs, but that type of injury is typically slow to heal. He and fellow all-star Brian Waters have been banged up during training camp, and if both have to miss any time during the season, running back Larry Johnson could be playing behind an offensive line that is without four of its starters from 2005.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that Falcons FB Justin Griffith will be used as the team’s single back in three-wide-receiver formations. … Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio refuses to declare whether WRs Ernest Wilford or Reggie Williams will be his starter opposite Matt Jones. … Cedric Cobbs is reportedly the favorite to be Denver's third RB. … Torry Holt (bruised sternum) sat out practice again Thursday. The injury isn’t considered serious.

[EagleFan5]

steven jackson is my number one player in my 100$ league