Presenting the Value and Dunce teams for 2006:
Dunce: (Starters in Bold)
Quarterbacks: Jake Delhomme (Co-Captain), Matt Hasselbeck, Drew Bledsoe, David Carr.
No suprise here. Delhomme was someone who had not been in the draft for several years, so there was a "pent-up" demand for him here, resulting in him going about 20-30 more than he should have. Hasselbeck would have been priced right for what he did last year, but he didn't do what he did last year this year.
As far as Bledsoe, the ironic thing is that Jerry Jones WANTED to go with Bledsoe because he thought it gave him a better chance to win now. Turns out, the exact opposite was true. This, I think, is the end of the line for Bledsoe; he might kick around on another team or two as a backup, but his days as a viable starter have come to an end.
As to David Carr, I think he has the goods, but he needs a change of scenery, desperately. Preferably to a team with a big-league offensive line! (Insert George Wendt, Dan Ackroyd, John Goodman, etc. saying 'Da Bears' in fake Chicago accents)
By the way, the competition for these four spots, was fierce. Aaron Brooks, Daunte Culpepper and Jake Plummer could have just as easily made this team.
Running Backs: Shaun Alexander (Captain), Willis McGahee (Co-Captain), Kevin Jones, Clinton Portis, Mo Morris (2006 Derek Loville Award winner), Reggie Bush, Edgerrin James.
Again, this should not suprise anyone that follows this league. The decision to take Shaun Alexander over Ladainian turned the fates of countless fantasy league teams, including one unfortunate team in this league! As far as McGahee, for $7.20 he would have been fine, for $72 he gets the Dunce cap. Kevin Jones is turning into one of those guys who always tantalizes with his talent - you would think, in that offense, there is NO WAY he isn't going to get big points - but, he has never amounted much to anything, and it is doubtful that he will at this point.
As to why Reggie Bush is on this list. The value he has brought to the Saints is almost everywhere BUT on the field. Bush was pretty much all sizzle and no steak this year, didn't bring a lot to his teams. I know that, in this league, "appearances in Pepsi and Subway commericals" is not a category, which hinders his value, somewhat. Additionally, it is hard for me to get excited about a guy when they say that his ceiling is to be Warrick Dunn or Brian Westbrook. Basically, like a 3rd down back, except in on all downs. Not that those guys aren't solid guys, but I don't think those are the kinds of RBs that win championships as the feature backs.
Wide Receivers: Randy Moss (Co-Captain), Santana Moss, Larry Fitzgerald, Terrell Owens, Derrick Mason, Troy Williamson
In the past, it was always guys that languished in other places who came to Oakland to flourish. Think Ted "The Mad Stork" Hendricks coming from the Colts, Jim Plunkett coming from New England and the 49ers, Lyle Alzado coming from the Broncos. Even Rich Gannon, a journeyman who had his best years in Oakland. Now, it's guys like Randy Moss - who flourished in Minnesota, who is foundering in Oakland, who bitches about the negativity on the team. What's wrong with this picture?
As to why TWO is on this team. Must you ask?
Tight Ends: Randy McMichael, Vernon Davis.
This is the portion of the Dunce team where we have to reach for our choices. We are all so smart now that we know that you can't be paying $20-30 for a tight end, so we have to reach.
Neither one of these guys did what they were supposed to. McMichael was all but cut out of the Dolphin offense as a receiver. Vernon Davis was supposed to be the Next Big Thing and even a strong last couple of weeks doesn't keep him off this list. Even though he may very well be kept for 6, and that would be the right call.
Kickers: Mike Vanderjerk (Co-Captain), Neil Rackers
As to why Vanderjerk is on this team - again, must you ask? Rackers went from career fantasy year to just another stiff thrown into a trade. Nuff said.
Defenses: Indianapolis, Washington.
Horrible defenses from a fantasy standpoint. They don't get any return touchdowns, no interceptions, nothing. And aren't these defenses supposed to be run by smart, defensive-oriented coaches? On the plus side, it looks like, for the first time, Indianapolis is going to enter the preseason with no pressure. Nobody trusts them, everyone expects them to gag like a schoolgirl in the first round. Which they probably will (sorry TONY) but, you never know.
Value Team 2006:
Quarterbacks: Tony Romo (Co-Captain), Drew Brees (Co-Captain), Vince Young, Joey Harrington
Romo gets the first slot over Brees because, as magical and transcendant as Brees's year was, Romo was the bigger find. While it became apparent early on that Romo would eventually get the nod as Dallas starting QB, no one could have expected him to be the difference maker he has become. As much as anyone, his emergence enabled TONY and Phil to make other trades to help them, that give them a very real chance to win.
Brees bucked the conventional wisdom that young QBs in their first new team need a year to adjust. A guy who you can just plug in, week in week out and start every week. Beware though - Brees also won the "Most likely to go for $80 and wind up Dunce team Captain" in 2007. If he is on the cover of Madden 2008, I would say, stay away!
Young in some ways reminds me of Steve McNair - he may not put up great numbers, but is always a threat to and he's a winner and a gamer. I have been pleasantly suprised by how good he has been, I didn't think he would be nearly this good right away. He is also the most likely to follow Brett Favre and Steve McNair on Bill Simmons's "QB not to bet against under any circumstances" list.
Harrington has done fairly well as Culpepper's replacement. Like David Carr, he needed a change of scenery and he seems to be doing OK with it. I don't think you can win the Super Bowl with him but he is reliable as far as he goes.
Running backs: Ladainian Tomlinson (Captain), Chester Taylor (Co-Captain), Willie Parker, Maurice Jones-Drew, Frank Gore, Deuce McAllister
You heard me. Ladainian Tomlinson is a difference maker, and has nearly DOUBLE the score of his nearest competitor at RB. To put it another way: Without LDT, Walt and Bruce are floundering in 7th or 8th. With LDT, they are legitimate title contenders. It is like Buddy Ryan used to say about Randall Cunningham - he gave the Eagles an offense, when they had no offense. Same thing with LDT - he gives Walt and Bruce a team, when they have no team. And he could give them a ring and a time-share at the big-boy table.
By the way, at the end of the 2005 season one guy in this league had both LT AND Drew Brees. Wonder what happened to him.
Tomlinson's tour de force overshadows Chester Taylor's magnificent breakout year. Until getting hurt before Chet Taylor was one of the best guys in this league, and still someone TONY and Phil could have gotten a shitload for. Had they pulled the trigger on a two-for-one for him, with Taylor out and banged up, it could have gotten them the inside track on another ring. Still, going in with him for next year AND a legitimate shot for next year is not half bad.
Parker deserved to be on the value team last year, but I never got around to doing it. Maurice Jones-Drew has exceeded expectations and is a great deal at 11. Like Parker, Gore deserved to be all-value last year and is still a great value and a cornerstone. Likewise, I think everyone wrote off Deuce McAllister a wee bit too early. He is still viable and still a vital part of the Saints' attack. Kudos as well for bouncing back from the ACL so quickly, usually that takes a good year to bounce back from. Don't believe me, ask Daunte Culpepper.
Laurence Maroney does not quite make the cut this year, but I still like the trade for next year. And remember, I made it for NEXT YEAR. Remember this when I come to you NEXT YEAR and offer you Maroney for two of your guys that can help me cement my standing. Would you, out of the money, give those same guys up for Willie Parker, who you cannot keep? I think not!)
Wide Receivers: Braylon Edwards, Javon Walker, Reggie Brown, Joey Galloway, Terry Glenn, Lee Evans.
A stud WR in Cleveland with no one throwing to him? As Paul Harvey would say: It's true! Brown, and Galloway are all holdovers from 2005 and all exceeded expectations, again. Javon did an excellent job coming back from major injury, even with the soap opera with Jake the Snake and Jay "Phil" Cutler. With regard to Terry Glenn, she also had a good year. Lee Evans did well but, keep in mind, nearly half of his points came in one game that he caught two 83-yard TD passes. His jersey number, is also 83. Hmmmm.....
Tight ends: Desmond Clark, Tony Gonzalez.
A tight end coming out of the pool to have a good year? When the hell does that happen? Also, a big Welcome Back to Tony Gonzalez, (not TONY), who killed owners last year but this year is productive, once again.
Kickers: Rob Bironas, Matt Bryant
Not a banner year for kickers - no one stood out as being a stud - so, this year the award goes to Bironas and Bryant, both of whom kicked 60+ yard game winning field goals, not at high altitude nor with a special boot. Always fun to watch.
One quick sidebar here: does anyone remember Gus the Mule? This was before Mike Eisner came on board and Disney was making these horrible movies with stupid plots and goofy, embarassing characters. This game had a FG kicking mule who was effective from pretty much any point on the field. Although I know it, does anyone else remember the one-word that his trainer used to tell him to kick the football? If you do, you get nothing other than everyone else telling you to get a life! (BTW I think that, for laughs, Garo Yepremian's guest appearance on The Odd Couple was more classic. It was like Borat, but 30 years in advance.)
Defenses: Chicago, Baltimore
(Insert soundbite of Jim Belushi cheering on the Bears in the ESPN Monday Night Football booth here, followed by me going Scott-Brosius-in-Game-5-of-the-2001-World-Series and throwing the TV out the window, followed by Pam saying "What the hell is going on in here," followed by me saying "Uh...um....it isn't working.")
On the other hand, Baltimore was a GREAT get. How in the hell did we all miss this? I also like Rex Ryan, their defensive coordinator, to be the next head coach of the Arizona Cardinals. And, yes, I know his dad was there and failed but I think he's got the goods. Interesting how defensive coordinator for the Ravens has become THE hot assistant gig - among others, Marvin Lewis and Mike Nolan both got their gigs after making a name for themselves there. And both have done well turning around hopeless cases quickly.
There they are....your 2006 All-Dunce and All-Value teams!
Merry Christmas. Good luck down the stretch, and hope Santa is good to you.
Also if you get a chance to see "We Are Marshall," you should go check it out. It is amazing that the program that won 1-AA National Titles and that produced Randy Moss, Chad Pennington and Brian Leftwich, was down as low as they were and came from where they did. (There was also a major recruiting scandal that had broken just before then, which although not mentioned in the movie also held the program back and got it thrown out of the MAC in the first place.) It also turns out, they got a lot of the little details right. Which suprised me.
After you watch this movie, you will realize that, as much as anything else, for every college football program there is always a real chance to achieve great things.
Dunce: (Starters in Bold)
Quarterbacks: Jake Delhomme (Co-Captain), Matt Hasselbeck, Drew Bledsoe, David Carr.
No suprise here. Delhomme was someone who had not been in the draft for several years, so there was a "pent-up" demand for him here, resulting in him going about 20-30 more than he should have. Hasselbeck would have been priced right for what he did last year, but he didn't do what he did last year this year.
As far as Bledsoe, the ironic thing is that Jerry Jones WANTED to go with Bledsoe because he thought it gave him a better chance to win now. Turns out, the exact opposite was true. This, I think, is the end of the line for Bledsoe; he might kick around on another team or two as a backup, but his days as a viable starter have come to an end.
As to David Carr, I think he has the goods, but he needs a change of scenery, desperately. Preferably to a team with a big-league offensive line! (Insert George Wendt, Dan Ackroyd, John Goodman, etc. saying 'Da Bears' in fake Chicago accents)
By the way, the competition for these four spots, was fierce. Aaron Brooks, Daunte Culpepper and Jake Plummer could have just as easily made this team.
Running Backs: Shaun Alexander (Captain), Willis McGahee (Co-Captain), Kevin Jones, Clinton Portis, Mo Morris (2006 Derek Loville Award winner), Reggie Bush, Edgerrin James.
Again, this should not suprise anyone that follows this league. The decision to take Shaun Alexander over Ladainian turned the fates of countless fantasy league teams, including one unfortunate team in this league! As far as McGahee, for $7.20 he would have been fine, for $72 he gets the Dunce cap. Kevin Jones is turning into one of those guys who always tantalizes with his talent - you would think, in that offense, there is NO WAY he isn't going to get big points - but, he has never amounted much to anything, and it is doubtful that he will at this point.
As to why Reggie Bush is on this list. The value he has brought to the Saints is almost everywhere BUT on the field. Bush was pretty much all sizzle and no steak this year, didn't bring a lot to his teams. I know that, in this league, "appearances in Pepsi and Subway commericals" is not a category, which hinders his value, somewhat. Additionally, it is hard for me to get excited about a guy when they say that his ceiling is to be Warrick Dunn or Brian Westbrook. Basically, like a 3rd down back, except in on all downs. Not that those guys aren't solid guys, but I don't think those are the kinds of RBs that win championships as the feature backs.
Wide Receivers: Randy Moss (Co-Captain), Santana Moss, Larry Fitzgerald, Terrell Owens, Derrick Mason, Troy Williamson
In the past, it was always guys that languished in other places who came to Oakland to flourish. Think Ted "The Mad Stork" Hendricks coming from the Colts, Jim Plunkett coming from New England and the 49ers, Lyle Alzado coming from the Broncos. Even Rich Gannon, a journeyman who had his best years in Oakland. Now, it's guys like Randy Moss - who flourished in Minnesota, who is foundering in Oakland, who bitches about the negativity on the team. What's wrong with this picture?
As to why TWO is on this team. Must you ask?
Tight Ends: Randy McMichael, Vernon Davis.
This is the portion of the Dunce team where we have to reach for our choices. We are all so smart now that we know that you can't be paying $20-30 for a tight end, so we have to reach.
Neither one of these guys did what they were supposed to. McMichael was all but cut out of the Dolphin offense as a receiver. Vernon Davis was supposed to be the Next Big Thing and even a strong last couple of weeks doesn't keep him off this list. Even though he may very well be kept for 6, and that would be the right call.
Kickers: Mike Vanderjerk (Co-Captain), Neil Rackers
As to why Vanderjerk is on this team - again, must you ask? Rackers went from career fantasy year to just another stiff thrown into a trade. Nuff said.
Defenses: Indianapolis, Washington.
Horrible defenses from a fantasy standpoint. They don't get any return touchdowns, no interceptions, nothing. And aren't these defenses supposed to be run by smart, defensive-oriented coaches? On the plus side, it looks like, for the first time, Indianapolis is going to enter the preseason with no pressure. Nobody trusts them, everyone expects them to gag like a schoolgirl in the first round. Which they probably will (sorry TONY) but, you never know.
Value Team 2006:
Quarterbacks: Tony Romo (Co-Captain), Drew Brees (Co-Captain), Vince Young, Joey Harrington
Romo gets the first slot over Brees because, as magical and transcendant as Brees's year was, Romo was the bigger find. While it became apparent early on that Romo would eventually get the nod as Dallas starting QB, no one could have expected him to be the difference maker he has become. As much as anyone, his emergence enabled TONY and Phil to make other trades to help them, that give them a very real chance to win.
Brees bucked the conventional wisdom that young QBs in their first new team need a year to adjust. A guy who you can just plug in, week in week out and start every week. Beware though - Brees also won the "Most likely to go for $80 and wind up Dunce team Captain" in 2007. If he is on the cover of Madden 2008, I would say, stay away!
Young in some ways reminds me of Steve McNair - he may not put up great numbers, but is always a threat to and he's a winner and a gamer. I have been pleasantly suprised by how good he has been, I didn't think he would be nearly this good right away. He is also the most likely to follow Brett Favre and Steve McNair on Bill Simmons's "QB not to bet against under any circumstances" list.
Harrington has done fairly well as Culpepper's replacement. Like David Carr, he needed a change of scenery and he seems to be doing OK with it. I don't think you can win the Super Bowl with him but he is reliable as far as he goes.
Running backs: Ladainian Tomlinson (Captain), Chester Taylor (Co-Captain), Willie Parker, Maurice Jones-Drew, Frank Gore, Deuce McAllister
You heard me. Ladainian Tomlinson is a difference maker, and has nearly DOUBLE the score of his nearest competitor at RB. To put it another way: Without LDT, Walt and Bruce are floundering in 7th or 8th. With LDT, they are legitimate title contenders. It is like Buddy Ryan used to say about Randall Cunningham - he gave the Eagles an offense, when they had no offense. Same thing with LDT - he gives Walt and Bruce a team, when they have no team. And he could give them a ring and a time-share at the big-boy table.
By the way, at the end of the 2005 season one guy in this league had both LT AND Drew Brees. Wonder what happened to him.
Tomlinson's tour de force overshadows Chester Taylor's magnificent breakout year. Until getting hurt before Chet Taylor was one of the best guys in this league, and still someone TONY and Phil could have gotten a shitload for. Had they pulled the trigger on a two-for-one for him, with Taylor out and banged up, it could have gotten them the inside track on another ring. Still, going in with him for next year AND a legitimate shot for next year is not half bad.
Parker deserved to be on the value team last year, but I never got around to doing it. Maurice Jones-Drew has exceeded expectations and is a great deal at 11. Like Parker, Gore deserved to be all-value last year and is still a great value and a cornerstone. Likewise, I think everyone wrote off Deuce McAllister a wee bit too early. He is still viable and still a vital part of the Saints' attack. Kudos as well for bouncing back from the ACL so quickly, usually that takes a good year to bounce back from. Don't believe me, ask Daunte Culpepper.
Laurence Maroney does not quite make the cut this year, but I still like the trade for next year. And remember, I made it for NEXT YEAR. Remember this when I come to you NEXT YEAR and offer you Maroney for two of your guys that can help me cement my standing. Would you, out of the money, give those same guys up for Willie Parker, who you cannot keep? I think not!)
Wide Receivers: Braylon Edwards, Javon Walker, Reggie Brown, Joey Galloway, Terry Glenn, Lee Evans.
A stud WR in Cleveland with no one throwing to him? As Paul Harvey would say: It's true! Brown, and Galloway are all holdovers from 2005 and all exceeded expectations, again. Javon did an excellent job coming back from major injury, even with the soap opera with Jake the Snake and Jay "Phil" Cutler. With regard to Terry Glenn, she also had a good year. Lee Evans did well but, keep in mind, nearly half of his points came in one game that he caught two 83-yard TD passes. His jersey number, is also 83. Hmmmm.....
Tight ends: Desmond Clark, Tony Gonzalez.
A tight end coming out of the pool to have a good year? When the hell does that happen? Also, a big Welcome Back to Tony Gonzalez, (not TONY), who killed owners last year but this year is productive, once again.
Kickers: Rob Bironas, Matt Bryant
Not a banner year for kickers - no one stood out as being a stud - so, this year the award goes to Bironas and Bryant, both of whom kicked 60+ yard game winning field goals, not at high altitude nor with a special boot. Always fun to watch.
One quick sidebar here: does anyone remember Gus the Mule? This was before Mike Eisner came on board and Disney was making these horrible movies with stupid plots and goofy, embarassing characters. This game had a FG kicking mule who was effective from pretty much any point on the field. Although I know it, does anyone else remember the one-word that his trainer used to tell him to kick the football? If you do, you get nothing other than everyone else telling you to get a life! (BTW I think that, for laughs, Garo Yepremian's guest appearance on The Odd Couple was more classic. It was like Borat, but 30 years in advance.)
Defenses: Chicago, Baltimore
(Insert soundbite of Jim Belushi cheering on the Bears in the ESPN Monday Night Football booth here, followed by me going Scott-Brosius-in-Game-5-of-the-2001-World-Series and throwing the TV out the window, followed by Pam saying "What the hell is going on in here," followed by me saying "Uh...um....it isn't working.")
On the other hand, Baltimore was a GREAT get. How in the hell did we all miss this? I also like Rex Ryan, their defensive coordinator, to be the next head coach of the Arizona Cardinals. And, yes, I know his dad was there and failed but I think he's got the goods. Interesting how defensive coordinator for the Ravens has become THE hot assistant gig - among others, Marvin Lewis and Mike Nolan both got their gigs after making a name for themselves there. And both have done well turning around hopeless cases quickly.
There they are....your 2006 All-Dunce and All-Value teams!
Merry Christmas. Good luck down the stretch, and hope Santa is good to you.
Also if you get a chance to see "We Are Marshall," you should go check it out. It is amazing that the program that won 1-AA National Titles and that produced Randy Moss, Chad Pennington and Brian Leftwich, was down as low as they were and came from where they did. (There was also a major recruiting scandal that had broken just before then, which although not mentioned in the movie also held the program back and got it thrown out of the MAC in the first place.) It also turns out, they got a lot of the little details right. Which suprised me.
After you watch this movie, you will realize that, as much as anything else, for every college football program there is always a real chance to achieve great things.
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