NFC East: Top 10 Receivers/ Tight Ends

With both Terrell Owens and Plaxico Burress leaving the division, the NFC East may now be the NFL’s weakest in terms of wide receiving talent. But there are still a handful of productive receivers in this division, including a couple of stand out tight ends.

Honorable Mentions:

Jeremy Maclin (PHI)- Thought by most to be the 2nd best receiver in the draft behind Michael Crabtree, the Eagles got a steal when they drafted this dangerous deep threat.

Hakeem Nicks (NYG)- Arguably the most polished rookie receiver, Nicks runs great routes and has some of the biggest hands you will ever see.

2009 Projection: Maurice Jones-Drew

It feels like fantasy owners have been waiting for Maurice Jones-Drew to become an elite fantasy running back for years.  He’s never rushed for more than 1,000 yards or carried the ball more than 197 times (which he did last season), thanks to sharing carries with Fred Taylor since being drafted in the second round of 2006 out of UCLA.

Taylor is gone, now calling New England home, and Jones-Drew will finally get an opportunity to be the featured back. In fact, his potential back-ups rushed the ball for a total of four carries last season and a whopping nine yards. The only other back that has significant carries is Alvin Pearman, who set his career high with 39 carries back in 2005. Needless to say, the offense is going to be on Jones-Drew’s shoulders.

At 5′7″ and a little more than 200 pounds, there is concern that he may not be able to handle the beating a full-time back takes, and those are fair. He is shorter then Tiki Barber (5′10″), but we all know what Barber proved capable of doing.

Jones-Drew has shown over the past three seasons that he could make an impact, despite not carrying the ball all that often. You cannot forget to factor in the times he received a pass.

Last season he set a career high with 62 receptions, after amassing 86 over his first two seasons. Even if he were not to improve on that number with full-time snaps, very few backs supplement tremendous rushing ability with his type of receiving threat out of the backfield. Only Matt Forte (63) caught more passes, with six other running backs recorded 50-plus catches. Needless to say, it’s a huge advantage.

Jones-Drew will also benefit from one of the strongest offensive lines in the game. As well as getting back three starters back who missed at least part of last season, the team added Tra Thomas, a Pro Bowl left tackle, as a free agent signing and used their first-round pick (No. 8 overall) on Eugene Monroe. Adding those two pieces to an already strong line should give Jones-Drew plenty of holes to run through.

Let’s get one thing straight: Jones-Drew is a definite risk (outside of PPR leagues), especially if he’s being selected among the top-two players on draft day. He’s never had the opportunity to be the main back in the NFL so there is no telling how he is going to react. 

With a career yards per carry of 4.8 to go along with a great receiving threat out of the backfield and a great line leading the way, this should be his chance to really shine, but you never know.

If asked to project out his season statistics, I would say:

Rushing: 1,275 yards, 13 TD
Receiving: 550 yards, 3 TD

That certainly equals a monster back, doesn’t it? Still, for me, the risk doesn’t equate to the reward. I’d much rather take an Adrian Peterson or Michael Turner with those first two picks.

What do you think?  Where would you peg his numbers for 2009?

This article is also featured on www.rotoprofessor.com/football

Hasslin’ Hasselbeck? A Gentle Reminder

Sometimes we forget.

And in those times we must be reminded.

You know…a reality check, if you will.

Like that firm but loving smack upside the head from your parents that brought you back down to reality.

Remember those?

C’mon, don’t lie we all remember those times.

Well, consider this your smack upside the head Seattle. Your reality check. 

There’s an incredible trend among the Seattle faithful that’s becoming rather….well, unbelievable.

The books of the 2009 NFL season have yet to even be opened and already we seem to have given up on our very own #8.

And why, I ask?

The 2009 draftees have yet to even step foot on the field and already we’re looking ahead to the 2010 Draft to lay claim in the McCoy-Bradford-Tebow sweepstakes.

Again I ask, why?

It’s bad enough the rest of the NFL barely considers him an elite quarterback, but not us, Seattle, we can’t lose faith in him too.

Have we forgotten all what Matt Hasselbeck has done for this franchise?

This is the same guy who has led our team to five consecutive playoff appearances—including a trip to the Super Bowl—the past six seasons.

This is the same guy who battled through all the blown calls and Jerramy Stevens blunders in Super Bowl XL, making the throws when they had to be made to keep us in the game.

The same guy who fought his way back from near MCL surgery to salvage a doomed season and lead us to within a field goal of another NFC Conference Championship game.

The same guy who said “We want the ball and we’re gonna score!” in front of thousands at Lambeau and….lost.

That’s right, lost!

But that’s exactly why we love him. Or, at least, why we should.

Because he will go drive for drive with a Favre in the freezing cold and snow at Lambeau. Fearlessly.

Because he will battle it out with a Roethlisberger until the very end.

Because he will stand in there against a stout Redskins defense and win, twice!

Because he carried us when there was no Shaun Alexander.

Because he kept us in games when there was no running game at all.

Because he has always given us a chance when everyone else gave us none.

Simply because he gives it his all.

Simply because he just won’t quit.

Simply because he is Seattle!

Like it or not.

So why is it that so many of us are writing Hasselbeck off?

Some point to injuries.

Yes, he’s been injured the past two seasons, but what QB in this league hasn’t? The extent of his injuries throughout his career does not match this early clamoring for his replacement. He’s been fortunate to have such a relatively good bill of health this far into his career. 

Aside from his back problem last season—which is fine now—Matt hasn’t suffered injuries that were too serious. The knee and shoulder injuries he suffered three years ago are all healed. The only concern now is his back, which I believe is no concern at all. Matt Hasselbeck will be fine in ’09, ladies and gentlemen.

So is that it? A little back injury and we’re ready to jump ship on him? You have to believe that can’t be fair. It’s not like he’s had the concussion-filled career of Young and Aikman; now those were injuries. Matt’s given us six to seven quality seasons, surely we can spare him one.

Some point to his age.

Hasselbeck will be 34 heading into this season. No big deal. People tend to forget he wasn’t a starter during the early days of his career. When he was drafted by the Packers he sat behind a guy named Favre.

Enough said there.

He then took to the bench again behind Trent Dilfer when he arrived to Seattle, so he is a youthful 34 and hasn’t really taken the beating of a true 34 year old starting QB. Matt is nowhere near calling it a career, let me be the first to say he has 3-4 good years left in him. And I repeat, good years.

So for all of you Hasselbeck naysayers out there, just who do you have in mind to replace him?

Some speculated that we should trade him away to Minnesota at the end of the season—of all places—and pick up Sanchez in the draft.

Some were hell-bent on Stafford.

And some are salivating this very moment over next year’s draft to land either McCoy, Bradford, or Tebow.

I don’t know why.

Some envision greener pastures with these guys, but the only thing greener are these guys themselves.

It just doesn’t make sense to cast off a proven veteran franchise QB in favor of an unproven rookie who’s yet to throw one NFL pass.

Hasselbeck has been to the mountain top as well as the valley low. He’s taken us to the Super Bowl and he’s had his dog days with us. The resilience of this team starts with him because of that, and no rookie QB will immediately replace that. Replacing him with either one of those guys would be to literally set ourselves back four years and would be a huge slap in his face, to the franchise, and to the city of Seattle.

Let’s not get carried away with Matt Ryan’s success, folks. That kind of thing only happens once in a very blue moon.

First round QBs are dangerous game anyway and they are usually more miss than hit. Those three have achieved great college success but that doesn’t mean it will translate to NFL success. Chances are they won’t be as dominant here, not even close to the level of success Matt has created here, so why even consider them?

So it’s no surprise I’m no proponent of first round QBs. It’s the guys like Hasselbeck that are found in the depths of the draft who turn out to be your anchors, the guys who everyone overlooks. Even “gurus” like Kiper, Jr. get it wrong sometimes, as he did with Matt.

So more than likely Hasselbeck’s future replacement will be someone unassuming, someone from the depths of the draft just like him.

Not the over-hyped kid out of Georgia.

Not some gunslinger down in Texas.

Nor the sensation down in Florida.

The polished Pro-ready rookie from Oklahoma, not quite.

No, not even the bright star from Southern California.

But probably someone like Mike Teel. Someone without all the glitz and glam, someone who’s seen the highs and lows, someone who gives it all he’s got. So let’s start there, if anywhere.

But for right now, Seattle, we should be rallying around our starting quarterback, not trying to pawn him off.

We should have Hass’s back instead of pointing to it.

So quit all that 2010 Denver draft pick talk and let’s focus on our team and what we can do this year.

Let’s get behind Hasselbeck 100 percent like we should because he deserves it from us. Because the success of this team starts with him. He’s given nothing but his all to us for so many years, Seattle, so how about some reciprocity.

There’s nothing wrong with searching for his future replacement, but the operable word there being future. Trying to replace him before his time, however, is the problem! Hasselbeck’s tenure is nowhere near finished, guys. Expect him to be around a few more years. Until then, how dare we try to cast him off prematurely!

Besides, if there’s anyone who we should be discussing to replace in next year’s draft, it’s Julius Jones in the run game. He’s truly the main concern, not Matt!

Roethlisberger Sacked: The Steelers QB Hit with Sexual Assault Lawsuit

According to ProFootballTalk.com, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has been hit with a legal claim of sexual assault.

The web site is reporting Andrea McNulty of Nevada filed suit against Roethlisberger and several others on Friday. 

McNulty alleges that Roethlisberger asked her to come to his hotel room to fix the television, and that he then forced her to have sex with him.

According to PFT, Roethlisberger faces one civil count of assault, one civil count of sexual assault and battery, one civil count of false imprisonment, one civil count of false pretenses, one civil count of fraud, and one civil count of intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Lawyer David Cornwell strongly denied the allegations in a statement released to PFT.  “Ben has never sexually assaulted anyone; especially Andrea McNulty,” Cornwell said. 

“If an investigation is commenced, Ben will cooperate fully and Ben will be fully exonerated.”Cornwell stated.

A spokesperson for the Steelers released the following statement:  “We are aware of the allegations but cannot comment on the specifics of the case.  We’ve been told Ben’s side of the story and we fully support him at this time.”

Michael Vick: 21st Century Pariah

Acceptance and Redemption for Grid Star Could Take Years

Michael Vick has completed serving his sentence and his debt to society.

When his epitaph is being carved, that, unfortunately for him, may go down as the easiest part of his life.

He now has to attempt to re-acclimate back into that society, which is still nowhere near ready to accept him back unconditionally.

Vick’s crimes were blatant, bloody, and sensational but they were not of mass-murderer status.  They were not punishable by long prison terms. He pleaded guilty and did his time. But there are worst things than prison, sometimes.

People may forgive, but in this culture of excessive media, they are never allowed to forget.  Take Michael Jackson, for instance. A week before his death, critics slammed his comeback effort and most of society treated hm like a leper. He was sickly and in debt and nearly pushed off the grid.

When he died, he was suddenly the greatest of all time. The tides had turned because the book was now closed. The media drilled it into you, you had no choice but to submit.

In Vick’s case, the media will work against him. Much like O.J. Simpson, Vick will walk the Earth with a huge cloud hovering over him. One that may erode with time, but that time frame is uncertain.

Michael Dwayne Vick will live the rest of his life unable to rid himself of the blemish, the stigma and the constant reminders of his crimes. Between the media, animal rights groups, and the corporatism of sports, Vick’s chances of shedding his skin are not very promising.

Why?

It is the 21st century.  It is a time in history where everyone is given a second chance. Everyone, that is, who seeks redemption honestly.

Even though Vick has paid heavily for his crimes it still seems there is more penance due. The recent temperature that was taken in regards to his return was that of arctic levels.  Many do not believe that he is sorry for his crimes. The only thing he’s sorry about is getting caught.

His annual income from football, endorsements, and other entrepreneurial ventures had crested at $25 million per year at the time of his arrest. That alone speaks volumes in terms of the price he’s paid.

Most people cannot empathize with that. To them, he’s a rich guy who blew it. Others will cite that he is just another sports celebrity flouting the laws and norms of society.

Others do not believe that he emerged from this a changed man. Many people and groups have stated that for someone to indulge in crimes such as dogfighting and animal cruelty there is a flaw in their character—one that cannot be changed.

Former Colts’ coach Tony Dungy recently visited Vick in prison. He was convinced that Vick had changed his ways. Dungy may be the most honest man alive. He is also a very religious and forgiving man.

Society is not full of many Tony Dungys.

Even if the NFL Commissioner, Roger Goodell, decides that Vick can return as a player, who will stick their neck out and sign him?

Any team that signs him runs the risk of having advertisers pull their accounts. In this economy, no one could afford that.  They would rather just take a pass. 

Signing Vick as a backup just brings the heat. Why would anyone run the risks for a player you will get little benefit from, anyway?

That does bode well for Vick. You can pretty much flesh out in your mind the places he would not be welcome.  The liberal bastions of America—New York and Southern California—are out; he can’t return to Atlanta and Dallas is in need of every dollar they can get with the new stadium opening. 

The only places he could land up would be ones that are either absolutely clueless or desperate.  The way the NFL ebbs and flows that changes from year to year.

Michael Vick will have to wait for a chance at redemption, it appears. Like some Twilight Zone episode, he will suddenly feel his irrelevancy through the stillness of his phone.

Perhaps, by then, he’ll have changed.

Breaking News: T.J. Houshmandzadeh to Boycott Madden Over Ratings

New Seattle Seahawks wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh says that he’ll boycott playing the new Madden NFL 10 video game.

The reason why the avid video gamer is boycotting is because he believes his rating is too low.

Houshmandzadeh blames the Bengals offense last season for his “low” 91 rating.

In Other News:

Vick’s Been Working Out

While in house arrest Michael Vick, who’s now a free-man has been working out with Tom Shaw for the past three weekends.

Shaw said of Vick, “He knows he’s made a mistake, he’s very remorseful and he’s very humble.”

Roethlisberger Accused of Assault

Ben Roethlisberger faces a civil suit after being accused of sexually assaulting a female working at Harrah’s Casino in Las Vegas.

The women who accuses Roethlisberger is Andrea McNulty. The agent for Roethlisberger says of the accusation and suit, “Ben has never sexually assaulted anyone; especially Andrea McNulty.”

Drew Bennett, D.J. Hackett and two others to workout

Former Rams wideout Drew Bennett and former Panthers receiver D.J. Hackett along with two unknown players will tryout for the Baltimore Ravens on Friday.

Jesse Holley wins 4th and Long

Jesse Holley a backup point guard and wide receiver for the North Carolina Tar Heels, won a contract with the Dallas Cowboys after winning Michael Irvin’s reality show, 4th and Long.

Holley previously spent six weeks on the Cincinnati Bengals practice squad in 2007 and attended training camp with the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League in 2008, but left due to a contact dispute.

Vick Deserves a Second Chance

Americans love giving out second chances, especially to celebrities. 

Get a DUI – no problem.  Have an affair – who doesn’t, these days?  Hit your wife – that’s okay. For better or for worse, fans are generally willing to forgive past transgressions as long as the athlete or celebrity apologizes and performs.

But harm dogs, and many people draw the line. 

Disgraced quarterback Michael Vick finished his nearly two-year dogfighting sentence Monday. While Vick will remain on probation for three more years, his release from federal custody effectively closes the book on the debt he owed to society, according to the federal government.

Whether Vick’s debt to the NFL is absolved, however, is still unknown. Vick remains indefinitely suspended by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. Vick is expected to meet with Goodell within the next two weeks to discuss a potential reentry into professional football.

Based on common sense and precedent, Goodell should reinstate Vick immediately. If the government says Vick paid the price for his actions, why should the NFL keep punishing him?

He’s already lost everything. He served 18 months in jail and two months in home confinement. He missed two NFL seasons while in the prime of his career.

The 10-year, $130 million contract, which was the richest in NFL history? Gone. Also disappearing is his image, his marketability, and some of his best friends.

Isn’t that enough?

He’s shown signs of remorse and a commitment to preventing others from repeating the mistakes he made. Universally respected former Colts Head Coach Tony Dungy visited with Vick and gave a positive report. While under home confinement, Vick worked with Boys & Girls Club. He’s signed on to do anti-dogfighting campaigns with the Humane Society geared toward youths.

Clearly, Vick committed horrendous acts, and he deserved punishment. In no way is what he did acceptable, but do his missteps really garner more punishment than those of Leonard Little or Donte Stallworth?

In 1998, Little, a defensive lineman for the St. Louis Rams, ran a red light while drunk and killed a 47-year-old mother. He pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and spent 90 days in jail and was suspended for eight games.

Furthermore, Little was arrested for a second DUI in 2004 after failing three sobriety tests, but was found not guilty after the field tests were found to be faulty. 

Little still plays in the NFL.

This past March, Stallworth, a Cleveland Browns wide receiver, struck and killed a pedestrian while drunk. He spent 24 days in jail and also faces an indefinite suspension.

Both Little and Stallworth completed their debts to society, as determined by the government, despite their punishments seeming far too short. They, too, deserve another chance to redeem themselves (although Little’s third chance seems a bit much). Withholding the right to practice one’s craft is not appropriate punishment.

The issue arises when comparing their cases to Vick’s. Granted, there are some differences between those two cases and Vick’s.

Most notably, Stallworth cooperated with authorities from the beginning, while Vick lied to the NFL, Falcons Owner Arthur Blank, and authorities. Little’s legal run-ins came before Roger Goodell took over the NFL. And Vick is the biggest star of the three.

But, on some level, the comparison stands. Little only received an eight game suspension and Stallworth served a small fraction of Vick’s jail time, although each of them killed a person. Yet it’s Vick who continues to be vilified, even after facing stiffer punishment for a lesser crime.

If anything, Vick’s case proves the American public’s misplaced priorities and the power of the dog lobby. MADD protested Little’s short sentence and his return to the NFL, but it didn’t prevent the Rams from bringing him back.

Not only is Goodell worried about letting Vick back into the league, but also teams are reluctant to pursue the former Falcon, knowing full well the power of PETA.

PETA has already initiated a public campaign to petition the NFL to require Vick to undergo psychological tests to see if he is a psychopath. And PETA will surely picket outside the stadium of whatever team bold is enough to sign the quarterback.

Dogs, it seems, are more valuable than humans sometimes.

If he’s not reinstated, Vick would have an opportunity in the new United Football League. But he longs to return to the NFL, and has shown he has the talent to compete on the biggest stage. The only thing holding him back are animal rights protesters hoping to stretch his two year ban into three.

Reinstating Vick would not condone his actions. Doing so would merely recognize the debt Vick has paid and open the door for him to restart his life. 

Even if Vick is reinstated, his fate is in his hands. He’s the one who has to create a new image and communicate his regret, while also trying to succeed on the field. He just needs a second chance. 

Lester’s Legends: Best Fantasy Football Team Name Contest

Fantasy Football season is around the corner. Lester’s Legends wants you to name my Fantasy Football team for next year. Not only will you have the bragging rights of winning the contest, but you’ll receive a $25 Nike gift certificate. 

All you need is a creative name and an E-mail address to win.

You needn’t use any part of Lester’s Legends in your name. You can reference football players, songs, movies, or whatever. Just be original and keep it somewhat clean.

There’s a limit of three team names per entrant. The contest will be open until August 4th.  We will, then, narrow it down to between three and five team names and put it up to a vote.

Go to the contest page and throw your team name in the hat.

Best Breakthrough Athlete???

Surprisingly enough, the ESPY Awards continued to entertain again this year. Most of what ESPN puts out bugs me and comes across like they’re trying too hard. However, when you put (Vol fan) Samuel L. Jackson behind the mic to intro sports highlights all night…I’m in!

Five Contract-Year Players to Watch

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