Week 1
9/10/02
To me, there are only two things for certain playing fantasy football.
One, expect the unexpected, and two, every once in a while, no matter
what you do, the fantasy Gods are going to kick you in the groin.
If you got kicked this weekend, then this column is for you.
Groin Shot of the Week Candidates
Priest Holmes. Yes, you led the NFL in rushing last season and
yes, you're a first round fantasy pick, but 4 bleeping touchdowns?
No one should have to compete against that.
Travis Henry. Sure, sure, the Bills offensive line will take
time to gel. The Jets are going to be much improved against the
run this season. Drew Bledsoe will have tons of weapons to utilize
in the passing game. What is this the freaking Travis Henry show?
Three touchdowns and near 150 yards for the guy? People were high
on him but this is a little ridiculous.
Charlie Garner. Garner had only 3 touchdowns the entire season
in 2001, but he somehow managed to find the end zone twice Sunday
to go along with over 170 yards. Seattle, get a defense. You disgust
me.
Marty Booker. Were the Bears not kings of the 3 yard swing pass
last season? What the heck is Marty Booker doing catching 8 passes
for a gaudy 198 yards and a touchdown? It's amazing he didn't
find the end zone more covering all of that real estate.
Have Helmet Will Travel
There really should just be a general "no throwing anything" (footballs
excepted) rule at Cleveland Stadium. Remember the beer bottles
debacle a year ago? Now Dwayne Rudd, thinking the game is over
with a win sealed against the Chiefs, throws his helmet in celebration
and gets penalized to set up Morten Andersen's game winning field
goal with no time left. In the blink of an eye, Rudd just found
his way onto the list of all-time sports gaffes. Certainly he
falls below Bill Buckner status, but this is right in league with
Phil Luckett.
Quick Hits
- For those keeping track of the Randy Ratio, Moss only had
6 catches Sunday so look for 10 next week to pick up the average.
I must be playing against him in week 2.
- Is Jeremy Shockey in the Hall of Fame yet? The way the commentators
were gushing over him Thursday night a casual observer would
swear he was. Yeah, the kid looks great, but how about we let
him at least play a little first?
- Allowing one kickoff return for a TD is somewhat excusable.
These things happen. To allow two in the same game, including
the game winning points in overtime is just sad. Between the
Bills, Browns and Bucs Sunday, they could teach an advanced
course on stupidest ways to lose a football game.
- Mike Martz is a great offensive tactician, but when it comes
to being a head coach, "bonehead" is as good a description as
any. He just doesn't learn from his mistakes either which is
all the more mind boggling.
- Quincy Carter. Ouch. Sure the Texans were pumped, but that
performance was the definition of ugly.
- I hope the Bengals watched the Texans play Sunday night and
felt shame for the uninspired play they showed in their home
opener. Ticket holders should be demanding a refund for that
rubbish.
And The Winner Is...
Groin Shot of the Week award is given to the player considered
to most exceed expectations and produce at a level that causes
the greatest anguish and frustration to fantasy players. Travis
Henry made a strong case for himself but the week 1 award goes
to Charlie Garner. I was "fortunate" to only play against Henry
in one league whereas Garner took me down in two. Anguish and
frustration? Oh yes, I feel the pain. An 0-3 start in 3 money
leagues thanks to these jokers is not the way I expected to kick
off the season.
:: comments to mike
macgregor
|