NFL Recap Week 12

Rams Recap

The Rams lost to the Seattle Seahawks 27-17. I find this demeaning and embarrasing. Statistically speaking, this was supposed to happen. But an improving Rams squad who competed within a touchdown of the Cardinals and Saints made me expect a win. Doubled with the fact that the Seahawks had no momentum and were almost as dissapointing as the Rams.

Two things stand out: 4th down call and run defense. I'll start with run defense because its the easiest to attack. For whatever reason, the same Rams' defense that allowed just two rushers at 100 yards in the first nine weeks has allowed two relatively below average backs do it in the past two weeks.

Justin Forsett... Justin Forsett??! He ran for 130 yards and 2 TDs after Julius Jones (119 yards, TD in Week 1) got injured. The Seahawks just plain own us.

Also, why did Spagnuolo go for it on 4th down? It was a 51 yard field goal. Even though Josh Brown had missed previous kick, by going for it he is putting a serious distrust in Brown's kicking ability. But that's not the point. It was a tie game, and the Rams had an oppurtunity to take the lead. So he pulled out his inner Bill Belicheck and went for it. Not a good move.

The Rams are doing the opposite of what we are expecting. Instead of improving the Rams are regressing.

The only bright spots of the game was the running game and the pass defense of the Rams. Everything else was below average.

The Rams had such poor tackling during the game (although thanks to the blackout I wasn't able to see this) that Leonard Little even said something.

Kyle Boller is the better option than Marc Bulger? Really? He has committed seven turnovers in just 14 quarters of play. For those mathematically challenged that's 2 per game.

Scores Around the League

GB @ DET- 34-12 Packers

The Packers did not let the Lions beat them, especially not on Thanskgiving

OAK @ DAL- 24-7 Cowboys

Its November. And November means a winning Cowboy's team... for November only

NYG @ DEN- 26-6 Broncos

I wish I had NFL Network and was able to figure out how the Broncos dramatically changed

TB @ ATL- 20-17 Falcons

The Falcons are in danger of missing the playoffs... barely beating the Bucs is not an accomplishment

MIA @ BUF- 31-14 Bills

The Bills surprised everyone and essentially knocks Miami's playoff hopes

CLE @ CIN- 16-7 Bengals

The Bengals are a confusing team to me... they beat Pittsburgh and Baltimore and then do this

CAR @ NYG- 17-6 Jets

The Panthers ought to be ashamed of themselves... Delhomme is back to turnover Delhomme

WAS @ PHI- 27-24 Eagles

The Redskins put up a good fight, one that I did not expect... of course the Eagles are struggling

IND @ HOU- 35-27 Colts

The Colts have trailed in the 4th quarter in their past five wins

KC @ SD- 43-13 Chargers

A humiliating loss for the Chiefs although the Chargers are the hottest team in the NFL

JAC @ SF- 20-3 Jaguars

The Jaguars are another confusing team especially failing to get a TD in this game

ARI @ TEN- 20-17 Titans

The Titans won on a miraculous catch by rookie wideout Kenny Britt, a must-see highlight.

CHI @ MIN- 36-10 Vikings

The Vikings beat up on the team the Rams will likely lose to next week

PIT @ BAL- 20-17 Ravens

Ravens won, but might as well of put Steelers with their moral victory with Dennis Dixon

NE @ NO- 38-17 Saints

As long as the Saints avoid snow, and given the fact they will have homefield advantage will likely mean a Super Bowl

Fantasy Top Performers

QB

Drew Brees, NO (4)

Stats: 371 yards, 5 TDs

Brees makes the list for a fourth time with a more than likely top fantasy player award coming

Brett Favre, MIN (3)

Stats: 392 yards, 3 TDs

Favre put up amazing stats against an aging Bears team

Aaron Rodgers, GB (2)

Stats: 348 yards, 3 TDs

Favre's replacement, Rodgers, did good but again did not outperform Favre

RB

Fred Jackson, BUF (1)

Stats: 73 rushing yards, 2 TDs, 43 receiving yards

Jackson, Marshawn Lynch's backup, received the most touches in his fantasy glory

Justin Forsett, SEA (1)

Stats: 130 rushing yards, 2 TD

Only an unknown player such as Forsett would play the Rams to make the list

Chris Johnson, TEN (5)

Stats: 158 rushing yards, TD

Johnson is running away with the RB fantasy title with the most appearances of any player

WR

Donald Driver, GB (1)

Stats: 142 receiving yards, TD

Driver had a spectacular game with also-named-on-this-list Rodgers throwing to him

Miles Austin, DAL (3)

Stats: 145 receiving yards, TD

Austin has come out of nowhere and has made this list many times in short time period

Percy Harvin, MIN (1)

Stats: 101 receiving yards, TD

Its no coincidence two receivers also had two QBs on the list

TE

Antonio Gates, SD (2)

Stats: 118 receiving yards, 2 TDs

Gates, largely unnoticed for the first half, has exploded with a big game

Dallas Clark, IND (3)

Stats: 63 receiving yards, TD

Clark is one of the most consistent TE in the league with WR hands

Vernon Davis, SF (3)

Stats: 61 receiving yards, TD

Davis is one of the premier TEs in the league and one of the premier fantasy TEs as well

D/ST

Jets (1)

Stats: 6 PA, 4 TO, TD

The Jets accounted for half of the touchdowns in their game against the Jaguars

K

Matt Prater, DEN (1)

Stats: 4 FG, 2 XP

Prater becomes the 12th man to earn this honorable spot

Offseason Preview: Part III

Positional Breakdown

SP

What is for sure: Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright as the #1 and #2 starting pitchers in no particular order. Kyle Lohse is also guaranteed a spot although he is not necessarily a #3 caliber starter after last year.

What is in question: The Cardinals currently do not have a set-in-stone #4 or #5 starter in their rotation.

My Solution: Sign John Smoltz to a one year deal all but guaranteeing a spot in the rotation as long as he performs admirably (anything better than 6.00 ERA). Then have Jaime Garcia and Mitchell Boggs compete for the final rotation spot. If Smoltz for some reason pitches worse than 6.00 ERA give the job to both of the rookie starters.

Come September move Smoltz to the closer role and bring up Boggs or Garcia (whoever did not win the spot) to fill the rotation out. Ideally, the brought-up starter will be pitching well in AAA.

Bullpen

What's for sure: The Cardinals have the bullpen back from 2008 with two left-handed specialists (Trever Miller, Dennys Reyes), a long reliever (Blake Hawksworth), and an array of right-handed relievers (Kyle McCllelan, Josh Kinney, Jason Motte)

What's in Question: Even though we have an array of right-handed relievers none of them stepped it up and became a set-up man. Given a year, I still don't believe McCllelan is consistent enough, and Motte isn't ready.

As well, Ryan Franklin's closer candidacy is for sure. But how well he pitches is far from a sure thing.

My Solution: Well, the Cardinals are good from April-August with Ryan Franklin as their closer. He has a history of performing bad in September so I think we can only assume the same this year. As mentioned above, move Smoltz into closer role and then put Franklin as your set-up man.

This solves two problems: Closer consistency down the stretch and lack of a dominant set-up man.

C

What is for sure: Yadier Molina, that is Gold Glove All-Star catcher, is the starter.

What's in question: The Cardinals as of now have no backup to protect the Cardinals if Molina gets hurt. Jason LaRue, last year's backup, is older and his production is less than his contract.

My Solution: Sign a free agent catcher. Not a big deal for the Cardinals, but a potentially disastrous one if Molina were to get hurt. Even though prospect Bryan Anderson is underappreciated in the organization, a backup role is not the best thing for him.

I like a couple of options. Mike Redmond, Chris Coste, and Matt Treanor all have been backups and due to possibly down years in 2009 will be low cost. Jose Molina is also on the market, although his price figures to be higher.

1B

What is for sure: Albert Pujols is the starting 1B for the Cardinals. Even some guy in Idaho knew that.

What's in question: Since for the actual season there really is nothing in question other than not having Chris Duncan sub for him when he rest (oh darn...).

But re-signing him past 2011 is in question. I have a possible contract but I will explore that in a later date. And yes it does not matter if it is two years, before we know it, the date will be up and the Cardinals will have to compete with the Red Sox.

My Solution: RE-SIGN PUJOLS

2B/SS

What is for sure: As well, pretty much everything is for sure at these positions. The two starters (Skip Schumacher, Brendan Ryan) as well as their backup (Julio Lugo).

What's in question: If I can think of anything it would be to try and get more major league time from Tyler Greene. Their recent trade of Jarrett Hoffpauier to the Blue Jays helps solve this problem.

My Solution: Given that I didn't put a problem, just stick with what they have.

3B

What is for sure:The only thing that is certain is David Freese will be a serious candidate to start. But that is not even for sure if we sign a big free agent.

What's in question: Umm... the starter

My Solution: Sign either Chone Figgins or Mark DeRosa. I'm leaning towards Figgins right now. This could also help solve our left field problem

LF

What is for sure: As of now, absolutely nothing. Not even a serious contender to play there is for sure. The future starter for 2010 is either Matt Holliday or a free agent.

What's in question: The starter and technically the backup as well. Although in general the Cardinals are looking for a fourth outfielder.

My Solution: Sign Figgins or DeRosa as security if Holliday sweepstakes don't pan out. If they don't sign Holliday, put whichever you sign in left and Freese at 3B.

If they do, sign Holliday to no more than 6 years, $100 million.

CF

What is for sure: Colby Rasmus is the starting centerfielder for the 2010 season.

What is in question: Rasmus' progression from 2009 to 2010. If he's the same we need another centerfielder to share time. If he improves then we need an outfielder who can play all three positions

My Solution: I actually think signing Rocco Baldelli to be a good move. He has a condition to where he can't play everyday but that wouldn't be a problem. Joey Gathright isn't the best player, but he is a centerfielder by trade and having two true centerfielders never hurts.

Another option is signing Jerry Hairston, Jr., who also could provide 3B insurance in case we need him to.

RF

What is for sure: The starting right fielder for the 2010 season will definitely go to 2008 All-Star Ryan Ludwick

What is in question: For this particular position, nothing.

My Solution: Keep what you got by re-signing Ludwick again.

Blues Player Profile: Chris Mason

Past

Selected: 5th round, 122nd overall by New Jersey Devils

Hometown: Red Deer, Alberta

Heritage: Canadian

1992-1993 (Red Deer Optimist Chiefs [AMHL])- 20 GP, 3.35 GAA

The league that recorded his stats for whatever reason did not include wins and losses. And if they did, I guess he never started a game. But at a 3.35 GAA, that makes no sense otherwise he would be a really bad goaltender.

1994-1997 (Average over 3 seasons, Prince George Cougars [WHL]) - 51 GP, 14-30-2, .901 SP, 3.79 GAA

During this time, I'm assuming he was in a hard league. And his team had no defense. And his team had no offense. Reason being is because his stats are not impressive and he still ended up getting drafted after these three horrific years.

1998-2002 (Average over 4 seasons, Milwaukee Admirals [IHL])- 43 GP, 17-17-7, .912 SP, 2.64 GAA

During his "minor league" time with the Nashville Predators, he played better ever season. His GAA went from 2.90 to 2.78 to 2.35 and then down to 2.53. His record was .500 throughout that span as well.

2002-2003 (1 season, San Antonio Rampage [AHL])- 50 GP, 25-18-6, .921 SP, 2.51 GAA

In this year he was in the Florida Panthers system. He succeeded much better in this season possibly why the Predators re-picked him up later.

2003-2005- He was injured for 2003-2004 and for 2004-2005 he played in Norway

2005-2008 (3 seasons, Nashville Predators [NHL])- 38 GP, 18-13-4 , .912 SP, 2.61 GAA

In 2005-2006, he played half of the year on the Canada national team instead of the NHL. This was understandable since he was a backup goalie. He received increased playing time in each year he was here maybe even becoming the starter at the end of the 2007-2008 season.

2008-2009 (St. Louis Blues)- 57 GP, 27-21-7, .916 SP 2.41 GAA

Mason took over the starting job from Manny Legace in February of 2008. He led the Blues to the playoffs, but was swept by the Vancouver Canucks

Scouting Report

"I’m quite high on Chris Mason this season. He did pretty remarkable things last year and turned me into a very big fan. Losing an appendix early in the season and not winning a game for more than four weeks is one thing. To turn it around and quite possibly turn into the most valuable goalie for his team in the entire league is quite another. That is a remarkable display of perseverance and focus. Combined with his steadfast positioning and great durability between the pipes, Mason is set up to have another breakout season." - thegoailieguild.com

That is a funny thing to say however. How many goalies have breakout seasons at 33 years old.

This Season

Stats- 18 GP, 7-7-4, .925, 2.24

1. Those are excellent stats. In fact he has never had a better season when you exclude the win-loss record. The Blues' problem obviously is not Mason. If he keeps playing like this, I will guarantee the Blues record and his record will improve.

2. He is just 1-4 in games that go past regulation. Not sure if this is more of a testament of how the Blues fail to score such as last night with only one shootout goal or just Mason performing slightly worse with more pressure.

Future

Well I think the future is not what we should be focusing on with Chris Mason. Given his age, he probably won't sustain this success say in 2012. So with a guy like Mason, fans don't need or should not look to the future. This is one case scenario where what he is giving you is his very best.

Hopefully he can lead the Blues to the playoffs. Despite last year's finish, the Blues were still projected to be a year away so making the playoffs would be a success regardless of how well the Blues perform in the playoffs.

NFL Recap Week 11

Rams Recap
The Rams played well below what they should have played. And the score was misleading... in a bad way. The game should not have been 21-13, but 41-13. But that's assuming the Rams would score 13 points at all when they have no hope because the other team is racking up points. Had Warner stayed in, then we wouldn't be talking about a possible win, but we'd be talking about an embarrasing loss.

Bulger played pretty awful after earning player of the game in last week's recap. He threw for 215 yards, but had 19-37 barely above the 50% mark. To make matters worse (or better in some cases), he is injured for 3-6 weeks. I'm just going to guess it will be closer to the 6 week, because Boller plays better.

Jackson ran 116 yards on 24 carries, but he made little of an impact on the game. After his 48 yard run which made most of his yards, he failed to get in the endzone. He did two things: get his 3rd TD of the year and reach the 1,000 yard mark in the season. This was his fifth consecutive season reaching that mark.

The one bright spot and as you will see later, player of the game is, James Lauranitis. He finished with 16 tackles.

Player of the Game- James Lauranitis

Scores Around the League
MIA @ CAR- 24-17 Dolphins
The Dolphins keep their playoff chances alive while destroying the Panthers' chances

SF @ GB- 30-24
The Packers look to be putting together a playoff caliber team and a Vikings-Packers playoff showdown seems inevitable

WAS @ DAL- 7-6 Cowboys
What happened to the Cowboys offense in this low-scoring affair? Haynseworth is paying off...

CLE @ DET- 38-37 Lions
The Lions pick up their second victory of the year with Stafford and Quinn having great games

PIT @ KC- 27-24 Chiefs
I thought the Steelers were supposed to be better than last year with that worst schedule

SEA @ MIN- 35-9 Vikings
Not a really surprise here with the Brett Favre-led Vikings destroying the Seahawks

ATL @ NYG- 34-31 Giants
The Giants and Falcons seemed sure bets to make playoffs and now the Giants certainly do but the Falcons are still a question

NO @ TB- 38-7 Saints
The poor Bucaneers caught the pissed-off side of the Saints after they were "embarrased" by barely beating the Rams

BUF @ JAC- 18-15 Jaguars
I have misjudged the Jaguars as a team and now they look like playoff caliber

IND @ BAL- 17-15 Colts
The Colts in workman-like fashion win yet again to remain undefeated

SD @ DEN- 32-3 Chargers
The 6-0 Broncos seem like a distant memory and now at 6-4 with literally no momentum they seem done

CIN @ OAK- 20-17 Bengals
The Bengals continue to perplex me with their 4-0 record against the Steelers/Ravens, but a loss to the Raiders?

NYJ @ NE- 31-14 Patriots
Remember when Rex Ryan confidently predicted a victory and it happened... Well things have changed

PHI @ CHI- 24-20 Eagles
The Eagles move into prime position for the playoffs, although they have work to do

TEN @ HOU- 20-17
The Titans are trying their best to finish the season 10-0 to make the playoffs

Top Fantasy Performers
QB
Matthew Stafford, DET (1)
Stats- 422 passing yards, 5 TDs
Stafford does everything he can in the victory for the Lions and is looking like the franchise QB the Lions want him to be

Brady Quinn, CLE (1)
Stats- 304 yards, 4 TDs
Quinn benefited from the offensive explosion of the CLE-DET game almost as much as Stafford, but he was the losing QB

Eli Manning, NYG
Stats- 384 yards, 3 TDs
Manning performed at just the right time when the Giants risked going 5-5

RB
Ricky Williams, MIA (2)
Stats- 119 rushing yards 2 TDs
Williams probably doesn't produce stats as well as these in any other system

Jason Snelling, ATL (1)
Stats- 76 yards, 2 TDs
Snelling who? Jason Snelling ran for 76 yards, 2 TDs and become the second best fantasy running back in the league

Kevin Smith (1)
Stats- 45 rushing yards, 104 receiving yards, TD
Smith produced little rushing-wise, but he played as well as any receiver


WR
Terrell Owens, BUF (1)
Stats- 197 receiving yards, TD
Owens had an incredible game that pretty much game out of nowhere

Calvin Johnson, DET (2)
Stats- 161 yards, TD
Johnson benefited from the CLE-DET game as well as Stafford did (sound familiar)

Wes Welker, NE (2)
Stats- 192 yards, TD
Welker became a better target than Moss on this particular day... Don't get used to it

TE
Kevin Boss, NYG (2)
Stats- 76 receiving yards, 2 TD
Boss, apparantly Mannings' favorite TD target, was the best TE this week

Vernon Davis, SF (3)
Stats- 108 receiving yards, TD
Davis consistenly gets 100 receiving yards and looks to be running away with best TE

Heath Miller, PIT (3)
Stats- 95 receiving yards, TD
Miller is the fourth receiver to reach this list three times

D/ST
New England (1)
Stats- 14 PA, 5 TO, TD
And the long line of defenses continue, but no one defense has yet stood out

K
Billy Cundiff, KC (1)
Stats- 5 FG
Of course, Cundiff continues the streak of 11 kickers in 11 weeks because... well who is anyway?

Offseason Preview: Part II

Part I here.

Cardinals Free Agents

Matt Holliday

I have a perfect strategy for Matt Holliday. Right now the market for Holliday is low to say the least and there could be a scenario where the Cardinals are his only true option. Of course, up to five teams could offer legitimate contracts as well, but that is rather low for a top tier free agent.

So the Cardinals should offer Holliday 6 years, $100 million. Then they should say take it or leave it. We will go no higher or no lower. I don't see him getting anywhere near Mark Texeira money and can only see slightly more than that offer being proposed (slightly in the millions of course).

Final Call? Yes if 100 or less, no if more

Mark DeRosa

I'm honestly not sure of his estimated contract will be, but I expect a considerable raise from his $4.3 average over the past three years. With that said, he is a versatile player who is now a home run threat. Of course he strikes out more than you'd hope and his average dropped from his career average.

I'd say the Cardinals go no higher than $7 million a year at this point. I can see him getting more with all the teams that have expressed interest. His age, declining average, and strikeouts however are unappealing to me therefore I don't mind losing him for 2010.

Final Call? Probably No

Joel Pineiro

Pineiro is set up for a somewhat hefty payday in 2010 thanks to his breakout year that just happened to be his contract year. This is strengthened when teams like the Mets are interested in him.

I cannot see a scenario playing out where Pineiro resigns with the Cardinals. His contract can go up to about $10 million a year for several years. That is too expensive for a third starter.

Final Call? Definite No

Troy Glaus

Glaus's status is uncertain right now. I can't even guess what his payday will be for 2010. I'm not sure if it will be low millions or closer to 7-8 million. Teams will come calling though just because of his past success as a power hitter.

His time in St. Louis unfortunately ended when he became a pinch-hit option when he came back from injury. Alright so far, I have presented a possibility where the Cardinals top four free agents might not come back.

Final Call? NO

John Smoltz

Smoltz enjoyed varied results in 2009 but more importantly he enjoyed great success with the Cardinals at the tail end of the season. This is good for him for two reasons: 1. NL teams will be interested because he can dominate there 2. Finishing strong always helps in contract seasons

I see Smoltz re-signing here because we need a fourth starter and because we provide the best situation. I personally would say to him in contract negotiations that as long as he performed in spring training, as in not completely sucking, then he would get the job. But if he did "suck" then he would become a reliever and the apparant heir to closer when Franklin blows saves.

Final Call? Yes

Khalil Greene

Greene embarrased the front office by making them look stupid. His contract coupled with his lack of production almost had a negative effect on the team. No, sorry it did have a negative effect on the team. Plus they gave up a promising reliever who did more for his team even though he is a reliever.

I don't expect him to get that much. A hopeful team may sign him to a $1 million contract with incentives, but he hardly showed he could become a starter with the Cardinals. Past success should help however.

Final Call? Not if I had a gun to my head

Jason LaRue

LaRue is one of the lesser backups in the league, statistically. Of course, not all backups have Yadier Molina type catchers as their starters. He provides veteran leadership, one of the intangibles not shown in the stats.

Despite all of this, LaRue is getting paid $1 million. I think that's a little much. He kind of falls where Omar Vizquel is right now and they have same price tag. Two differences: 1. Vizquel is Gold Glove defender 2. Molina doesn't need veteran leadership

Final Call? No

Rick Ankiel

Ankiel was one of the biggest dissapointments in 2009. If he had performed like most expected then we don't trade for Holliday. So inadvertantly, he strongly helped the Cardinals. The problem is that the chances he gets the Cardinals to trade for a high caliber player is slim to none. Which makes his focus on his production. And that's not something I'm willing to bet on.

Ankiel is probably due for a low contract, but it will hit the millions. He should be a platoon player in the outfield with a hitter who can hit left-handed pitching.

Final Call? No

Todd Wellemeyer

Wellemeyer would be a biggest dissapointment, but I didn't exactly expect much from him. Despite his E.R.A. reaching below 4.00 in 2008, it seemed as if he pitched much worse.

I don't see any team giving him his $5 million contract that he got from the Cardinals. Reject his arbitration and let him be a cancerous player to another team.

Final Call? No

Re-Sign?

Ryan Ludwick

Ludwick's production went down from 2008, but it far outplayed his contract. His injury restricted him from a career year. Without the injury, I could see him playing better than in 2008.

Easy choice: Offer him arbitration. Actually I would also offer him a three year contract. If he is available for something around 3 years, $18 million then do it. Honestly as an agent though I would want more for that so I don't see that happenening.

Final Call?Yes

Skip Schumacher

Schumacher significantly raised his value by switching to second base. Not only is he more versatile but he also ranks higher compared to second baseman than outfielders.

He should be due for a $1-2 million raise in arbitration and I think the easy answer again is yes. Schumacher provides good enough defense, is the everyday leadoff hitter, and is pretty durable.

Final Call? Yes

Brendan Ryan

Ryan was the best breakout position player for the Cardinals in a time when they needed him especially given Greene's anxiety issues. Ryan provided great defense and a good average.

He should get a raise somewhere in the millions. His situation is somewhat similar to Schumacher except not the position change.

Final Call? Yes