Dr. Pigskin: Week 15
The highlight of the week was definitely seeing the Cowboys choke away another December game. It brings me great pleasure that the Cowboys have not won a playoff game since Monica Lewinsky’s oral endeavours brought the nation to a standstill. As much as I think Tony Romo is a franchise type quarterback, he has still not shown that he can win the big game, yet alone a big game.
Let’s take a look at some studs and duds from last weekend.
Studs
QB, Matt Schaub, Houston Texans: Fighting off Sage Rosenfels on the depth chart, Schauby came back from his injury strong, as he threw for over 400 yards and a pair of scores. In the offseason, I propose a battle royale for next season’s starting gig. I can see it now: “In the Cage versus Sage: A Matt Schaub Story.”
QB, Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons: Matty Ice (as he was affectionately known during his Boston College days) has officially surpassed the wildest expectations for his rookie season. First year quarterbacks in the NFL just do not play this consistently. Ryan just added another 300-yard, two-touchdown game to his brief professional resume.
RB, Brian Westbrook, Philadelphia Eagles: It is always impressive when your back racks up over 200 yards and two scores, but this was against the Giants. Nice.
RB, DeAngelo Williams, Carolina Panthers: The Panther back teamed up with his buddy Jonathan Stewart to metaphorically gang bang the vaunted Buccaneer defense. Gotta love that Monte Kiffin “O” face.
WR, Antonio Bryant, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Bryant has taken on a huge role in the Buc passing offense as he went for 200 yards and two scores. He has made aging Joey Galloway an afterthought.
WR, Vincent Jackson, San Diego Chargers: Vinny-J had a nice game against a decent Raider pass defense. Oakland shut out Antonio Gates, but let Jackson run wild in the secondary as he went over 150 yards receiving with a touchdown.
Duds
QB, Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys: I told you last week to bench Romo as he faced a tough Pittsburgh defense. He managed the game well until the fourth quarter, when he gift wrapped the game for the black and gold.
RB, Brandon Jacobs, New York Giants: The human bulldozer only gained 52 yards with no scores in a game in which the Giants were upset by the Eagles. Also, he left the game early with an injury, which limited his production.
RB, Joseph Addai, Indianapolis Colts: I am pretty sure that current Addai owners will never again blow a first round pick on him. He just cannot be counted on fantasy-wise.
WR, Anquan Boldin, Arizona Cardinals: The week’s top projected wide out had limited projection against a weak Ram secondary.
WR, Greg Jennings, Green Bay Packers – Jennings was expected to produce more than 70 yards and no scores. He was among the top five projected wide outs for last week.
Call of the Week
At QB, my call of the week is to start Jason Campbell of the Washington Redskins in Cincy. I am calling a slump buster of a game here. Campbell has faced the Ravens’, Steelers’, and Giants’ defenses in the last few weeks, so facing the Bengals will be welcomed. This is like when you swing a baseball bat with a donut for a couple weeks, and then take it off. All I am saying is that Campbell will have bat speed this week.
At RB, my call of the week is to bench Larry Johnson of the Kansas City Chiefs at home against the Chargers. I just do not think he is a reliable play, especially in your fantasy playoffs. If you have other options you may want to go with them.
At WR, my call of the week is to bench Roddy White of the Atlanta Falcons at home vs. Tampa Bay. This may seem crazy, but the Buc defense is pissed after getting embarrassed on national TV. I think Tampa Bay will control the clock and keep the ball out of Ryan’s hands, therefore reducing White’s potential numbers.
Sleeper of the Week
My sleeper of the week is running back Pierre Thomas of the New Orleans Saints, who head to Chicago on Thursday night. Going up against an overrated Bear defense, the Saints will be able to move the ball. Even with Reggie Bush back in the mix, the Saints have made a great effort to get Thomas his touches.
Good luck!
