Four Downs: Marshall a Cut-ler above

Senior Fantasy Writer

Sep. 14, 2008

Marshall returned from his one-game suspension Sunday to nearly earn himself an NFL record. He had 18 catches for 166 yards and a touchdown against San Diego, falling two catches short of Terrell Owens' record of 20 receptions set in 2000 with San Francisco.

It's fitting that Marshall challenged one of Owens' marks since Marshall has been called "Baby T.O." because of his size, speed and playmaking ability. Well, Marshall could challenge Owens and Randy Moss as the best receiver in the NFL this year if he keeps up this pace.


Brandon Marshall and Jay Cutler could form a lethal combination for the rest of 2008. (AP)

As it stands now, Marshall would finish with 252 catches for 2,324 yards and 14 touchdowns this year if he plays every game like he did in Week 2. While that's not going to happen, Marshall is in line for an outstanding year in his third season.

If you took a chance on drafting Marshall this year, pat yourself on the back. And if you own Jay Cutler, thank Marshall as well.

Cutler opened the season with 300 yards passing and two touchdowns in Week 1 at Oakland, and that was without Marshall. On Sunday, Cutler had 350 yards passing, four touchdowns and an interception -- including a two-point conversion on a gutsy call from coach Mike Shanahan to win the game 39-38 -- and is ready to become the next great quarterback in the NFL.

Cutler has playmakers all over the field in Marshall, Eddie Royal, Tony Scheffler, Brandon Stokley and a solid running game. He also has history on his side.

Cutler is entering his third year with Shanahan, which is typically when Shanahan's quarterbacks fully grasp his system. John Elway won a Super Bowl in his third year with Shanahan in 1997, and Jake Plummer went to the AFC Championship Game in his third year with Shanahan in 2005.

Cutler might not have similar team success, but he appears to have a newfound comfort level with the offense. And playing with Marshall for the next 14 games should only make things that much better.

It's going to be a great year offensively in Denver -- and another big game should be in the works in Week 3 against New Orleans. So don't be surprised when Marshall finishes as the No. 1 wide receiver and Cutler finishes as the No. 1 quarterback in Fantasy leagues in 2008.

After watching what happened against the Chargers, they have my vote already.

McFadden, rookies running wild

Welcome to the NFL, Darren McFadden.

Justin Fargas went down with a groin injury at Kansas City, and McFadden took over. The rookie had 21 carries for 164 yards and a touchdown and also caught one pass for nine yards.

It's unknown how long Fargas will be out, but it could open the door for more opportunities for McFadden, who played like the top rookie we all expected and should be considered a starting Fantasy option in Week 3 at Buffalo. But McFadden wasn't alone as a rookie star in Week 2.

Jonathan Stewart had his first breakout game with 14 carries for 77 yards and two touchdowns against Chicago. Stewart outplayed DeAngelo Williams (11 carries for 31 yards), so hopefully this is a sign of things to come. Stewart has a tough matchup in Week 3 at Minnesota, but if he continues to play better than Williams he should get more carries.

Chris Johnson had another good week with 19 carries for 109 yards and two catches for 12 yards at Cincinnati. He again outplayed LenDale White (18 carries for 59 yards and a touchdown) and should be in line for a big game in Week 3 against Houston. In two games, Johnson has 248 total yards.

And Matt Forte played well with 23 carries for 92 yards and three catches for 21 yards. Forte has now reached must-start status as a No. 2 option even heading into Week 3 against Tampa Bay. Forte has 254 total yards in two games.

This is going to be a great year for rookie running backs, so hopefully you have at least one on your Fantasy team.

Cassel, Patriots struggle

Welcome to reality, Matt Cassel.

While Cassel may turn into a decent Fantasy option with Tom Brady (knee) out, he had a rough debut at the Jets. Granted, it was a tough division opponent on the road in his first start since high school, but you wanted to see more from him.

Cassel was 16-of-23 passing for 165 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions, and he struggled to connect with Randy Moss, who only had two catches for 22 yards. Wes Welker played well with seven catches for 72 yards, but this could be a bad sign for the Patriots passing game.

We'll find out how the Patriots should fare against weaker opponents when they face Miami in Week 3. The Dolphins allowed Kurt Warner to pass for 361 yards and three touchdowns Sunday, so Cassel could be in line for a good outing.

If you're worried about Cassel and looking for a quarterback, some passers drafted as backups played well this week. Along with Warner, Philip Rivers (377 passing yards, three touchdowns and one interception), Aaron Rodgers (328 passing yards and three touchdowns), Jason Campbell (321 passing yards and one touchdown) and J.T. O'Sullivan (321 passing yards and one touchdown) all had big games and could be available in a trade.

As for the Patriots running game, it was a mess against the Jets. LaMont Jordan was the leading rusher with 11 carries for 62 yards, Sammy Morris scored the touchdown but had no rushing yards on eight carries and Laurence Maroney had eight carries for 16 yards. Kevin Faulk also returned with three carries for 16 yards and four catches for 50 yards.

For now, keep all these players reserved and hope someone emerges as a good Fantasy option against the Dolphins.

Bench the Bengals

Welcome to Fantasy purgatory, Cincinnati Bengals.

It's time to bench Carson Palmer, Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh, at least for the foreseeable future. They look awful right now.

After a dismal performance in Week 1 at Baltimore, the Bengals looked equally as bad in Week 2 against Tennessee. Palmer had 134 passing yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions, Houshmandzadeh had three catches for 26 yards and Johnson had four catches for 37 yards.

The Bengals are going to struggle again in Week 3 at the Giants, so if you can avoid using them, that's the safe play at this point. It could be a long year in Cincinnati.

Some other observations from Week 2: Anthony Gonzalez had nine catches for 137 yards and could continue to shine if Dallas Clark (knee) remains out. Clark missed the game at Minnesota. ... If Fargas is out, pick up Michael Bush. Bush had 16 carries for 90 yards and a touchdown in tandem with McFadden. ... Julius Jones had 26 carries for 126 yards and a touchdown against the 49ers. It's his first 100-yard game since Dec. 10, 2006 and first touchdown in 10 games. Hopefully for Jones owners, Maurice Morris (knee) will stay out another couple of weeks. ... Calvin Johnson had six catches for 129 yards and two touchdowns and is ready to challenge Marshall for the top wide receiver title.

What are your four downs from this week? See anything that jumped off the screen? Let us know -- email us at dmfantasyfootball@cbs.com. Be sure to put Attn: Four Downs in the subject field. Include your full name, hometown and state.

Freeney signs with Chargers
Dwight Freeney, DE, IND
10:44 AM

News: The Chargers have signed linebacker Dwight Freeney to a two-year contract, NFL.com reports.

Analysis: The 33-year-old Freeney had 12 tackles and five sacks last year for the Colts. The Chargers needed a pass rusher and this was a good fit. Still, we're not sure he'll carry much Fantasy value in IDP formats.

First Gronk's arm, now his back?!
Rob Gronkowski, TE, NE
5/17/2013

News: On the same day NFL Network reported Rob Gronkowski had a Monday, May 20 date set for his fourth surgery related to his left forearm, USA Today reports the tight end's back is "acting up" and might require surgery after undergoing an MRI for a disc issue. The report said this disc is different than the one that needed to be shaved down in a 2009 surgical procedure, forcing Gronk to miss that year of football while enrolled at Arizona. ESPN reports the back issue is considered minor and his long-term prognosis is good. Gronkowski will see noted spine specialist Dr. Robert Watkins after his forearm surgery, which will replace a metal plate in his forearm. If Gronkowski needs back surgery the hope is that he can heal from that and his arm at the same time and be ready before the start of the season. Also, it bears repeating that a fifth arm surgery is still possible if there's an infection in his arm though ProFootballTalk.com reports doctors are confident that won't be the case.

Analysis: Before you hyperventilate and scratch Gronk off your rank lists, remember that it's only mid-May and there is still time to see how he heals up from whichever surgeries he ends up having. It goes without saying that his Fantasy draft stock will be affected negatively if he has all the procedures and isn't ready for training camp or preseason games. Count on us to keep you posted on the latest news on Gronkowski between now and when the season starts.

Manuel could start Week 1
EJ Manuel, QB, BUF
5/17/2013

News: The Bills official team website reports that new general manager Doug Whaley was asked in an appearance on the NFL Network about the chances of rookie quarterback E.J. Manuel being ready to start Week 1 of the regular season. Whaley didn’t rule out the possibility. “Time will tell,” said Whaley. ”He does have the work ethic and the leadership qualities that he’ll have a chance. But we believe competition brings out the best in everybody. Between him, Kevin Kolb, Tarvaris Jackson, even Jeff Tuel, we’re excited to see who comes out on top of that position battle.” Buffalo’s season opener is a home game against New England.

Analysis: We'd like to see Manuel start from Week 1 because he presents the most upside of the quarterback group in Buffalo. Keep an eye on Manuel's progress this offseason, and he has the chance to be a No. 2 Fantasy quarterback in standard leagues. In rookie-only drafts, Manuel should be considered a Top 15 overall selection.

Goodson arrested Friday
Mike Goodson, RB, NYJ
5/17/2013

News: Jets running back Mike Goodson was arrested on drug and weapon charges early on Friday morning, reports News 12 in New Jersey. According to the report, Goodson and another man were found intoxicated in a parked SUV along Route 80 in Denville, New Jersey, which is about 15 miles northwest of the Jets' headquarters in Florham Park. A loaded .45-caliber handgun with hollow-point bullets was found in the SUV and when the 25-year-old running back was transported to a hospital for evaluation, marijuana was discovered in his possession. The Jets signed Goodson to a three-year, $6 million contract on March 15 to compete for a starting job this season. Goodson's deal with the Jets included a $1.93 million guaranteed. CBSSports.com blogger Will Brinson researched that illegal possession of hollow point bullets is a "crime of the fourth degree" in New Jersey, which appears to be among the states with the strictest laws regarding the ammunition.

Analysis: Goodson could be headed to prison, not to mention an NFL suspension, if found guilty of this crime. Before this incident we expected him to be No. 2 on the depth chart behind Chris Ivory. Now there's no telling just how far he'll fall. For the time being there's no reason to spend anything more than a late-round flier on Goodson since his playing time was going to be fairly limited to begin with.

Irvin suspended four games
Bruce Irvin, LB, SEA
5/17/2013

News: Seattle defensive end Bruce Irvin has been suspended without pay for the first four games of the 2013 regular season for violating the NFL policy on performance enhancing substances, the team reported Friday. Irvin will be eligible to return to the Seahawks' active roster on Monday, Sept. 30 following the team's Sept. 29 game against the Texans. Irvin is eligible to participate in all offseason and preseason practices and games. "I want to apologize to my teammates, coaches and Seahawks fans for making a mistake when I took a substance that is prohibited in the NFL without a medical exemption," Irvin said in a statement. "I am extremely disappointed in the poor judgment I showed and take full responsibility for my actions. I will not appeal the discipline and instead will focus my energy on preparing for the season so I can begin earning your trust and respect again. I look forward to contributing to the team the moment I return."

Analysis: Irvin had a solid year in 2012 with eight sacks. He didn't provide much else with only 16 total tackles and one fumble recovery, but he now will miss the first four games of the season. He is only worth drafting with a late-round flier in IDP leagues.

Cribbs still not healthy
Josh Cribbs, WR, OAK
5/17/2013

News: The Raiders official team website reports that newly signed receiver Josh Cribbs hopes to have a role on offense as much as just being a return man. "Definitely. I feel like it’s a definite possibility for competition at that position," Cribbs said. "At this point, my job is to come in and be a special teams' guru to help solidify our special teams unit in the NFL and to raise our goals and our standards. If we do that, we will become an elite unit." Cribbs also addressed the health of his knee. "I’m doing well," Cribbs said. "If we were lining up to play football in June then it would be a hot topic. I will be ready to play football when it’s time to play football, and I think that is the important thing."

Analysis: It sounds like Cribbs is still dealing with his knee issue, but he should be ready for the start of training camp. He also could see time at receiver, but he'll have to prove himself first. He's not worth drafting in standard leagues, but he could be worth a late-round flier in leagues where you get points for return yardage.

Ryan speaks on O-line
Matt Ryan, QB, ATL
5/17/2013

News: Matt Ryan's receiving threats are well documented and the Falcons' run game got a strong upgrade in Steven Jackson. But the offensive line is undergoing some changes as center Todd McClure retired and Tyson Clabo was released. Ryan says not to worry about it. "We've got a guy in Peter Konz that played guard for us last year, but during practice, I got a lot of snaps with Peter. Joe Hawley has played a little bit for us when Todd’s been out for a series or two throughout games the last couple of years. I’ll be fine. We’ll be fine with those guys in terms of the snap," Ryan told 790 The Zone in Atlanta. "It’s a little different and that takes some getting used to so it becomes something you don’t even think about. ... We've got Mike Johnson who has played a number of different roles for us. Then a young guy like Lamar Holmes, he’s a guy we drafted high last year that we feel really good about. He’s extremely talented and I think he’s beginning to learn the offense more and more and this offseason has been productive for him. I’m excited about those guys. I think they’re fully capable of coming in and playing good football for us. They just need to do it."

Analysis: The Falcons' offensive line is actually a significant factor for Ryan. Last season when he was not under pressure and not blitzed he completed over 70 percent of his passes. When he was blitzed or under pressure that completion percentage fell to under 62 percent according to Pro Football Focus. That's probably typical for most quarterbacks but we've seen passers' numbers completely decline when they're under duress (think of Arizona last year, Chicago and St. Louis in years past). Granted, Ryan's a very talented passer and the O-line shouldn't be what does him in, it's just something to watch in camp this summer. He remains a No. 1 Fantasy quarterback who will fall to Round 4 in drafts this summer.

Ryan speaks on O-line
Falcons, TQB ATL,
5/17/2013

Wright in better shape
Kendall Wright, WR, TEN
5/17/2013

News: The Titans official website reports that receiver Kendall Wright has never felt better physically. “I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been,” Wright said. The second-year receiver is tipping the scales around 187 pounds, approximately 14 pounds lighter than when he arrived last year. Wright attributed part of the transformation to workouts at Baylor after his rookie campaign ended. A bigger difference maker, however, may have been his routes through grocery stores that passed by junk food. “For the most part, it wasn’t about the running,” Wright said. “I just started taking care of my body and eating right. I wasn’t eating right at all. I was eating a lot of junk food because that’s what I like and that’s what I’d buy, but I cut down on that and just started eating right. When you don’t buy it, you’re not going to eat it, so I just stopped buying it.”

Analysis: Wright finished his rookie season with 64 catches for 626 yards and four touchdowns in 15 games. He enters this season with the chance to start for the Titans, and we like him as a key reserve receiver with upside. Plan on drafting Wright with a mid-round pick.

Keiser rumbles to Bolts
Thomas Keiser, LB, SD
5/17/2013

News: Days after his release from the Panthers, the Chargers have signed linebacker Thomas Keiser.

Analysis: Keiser played in four games last year before landing on IR with an elbow injury. He'll try and help replace Melvin Ingram in the team's pass rush. He's unlikely to be a relevant Fantasy option.

More Updates

1	Peyton Manning, DEN, QB
2	Drew Brees, NO, QB
3	Tony Romo, DAL, QB
4	Cam Newton, CAR, QB
5	Tom Brady, NE, QB
6	Aaron Rodgers, GB, QB
7	Robert Griffin III, WAS, QB
8	Russell Wilson, SEA, QB
9	Andrew Luck, IND, QB
10	Michael Vick, PHI, QB
All Rankings

1	Adrian Peterson, MIN, RB
2	C.J. Spiller, BUF, RB
3	Marshawn Lynch, SEA, RB
4	Alfred Morris, WAS, RB
5	Frank Gore, SF, RB
6	Arian Foster, HOU, RB
7	DeMarco Murray, DAL, RB
8	Jamaal Charles, KC, RB
9	Stevan Ridley, NE, RB
10	LeSean McCoy, PHI, RB
All Rankings

1	Calvin Johnson, DET, WR
2	Dez Bryant, DAL, WR
3	Demaryius Thomas, DEN, WR
4	Brandon Marshall, CHI, WR
5	Wes Welker, DEN, WR
6	Eric Decker, DEN, WR
7	Reggie Wayne, IND, WR
8	Steve Smith, CAR, WR
9	Victor Cruz, NYG, WR
10	Marques Colston, NO, WR
All Rankings

1	Rob Gronkowski, NE, TE
2	Antonio Gates, SD, TE
3	Aaron Hernandez, NE, TE
4	Jason Witten, DAL, TE
5	Greg Olsen, CAR, TE
6	Jimmy Graham, NO, TE
7	Tony Gonzalez, ATL, TE
8	Dwayne Allen, IND, TE
9	Kyle Rudolph, MIN, TE
10	Delanie Walker, TEN, TE
All Rankings

1	Matt Prater, DEN, K
2	Stephen Gostkowski, NE, K
3	Shaun Suisham, PIT, K
4	Adam Vinatieri, IND, K
5	Blair Walsh, MIN, K
6	Nick Novak, SD, K
7	Garrett Hartley, NO, K
8	Jason Hanson, DET, K
9	Mason Crosby, GB, K
10	Josh Brown, NYG, K
All Rankings

1	Steelers, DST
2	49ers, DST
3	Broncos, DST
4	Chargers, DST
5	Seahawks, DST
6	Bengals, DST
7	Bills, DST
8	Patriots, DST
9	Texans, DST
10	Packers, DST
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