Despite picking up their first win this week, there’s no question that the previously winless babysrus is struggling. The question is, can anything be done to help them climb out of the cellar? This season or the next? Well, as we’ll see, not all is lost. Gene had quite a nice stretch in Wks 2 – 3 with 141.50 and 127.50 points. Tragically, they were outscored both weeks but that means this team isn’t horrible. Then again, during Wks 4 – 6, they were unable to get over the century mark. Let’s take a closer look at what’s going on.The passing game should be in good hands with Donovan McNabb and Jay Cutler but it looks like neither are performing at quality levels. Both are averaging around 15 points per game but you really want your QBs to be near the 20+ range. Donovan McNabb has had two outstanding games this season but of late, he’s cooled off. Forced to choose between David Garrard and Kurt Warner as his second QB for most of the season, Gene has cut the cord on both in order nab Jay Cutler, who finally had a good game this week.
Disappointing RB Cedric Benson was also cut in the process and while we might argue that he was worth a spot on the bench, Gene’s got a stable of RBs. Willie Parker has been excellent all season, yards wise, and the return of Rudi Johnson should help tremendously. Even Marshawn Lynch and Brandon Jacobs are serviceable backs and fully capable of being number two ball carriers.
Hell, we like the WRs here a lot too. Terrell Owens is riding high with over 13 points a game and Reggie Wayne has been as steady as ever. New Chiefs WR Dwayne Bowe has flashed his talent during his first season, as has young Broncos’ WR Brandon Marshall. The receiving corp has two established stars and young productive talent behind them.
So how is this team 1-6? The answer might be that they lack explosion. Without QBs capable of steadying the ship, babysrus has been experiencing rough going. Every player on the roster is pretty decent but averaging 8-12pts each won’t get this team that far. They need some boom bam explosion and aside from Donovan’s Week Three 33 point explosion, this team hasn’t had much of it. Anytime a player on the roster scores over 20+ points, he’s been on Gene’s bench.
Our suggestion is to sit tight, wait a few weeks to see if Donovan, Willie, Terrell, Reggie, and Rudi can pick it up, and then maybe think about moving a few of them for guys with more upside. All the stars are excellent but they simply aren’t producing enough big games.
This week’s win was legit though despite Galvez leaving out half his team. Gene had wonderful performances all around (excepting David Garrard) and when he’s clicking on all cylinders, he should be able to maintain
Nacho Libre’s (113.00) vs Jedi Knights (86.50)
The injured list for Lum reads: Deion Branch, Steven Jackson, Todd Heap, and Andre Johnson. With a team weakened by injuries and byes, the Knights couldn’t put up much resistance against the Nacho Libre’s despite Tom Brady’s extraordinary 41 point performance. Hong’s team didn’t show much either, but 20 points from RB LenDale White was enough to lead the team to victory. Again, a strong performance by the Seahwaks defense (21 points) provided the difference. Is it time to call Marques Colston super bust?!
Dirty Birds (137.50) vs Old English (121.00)Wes Welker ignites for 29.5 points and cements himself as a break-out receiver option. With every other skill player recording double digits – outside of QB Jon Kitna – Jon delivers Eric’s Old English team only their second loss of the season. Old English had their own receiver ignition with Laveranues Coles’ 29 points but in the end, it wasn’t quite enough. Losing Ronnie Brown for the season might slow down Eric’s team some, but with the way the rest of his team is playing, it might not hurt all that bad.
RazoRamon (134.50) vs Fobsters (121.50)
Star power wins games. Randy Moss wins games. With Ben Roethlisberger and Randy Moss hooking up for 26 points each, Ryan took a high scoring, but easy win to the bank. Jimmy somehow managed to score 121.50 points but no player really stood out. Brian Westbrook has really cooled off recently and with only 14 points this week, he wasn’t pulling his weight – especially compared to the second RB, Marion Barber’s, 17 points. Jimmy’s WRs look good though, as Chad Johnson, Jerricho Cotchery, Hines Ward, and youngsters Greg Jennings and Calvin Johnson are all solid options.
