Searching the Scrap Heap

By Ralph Mancini, Fantsy Football Insiders Senior Writer

TODD COLLINS (QB-WASH)- A dislocated kneecap has brought Jason Campbell’s regular season to an end and pushed longtime backup Todd Collins to the forefront as Washington’s new starting triggerman. In Thursday’s home win over Chicago, Collins showed no rust while throwing for two touchdowns in the second half. The 36-year-old was very accurate and composed in executing offensive coordinator Al Saunders’s offense despite not showing the strongest arm in the world.

TRENT EDWARDS (QB-BUF)- The rookie signal caller has comfortably established himself as the unquestioned orchestrator of Buffalo’s offense with a virtuoso performance versus the winless Dolphins. Edwards attacked Miami’s safties early, completing two of his four touchdowns to tight end Robert Royal in the first quarter. More important, however, is the fact the fact that offensive coordinator Steve Fairchild is showing increased confidence in his quarterback by calling for more big plays. The Stanford graduate showed he can launch it by connecting with Lee Evans on a 70-yard bomb in the fourth quarter.

SHAUN HILL (QB-SF)- Hill did reasonably well filling in for starter Trent Dilfer who exited the Minnesota-San Francisco contest shortly before halftime with a head injury. The former NFL Europe standout completed 20 passes for 180 yards with a touchdown and one interception. His ability to spread the ball among his cast of receivers was especially impressive. The mobile Hill has a chance of continuing his steady play against a below-average Cincinnati secondary waiting in the wings next week.

DARIUS WALKER (RB-HOU)- The former Golden Domer received his first action of the season as he carried the mail for the Texans in place of lead back Ron Dayne who was forced to leave the Tampa Bay-Houston game with a tender ankle. Walker was solid without setting the world on fire with 46 yards on 16 carries along with six receptions for 35 yards. Walker is a shifty back who runs well in between the tackles. Monitor Dayne’s condition before using Walker next week.

AARON STECKER (RB-NO)- Reggie Bush is down and most probably out for the season with a torn knee ligament making Stecker a very desirable commodity as New Orleans prepares to close out the season against the very beatable Cardinals, Eagles and Bears. Not blessed with world-class speed, the veteran is a tough inside runner.

ROBERT FERGUSON (WR-MIN)- Ferguson may be targeted more frequently down the stretch in an effort to keep the dogs off Adrian Peterson who was buried by the 49ers who held the star runner to three yards on 14 carries. The former Packer was a difference maker in the Vikings 27-7 victory with four catches for 57 yards including a 19-yard touchdown grab. The 6’ 1” receiver has the necessary size and athletic ability to make downfield plays.

ROBERT ROYAL (TE-BUF)- Royal was on the receiving end of two touchdown passes from Trent Edwards in week 14. Known as more of a blocker, many overlook the fact that the one-time LSU product is a decent route runner with good hands. The 29-year-old is especially good at finding soft spots in zone coverages.

RIAN LINDELL (K-BUF)- Lindell kicked a franchise-best 18th consecutive field goal versus the Dolphins. The obscure placekicker has two field goals from beyond 50 yards this season along and has been successful on 90 percent of his kicks.

SEATTLE DEFENSE- Seattle’s top-notch fantasy defense put on quite a show versus the Cardinals with five sacks (three by Patrick Kerney) and five interceptions (three by Marcus Trufant). Defensive secondary coach Jim Mora Jr. has done an outstanding job of turning Seattle’s defensive backfield into a stingy unit that has limited opposing quarterbacks to a league-low ten touchdowns. This defense should continue producing big points with Carolina, Baltimore and Atlanta on its upcoming schedule.