FFI: MNF GAME NOTES

FFI: MNF GAME NOTES
SEPTEMBER 17th, 2007




MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL WEEK 2

This game was anything but a barn-burner and although it did not play out quite to what many fans had hope, it did offer some interesting storylines to follow for the rest of the season!


Redskins Make Statement

If you had any questions as to how good this year’s Redskins team would be, on Monday night all questions were answered. We won’t crown these boys champions of the NFC East, but to go on the road, in Philly and come out with a win on Monday night has got to make a statement. And for those who are listening, the Redskins will be a player in the race for the East title.

Keeping in mind thus far this season the Eagles have not looked very good, we have to be reminded this is an Andy Reid team and he will get this ship righted. As for Washington, things appear to be clicking and Head Coach Joe Gibbs in his 4th year back with the team may just have found one of his missing links in quarterback Jason Campbell.

In a game that figured to favor the hometown Eagles, Washington’s young quarterback quickly dispelled that theory. Quarterback Jason Campbell continued to show poised as a strong leader for Washington’s offense and showed his leadership through his play. On Monday night he lead the Redskins to a 20-12 win completing 16 of 29 passes for 209 yards with a touchdown and making plays when he needed. Campbell had great pocket presence stepping up and into his throw when he needed and moving out the pocket and using his mobility when the time called for it. He was effective all night and kept the chains moving, leading the Redskins to 19 first downs. Campbell added 6 runs for 39 yards avoiding the Eagles pass rush and was sacked only once all night.

Campbell was not the Redskins only bright spot on the night, running back Clinton Portis ran hard between the tackles picking up 69 yards on 17 carries including one score. Santana Moss put up solid numbers catching 6 passes for 89 yards.

The Eagles on the whole did not fair well with inconsistent play from their quarterback Donovan McNabb. Errant throws, passes that were off the mark, and the inability to avoid the pressure of the Redskins pass rush defined the veteran’s Monday night. Only running back, Brian Westbrook stood out and produced favorable fantasy numbers, rushing for 96 yards and catching 8 passes for another 66 yards.

On the night the Redskins controlled the action and pretty much had the game in check, if not for the late 4th quarter heroics of McNabb (240 yds passing) and Brian Westbrook down the stretch which kept the game in question, but only for a moment.

Spin:
The Eagles offense continues to stall in the red-zone (4 FGs) as McNabb struggles with errant high throws and inconsistency passing (54.4% completion). Good news for fantasy owners the slow start has not slowed Westbrook’s numbers other than scores. A good sign, in the 4th quarter of Monday night’s game, Mcnabb finally showed flashes of is old self making the needed throws and moving the team. Fantasy owners will now be looking for a quicker start out of the gate in week 3.

MNF
Studs…
There is no question that the Redskins young quarterback Jason Campbell appears to be on the verge of stepping out of the shadows of mediocrity and into the limelight of stardom. His numbers are not yet fantasy worthy, but it could be just a matter of time. This kid has talent!

The Eagles running back Brian Westbrook just continues to do what he does. In two games he’s collected 14 passes for 112 yards while rushing for 181 yards on 37 carries (4.9 avg).

Busts…
So far this season has been a fantasy disappointment if you picked up any of the Eagles offensive players (except for aforementioned). Tightend LJ Smith has 4 receptions for 26 yards this season, while Eagle’s wide receiver Reggie Brown has only 3 catches for 41 yards. As McNabb’s recovery progresses it is hard to stay with players that post these kinds of numbers. Owners better look for other options for now.

One’s to watch…
Of course we like Jason Campbell and think that owners should keep a close eye on him. His got a rocket of an arm, a nice touch, and has shown tremendous poise at times this season. A little maturity and progression and this kid will be dynamite, especially with his receiving corp that should see a slight upgrade with the addition of Reche Caldwell.

Another Redskin worth watching and one who will benefit from the arrival of Caldwell is Antwaan Randle El, who’s already shown flashes of what he is capable of (5catches for 162 yards last week).

Sleepers…
Heading into this season there was a lot of speculation surrounding the health of running back Clinton Portis, there were even rumors circulating that he wasn’t even the best running back on the team. Portis has played through both games this season and has shown no slowing down. Owners who took a chance with a high pick can start breathing easier as it appears, nothing will keep him off the field this season.

Don’t hold your breaths…
If you drafted running back Ladell Betts hoping that he would eventually move into the starting line-up, you may need to look for other options to fill this void. Betts had only 8 touches in Monday Night’s win.

If you, like many others took a gamble drafting wide receiver Reggie Brown as your number two receiver, the honeymoon is over. McNabb’s slow start has paralyzed Brown’s value and with how the Eagle’s QB spreads the ball, this option could be a hit or miss from week to week.


~David G.Ortega
FFI