Monday, October 1, 2007

NFL RECAP

BREAKING NEWS
*Jason Cole, of Yahoo! Sports, reports Tampa Bay Buccaneers RB Cadillac Williams (knee) suffered a potentially career-threatening torn patellar tendon in his right leg Week 4, according to a source close to Williams. Williams is expected to see renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews Monday, Oct. 1, according to a member of Williams' family.


SUNDAY'S STANDOUTS:

QUARTERBACKS
344 Bett Favre, Green Bay
339 Tony Romo, St. Louis
317 Matt Schaub, Houston
307 Steve McNair, Baltimore

RUNNING BACKS
179 Justin Fargas, Oakland
136 Joseph Addai, Indianapolis
134 Ronni Brown, Miami
132 LaDainian Tomlinson, San Diego
131 Travis Henry, Denver
123 Larry Johnson, Kansas City
112 Adrian Peterson, Minnesota
104 Willis McGahee, Baltimore
103 Correll Buckhalter, Philadelphia

WIDE RECEIVERS
184 Patrick Crayton, Dallas
164 Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City
130 Deion Branch, Seattle
128 Santonio Holmes, Pittsburgh
123 Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona
117 Andre Davis, Houston
116 Jerricho Cotchery, New York (A)
114 Ike Hilliard, Tampa Bay Buccaneers


FANTASY FOOTBALL INSIDERS: WORKING THE WAIVER WIRE

GUS FREROTTE (STL-QB)- No, these aren't the 1994 Washington Redskins led by quarterback Heath Shuler. The 36-year-old Gus Frerotte is still going strong as the backup signal caller in St. Louis. Frerotte was called into duty late in the third quarter this week to take over for the ailing Marc Bulger, who was playing with two broken ribs. With his team down by 28 points to Dallas, the former Redskin only completed three of six passes for 29 yards, but in the past he has shown flashes of completing long pass plays in coach Scott Linehan's system. Bulger owners would be advised to invest in Frerotte, who has the tools to string together a few productive games throwing to Torry Holt, Isaac Bruce and company.
EARNEST GRAHAM (TB-RB)- As mentioned in last week's Ones to Watch, Graham will have a key role in Tampa Bay's running game, and with the latest injury to Carnell "Cadillac" Williams, it's high time to make a move for the powerful, hard-charging Graham who's now in line for the lion's share of carries. Tampa Bay also has a very favorable schedule.
JUSTIN FARGAS (OAK-RB)- Son of Antonio Fargas of Starsky & Hutch fame, the younger Fargas put on an Oscar-worthy performance versus the Dolphins by exploding for 179-yards on 22-carries, including a 48-yard scamper. Fargas was immediately called into duty following an apparent back injury to Lamont Jordan shortly before halftime. Once heralded as the top high school recruit out of Encino, CA., the 27-year-old has always possessed extraordinary quickness, but he shouldn't be mistaken for a durable back due to a history of significant injuries.
ANTHONY GONZALEZ (IND-WR)- Granted, the rookie receiver out of Ohio State has had a relatively quiet season thus far, but Gonzalez will certainly be called upon to start for the Colts if star wide out Marvin Harrison misses any time due to his latest injury. Although the ailment is currently being diagnosed as a bruised knee, further revelations may ensue later in the week. Although the first-year wide out only caught one pass for 19 yards, it would be wise to stash him on your bench. Soon or later, Manning will find a way to better incorporate his skills in the Colts high-octane attack.
SIDNEY RICE (MIN-WR)- Touted as having an excellent set of hands out of South Carolina, the 6'4" Rice is making the Vikings look good for selecting him as a second pick in this year's draft. Against the Packers, Rice had six receptions for 75 yards, including a 15-yard touchdown at the end of the game. Not blessed with sprinter's speed, the rookie does a credible job fighting for the ball and making plays after the catch. Minnesota could finally be getting fed up with the disappointing Troy Williamson and make Rice a centerpiece of their offense.
DONALD LEE (TE-GB)- If you're hurting at tight end, Donald Lee may be your man to soothe the pain. With four catches and 66-yards against the Lions in week four, Lee has now recorded four receptions in each of his first four games. Unlike starting tight end Bubba Franks, Lee has the moves and overall athleticism to continue serving as one of quarterback Brett Favre's favorite targets. With no hint of a running game this year, Green Bay will air it out early and often.