Posted by guido in Top Impact Performances:
Aaron Rodgers: I know I’m not alone at this point, but I am as high on Rodgers as anyone this preseason. Donald Driver and Greg Jennings are a nice tandem in that both are above-average possession receivers and they can stretch the field. Rodgers had no trouble hitting both of them for TDs against the Bills. Expectations for Rodgers can’t get much higher.
Tony Romo: One of the big question marks of the 2009 fantasy year is how effective the Dallas Cowboys offense will be without Terrel Owens. Against Tennessee on Friday night, Romo went a long way in answering that question going 18-24 and almost 200 yards in one half of play. Roy Williams only had 36 yards receiving, but he did have five catches, so maybe he and Romo are starting to get on the same page. Romo also has a healthy Jason Witten and Felix Jones back, so he may have lost one big gun in Owens, but the Cowboys still have some of the best offensive talent in the NFL.
Chris Henry: Henry has shown flashes of brilliance when he’s been on the field. The problem in the past is that he hasn’t been on the field much between suspensions for violating the NFL’s substance abuse and personal conduct policies. In week 1, he had a 100 yards and a TD. He followed that up this week with 55 yards and another TD. On HBO’s Hard Knocks, Henry said he has changed and just wants to play football. Judging by his performance this preseason, Henry is making me a believer.
Anthony Gonzalez: This might be premature considering Gonzalez didn’t have a catch in the week 1 preseason game and only had two catches in week 2, even though one was for a TD. Watching the Colts offense against the Eagles reminded me that someone has to replace Marvin Harrison and Gonzalez should be the guy.
Lack Luster Performances:
Daunte Culpepper: Culpepper hasn’t done much this preseason. I find myself selfishly wanting Culpepper to succeed to boost Calvin Johnson’s value (Johnson is one of my options in a keeper league), but I can’t help but think Stafford might take the field as the starter at some point this year. If he does, Johnson’s value decreases as Stafford goes through his NFL growing pains. I know Johnson’s a freak, but his QB situation scares me.
Ben Roethlisberger: Big Ben was roaming the sidelines Saturday night at FedEx field, so the achilles injury doesn’t seem serious. Still, the fact that he is injured at all is worth downgrading him until we’re sure he’s okay to start the season.
Chris Wells: Wells has been a complete no-show this preseason due to his ankle injury. The once sexy pick of the 2009 rookie class has lost a lot of value. He will play this year, but having not seen him on the field against NFL caliber talent, his value is a complete unknown. It would be nice to see Wells play before you have to draft him, but that may not happen. Let someone else take a chance on him.
Redskins Offense: Maybe I am piling on the Redskins too much this preseason. They certainly haven’t been done any favors with their preseason schedule, but they look BAD. Against the Steelers, Jason Campbell looked worse than he did the week before. He went 1-7 for a pitiful 10 yards passing. Like I said last week, stay away from the Redskins’ offensive players this year.
