Playoff News Rundown

According to the Minneapolis Star Tribune the Vikings may be without defensive tackle Pat Williams this weekend when they take on the Eagles in round one of the playoffs.   Williams is nursing a broken right shoulder blade.   "He's going to try to do a little bit more every time he comes out there," coach Brad Childress said. "It's probably truly a game-time decision."  

 

According to the Wilmington News Journal the Philadelphia Eagles have a tough obstacle to tackle in their first round playoff game; literally.   Yes, they’ve stopped the likes of Matt Forte, Willie Parker, and Michael Turner dead in their tracks this season, but the Vikings Adrian Peterson is a much different story.   "He's one of the best I've ever seen," defensive coordinator Jim Johnson said Thursday, with extra reverence. "Special guy."   The last time the Eagles saw Peterson they held him to just 70 yards on 20 carries, but know the team around him this time is much better.  "I think their whole team is better, even though it's basically the same guys," head coach Andy Reid said. "I just think they are a better football team all the way around, more familiar with the system.”

 

According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution the Falcons John Abraham is a bit concerned with the potential of a big game out of Cardinals running backs this weekend.   "I really feel they are going to try to run the ball on us," Abraham said. "For a couple weeks we have been giving up runs here and there. Last week we made Steven Jackson look like Walter Payton."   It’s almost laughable as the Cardinals averaged 73.6 rushing yards per game during the regular season--- good for dead last in the NFL.  

 

According to the Washington Times the revival of the Ravens can be contributed much to the maturity of rookie quarterback Joe Flacco; even his opponent knows it.   "I see the maturity of Joe Flacco," Dolphins coach Tony Sparano said. "Since the last time we played him, he's been in a lot of big ball games and has rose to the occasion a bunch.  You can [see his] confidence back there in the pocket. They're doing an awful lot more with him than maybe they were then. It really does impress me an awful lot for a rookie in this kind of situation."  

 

According to the Indianapolis Star there is a bit of offensive concern surrounding the team as they prepare to take on the San Diego Chargers--- their lack of a rushing attack.   The Colts have been one-dimensional this season, but it has lead to a 12-win 2008 regular season campaign.   But will the Colts 79.6 yards per game average be good enough to get them to another Super Bowl?  "I guess it probably doesn't matter because we've won nine in a row the way it is,'' coach Tony Dungy said. "But, especially if you get in bad-weather situations, you're going to have to run more and we have to be able to run effectively when we need to."

Speaking Out: Fantasy Award Winners

And the winners of the 2008 fantasy awards are........

Drew Brees-   The Saints quarterback carried plenty of the teams throughout the season, including his own.  Much like Tom Brady did in 2007 Brees dominated leagues in 2008 throwing for 5,069 yards (unheard of), and 34 touchdowns (6 more than his 2007 total).  Overall, what Brees accomplished this season was truly amazing, especially with all the casualties New Orleans suffered on both sides of the ball throughout the season. He is the only choice here. 

DeAngelo Williams-  Where do I even start with Williams?  Sure, some may have expected a nice 800+ yard, 6-7 touchdown season from the 5-9 back, but did anyone honestly believe he would finish in the top three in rushing yards (1515), and lead the league with 18 rushing touchdowns, and 20 total?  Let's also not forget that most fantasy owners were drafting him around round seven (12 teams) before the season, so to get this kind of value from a mid-late round pick is phenomenal. There is no better story in the NFL this season than Williams' rise to stardom. 

Andre Johnson- Last week's performance showed just why Johnson is the easy choice here as it was his eighth game where he recorded 100+ receiving yards, and seventh where he caught at least one touchdown.  But his most impressive number this season had to be his 115 receptions.  This is the number that separates him from Calvin Johnson who could've easily been the only player who actually earned his paycheck on that pitiful Lions team.  In the end, Andre put up better overall numbers, and more importantly for him stayed healthy. 

Tony Gonzalez- I don't think anyone can dispute Gonzo this season.  For one, there really was no other tight ends that dominated on a weekly basis like he did.  And name another tight end who could've put up the numbers he did with a developing quarterback on a very bad team. 

Demarcus Ware-  The Cowboys may have missed the playoffs, but they didn't miss out on a spectacular show from their star defensive end.  Ware had his best season as a pro in 2008, and had the stats to show for it.  He just didn't show up when he wanted to and record 20 sacks and force six fumbles for the season, he showed up week in and week out and recorded at least one sack in 14 of all 16 games he started in. 

So there you have it--- my 2008 fantasy award winners.  If you have any questions, comments or disagree with any of my winners I'd like to hear from you.  E-mail me at e.huber12@yahoo.com

Thanks for reading!