Under The Numbers

[JUMbotron]

Enjoy

 

DeAngelo Williams: The dude got $21 million guaranteed to pick up the blitz! A. He’s simply not getting touches in Rob Chudzinski’s offense (neither is Stewart) and B. I swear I detect something is not right with DeAngelo physically. Hip pointer? Sore back? There’s an injury being underreported here, mark my words. Who would have thought the Panthers would be 2nd in total offense after two weeks despite DeAngelo & Stewart combining for 74 yards at 2.4 per carry?

Edited September 20, 2011 by JUMbotron

[DanTheMan_5]

Here's to Roy Helu. Almost dropped him this week, now I gotta keep him and figure out who else to drop if I want to be active on the WW this week.

[JUMbotron]

The Shanafoolery is beginning

[Gdawg]

Pettigrew has disappointed thus far but after reading your column I've decided to stick with him for a while.

[JUMbotron]

It seems to me the Lions are evolving into a Patriots-type fastbreak offense. 2 TEs? No problem, Tony and Brandon, we'll feed you both.

[Gdawg]

It seems to me the Lions are evolving into a Patriots-type fastbreak offense. 2 TEs? No problem, Tony and Brandon, we'll feed you both.

 

When does Brandon get fed? Hopefully soon!

[DanTheMan_5]

When does Brandon get fed? Hopefully soon!

 

I am thinking the same thing about Vernon Davis. Apparently the 49er's O-line is so bad the V. Davis has been reduced to a full time blocker.

[JUMbotron]

Davis hasn't had more than 8 targets in any of his last 17 games. One of the bigger tragedies in fantasy football.

[cubdaddy]

I am thinking the same thing about Vernon Davis. Apparently the 49er's O-line is so bad the V. Davis has been reduced to a full time blocker.

 

I feel you there...I lost JChaz and now have to depend on Gore as a productive back... that line sucks...

[JUMbotron]

When does Brandon get fed? Hopefully soon!

 

Pettigrew was nicked up (in the 2nd quarter I think) and there was no reason to run him ragged in that blowout.

http://www.freep.com/article/20110920/SPOR...mply-fly-dances

The Lions finished the game relatively healthy, and Schwartz downplayed injuries to left tackle Jeff Backus (finger) and tight end Brandon Pettigrew (shoulder). "Both of those guys finished the game," he said. "We took Pettigrew out and Backus out both late in that game mainly because we were emptying the bench."

 

Buy low.

[Gdawg]

Pettigrew was nicked up (in the 2nd quarter I think) and there was no reason to run him ragged in that blowout.

http://www.freep.com/article/20110920/SPOR...mply-fly-dances

The Lions finished the game relatively healthy, and Schwartz downplayed injuries to left tackle Jeff Backus (finger) and tight end Brandon Pettigrew (shoulder). "Both of those guys finished the game," he said. "We took Pettigrew out and Backus out both late in that game mainly because we were emptying the bench."

 

Buy low.

 

Thanks for the info! I had heard that Pettigrew sustained some kind of minor injury but hadn't seen much about it, glad to hear it isn't serious. Hopefully he'll be back out there next week and more of a factor going forward.

[loaf]

DeAngelo is single-handedly ruining what should have been an excellent season.

[JUMbotron]

Here's to Roy Helu. Almost dropped him this week, now I gotta keep him and figure out who else to drop if I want to be active on the WW this week.

 

Here we go, Shanahan falling in love with the other guy. Death and taxes. It's comical, I tell you. One of the most fascinating aspects of FF over the last decade.

[MrMoFo]

Pettigrew was nicked up (in the 2nd quarter I think) and there was no reason to run him ragged in that blowout.

http://www.freep.com/article/20110920/SPOR...mply-fly-dances

The Lions finished the game relatively healthy, and Schwartz downplayed injuries to left tackle Jeff Backus (finger) and tight end Brandon Pettigrew (shoulder). "Both of those guys finished the game," he said. "We took Pettigrew out and Backus out both late in that game mainly because we were emptying the bench."

 

Buy low.

 

JUMbotron's analysis is some of the best in the business, but I respectfully disagree regarding his views on Pettigrew.

 

The Lions do look like an NFC version of the Pats, granted, but I don't see Pettigrew coming close to approaching the numbers of either Patriot TE. (Aaron Hernandez's injury notwithstanding.)

 

First, look at the competition for touches. As fine a collection as Welker, Branch, Ochocinco and Woodhead/BJGE is, they're no match for Calvin, Burleson, T. Young and Best. Lots of mouths to feed in that Lion offense, not to mention that the Lions play a more vertical game with Burleson cleaning up the underneath stuff.

 

Second, if Pettigrew were the lone option at TE on the Lions there might be enough fantasy love to go around, but unfortunately he's not. Not only is Scheffler apparently the primary TE on 3rd downs, but we even had a couple Will Heller sightings in the red zone late in the game. Not good.

 

Third, perhaps Pettigrew had limited involvement in the game due to him being a little banged up in a blowout, but I still don't like the move from a fantasy perspective. The Pats keep their studs in the game no matter the score or situation.

 

In a game where his team scored 48 points, Pettigrew disappeared. Patriots TEs don't disappear, especially when Brady is airing it out at will. And again, I don't see his sore shoulder being a viable excuse; Pettigrew had plenty of snaps after his injury, he just didn't do anything.

 

I dropped Pettigrew in a flash, and have absolutely no reservations. You want your TE to be a consistent option on a potent offense, where he is a primary read on a regular basis. Pettigrew meets only one of these criteria; and I haven't even mentioned his bad hands yet. No thanks.

Edited September 20, 2011 by MrMoFo

[DanTheMan_5]

Here we go, Shanahan falling in love with the other guy. Death and taxes. It's comical, I tell you. One of the most fascinating aspects of FF over the last decade.

 

And after all the great Helu praise, I just got offered Javon Ringer for Helu.

I'm gonna have to do it because I have CJ2K. Hopefully it doesn't come back to bite me

[Square]

Second, if Pettigrew were the lone option at TE on the Lions there might be enough fantasy love to go around, but unfortunately he's not. Not only is Scheffler apparently the primary TE on 3rd downs, but we even had a couple Will Heller sightings in the red zone late in the game. Not good.

 

I dropped Pettigrew in a flash, and have absolutely no reservations. You want your TE to be a consistent option on a potent offense, where he is a primary read on a regular basis. Pettigrew meets only one of these criteria; and I haven't even mentioned his bad hands yet. No thanks.

You do know that Scheffler has only had two catches this year right? Granted both went for touchdowns but if you are looking for consistency I don't think Scheffler has anything to do with it. I also don't see how you can say he is the primary for 3rd downs when he averages one catch per game. (1 catch for 11 yards and 1 catch for 36 yards). Last year, Pettigrew caught 71 balls for 722 yards. He was pretty consistent in PPR, he just only had 4 touchdowns. So not many big pay days but, he usually had decent catches & yardage for a late round TE. The game in week one he did miss a catch that would have gotten him a TD. He took his eyes off the ball before he caught it when he was wide open and near the goal line, but that happens sometimes. I'm not giving up on him. In a PPR I still think he can be a solid TE. Heck, he has 6 catches for 64 yards through two games (and should've had a TD). Gates only has 8 catches and 74 yards through two games. I think it's a little early to drop people after two weeks. But I actually love to look for TEs, Defenses, kickers, etc. that people give up on early. I've found my best WW picks in those first few weeks so I'm glad people get anxious.

[MrMoFo]

You do know that Scheffler has only had two catches this year right? Granted both went for touchdowns but if you are looking for consistency I don't think Scheffler has anything to do with it. I also don't see how you can say he is the primary for 3rd downs when he averages one catch per game. (1 catch for 11 yards and 1 catch for 36 yards). Last year, Pettigrew caught 71 balls for 722 yards. He was pretty consistent in PPR, he just only had 4 touchdowns. So not many big pay days but, he usually had decent catches & yardage for a late round TE. The game in week one he did miss a catch that would have gotten him a TD. He took his eyes off the ball before he caught it when he was wide open and near the goal line, but that happens sometimes. I'm not giving up on him. In a PPR I still think he can be a solid TE. Heck, he has 6 catches for 64 yards through two games (and should've had a TD). Gates only has 8 catches and 74 yards through two games. I think it's a little early to drop people after two weeks. But I actually love to look for TEs, Defenses, kickers, etc. that people give up on early. I've found my best WW picks in those first few weeks so I'm glad people get anxious.

 

Yes, I'm aware that Scheffler has only 2 catches (and 5 targets) on the season. The key point here is: How often is he on the field?

 

Scheffler was on the field plenty enough Sunday. And before anyone attributes this to Pettigrew being banged up, take a look at what CBS Detroit had to say last Wednesday:

 

"TE Tony Scheffler is essentially the third wide receiver in the Lions’ one-back sets. Technically, rookie Titus Young is, but Scheffler is getting all the work in that role. His one catch Sunday was an 11-yard touchdown."

 

Yeah, so, that pretty much jives with what we saw this past Sunday. Throw in the fact that the Lions don't run a lot of 2 TE sets, and comparisons to the Patriots' TEs are specious at best.

 

Could Pettigrew emerge as a go-to receiver in that system, especially with an injury to Scheffler and/or Burleson? Sure, anything's possible. But before we get too excited about his 72 catches from last season, remember that the vast majority of those came with Shaun Hill at the helm. And even then, as you pointed out yourself, he could only muster 4 TDs.

 

We all have only so many roster spots, and there are better ways to build quality, upside-laden bench depth than by waiting for Brandon Pettigrew to show up. You can have him.

[Outshined]

I haven't watched a panthers game yet although I would like to. Just wondering if defenses are stacking the line to stop the run and Newton? If Newton keeps burning defenses for all these yards, one would think defenses would adjust and it will balance out the offense. I have D Williams in two leagues. I was hoping he was going to have a bounce back year....

[JUMbotron]

Pettigrew got nicked, missed the last drive of the first half and almost all of the second half. Though he did return in the 4th quarter and catch a pass.

 

Scheffler's been targeted by Lions QBs 23 times in his last 8 games. Pettigrew's been targeted 46 times.

 

Scheffler's a good player for sure, but I consider Pettigrew the #1 TE on a potent offense until a new trend starts.

[piratesownninjas]

I haven't watched a panthers game yet although I would like to. Just wondering if defenses are stacking the line to stop the run and Newton? If Newton keeps burning defenses for all these yards, one would think defenses would adjust and it will balance out the offense. I have D Williams in two leagues. I was hoping he was going to have a bounce back year....

The two biggest factors I've seen through two games are that the Panthers aren't even trying to establish any kind of run... They just kind of pepper a run here and there, and Jeff Otah's health/absence. His concussion is killing the run blocking.

[Outshined]

The two biggest factors I've seen through two games are that the Panthers aren't even trying to establish any kind of run... They just kind of pepper a run here and there, and Jeff Otah's health/absence. His concussion is killing the run blocking.

 

 

Thanks...that sucks for DW owners and it looks like it might be a long season.

[piratesownninjas]

Thanks...that sucks for DW owners and it looks like it might be a long season.

Yep. Traded for Stewart, then Williams this off season. I figured they'd pound the ball to protect Cam. I'm not sure if I could have been more wrong. Although I'm curious to see what Carolina does this week. If they keep on forcing Cam to throw it every down he's going to keep on piling up INT's, which leads to him putting his head down hidden under a towel. Sure the yardage numbers are nice, but those turnovers have to be hurting him mentally. For the sake of the Panthers, they need to run the ball more than what they're doing now.

[Brentastic]

As someone who targeted Dwill AND Hightower, I can honestly say I'm a little worried but nowhere near panic mode yet. I'm more worried about Dwill than Hightower though. I basically figured Dwill would start slow assuming opposing Ds would stack the box. But now seeing what Newton has done in 2 straight weeks, I fully expect Dwill to pick it up. Could I be wrong? Of course, but I hope I'm not. Once Otah is back, we'll get a better idea of the Carolina running game moving forward. It is not time to worry.... yet.

 

As the biggest Hightower pimper on the huddle this pre-season, I still think he's going to be the guy in Washington. I mean, it's not like Hightower had a bad game and the only explanation I can think of for his 2nd half disappearance is that he was either tired (as Shanny explained) OR he reached 20 carries and Shanny saw no reason to give him 30 when they have Helu who needs to get some looks and has shown ability. Why run the guy into the ground when you don't need to? Moving forward I think we'll see mostly Hightower with some Helu sprinkled in - and depending on the opponent, Helu may shine in some games (teams with slower defenses). BUT, I still think Hightower is going to get his 20 touches a game and I'm still starting him with confidence. He just needs to get some TDs and it will all be fine.

 

Signed,

cautiously optimistic

[Potman]

I haven't watched a panthers game yet although I would like to. Just wondering if defenses are stacking the line to stop the run and Newton? If Newton keeps burning defenses for all these yards, one would think defenses would adjust and it will balance out the offense. I have D Williams in two leagues. I was hoping he was going to have a bounce back year....

 

New head coach, new o-coordinator, new qb. It's a completely different style of offense than what they've done in the past. They are spreading the ball around and airing it out more than ever. Seems like they are more committed to throwing it than establishing any type of run. I don't think it's because the D's are loading the box, I just think it's the new "spread them out" offense. They're also using a ton of 2 TE sets, but not to stay in to block for the run, instead running passing routes. Also, any time they need a short yardage run, it's Cam who's taking it himself. Not sure why they paid DWill so much, especially when he's splitting time 50/50, if not less, with JStew. I'm interested to see how this plays out.

[Mrom]

As someone who targeted Dwill AND Hightower, I can honestly say I'm a little worried but nowhere near panic mode yet. I'm more worried about Dwill than Hightower though. I basically figured Dwill would start slow assuming opposing Ds would stack the box. But now seeing what Newton has done in 2 straight weeks, I fully expect Dwill to pick it up. Could I be wrong? Of course, but I hope I'm not. Once Otah is back, we'll get a better idea of the Carolina running game moving forward. It is not time to worry.... yet.

 

As the biggest Hightower pimper on the huddle this pre-season, I still think he's going to be the guy in Washington. I mean, it's not like Hightower had a bad game and the only explanation I can think of for his 2nd half disappearance is that he was either tired (as Shanny explained) OR he reached 20 carries and Shanny saw no reason to give him 30 when they have Helu who needs to get some looks and has shown ability. Why run the guy into the ground when you don't need to? Moving forward I think we'll see mostly Hightower with some Helu sprinkled in - and depending on the opponent, Helu may shine in some games (teams with slower defenses). BUT, I still think Hightower is going to get his 20 touches a game and I'm still starting him with confidence. He just needs to get some TDs and it will all be fine.

 

Signed,

cautiously optimistic

 

Still in denial about hightower, I sold high first week to help get me Fitz...Do you think DeAngelo is a good buy very low?