Randy Moss vs. TO...Whos Better?

There is no doubt in my mind that Terrell Owens and Randy Moss are among the game's elite wide receivers. Recently, there has been a lot of debate as to who is a better football player.



I believe that Randy Moss is a more dominant wide receiver than Terrell Owens, for several reasons. The big separating factor between these two wideouts is the ability to catch the football. Randy Moss has incredible hands and catching ability, and Terrell Owens still drops way too many passes to be considered elite in this regard.

In terms of overall strength and blocking ability, TO handles this much better than Randy Moss. He doesn't shy away from contact, and is a true force at the line of scrimmage, where he takes on defensive backs head to head. I would consider Randy Moss' blocking ability to be slightly above-average, but he does enough to jam the corners up when he has to.

In terms of speed and playmaking ability, Moss triumphs in this aspect. He runs an incredible fly route and can separate from cornerbacks simply by running past them. TO, in the speed aspect, is closer to a possession receiver than many would realize. He can't rely on game breaking speed, so he makes plays with his body and adjusts to the ball as necessary.



Both have questionable work ethics and attitudes, so they are fairly even in this aspect.

If we take the quarterback they play with into account, Randy Moss rolls with Tom Brady as his passer. Brady is one of the best quarterbacks ever to play the game, and their tandem is simply unstoppable.

Who do you think is the better of the two?

For Real, Just Playin: Waiver Wire Targets Week 15

Being a member of the Fantasy Sports Writers Association of America, you'd think you'd get a quality fantasy article out of me every now and then, right?

Well, to all those who are wondering, here you go. In such a crucial week, the right waiver wire pickups can make or break your season. Let's break it down position by position, so you can find the right guy for your roster.

Quarterback

For Real: Sage Rosenfels (QB-Hou)

My dad is a huge Washington Redskins fan, and Rosenfels used to be the third string quarterback for the Skins, behind then-starter Mark Brunell and backup Jason Campbell. Boy, he has turned into a prolific quarterback. The once-joke quarterback out of Iowa State has turned in quite a few quality performances in relief of starting QB Matt Schaub, and he faces a below-average Broncos secondary next week. He could churn out a pretty decent performance, so why not take a chance on him if you need a spot starter for Week 15.

Just Playin': Luke McCown (QB-TB)

Luke has had some good games this season, and looks to be a perfect fit in Tampa Bay's system. But QB Jeff Garcia should return next week, and McCown will move to the bench. Geez, how many McCowns are relegated to the bench in a single season? I've completely lost count!


Running Back

For Real: Darius Walker (RB-Hou), Samkon Gado (RB-Mia)

What's this? Two Houston players "for real"? Boy, times have changed. But Darius Walker is the new starting running back in Houston, after the incumbent Ron Dayne got injured again yesterday. He is a worthy waiver wire pickup, as whoever starts at RB for Houston will get that cushy Denver run defense next week.

Another thing about Walker...would never imagine he'd get a starting gig before his former teammate, Brady Quinn. Whatever happened to that guy, anyway?

Gado actually turned in a pretty decent game against the Bills, posting 53 yards on 12 carries, with 2 TDs. If Jesse Chatman has to miss any more time, Gado could post some numbers worthy of using in a flex position.

Just Playin': Fred Jackson (RB-Buf)

Call it a mulligan if you want. Fred Jackson was relegated to the bench after it was announced shortly before gametime yesterday that Marshawn Lynch was going to start for Buffalo. Jackson responded with a great game anyway...he posted 115 yards on 15 carries.

Two things about this performance: the Bills were facing the Dolphins, who fell out of it early, and Lynch still got the majority of the carries. There is no time share in Buffalo, as Lynch will get the ball in much closer matchups. Avoid Jackson, and I'd even go as far to say he's a safe drop, if theres someone else out on the wire.


Wide Receivers, Tight Ends

For Real: Anthony Gonzalez (WR-Ind), Jabar Gaffney (WR-NE)

Anthony Gonzalez and Jabar Gaffney both play on high powered offenses centered around great quarterbacks, and so the question is not whether or not they are capable of producing, it is simply a matter of when. Gonzalez is the safer option of the two, seeing that he is the number 2/3 option on the Colts with Marvin Harrison out. Gaffney, on the other hand, plays on the stacked NE offense, who use a wide array of players and spread the ball out frequently. Both are worthy pickups, but be prepared for Lee Evans-like spikes in production. In other words, they could post 20 fantasy points one week and 2 points the next.

They are still worth rostering, when all is said and done.

Just Playin': Jerheme Urban (WR-Ari), Derek Hagan (WR-Mia), Mark Clayton (WR-Bal)

On the flip side, these guys had great receiving days yesterday, but I have questions over each of them. Urban came out of nowhere to produce like Bryant Johnson was supposed to, and he is still too risky to use in a regular lineup. Hagan plays on the Miami offense, and though they will have to throw a lot since they will be playing from behind, the talented Hagan is also too risky to put in your lineup and use in such a crucial week. Clayton was the beneficiary of some game-out-of-hand throwing as well, as the Baltimore team absolutely got murdered by the Colts yesterday. Not to mention, most of those stats he put up were against the Colt's second team defense.

Hope this article provides a good outline for who to target on the waiver wire! If I left anyone out, be sure to respond and get the word out to your fellow owners. On second thought, maybe you should keep quiet!

Troy Smith...TOUCHDOWN BALTIMORE!!

As an Ohio State transfer student to Wake Forest, this is a moment to be treasured greatly.



Troy Smith scored his first NFL TD tonight vs. Indianapolis...a 6 yard touchdown run, breaking two tackles in the process. I really think he's a special player who will eventually breakthrough as a fantastic passer in the NFL.

Is he the future at QB for Baltimore?

Nice Try, But Forget It: Patriots Are Unstoppable

After defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers today, one thing stood clear in my mind.

The New England Patriots will not only go undefeated in the regular season, they will win the Super Bowl, and go down as one of the best teams in the history of the NFL.

The New England Patriots are stacked with roster talent, have the best coach in the National Football League, and have that magical "it" that many teams never find.

What is that "it", exactly? The luck found in calls, replay challenges, and the overall avoidance of serious injuries.

There will always be an amount of uncertainty to how they got all 16 wins (if they go undefeated), with SpyGate putting a big asterisk on their accomplishments. But their accomplishments are undisputed: they are simply phenomenal.

So here's a breakdown of the Patriots last three games for this season, along with a way of potentially upsetting the powerhouse Patriots.


NYJ at NE, Week 15: With the way the New York Jets have been playing, you think that they are no better than the New England second-string roster, and it could be true. But if Kellen Clemens can step up and post a Kyle Boller-like performance, with a solid rushing effort from running backs Thomas Jones and Leon Washington, then these guys will have a fighting chance.

But then again, the NYJ defense is among the worst.

Conclusion: 0.1% chance of beating the Patriots


MIA at NE, Week 16: Ohh geez! Just when you saw the Jets matchup, you probably envisioned, it can't get much worse than that. Well yes it can. The Dolphins are led by quarterbacks Cleo Lemon and John Beck. Who?

It is possible that the Patriots third-string team is capable of putting a fight up against this Dolphins offense. It is miserable. The Dolphins defense is unable to accomplish much of anything, because the offense can never stay on the field.

But if Miami can establish the running game early with RBs Samkon Gado and Patrick Cobbs, and keep Patriots QB Tom Brady off the field, then they stand a small chance. Gado ran well today, even in a horrific loss to the Bills.

Nonetheless, Tom Brady will throw for over 400 yards in this one. Don't you feel for those fish? Ohh, and the Buffalo Bills killed them today, 38-17.

Conclusion: 0.1% chance of beating the Patriots

NE at NYG, Week 17: The New England Patriots will come into this game 15-0, and the Giants are the best chance for them to be overtaken and knocked off of their undefeated ways. But it is still an upward battle. The running back core is decimated, and Eli Manning is not throwing well at all.

The Giants defense is the strong suit, however, led by a fantastic (though injured) defensive line, strong linebackers, and a decent secondary. If NYG can establish the running game early, and tack on a couple great passes from Eli Manning, this could end up working well in the Giants favor.

They are by no means a bad team, but they will have to bring the best efforts they have for them to stand a chance. It is Week 17, too, and Belichick may want to rest his starters for the playoffs, which would be a logical move. Don't bank on it.

Conclusion: 20% chance of beating the Patriots

Will the Patriots go undefeated this season?

The Five Most Under-Appreciated Players In the NFL

You have your Tom Bradys and Brett Favres...those quarterbacks who stand tall in the pocket and deliver solid performances week after week. You have those all-purpose running backs like LaDainian Tomlinson and Brian Westbrook who give a fantastic effort non-stop.

And then you have those other players: players which casual NFL fans aren't able to name...the performances that stick out, but don't necessarily stand out in our heads.

Here are five players who are unappreciated by NFL fans everywhere, who constantly put their teams in a position to succeed.


David Garrard (QB-Jac)

All that David Garrard has done this season is lead the Jacksonville Jaguars to an 8-4 record, while maintaining a top-notch QB rating of 104.7 (third best in the league). This guy has transformed into one of the most reliable quarterbacks in the league, without a doubt. His consistent performances go unrecognized by much of the country, possibly due to the fact that Jacksonville is a small-market NFL team. He deserves more credit than that!

Jamal Lewis (RB-Cle)

The spotlight in Cleveland always falls on young slinger Derek Anderson and star WR Braylon Edwards, but you have to give Lewis some props. He is averaging a respectable 4.1 yards per carry, for a total of 803 rushing yards and 8 TDs. He is flying under the radar at this point, and has to be recognized for his workmanlike numbers running behind an average Cleveland offensive line.


Bobby Engram (WR-Sea)

Can we PLEASE get some love for Engram? Sure, everyone recognizes former Super Bowl MVP Deion Branch and young star DJ Hackett, but let's take a step back for a second. Engram leads the team with 72 catches for 874 yards and four scores. The Seattle receiving corps has been beat up this season, but Engram has been extremely consistent and able to produce. He plays hard, and is one of the best third down converting WR's in the league. Lets get him the props he deserves!


Roddy White (WR-Atl)

Few NFL viewers have taken note of the fantastic season Roddy White has had with Atlanta. The former first round pick out of UAB was bordering on bust status coming into this season, but has produced to a very high level playing with an unstable Atlanta quarterback situation. I love Roddy White, and his game-breaking speed he brings to the table. Team officials state that his work ethic has improved to an all-new level, and he is in the best shape of his life. He is 8th in the NFL with 920 receiving yards, and I look for him to end on a very high note as we close out this season.

Donald Lee (TE-GB)

How can you not say that Lee is among the best tight ends in this league? Whenever Brett Favre needs a crucial third down conversion, he zips the ball out to Donald Lee, and he makes a play. Donald Lee is under-appreciated, and has been for years. Bubba Franks stole the show in Green Bay for years, but it's time for Lee to step up and become one of the elite tight ends in the league. With his strong work ethic and attitude, he can take that next step.

Other Underappreciated players: Jeff Garcia/Luke McCown (QB-TB), Fred Taylor (RB-Jac) Shaun McDonald (WR-Det), Ike Hillard (WR-TB)

What players in today's NFL do you think need to get more recognition for their contributions on the gridiron?

Ladies and Gentlemen, Your HEISMAN TROPHY WINNER!!

Tim Tebow, Florida

Tebow's Accomplishments At Florida: QB Rating: 177.85, 217-317 for 3132 yards passing, 29 TD-6 INT, 194 carries: 838 yards, 22 rush TDs

The Rest of the Results...
2. Darren McFadden (RB-Ark)
3. Colt Brennan (QB-Haw)
4. Chase Daniel (QB-Mizzou)
5. Dennis Dixon (QB-Ore)
6. Pat White (QB-WVU)

Did he deserve it? Fire away.

Tim Tebow...In A Landslide!! (Heisman Rundown)

So there's this small, insignificant trophy that will be handed out tonight to one college football player who had a good season this year.

In case you haven't heard, it's the Heisman, and you better be watching tonight.

Tim Tebow (QB-Fla)

The media has pumped up this year's race to be one of the closest ever, but I'm not buying the hype at all. I'll get straight to my point: It's Florida's Tim Tebow, in a landslide vote.

22 rushing touchdowns. That's the only stat you have to know. Okay, Tebow was also very good through the air as well, passing for a total of 3,132 yards and 29 TDs, but those stats are just minor in the big scheme of things. I'm repeating myself again here...22 rushing touchdowns.

Now even if Florida had a solid running back, it is still an impressive statistic. The media is constantly labeling him as a "product of the system," which makes me want to puke. If the system revolves around using your QB as a goal line back, and the system works, there is no reason to take anything away from the QB himself. Besides, where would Florida be had Tebow NOT converted those touchdown runs? And don't even tell me Kestahn Moore could do it, even though he accounted for 6 TDs. He doesn't have that burst like Tebow does.

Those statistics that Tebow put up are staggering, and adding in the fact that he plays in one of the toughest conferences in the country (yes, I'm not bringing up the conference debate here), he will run away with the Heisman this year.

But what about the other candidates? Let's take a look...

Darren McFadden (RB-Ark)

There's no question on this one...Darren McFadden is the best running back in college football, and will have a stellar career running for an NFL team. But this year, he will finish second, yet again, but this time to the Florida quarterback. McFadden had another great season on the ground, rushing for 1,725 yards and 15 TDs. But that's not all. He also learned how to play quarterback, a la LaDainian Tomlinson, and ended the season 6-11 for 123 yards and 4 TDs.

When you watch McFadden play, you think Heisman, but the voters will be scared away due to the fact that backup running back Felix Jones ran for 1,117 yards and 11 scores, bringing McFadden's incredible numbers down a notch because Arkansas ran the ball so much. The Arkansas running back tandem reminds me a lot of the old Minnesota tandem of Laurence Maroney and Marion Barber. Those guys were just as dominant, if not more.

McFadden is a fantastic running back, but not the best player in college football. Arkansas would still be able to win football games with Jones in the backfield.

Crazier things have happened, however...watch McFadden win the award because of that crazy, otherworldly 268.5 passer rating.

Colt Brennan (QB-Haw)

I LOVE COLT BRENNAN. The guy is a beast. Sure, Hawaii has that "system" that even helped Timmy Chang look good, but Brennan is legitimate. He projects to the NFL very nicely, and no matter what the awards say, he is the best quarterback in college football.

But will the fact that he put up 4,522 passing yards, 41 TDs, and a 166.31 passer rating help him in this year's Heisman race? It's questionable.

Running back Kevin Smith ran for 2,448 yards and 29 touchdowns. He also caught 21 passes for 230 yards and a score. Why go off on a tangent like this? He plays for Central Florida, hardly a force to be reckoned with through a national overlook. The WAC, unfortunately, will end up being Brennan's limiting factor.

It's a shame, because if the Heisman is really meant to be given to the best player in college football, then Brennan is fully deserving. Hawaii would have not even had a chance to go undefeated without him under center. I feel for the guy, and I believe he even has a chance to finish ahead of Darren McFadden. We'll have to see.

Chase Daniel (QB-Mizzou)

Dennis Dixon and Pat White should really be here instead of Daniel, though he did have a really great season with Mizzou, almost taking them to the National Championship. Without Daniel and Dixon, their respective teams would have not gotten anywhere near the level that they did this season. It is truly a shame that Dixon had to get injured so close to the end of the season...he would have been my Heisman favorite if he had just stayed healthy.

Pointing out Daniels statistics is somewhat overdone, however, as he has the least chance at winning the Heisman compared to these other candidates. Though he led a mediocre Mizzou team to the number 1 ranking and the Big 12 Championship (which are decent accomplishments), there isn't really anything else that stands out about him. The number 1 ranking accomplishment really didn't hold a lot of meaning this season, with teams frequently dropping out of the top spot, and the Big 12 as a whole had a down year.

Well, there are the candidates! Hope you all tune in tonight to see who takes home the most coveted prize in college football (with the exception of the National Championship, of course!)