Yardbarker: Jay Cutler

Predicting the Top 10 Quarterbacks Based on Historical Trends

Sat, 05 Jul 2008 08:44:08 -0500

Year after year there are surprises and disappointments in the NFL even though before the season starts many seem convinced that they can predict the top five or ten players at each position. Since 1999, it has never happened that the top three fantasy quarterbacks all remained in the top five the following season. Find out which of Brady, Manning and Romo we believe may not finish amongst the top five this upcoming season.

Quintin Mikell: The Understudy

Sat, 05 Jul 2008 00:54:26 -0500

Asante Samuel, Sheldon Brown, Brian Dawkins, and Lito Sheppard. Pretty star-studded group wouldn't you agree? With the new addition of Samuel, the All-Pro cornerback, and Hall of Fame bound Brian Dawkins this group is stacked. The potential for this secondary is unlike any Eagles secondary that I can ever remember. But after naming all these players there is one more. The starting strong safety Quintin Mikell is left out of the picture. He is not a star, a pro-bowler, or a future Hall of Fame inductee. Quintin Mikell burst on the scene last year when the Eagles finally decided to pull the plug on the Sean Considine experiment. One that didn't last a long time. Mikell started to make plays immediatley. You all remember the play where Mikell sprawled out in the air and leaped on Jon Kitna in week three against Detroit. If you ask me, it was a spitting image of Brian Dawkins. Mikell has an absolute perfect opportunity in front of him. With this superstar secondary he has his work cut out for him and he will have to show the coaching staff that he has a "twinkle" about him too. But I am sure Mikell doesn't just want to twinkle, he wants to shine. With quarterbacks focused on keeping the ball away from playmakers like Brian Dawkins and Asante Samuel or ballhawks like Lito Sheppard, Mikell will be able to creep up and make huge plays. He will be tested a lot this year. Can he live up to the challenge? The starting strong safety position is his to lose this offseason. The real question is can Quintin Mikell not only keep his starting spot on the defense but can he shine among the brighter stars in the secondary? Well, you know I think he can, but that is a question that will be answered come September.

2008 QB Ranking Breakdown: 11-20

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 13:23:43 -0500

Yesterday I broke down my bottom third Fantasy Football quarterbacks for the upcoming season. Today I'll take a look at those QB's that have the potential in be in the Top 10 but just missed out. Before I do that, lets recap the QB's I ranked 21-30 and my predications:

Fbkid's Breakout Players: Quarterbacks and Running Backs

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 19:34:24 -0500

Each year in the NFL, many players break out. Some come out of nowhere like Ryan Grant and some were good but just got better like Braylon Edwards. Either way, both occur commonly and some of these players could end up making it to Hawaii for the Pro Bowl when the seasons over. I'm going to do my breakout players by day at different positions. Today its quarterback and running back where players like Derek Anderson and Grant could affect a whole team's season. Quarterback: Jay Cutler Broncos: Cutler may have thrown 20 touchdowns last year, but he is only reaching his potential. The Broncos acquired some new targets for Cutler in Keary Colbert and Darrell Jackson and if Brandon Marshall is suspended, it will soften the blow. Plus he always has Tony Scheffler to throw the ball to and he is on the verge of becoming an elite tight end. Don't be surprised if Cutler throws 30 touchdowns this year. Trent Edwards Bills: Edwards was solid as a rookie last year as he was a very good game manager and ended up throwing 7 touchdowns. Now that he has a full year of the offense under his belt along with a 6'6 red zone threat in James Hardy, don't be surprised if Edwards throws 20 touchdowns this year. Drew Stanton Lions: Many people forgot about Stanton last year as he went on injured reserve with a knee injury during preseason. But he is a name you want to remember this year. If the Lions struggle out of the gate, Stanton should see some playing time and with the targets he has in Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson, he could put up some big numbers. That and the fact the Lions usually play from behind, it wouldn't be surprising if Stanton threw at least 15 touchdowns. JaMarcus Russell Raiders: The Raiders got some new weapons on offense this offseason and nobody benefits more than Russell. Russell now has a year of learning the offense and has a good group of receivers led by Javon Walker and Ronald Curry. When the Raiders start pulling it together later on in the season, people will be talking about how well Russell is performing and how he could lead them to the playoffs in 2009. Troy Smith Ravens: If you've read my previous posts, you can see that I am very high on Smith and think he should be the starter in Baltimore. He was solid in limited playing time last year and could thrive under new offensive coordinator Cam Cameron as he will take pressure off of him by getting a ground game going. Joe Flacco might be the long term answer for the Ravens, but don't be surprised if Smith shines when he gets his chance. Tyler Thigpen Chiefs: When most people see this, the first thing that comes to mind is, "Who?" but Thigpen could have a big impact this season. Thigpen has already impressed the Chiefs as he passed Damon Huard for 2nd on the depth chart entering training camp. Thigpen has a strong arm, good mechanics and 4.7 speed which is solid for a quarterback. He's only a few bad games from Brodie Croyle from starting and if Croyle plays anything like last year, Thigpen could be playing quickly. Running Back: Marshawn Lynch Bills: In his rookie season, Lynch ended up with over 1100 rushing yards to go along with 7 touchdowns. The scary part is, he missed 3 games. If Lynch played the whole season, Adrian Peterson might not have ended up with the rookie of the year award. Lynch's sophomore campaign should be even better as he now has a year of the offense under his belt and it doesn't hurt that he plays the Dolphins and Jets a combined 4 times. By the end of this year, Lynch could be mentioned in the same breath as the elite running backs in the league. Selvin Young Broncos: With Travis Henry gone, Young is now the starting back for one of the best rushing attacks in the league. He had a solid rookie year averaging over 5 yards a carry for 729 yards. WIth all of that in mind, Young looks like he's ready to put up big rushing numbers in typical Broncos fashion. Don't be surprised if he has over 1300 rushing yards this year. LenDale White Titans: Many people bash White for his weight, but last year he had a career best 1110 yards in the starting role with 7 touchdowns. But if those numbers sound impressive, get this, he played all of last season on a torn meniscus. Now with Chris Johnson in the backfield to help carry the load, White could be even more productive this season. 1200 yards and double digit touchdowns isn't out of the question. Pierre Thomas Saints: When people think of Thomas, two questions come to mind. First, who names their son Pierre and the other is who is this guy? Well, I can only answer one of those questions but it should help. When Deuce McAllister and Reggie Bush both went down with injuries, Thomas had his first career start in week 17 against the Bears where he had both 100 rushing and receiving yards. He is a north south runner and a good receiver. So basically he is what you get when you combine McAllister and Bush. With McAllister and Bush's health issues, Thomas could get some starts for the Saints this year and it wouldn't be surprising if he had over 1000 all purpose yards.

My Dream Doubleheader

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 13:12:04 -0500

Last week I was given the task to come up with my ultimate sports doubleheader. The only requirements were that the two sporting events could actually happen, and you had to be able to attend them in the same day. For example, attending a Red Sox home game against the Yankees on an afternoon in June, and then attending Game 2 of a Celtics playoff game against the Lakers later that night. My answer: It's a Sunday afternoon in January, and I'm in Aspen at the final day of competition for the X Games. Sean White is in the perfectly groomed SuperPipe trying to top Danny Kass's score of 92.4. White is throwing his second consecutive 900 right over my head. Before I know it, he's got a gold medal around his neck and I'm running down the mountain trying to make it back to Denver for the Broncos-Patriots game that night. The AFC Wild-Card playoff game (hey, it's possible the Pats could be a Wild-Card team!) is close and goes into overtime on a TD pass from Jay Cutler to Tony Scheffler. By this point snow is coming down so hard that the overtime coin has to be brushed off to show the players which side is heads and which side is tails. Pats win the toss, and on 2nd and 6, Elvis Dumervil forces the ball out of Brady's hands. It's recovered by John Lynch who takes it into the endzone for the score and the win. Responses from other FSB bloggers are posted here in the "Best View" section. Go check them out, and then feel free to come up with your own dream sports doubleheader.

Broncos Animation

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 13:48:29 -0500

Drew Litton of the Rocky Mountain News has just started The Broncs Zoo. It's animation with online cartoon webisodes that include characters such as Mastermind Mike Shanahan, Jay Cutler, and a couple of fans named Fred and Dean. It will be a regular feature, and I will be posting some of his creations on here as well. To check out the first video, go here. Give him some feedback in the comments section as this is his first time working with animation.

Broncos Animation

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 13:48:29 -0500

Ultimate FF Strategy's 2008 Top 10 Quarterbacks

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 23:32:35 -0500

After the top four it's wide open and no we didn't forget Carson Palmer, there is simply too much uncertainty about the offense in Cincinnati. Jay Cutler is a surprise choice at number five but he should improve in his third NFL season like others have before him and he has an excellent surrounding cast in Denver. We are going out on a limb with some of these picks but remember that year after year only about five of the QBs in the "consensus" top ten end up in the top ten QBs at the end of the year.

Wes Welker: "Asante Samuel chose money over championships"

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 13:39:46 -0500

Wes Welker, WR of the New England Patriots, said that he was disappointed that they could not resign Asante Samuel. He said that when signing with the Eagles he chose money over championships. Samuel has two championships already as Welker has zero. So what is Welker saying about the Eagles?

AFC West Offensive Lines: The West Is Won At The Line Of Scrimmage

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 22:07:44 -0500

Everybody wants the best running back in the league when fantasy football drafts kick off around the country, and San Diego's LaDainian Tomlinson is clearly the top choice. Not only is he the best running back in the league, but he benefits by playing behind the best offensive line in the league. Stop by and check out how the lines will help your AFC west players perform - or not.

Broncos Rap A La Shaq

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 18:47:23 -0500

If you haven't seen the video of Shaq dissing Kobe on the mike, then check it out. I've taken it upon myself to create some freestyle lyrics that Broncos' players would spit if they were on the mike (Tip: It helps to read it to some sort of beat:) Mike Shanahan to Javon Walker: We've got two Brandon's, Jackson, and a Parker, after week 1 you'll be on the Vegas Strip using a walker. Sippin' Champagne, spraying the crowd, sorry to hear you're now in O-Town. You're makin' the dough you thought you should, who's everyone kidding, in Denver, you sat on the wood. Selvin Young to Travis Henry: Don't play me a fool, I know who you are, you're the dude who knocked up nine women after a night at the bar. Watch me run, get 2,000 yards while your ass be smokin' all that grass. I wish you well, I really do, now take a seat mother f***er, on Sunday's your ass should be in a pew. Brandon Marshall to Jay Cutler: I'll fetch your insulin when you need it most, don't need you turning white as a ghost. I love the flair and style, stickin' in the pocket, goin' the extra mile. Forgive me for I have sinned, fell through a T.V. set, shoulda told you the ground was wet. Jay Cutler to Brandon Marshall: It's okay, you recovered quite fast, you lookin' good without that cast. Like Young to Rice, Elway to Smith, we the duo without a vice. What am I doing, I can't rap, I need my sugar or else it's an extended nap. What Kobe's rap would be to Shaq: You know me, last week I was playing in the Finals, while you were sittin' your ass in the Garden aisles. I speak Italian like a pro, son. You, my friend, only speak moron. Still missin' freethrows, playin' next to Nash, call me next year when you're runnin' outta cash. I'll be sittin' high and mighty, reigning MVP, you Big Daddy, you still squating to pee? You know where to find me, with a ball in hand, ready to earn that Trophy while you stand by watching, firsthand. Word!

Jay Cutler's Charity Golf Tournament

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 20:21:21 -0500

Here's a report from the charity tournament hosted by Denver Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler and benefiting Cutler's foundation. This is mostly raw video from the local CBS affiliate, with many past and present Broncos speaking (and slicing and shanking).

Jay Cutler's Charity Golf Tournament

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 20:21:21 -0500

Fbkid's fantasy football top ten quarterbacks

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 19:41:05 -0500

As the NFL becomes more pass oriented, good quarterback play is even more important in fantasy football. If you wait too late to get one during the draft, your team could be in trouble when the season starts as you wouldn't have a consistent player at a position that should get you at least 150 yards and a touchdown a week. Then you would be stuck playing the waiver wire deciding if Brodie Croyle against the Chargers is a better play then Rex Grossman against the Packers. The ten players on this list should all be taken within the first six rounds of the draft and if you don't try and get one of them, your team will be at a big disadvantage by the time the season starts. 1. Tom Brady Patriots: Brady had the best season for a quarterback ever last year as he threw for 50 touchdowns. This year, Brady has all of his weapons returning and should put up very good numbers. But don't get to excited, this year the Patriots will try and find more balance in the running game and teams will be focusing on stopping Brady. If you draft him expecting a repeat performance of last year, you will be disappointed. Expect around 4500 yards and 35 touchdowns. 2. Peyton Manning Colts: If you don't get Brady in your draft, don't be upset if you end up with Manning. Manning is consistent and will always get you 4000 plus yards with 30 touchdowns. Since Manning isn't a first round pick, you can grab a top tier running back in the first round and then Manning in the second. Brady may have the better stats this year, but Manning is sure to make fantasy owners happy considering how tough the AFC South is, he might need to play full games in weeks 16 and 17 which is huge come playoff time. Expect around 4300 yards and 32 touchdowns. 3. Tony Romo Cowboys: Romo showed in his first full season as a starter that he is one of the elite fantasy quarterbacks. He threw 36 touchdowns last year and now with a full year of learning Jason Garrett's offense, Romo should see even more success. The only thing that is concerning is the interception totals as he had 19 last year. But if Romo throws for 4000 yards and 30 touchdowns, fantasy owners won't mind. Expect around 4100 yards and 29 touchdowns. 4. Drew Brees Saints: Brees struggled in the beginning of the year but found his stride in the end as he ended up throwing for 4423 yards and 28 touchdowns. Some are concerned about the 18 interceptions he threw last year. But those kinds of numbers occur when you attempt 652 passes. Brees is one of the most consistent quarterbacks in fantasy football and is a great value in the 3rd or 4th round. Expect around 4300 yards and 27 touchdowns. 5. Ben Roethlisberger Steelers: It's hard to have a better year coming off a season with a career high 32 touchdowns, but Roethlisberger could do just that. Big Ben now has a full year of learning Mike Tomlin's pass oriented offense and with the addition of the 6'4 Limas Sweed, Roethlisberger could throw for even more touchdowns. The only problem is that with the poor offensive line, Big Ben could take a pounding over the course of the year and his stats could start declining in the later part of the season. Expect around 3700 yards and 31 touchdowns. 6. Matt Hasselbeck Seahawks: Hasselbeck is the perfect quarterback for the West Coast offense and should have another great year under Mike Holmgren. Hasselbeck is one of the best values in fantasy football as he always gets you 25 touchdowns and isn't usually picked until the 7th or 8th round. Expect around 3700 yards and 26 touchdowns. 7. Carson Palmer Bengals: With Palmer's abilities and his weapons around him, he is usually a top 5 fantasy quarterback, but when your two main targets want more money that could be trouble. Both Chad Johnson and T.J Houshmandzadeh are both in contract disputes and if they sit out training camp, it could hurt their great chemistry with Palmer. Both Johnson and Houshmandazadeh should be playing week one for the Bengals. But things could get really ugly in Cincy quickly and Palmer's fantasy owners won't be too happy. Expect around 4000 yards and 25 touchdowns. 8. Derek Anderson Browns: Anderson has all the weapons around him to succeed in his first full year as a starter. It will be hard for him to have as good a season as last year, but it can be done. If Anderson cuts down on the interceptions and has as good a season as everyone expects, he should be a top 5 fantasy quarterback next year. Expect around 3900 yards and 27 touchdowns. 9. Jay Cutler Broncos: Cutler has loads of potential and only showed glimpses of it last year as he threw 20 touchdowns. He should breakout in his 2nd year as a starter and he and Brandon Marshall should make fantasy owners happy for years to come. Cutler could be a great value this year as he should be picked around the 8th or 9th round but is one of the top options for a keeper league as he is just starting to show what he can do and he is only 25 years old. Expect around 3600 yards and 24 touchdowns. 10. Marc Bulger Rams: Bulger had a rough year last year but part of that was due to the fact that the Rams offensive line was in shambles. Now the Rams have brought in Al Saunders as offensive coordinator and he made Trent Green one of the best fantasy quarterbacks a few years back. Don't be surprised with the addition of a healthy Steven Jackson, if Saunders can do it with Bulger. Expect around 3400 yards and 22 touchdowns.

Top 10 Fantasy Football Quarterbacks

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 18:06:13 -0500

Below is a list of the Top 10 Fantasy Football Quarterbacks according to the Sports Muffin. In addition we are listing some Quarterbacks that did not make our list, but may make yours.

Top 10 Fantasy Football Quarterbacks

1. Tom Brady
2. Peyton Manning
3. Tony Romo
4. Drew Brees
5. Ben Roethlisberger
6. Carson Palmer
7. Matt Hasselbeck
8. Jay Cutler
9. Donovan McNabb
10. Eli Manning

Additional Quarterbacks:
Aaron Rodgers
David Garrard
Jason Campbell
Phillip Rivers
Vince Young