http://www.yardbarker.com/content/player/2387 Recent articles about Greg Jennings en-us So that genius over at Arrowhead Addict, Adam, had a great idea for this week's Best View column: our dream doubleheaders.  Nine of us Fan-Sided bloggers participated, and the results were amazing.  I was one of the nine chosen to participate and here is mine (I actually overachieved and did two): First: I'm in Oregon during the late spring, early summer months.  I'm staying out in Junction City at my great-great-grandparents' old farm with some distant relatives for my stay.  During the day, I head into Eugene and catch the Eugene Emeralds, a San Diego Padres affiliate.  After the game (which is brief and just a good game), I head over to Hayward Field on the University of Oregon campus for the Pac-10 track championships.  I'm a huge running buff, and just to see some of the best college athletes on some of the most hallowed ground in track & field lore would be an amazing experience for me.  I see some new records and experience the mystique of a historic landmark. Second: I'm in Green Bay on a Sunday in October.  Da Bears are in town for a good ol' fashioned grudge match and the stadium is hopping.  I get end zone seats.  The Packers dominate, 34-0.  Sexy Rexy is absolutely eaten alive by Aaron Kampman: three sacks for my man.  Rodgers throws for 300+ yards and two touchdowns, one to Greg Jennings who Lambeau Leaps right into me.  Ryan Grant tacks on 120-plus rushing yards and two touchdowns while the Packers just play a flawless game.  Then the real fun begins.  I hop a mass transit system (I hope there is one) down to Milwaukee for Game 7 of the NLCS between the Brewers and my Phillies.  Cole Hamels pitches eight shut out innings and the Phillies win 2-0 behind home runs by Ryan Howard and Chase Utley, sending them to the World Series. The rest of them can be read in this week's Best View.  I urge you all to check them out and leave your own dream doubleheaders here.  I'm interested in seeing what you have to say. Mon, 07 Jul 2008 16:27:58 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/286896 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/286896 In most fantasy football formats, wide receivers are the third most important position. If you draft accordingly, you could be put in a good position right away. Unfortunately, if you draft poorly, it could be all downhill from there. Screaming Sports' Hugh Duckwall is here to examine the top 15 projected wideouts. Sun, 06 Jul 2008 09:07:16 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/286198 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/286198 On NFL Live, Al Harris told Trey Wingo and Darren Woodson that Brett has said that he is itching to play. Favre is just rediculous with this stuff. If you want to play football it would never be a distraction if you wouldn't announce retirement. Hey Brett, future advice, JUST SHUT UP DURING THE OFF-SEASON! I would be furious if I were Aaron Rodgers. Wed, 02 Jul 2008 15:16:35 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/285186 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/285186 It's early, but now that Brett Favre is gone (we think), ESPN's John Clayton says that Aaron Rodgers has had a chance to impress at practice. "As it turns out, Rodgers has a very strong arm. He's had the strong arm since he's been in Green Bay. The football explodes off his hand on each throw in practice. Teammates have noticed it for years because they work with or against him in practice. He has a smooth, polished retreat from center. His feet are in good position for each throw out of three- and five-step drops. And then you take notice..." (Read the rest after the jump.) Fri, 20 Jun 2008 17:06:47 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/280501 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/280501 On the strength of Brett Favre's last hurrah (so we are led to believe), many Green Bay Packers found themselves on fantasy championship teams in 2007. The silver-haired picture of indecisiveness threw for the third most yards (4,155) of his storied 17-year career while connecting on 66.5 percent of his pass attempts (a career best). Greg Jennings was the greatest benefactor of Favre's resurgence, going for 920 receiving yards and 12 scores while effectively displacing Donald Driver as alpha ball-catcher in Green Bay. Driver himself was no slouch, but the downturn in yardage and touchdowns from the previous three seasons probably signals his descent from borderline WR1 to premium WR3 option. On lesser notes, rookie James Jones flashed talent for hauling in the deep ball, and Donald Lee emerged from a nobody to a top 10-15 tight end for 2008. Favre's proficiency also lifted the Packers' oft-criticized ground game, allowing undrafted 2005 rookie Ryan Grant to remain inconspicuous for most of the season as opposing linebackers dropped back in pass coverage. Make sure to read more of what Bruno Boys Fantasy Football staff writer Jesse Burkarthas to say about the Green Bay Packers and their fantasy worthy players heading into the 2008 season by clicking below... Wed, 18 Jun 2008 23:30:48 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/279711 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/279711 Since joining the world of sports journalism, we, the Bruno Boys, have felt the family welcome us with open arms. With that being the case, we'd like to introduce you to our "wacky uncle," Dave Dameshek, host of "The Dave Dameshek Show" airing weekdays on 710 ESPN – Los Angeles from 4 to 7 p.m. Dameshek not only knows his sports, but also his comedy. Don't believe us, just ask Jimmy Kimmel, who Dameshek used to write for on "The Jimmy Kimmel Show." Dameshek was kind enough to take time out of his busy schedule and help the Bruno Boys out by answering some fantasy football questions we threw his way. So, enjoy our "wacky uncle" Dave Dameshek below. Make sure to read more of Bruno Boys Fantasy Football co-owner Mike Whooley's interview with Dave Dameshek for even more fantasy football insight heading into the 2008 season by clicking below... Wed, 18 Jun 2008 01:19:48 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/279248 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/279248 Now, I have no idea on God's green earth who the heck Rick Gosselin is.  All I know is that he was no clue what he is talking about in "Rick Gosselin's NFL offseason power rankings."  Apparently he is the NFL columnist for The Dallas Morning News.  Hey, Landry Hat, wanna throw me a bone here? I have no clue who this guy thinks he is.  I stumbled across his offseason power rankings and was shocked that he had the Packers at #18.  #18?  Really?  You are putting the Green Bay Packers, who went 13-3 last year and were one errant Brett Favre pass away from the Super Bowl at #18?  Behind the Houston Texans, an 8-8 team with offensive and defensive line issues?  Behind the 7-9 Buffalo Bills?  The Cincinnati Bengals at #15?  You are definitely crapping with me now.  The team is in jail.  And they lack an important part of a winning football team: a defense.  The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are the 14th-best team in the league right now?  They went 9-7 and barely won what is arguably the weakest division in the NFC (close competition with the West).  The Tennessee Titans?  Yes, I know my Super Bowl pick for last year as Packers-Titans (no one thought either would even make the playoffs), but for a team with a quarterback who almost doubled the number of touchdowns with interceptions last year, and a team that has enough running backs for two teams and no wide receivers, they are not as good as the Packers.  The New Orleans Saints at #12 is a little more respectable, but the Minnesota Vikings at #11?  Not so sure about that.  The Vikings have improved, I will give them that.  But to be seven spots higher than the Packers?  Not so fast my friend.  Other questionable teams ranked ahead of the Pack: Seattle Seahawks and Philadelphia Eagles. I hate to go Fire Joe Morgan on this guy, but the situation calls for it.  So please, Mr. Gosselin, step right up. The retirement of Brett Favre takes the winningest and most prolific passer in NFL history out of a Green Bay uniform this season. Inexperienced and untested Aaron Rodgers replaces him. This is a talented team. The Packers reached the NFC title game last January. But how much of that was Favre? Suddenly, the defense must carry the Pack. Ok, that all looks good as one big block of text.  But sentence-by-sentence, not so much. The retirement of Brett Favre takes the winningest and most prolific passer in NFL history out of a Green Bay uniform this season. Oh really?  How insightful.  Did you realize this is your longest sentence that takes up the most space and states the obvious?  Yessiree.  But did you really think we didn't know this? Inexperienced and untested Aaron Rodgers replaces him. Good job.  At least you aren't calling for Brian Brohm to take the helm.  I'll admit Rodgers does lack some experience, but something that many, many people cannot grasp is the fact that to have experience, you need to get experience.  People always want to skip the getting experience part.  I wouldn't say that Rodgers is totally inexperienced and incapable of commanding an NFL offense after sitting behind Favre for three years.  He should do better than, say, Alex Smith in his first game.  I wouldn't call Rodgers untested either.  Being thrust into the biggest game of the regular season in a hostile environment on a game televised to a few thousand households (yeah, I'm still bitter about missing that game) is a pretty big test I'd say.  And Rodgers performed admirably in it, bringing the Pack to within three points before they succumbed.  So there is some experience and he has been tested. This is a talented team. I'm not going to deny this sir.  Seems you have gotten something else right.  But wouldn't it seem more right if a talented team was ranked higher than half the teams in the league?  Because right now you're saying that half the teams in the NFL are better than the Packers. The Packers reached the NFC title game last January. Another statement of fact that does not show how there are seventeen teams better than Green Bay in the NFL. But how much of that was Favre? Good job, Rick, you made a valid point.  The first eight games were all Favre.  No way they would have been 8-1 if he was not quarterbacking it.  There was no running game.  Brandon Jackson was a bust and DeShawn Wynn was hurt, making Favre paint the sky brown with footballs.  However, this guy you may have heard of, Ryan Grant, rushed for over 950 yards in the last eight weeks of the season.  Favre's passing totals dropped while Grant emerged as a go-to option.  So the first eight weeks of the season were Favre.  The second eight were Grant.  50-50. Suddenly, the defense must carry the Pack. Hmm.  The Packers are returning ten starters on a high-powered offense and nine or ten of their starters on a decent defense.  The Packers defense was seventh in points allowed, 11th in yards allowed, 12th in pass yards, and 14th in rush yards.  Those are all in the top half of the league.  And for real Rick, you make it sound like the entire Packers offense hit free agency and the only way they can win is through their defense.  They're only losing ONE starter, albeit a big one.  But they have the rest of their core still present.  Grant.  Donald Driver.  Greg Jennings.  The names keep coming.  The Packers are not dead in the water without Favre. Sheesh, Rick. Enough about the Packers.  Let's see what he had to say about our NFC North rivals. Minnesota Vikings: #11 With the quarterback concerns in Green Bay and Chicago, the Vikings see an opening in the NFC North and took a win-now approach this offseason. They traded for NFL sack leader Jared Allen and signing Chicago go-to guy Bernard Berrian away from the Bears. But contention will hinge on the development of their own young QB Tarvaris Jackson.  Hmm.  That doesn't sound #11 worthy to me.  Let's take a closer look. With the quarterback concerns in Green Bay and Chicago, the Vikings see an opening in the NFC North and took a win-now approach this offseason. Again, I don't buy the "quarterback concerns" excuse for Green Bay.  See above.  Chicago and quarterback concerns, heck yes.  Minnesota is improved and the Vi-Queens will compete with Green Bay for the division. They traded for NFL sack leader Jared Allen and signing Chicago go-to guy Bernard Berrian away from the Bears. The Allen acquisition will help the Vikings already strong defense.  It appears their defense is currently stronger than the Packers, but time will tell.  The Berrian signing makes me laugh.  Anytime you were Rex Grossman's go-to-guy, that's just not good.  Berrian will be the number one target in Minnesota.  That doesn't mean he'll be a number one receiver though.  Berrian is good for Jackson, but in the grand scheme of things, he will have been overpaid. But contention will hinge on the development of their own young QB Tarvaris Jackson. Whoa, whoa, whoa.  Excuse me, but can't this be considered a "quarterback concern"?  It most certainly is.  Which means that Minnesota is in the same boat as Green Bay and Chicago, which, accoring to Gosselin should mean they will not be able to compete on a high-level.  I sense just a little bit of hating going on here.  Jackson, Rodgers, and Grossman/Orton all have flaws and issues.  I would have been fine with Gosselin putting Minnesota one or two spots ahead of the Packers, but not seven.  This guy needs to watch some football. Chicago Bears: #22 The Bears must have a ton of confidence in young tight end Greg Olsen because they let starting wideouts Muhsin Muhammad and Bernard Berrian walk out the door. They cut Muhammad and let Berrian sign in free agency with the Vikings. The quarterback position remains unsettled. Said everything that there really is to be said.  Although he could have added some input into the defense. Detroit Lions: #25 The experiment with Mike Martz and his Greatest-Show-on-Turf offense fizzled. Too many turnovers cost him his job as offensive coordinator after one season. So defense and the running game are back in. Third-round RB Kevin Smith is a sleeper candidate for NFL Rookie of the Year. Nothing shocking here either.  Less hate for these teams than the Pack. It's only June, but the Packers already have their doubters. Tue, 17 Jun 2008 00:19:24 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/278699 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/278699 Sometimes having one very good receiver can change the total outcome of the game. But when teams have two good receivers who can prevent the defense to going to double coverage, the passing game could be great. All of the teams mentioned on this list have that. So without further explanation, here is my list of the top ten receiver tandems in the NFL. 1.Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin Cardinals: Both Fitzgerald and Boldin are among the elite receivers in the NFL. Fitzgerald is more of the redzone threat and gets more media attention but Boldin is the better possession receiver and is great at yards after the catch. If Matt Leinart develops, the Cardinals have the makings of a great offense for years. 2.Chad Johnson, T.J. Houshmandzadeh Bengals: While Johnson is the one that gets all of the media attention, Houshmandzadeh has been the more productive receiver the last few years. But when Johnson focuses on the game and isn't worrying about his contract, he is one of the five best receivers in the league. 3.Randy Moss, Wes Welker Patriots: Many would think this tandem would be on top of the list but a lot of it had to do with who was at quarterback. If they didn't have Tom Brady throwing them the ball, their stats wouldn't be as good. Moss is one of the top five receivers in the league but everyone around the league expects him to have seasons like that when he is motivated. Welker is a very good slot receiver but he is Mike Furrey on a better team. Both are great possession receivers but due to the team around them, only one gets their due. 4.Terrell Owens, Patrick Crayton Cowboys: Owens even at 34, is still producing like an all pro receiver as he is a touchdown machine and improved on his drops. Crayton had a career year last season and became a solid number two option. But Crayton doesn't get much attention from opposing defenses due to Owens and Jason Witten. Crayton is a solid player but the Cowboys could get an upgrade to line opposite Owens. 5.Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne Colts: Wayne had an excellent year and is turning into one of the best receivers in the league. If Harrison was healthy all of last season this tandem would be higher. But Harrison at 35 is nearing the end of his career. In the next year or two it will be Anthony Gonzalez occupying the spot opposite Wayne. 6.Donald Driver, Greg Jennings Packers: This tandem may not be as productive this year as they are both adjusting to Aaron Rodgers at quarterback. But either way they are both among the best receivers in the league. Jennings showed glimpses in his rookie season but fully broke out last year with 12 touchdowns last year. Driver remains one of the best possession receivers in the league. Plus with James Jones entering his second year, Rodgers won't have a lack of options in Green Bay. 7.Braylon Edwards, Donte Stallworth Browns: Edwards last year broke out in his third year and showed why he is becoming one of the leagues best receivers. Stallworth is a great compliment as he is a great deep threat for Derek Anderson. Throw in Kellen Winslow and they have one of the most explosive offenses in the league. 8.Roy Williams, Calvin Johnson Lions: Both Williams and Johnson were productive last season but they have the potential to be much higher on the list. Williams is a pro bowl caliber receiver but the only problem is if he has the dedication to get to that level. Johnson had a nagging back injury last season though and has the potential to be an elite receiver in the league. 9.Torry Holt, Drew Bennett Rams: Even though it was a rough year for the Rams, Holt was always consistent. As always he put up another campaign with 90 plus catches, 1100 yards and 7 touchdowns. Bennett is a great redzone target but had limited time last year. But with Isaac Bruce gone, that will change. Bennett only showed glimpses of his potential during his incredible stretch in 2004 and when healthy he could become a ten touchdown calibar player. Plus with speedster Donnie Avery drafted in the second round, things are starting to shape up for the Rams. 10. Steve Smith, D.J. Hackett Panthers: Smith has been one of the most productive receivers in the NFL and it is even more incredible considering his size. While most players on the list are six feet or taller, Smith is 5'9 and is winning jump balls against elite corners in the league. Hackett isn't bad either as he has been productive player when he isn't hurt. If Jake Delhomme can recover from Tommy John Surgery, Smith and Hackett will show what they are fully capable of. Fri, 13 Jun 2008 20:18:20 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/277823 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/277823 Wide receiver was probably the most successful position for the Packers in 2007. Donald Driver continued to show he is one of the best in the league, while Greg Jennings emerged as a star. Rookie James Jones started out hot but faded for a bit. He still played an intricate role in the offense. After coming back from suspension, Koren Robinson teamed with Ruvell Martin to round out the dangerous Big 5 offensive formation. Sun, 30 Mar 2008 18:11:25 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/224460 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/224460 Part 1 of a two part series where scout inc rates the top receivers playing in todays game, guess who's at the top? Enjoy the read another good article from scouts. Surprisingly there's an Eagle on the list. Tue, 25 Mar 2008 12:14:37 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/217807 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/217807 It's the end of an era as Brett Favre has decided to call it quits after one of the most sensational careers in NFL history. Favre's move is shocking to most football fans, considering that he proved to have plenty left in the tank after a stellar season that included 28 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. Perhaps Favre felt that he proved enough in '07, after two mediocre seasons, including a horrendous 2005 season that included 29 interceptions and just 20 touchdowns. The Packers stumbled this past post-season to the Giants in the NFC Championship. Tue, 04 Mar 2008 23:37:29 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/181029 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/181029 On a cold, wintry night in Denver, eight fantasy football experts gathered for one of the first Mock Drafts of the 2008 season. They represented a wide variety of backgrounds and companies, each bringing a unique perspective to the drafting process. The league starts one quarterback, two wide receivers, two running backs, one tight end, one flex (wide receiver or running back), one kicker, and one defense. The league is scored using a standard Yahoo scoring system, with the only exception being all receptions count for one point. Now, onto the results! Fri, 15 Feb 2008 12:48:06 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/144110 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/144110 When it comes to disappointing performances, there is no shortage at the wide receiver position. There are several big names, as well as players who were expected to breakout that did anything but. Which ones were fantasy flukes? Which ones will continue their downward spiral? Let's take a look. Sun, 10 Feb 2008 20:07:42 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/137450 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/137450 In the week following the New York Giants' stunning win over the New England Patriots, there's been a ton of movement and news in the National Football League. The Redskins have a new head coach, talk of whether Brett Favre will return to the Packers has already begun, Bernard Berrian appears to be headed to free agency, Asante Samuel may also be on the way out, and veteran receiver Javon Walker may be cut from the Broncos. Now, it's onto the news... Sun, 10 Feb 2008 01:00:34 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/134318 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/134318 The hype to Sunday's Super Bowl is on! Will Plaxico Burress and Tom Brady suit up or will injuries keep them out of the biggest games of their careers? Will Ahmad Bradshaw continue to steal the thunder from Brandon Jacobs? Will the Giants defense be able to contain the Patriots offense? These and more questions surround what should be an exciting Sunday in the National Football League. Let's take a look at the latest headlines from the past week. Sat, 02 Feb 2008 23:00:08 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/120942 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/120942