Yardbarker: Sammy Knight

Offseason IDP Fantasy Impact Moves

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 11:07:50 -0500

The top offseason IDP moves affecting fantasy football for this coming season.

NFC EAST POSITION BATTLES

Sun, 27 Jul 2008 13:11:46 -0500

Cornerback: Anthony Henry vs. Adam Jones Henry wasn't pleased during last month's minicamp when Jones received some reps with the first team. But a Cowboys source told me Wednesday that he can't envision a scenario where Jones overtakes Henry during training camp unless there's an injury. Even though he was banged up last season, Henry still managed a team-leading six interceptions. He's got the best ball skills on the team and coaches think it will be a while before Jones shakes the rust off. Rookie Mike Jenkins will be the fourth cornerback. When the Cowboys go into their nickel package, Terence Newman will move inside and Henry and Jones will play on the outside. Of course, Jones has to get reinstated before you see him in a regular-season game. That's a certainty unless he breaks containment with authorities. Intensity index: Mild Ratliff Johnson Nose tackle: Jay Ratliff vs. Tank Johnson It's a stretch to call this an open competition, but it beats talking about the battle for third receiver, which will be a grudge match between Miles Austin and Sam Hurd if Terry Glenn doesn't agree to an amended contract. Johnson has fit in well with the team, but Ratliff's the guy who just got paid. He's outperformed his seventh-round selection and become one of the defense's emotional leaders. When Johnson rotates in at nose tackle, Ratliff is able to move to right end. Last year, this was a position of concern -- especially after Jason Ferguson went down with an injury. Ratliff played so well, though, that Ferguson became expendable. IF YOU WANT TO SEE MORE OF THE NFC EAST< CLICK THE LINK

Reports Say Giants Ink First-Round Pick Phillips

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 18:09:55 -0500

The Giants moved Jeremy Shockey Monday, and today made a minor headline as reports say they have come to terms with first round pick safety Kenny Phillips. The rookie could be a starter right away, as the team needs help in the secondary with the departure via free agency of Gibril Wilson, who left to go play for the Raiders this offseason. Phillips was selected with the 31st pick of the draft out of the Univ of Miami. He comes to the team at 6-2, 210 pounds. He was the first safety chosen, and while director of college scouting Marc Ross refused to categorize him as a "need pick," general manager Jerry Reese and head coach Tom Coughlin did so. He is a big and strong safety looked at to play the free safety position, although according to Ross he has played strong safety and even some cornerback. He'll compete with Sammy Knight, who was signed in the offseason, at the strong safety spot, though long-term he is penciled in as the starter, and if he can impress his coaches, he may be able to be the opening day starter vs the Redskins.

Offseason IDP Fantasy Impact Moves

Wed, 28 May 2008 08:20:40 -0500

With the NFL Draft a month in the past and most offseason moves over and done with, it is time to start looking ahead to the 2008 season. And with that, we focus in on fantasy football, but that doesn't necessarily mean talking about top running backs and receivers. Taking into account the rising popularity of IDP fantasy leagues, FIO co-founder & editor Matt Hinzpeter discusses some of the top impact moves on the defensive side of the ball that will affect fantasy football in 2008.

Mr. Carrol Wont Be Comming To Washington

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 18:53:51 -0500

While most of the Pete Carroll attention belongs to Arthur Blank and the Falcons, Skins fans cant help but think why not us? If the Pete Carroll era in Southern California should come to an end, why shouldn't his new era begin in the nation's capital? The Skins clearly have the most means to go after a coach like Carroll, and an owner with the will to get it done. If Dan Snyder puts his mind on something, we all know he usually gets what he wants. And why wouldn't they want Carroll? In his past NFL experiences he lead the Patriots to two playoff births and the team won the superbowl the very next year after he left. The Skins know that Carroll has the ability to organize, plan, and inspire a dynasty with the incredible success USC over the last several years. The Trojans are constantly competing for the national title and constantly have the most talented team in football. His infectious personality helped him recruit and leadership helped him bring the talent together. While he won't be recruiting in the NFL, there's no reason to think that a coach who coached the best young talent in the league wouldn't want to return to play under him when they become free agents. Imagine having a coach with an already good relationship with players like; Matt Leinart, Carson Palmer, Lendale White, Lofa Tatupu, Reggie Bush, Troy Polamalu, Mike Williams, Dwayne Jarret, Sammy Knight, and Frostee Rucker. Truthfully there is no better time for Carroll to leave his self built dynasty either. While it's true that they have a great shot at winning the national title again next year, the cloud of Reggie Bush's scandal looms over usually sunny L.A. While it's no certainty, there is a possibility that USC could lose their national titles and be sanctioned by the NCAA, completely destroying the legacy Carroll put together. Not only would he possibly dodge the sanctions, he would be coming to a Redskins team that is ready to compete right away in the NFC. The real question however is will Pete Carroll have the will to leave the comfort of USC to the NFL that didn't treat him so kindly years ago. While in New England he won an AFC East title, and a wildcard birth in two of his three years, but he wasn't able to win over the fans. Why? He fallowed a legend, Bill Parcells. Patriots owner Robert Kraft himself said it wasn't Carroll's fault, he was subject to unfair pressure. Would fallowing Joe Gibbs in Washington be any different? For the Redskins it is not the most opportune moment as well. They already have two "Assistant Head-Coaches," one of whom, Greg Williams, has a contract that all but promises him the head coaching job when Gibbs leaves. It was part of Williams condition for not leaving for head coaching offers elsewhere, that if for some reason he gets passed over for the head coach position he will receive a huge bonus. If Carroll came to Washington he would almost definitely bring his own defensive scheme with him, edging successful Williams out. It seems that while it would almost be a fairy tale to have Carroll build a dynasty in Washington, it doesn't seem like it's a fairy tale that will come true. If Joe Gibbs taught us one thing about running a successful organization it is that it starts with people. People like Greg Williams who stuck with the team through think and thin. People like the defense who have a close connection with their leader. Gibbs also taught us that continuity will finally lead the burgundy and gold back to the promised land. And that's no fairy tale.

2007 All-Fantasy IDP Team

Sat, 29 Dec 2007 21:46:43 -0500

In a follow-up to the offensive-minded 2007 All-Fantasy Offensive Team article, FIO co-founder & editor Matt Hinzpeter takes an objective look at the IDP fantasy football stars of 2007. Included is a roster of the best defensive performers from the year, with some Honorable Mentions and side notes on those not included. Check out this comprehensive list of the '07 fantasy top IDP performers.

Week 12 Gridiron IDP Roundup

Fri, 23 Nov 2007 14:26:14 -0500

Friday's FIO weekly fantasy football columns deals with those leagues that implement Individual Defensive Players (IDP) - co-founder & editor Matt Hinzpeter discusses some of the key defensive players to keep an eye on in Week 12. Check this article each and every week on Fridays.

Friday: Week 10 IDP Roundup

Fri, 09 Nov 2007 13:58:16 -0500

Friday's FIO weekly fantasy football columns deals with those leagues that implement Individual Defensive Players (IDP) - co-founder & editor Matt Hinzpeter discusses some of the key defensive players to keep an eye on in Week 10. Check this article each and every week on Fridays.

Top 20 Safeties in the NFL

Thu, 16 Aug 2007 18:22:48 -0500

This is my list of the 20 best safeties in the league. I had a hard time on 10-20, but I put the best up, I think. 1. Troy Polamalu 2. Ed Reed 3. Brian Dawkins 4. Bob Sanders 5. Roy Williams 6. John Lynch 7. Sean Taylor 8. Adrian Wilson 9. Darren Sharper 10. Rodney Harrison 11.Chris Hope 12. Nick Ferguson 13. Danieal Manning 14. Mike Doss 15. Lawyer Milloy 16. Michael Boulware 17. Mike Brown 18. Pat Watkins 19. Adam Archuleta 20. Donovin Darius Honorables: Dexter Jackson, Sammy Knight, Antoine Bethea, Jordan Babineaux Not Proven Yet: Brandon Meriweather, LaRon Landry, and Reggie Nelson