Yardbarker: L.J. Smith

TE Ranking Breakdown: 11-20

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 06:58:28 -0500

Okay, now that we've got the scrubs out of the way (21-30), we can get to some guys that can really contribute to your fantasy teams. While most standard leagues only use one tight end, I've played in leagues that use two, or that use a WR/TE flex position – and don't forget about PPR leagues. These guys can help you in all those, plus can be useful in shallow standard leagues. Whatever type of league you play in, it's always useful to know what players are out there in case of the inevitable – injuries, bye weeks, or just plain unproductiveness. So, here's tight ends 11-20, and a recap of 21-30.

War Room Scouts: Ranking the top 20 NFL tight ends

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:18:05 -0500

The modern NFL tight end can no longer get away with be a plodding, one-dimensional, nice-sized blocker and expect to stay on the field often for his team. Instead, the position has evolved as one for premier, basketball-style athletes whose teams hope they can change the entire dynamics of their passing offense. It's all about an impressive combination of size and speed that's hard to stop in both close quarters and on intermediate routes: 1. Antonio Gates, San Diego Chargers. Gates is the best receiving tight end in the business. He is a physical specimen who creates mismatches all over the field. 2. Jason Witten, Dallas Cowboys. Became a certified superstar in 2007 with an awesome 96-reception season. He's a vertical threat and also Tony Romo's favorite target underneath, but Witten also has become a very effective blocker, which aids the Cowboys' running game. 3. Kellen Winslow, Cleveland Browns. With 171 receptions over the past two seasons, Winslow has finally become the star everyone projected him to be. His rare combination of size, speed, and athleticism makes him a matchup nightmare, and his ability to align just about anywhere on the field opens up several options for the Browns' offense. 4. Tony Gonzalez, Chiefs. Gonzalez is called upon to do more blocking in the latter stage of his career as the Chiefs' current offensive line is a shell of its former self. So while that curbs his statistics, he remains a consummate pro who can still change a game with his receiving skills when given the chance and is as good as most offensive tackles in taking on run-blocking assignments. 5. Jeremy Shockey, New York Giants. Shockey's greatest weaknesses are his head and his mouth. If he would just stop complaining long enough, he would be recognized for the outstanding receiving threat he is. He is also a better blocker than most think -- he just doesn't like to block. 6. Dallas Clark, Indianapolis Colts. Clark, an athletic pass-catcher, owns the middle of the field because of his ability to outrun linebackers and outmuscle safeties, and his football IQ allows him to excel in the Colts' read option system. Clark can stretch the seam and does enough as a blocker to allow the team to keep him in any game situation. 7. Heath Miller, Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers' change to a more pass-oriented attack in the red zone has created more opportunities for Miller. He is a top-flight end zone target, creates mismatches with his size in short and intermediate zones, and uses his body well to shield defenders. And because he plays for the Steelers, it's a given he excels as a run blocker. 8. Todd Heap, Baltimore Ravens. Injuries have gotten the better of Heap in two of the past four seasons. While he can't help the team from the sidelines, the fact that the Ravens already meager passing attack falls apart without him speaks volumes of his talents. Hands, speed, route-running, field vision -- he has it all. If Heap can somehow remain more durable, Cam Cameron's offense will be a boon for him. 9. Chris Cooley, Washington Redskins. More H-back than traditional tight end, Cooley is great around the ball, showing soft hands and the ability to find open field in zone coverage. He has deceptive speed, gets on defenders quickly and is underestimated as a deep threat. Cooley also blocks best in t he open field, as he lacks the strength and bulk to hold up as a physical inline blocker. 10. Alge Crumpler, Tennessee Titans. Crumpler comes to the Titans with some injury history and hasn't been an impact player with anyone other than Michael Vick under center. However, he has great size and can make plays in the open field. In the confines of the red zone, he also shows strength and power as a blocker. Vince Young relies heavily on his tight end, which could signal a needed rejuvenation for Crumpler. Winslow has finally become a star. 11. Randy McMichael, St. Louis Rams. McMichael is a big target in the middle of the field with great hands and enough speed to get behind linebackers in coverage. He is a strong blocker when aligned next to the tackle, but he is better sealing off linebackers in open field. Look for a bigger role for him in '08 as the Rams' wideout corps isn't what it used to be. 12. Benjamin Watson, New England Patriots. The arrival of wide receiver Wes Welker in the Patriots' spread sets has stolen some of Watson's thunder, but he remains a dangerous receiving threat in the middle of the field. 13. Desmond Clark, Chicago Bears. Clark's strength is his ability to read coverage and either find open field against zones or take routes deep on seams. He has all the tools to be a dangerous red zone threat and moves remarkably well for a 250-pounder. Greg Olsen is the Bears' heir apparent, and Clark needs a better QB, but he's still worthy of this ranking. 14. Owen Daniels, Houston Texans. Daniels is all pass catcher, capable of making plays both on deep balls to the perimeter and intermediate routes over the middle. He has great hands with which to make tough catches, but his blocking struggles and limited after-the-catch prowess keeps him in the middle of the pack. 15. Vernon Davis, San Francisco 49ers. An unbelievable athlete and an absolute physical stud who passes the eyeball test with flying colors. He has top-tier speed as a receiver, capable of stretching the field vertically. He also has an understanding of coverage beyond his years. He wins most one-on-one matchups, and is a strong inline blocker who has enough strength to set the edge in the running game. If Davis can stay healthy, he will break into the elite ranks. 16. L.J. Smith, Philadelphia Eagles. Smith was a top passing option for Donovan McNabb prior to '07 -- when he was healthy. He makes his home in the middle of the field and uses a soft pair of hands to catch most balls thrown his way. Smith isn't strong in traffic and lacks power as a blocker, but he is adequate in both areas. 17. Chris Baker, New York Jets. Baker has proved himself as both a receiver and a blocker in his time with the Jets, but his battle with team management and the arrivals of rookie Dustin Keller and former Packer Bubba Franks signal an end is near. Baker can still be a solid starter elsewhere. 18. Zach Miller, Oakland Raiders. There is little question about Miller's receiving skills, and his speed and quickness allow him to find openings in coverage unavailable to lesser athletes at his position. He's a 'tweener, however -- he can be an effective blocker only in open field. 19. Alex Smith, Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Smith is full of potential and natural physical tools for the position, but despite his blocking abilities, both in close quarters and at linebackers, his athleticism has not been on display in the passing game. 20. Michael Gaines, Detroit Lions. Is equal parts blocker and receiver, though he doesn't excel at either. The former Panther and Bill could flourish in the Lions' more balanced offensive scheme in '08. Maybe next year? The top breakout candidate to crack the top 20 for '09: Ben Utecht, Cincinnati Bengals. Utecht brings his knowledge and experience of working in multiple tight end sets to the Queen City. Critics say a viable receiving threat at the position has been something Carson Palmer has sorely missed. Talking to Palmer recently, he raved about what Utecht can do for the Bengals' offense and the opportunities he will help open up for the their talented perimeter receivers. If Palmer has reason to be excited, so do we.

Flashback: Eagles Chiefs 2005

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 23:48:38 -0500

This was a great game. In a season full of turmoil, the week 4 game against the Kansas City Chiefs was an all time classic. It is a very enjoyable game to watch despite the fact that TO was still an Eagle. Hollis Thomas was starting at DT, Keith Adams was the WILL Linebacker, Michael Lewis [...]

Can the Eagles Compete in the NFC East?

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 07:00:58 -0500

Training camp is almost here and its time to take a look at the season ahead; particularly the competition in the NFC East. Several teams have made some key off-season additions. Let's look at them team by team. Dallas Cowboys – (13-3 in 2007) The Dallas Cowboys didn't go crazy this year, but did add two key [...]

NFL INSIDER: Deadline Looms for Cowboys Deal

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 06:52:25 -0500

When he vacationed in Orlando last summer, agent Kennard McGuire brokered a long-term deal with Detroit for its franchise player, Cory Redding. McGuire hopes the same can happen for another client this week, Cowboys' franchise player Ken Hamlin, although a deadline is approaching. The Cowboys and McGuire have until 3 p.m. Tuesday to reach an agreement on a long-term deal or else the Pro Bowl safety can only play for the one-year tender offer of $4.396 million. Since putting the franchise tag on Hamlin in March, the Cowboys were able to finalize multiyear deals for fellow Pro Bowlers Flozell Adams, Terence Newman, Terrell Owens and Marion Barber, among others. Even as they vacationed, Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones and McGuire kept negotiating on a multi-year deal last week, but the talks figure to take on more urgency. With more than $8 million in salary-cap room, money has not been the issue, however, the structure of the contract has because of changes in the collective bargaining agreement coming next year. Dallas Morning News

Five Question Marks Facing The Offense

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:45:15 -0500

As the July 21st opening of training camp approaches and the offseason comes to an end, we pretty much know all the major pieces that we will see lining up for our Eagles come opening day. We can now start to analyze the line up and figure out the question marks facing Big Red for [...]

2008 Fantasy Football Projections - Philadelphia Eagles

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 00:59:51 -0500

Determined to reclaim the starting quarterback position with authority after backup Jeff Garcia led the Philadelphia Eagles to a playoff berth in 2006, Donovan McNabb started the season in solid fashion. The sports hernia injury he suffered that paved the way for Jeff Garcia two years ago was healed and McNabb proved he still had it in him as he played in 14 games – the most since 2004 – and threw for 3,324 yards, 19 touchdowns and seven interceptions while completing 61.5 percent of his passes. Unfortunately, the Eagles did not have the playmakers necessary for the rest of the offense to succeed as the team fizzled its way to an 8-8 record. Make sure to read more of what Bruno Boys Fantasy Football staff writer Cory Steger has to say about the Philadelphia Eagles and their fantasy football worthy players heading into the 2008 season by clicking below...

tcbailey24's Top 20 Tight Ends

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 16:48:36 -0500

With the 4th of my 7 part NFL series, I will give you my top 20 tight ends today. Tight end is a very unique position in today's NFL, as they are now a huge part of the offense in both blocking and receiving. Some are mainly blocking oriented, some are receiver oriented, and some can do both. Anyway, tight ends can really improve an offense immensely. 1.Antonio Gates, Chargers: Gates has been a premier TE in the game for a few years now, and he shows why every Sunday. His combination of size and athleticism make him very hard to cover and tackle, and therefore he records many TD's. 2.Jason Witten, Cowboys: Witten is a physical TE who puts up receiver-like numbers. His size helps him plow through defenders and his toughness does the rest. 3.Kellen Winslow, Browns: Winslow had a breakout year last season with Derek Anderson at the helm. He posted career bests in yards and TD's. He is also a pretty good blocker. kellen is also a soldier. 4.Dallas Clark, Colts: As usual, Clark had another solid year with the Colts, and caught 11 touchdown passes. He seems to do everything a TE is suppose to do well. 5.Tony Gonzalez, Chiefs: What can you say about Gonzo? He has achieved everything a tight end can hope for and still is playing at a high level today, even though he will enter his 12th season in two months. 6.Todd Heap, Ravens: Heap could probably be the definition of "solid." Even though he was out for a lot of the season last year, he was on pace for another good season. 7.Chris Cooley, Redskins: Cooley has a well-rounded game and has real good numbers for only being in the league for four years. 8.Heath Miller, Steelers: Miller is a young, physical tight end who can block well, and also be solid on the receiving end. 9.Tony Scheffler, Broncos: Tony has exceeded expectations in his first two years with the Broncos. Yes, he was supposed to be a decent pass catching TE, but he has flourished into a really good young talent. 10.Owen Daniels, Texans: Average sized tight end that has played much better than average in his first two seasons with Houston. I think we'll be poised for an even bigger season this year as the Texans make a run at their first playoff appearance in their history. 11.Ben Watson, Patriots: Watson doesn't have the best numbers due to Randy Moss and Wes Welker, but he is a tight end that can get it done when given the opportunity. He has some decent speed as well. 12.Jeremy Shockey, Giants: Shockey has always been a tough player who could throw a good block. His receiving skills are solid as well, but we will see how he comes off his injury. 13.Daniel Graham, Broncos: Graham is possibly the best, if not the best, blocking TE in the league. He fits well in Denver as he poses as an extra blocker for Denver running backs in the zone blocking system. He can also catch a few passes. 14.Vernon Davis, 49ers: Davis, like Gates, is an extremely athletic end and has improved in both seasons in the NFL, which is saying something when you don't have a decent QB throwing to you. 15.Greg Olsen, Bears: Olsen was a good performer for the Bears as a rook last season, and should get a bigger role this year, as he will be the Bears best pass catcher. 16.Zach Miller, Raiders: Miller was strong at the end of the year last season and I expect it to carry over to this season. If JaMarcus Russell can get him the ball, things for the Raiders O will improve all around. 17.L.J. Smith, Eagles: Smith has some good talent, and if he can become a better pass catcher, Smith could be a top 10 TE by the end of the season. 18.Marcedes Lewis, Jaguars: Lewis has good size and is able spread the D, and I think he could play a bigger role this year as the Jags try and make a run at the Super Bowl. 19.Kevin Boss, Giants: Boss has good upside and filled in for Jeremy Shockey very well last season when Shockey was injured. He also came up big in the Giants Super Bowl victory. 20.Alge Crumpler, Titans: Crumpler is a very dependable TE, who has good blocking size and is a decent receiver.

Philadelphia Eagles Fantasy Depth Chart

Sat, 28 Jun 2008 13:53:39 -0500

Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook are proven fantasy performers, but who else on the Eagles is worth investing in on draft day? Our fantasy depth chart will help answer that question

L.J. Smith On NBC 10 Sports Final

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 16:56:22 -0500

Eagles tight end L.J. Smith did an interview with John Clark of NBC 10 this past Sunday. L.J. touched on many things including his role in improving the red zone offense, what he expects of himself in 2008, and more. Here is the video enjoy!

swoop ties it up!!!

Sun, 22 Jun 2008 16:06:21 -0500

Hey all eagles fan swoop tied it all up 50%-50% if you havent voted yet get that vote in!!!!! round ends june 24th http://www.sportsline.com/spin/story/10868936

SWOOP TO MAKE THE GREAT COMBACK!!!

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 16:56:36 -0500

SWOOP HAS CLOSED THE GAP ON CHEIF ZEE'S LEAD... HE IS NOW ONLY LOSING 47-53 OPPOSED TO THE 40-60 HE WAS LOSING BY... COME ON EAGLES FAN LETS HELP OUR BELOVED MASCOT KICK SOME DEADSKIN A$$!!! P.S. CHEIF ZEE IS REALLY CREEPY LOOKING!

The Bruno Boys Interview Dave Dameshek

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 01:19:48 -0500

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...

Ultimate FF Strategy's 2008 Tight End Rankings

Thu, 29 May 2008 10:21:52 -0500

Ultimate FF Strategy's 2008 Quaterback Rankings are now available. They include projections, a reward and a risk grade which are all used to make the rankings. Witten, Gates, Winslow and Gonzalez are the obvious top 4 but you will likely be surprised at who completes our top 5... You can find our Non-PPR rankings here: http://www.ultimateffstrategy.com/Rankings/te_noppr.htm

Gasperson tries to catch on with Eagles at tight end

Thu, 29 May 2008 05:40:45 -0500

Well not only is he not very good, failing to make the roster year after year, but apparently he isn't very smart either. Instead of sticking with WR, a position he ought to know inside and out, he is switching to TE. Don't we have enough TE's on the roster that will definitely make the team over him? read on...