http://www.yardbarker.com/content/player/3617 Recent articles about Zach Thomas en-us Some big-time changes that will affect that often-forgotten final spot on your fantasy football starting roster - the offseason impacts for DEF/ST heading into the 2008 season, from free agency to trades to the draft. Wed, 06 Aug 2008 11:42:13 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/301875 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/301875 "The kicking was a strength and that's about it," said Kevin Rogers of 790 The Ticket in Miami during a radio interview on "The Mike Gill Show" on ESPN Radio 1450, Atlantic City. When that's the first thing you can comment on when looking for positives in a football season, you know you have a long way to go. Miami was awarded an expansion team back in 1965 and has been on of the better franchises along the way. However, in 2007.... Wed, 06 Aug 2008 08:56:05 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/301771 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/301771 For those in IDP leagues, we have the Top 83 Linebackers in the game to help you for your Fantasy Football Championship run. A must read for all Fantasy Football lovers Tue, 05 Aug 2008 08:14:52 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/301136 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/301136 Here is a great article by Bucky Brooks that offers a indepth assessment of the Raiders upcoming season. It is thoughtful, positive in tone and realistic in content. Mon, 04 Aug 2008 18:09:17 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/300822 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/300822 Enough already. Enough with the daily updates on Brett Favre. I can't imagine even Brett Favre is this interested in Brett Favre. He's playing, he's not playing, he'll show up to training camp, he won't show up, he used a Packers cellphone to order pizzas for the whole Minnesota Vikings roster ... seriously. Stop it. There are other things going in the NFL. And yes, I know: there is stuff going on outside the NFL, too. There is baseball and the Dark Knight and supposedly we're going to have some sort of election. That is actually my point: American adults can only use so much brain matter on pro football, and lately, all of it has been occupied by Brett Favre. And in the meantime, we're missing out on some more interesting training camp stories. Here are seven: 1. The Patriots huddle and discuss: "What the hell do we now?" This team was basically one helmet-catch away from the greatest season in NFL history. If the Pats had won the Super Bowl, this summer would be filled with speculation about when they might actually lose a game. Instead ... well, we bring you back to the question at the top: What do they do now? They were clearly determined to run the table last year, more than any team in modern NFL history. Can they bring that kind of focus again? Is that even possible? The suspicion here is that the Patriots follow the example of the Steelers, Colts, Miami Heat and St. Louis Cardinals in recent years. Those teams all followed dynamic regular seasons with disappointing postseasons, then won the championship the following year. If you're a Patriot, how can September dominance seem so important again? These guys will have to pull back this fall, giving them time to catch up on things like ... BREAKING NEWS: Sources close to the situation indicate that Brett Favre is thinking about having eggs for breakfast. One source emphasized that Favre isn't SURE he wants eggs; another said he is "80 percent likely" to have eggs if he eats breakfast, but there is a 10 percent chance he skips breakfast altogether, leaving him with a 72 percent chance of ordering eggs, if our math is correct, which it probably is not. 2. The Saints try to save several careers There are a lot of exciting players in the NFL. There are only a few that make you say "Wow, I don't know if I've ever seen anybody quite like this guy." Jeremy Shockey burst onto the scene as one of those guys. Just a freak — a receiver in a tight end's body. But he has this little problem: he can't finish a season. And there were mumbles last year that Shockey's need for the ball was hindering Eli Manning's development with the Giants. Then Shockey got hurt, and Manning won the Super Bowl. If Shockey is the player he thinks he is, New Orleans can be a Super Bowl threat. Reggie Bush is one of those guys, too. Nobody puts together a highlight like Bush. He is, unquestionably, a great weapon to have on your team. But is he a running back? Entering his third season, Bush is averaging 3.7 yards per carry. He has an upright running style that is ill-suited to the NFL. Bush was supposed to revolutionize the running-back position, but so far, the position has transformed him. We'll find out soon if he is truly an NFL star, or another electrifying college player whose skills don't quite translate to the pros. Add linebacker Jonathan Vilma — who could be on his way to another Pro Bowl or retirement, depending on his knee — and the Saints are as intriguing as any team in the league. 3. The Cowboys are throwing Tony Romo, Terrell Owens, The Artist Formerly Known as Pacman Jones, Tank Johnson, Zach Thomas, Roy Williams, a coach who is rumored to be a lame duck (Wade Phillips) and a coordinator who could take over for said duck (Jason Garrett) all into one pot. The result could be a Super Bowl champion. Fascinating. BREAKING NEWS: Favre decides! Sunny-side up. 4. The Giants try to do things in reverse order. Lose your highest-profile player, then win the Super Bowl, then win your division. It's a twist, you gotta admit. 5. Will the Detroit Lions finally be good? No. 6. The Norv Turner Show! (I don't know if there is, or ever has been, something called The Norv Turner Show. I assume there has. But I can't imagine why anybody would watch it.) The San Diego Chargers are threatening to be one of those teams that seems like it should win the Super Bowl five years in a row but never even makes it. At some point, LaDainian Tomlinson will start to decline. At some point, so will the Chargers. The NFL is cyclical. Will this be the year San Diego comes through? 7. Green Bay makes a bold decision to ... keep its team. Am I the only one here who is more interested in watching Aaron Rodgers this season than Brett Favre? (Put your hand down, coach McCarthy.) Favre is one of the best quarterbacks ever, and in his prime, nobody was more fun to watch. But at this point, we know what he is: a guy who can put up good numbers, make some great plays and force passes that can kill his team. Rodgers is an unknown. In his one extended stretch under center, against the Cowboys last year, he was terrific. And the fact that the Packers are willing to end Favre's ironman streak, or trade him, and risk the public backlash, just to see what Rodgers can do ... well, that's enough to get me to watch the guy. BREAKING NEWS: Wait! An audible! Favre is now requesting "over easy." Amen to that. Tue, 29 Jul 2008 12:10:46 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/297488 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/297488 I feel like no one believes that the eagles can win the NFC east but I am going to break it down by position, and that will show they are plenty good enough to win the division QB: This is where i differ from most, everyone LOVES Romo but his numbers were pedestrian both years. He throws too many pics and does not come up when it counts. If Mcnabb can stay healthy I would put them like this 1.Eagles 2.Cowboys 3.Giants 4.Redskinsl RB: At the running back position the clear cut best back is westbrook, and with Buckhalter and Booker backing him up the Eagles take the cake at RB. I love the way marion barber runs the ball, but he is very overrated many people watch espn and see barber and go wow this guys great. However, he only had 975 yards, he needs to be the feature back for a full year and put up bigger numbers then that. People also forget how good Portis is and the redskins have betts too so they are in front of the cowboys, and then i put jacobs and the giants at the back of the pack even though that is very good RB corps. 1.Eagles 2.Redskins 3.Cowboys 4. Giants Wr/TE: This is where the eagles sturggle, they have no number one, can beat double coverage, wide reciever, niether do the redskins, but the giants and cowboys do(Owens and Plaxico). Owens is better then Plaxico and the cowboys also have other option i.e. Witten, and craytons alright too. Then its between the redskins and eagles for three ands four. While I love curtis and the addition of desean jackson they are not great, at least not yet for desean. The redskins do have moss, cooley, and then about 5 number 2/3 wide recievers. so this poistoin goes 1.Cowboys 2.Giants 3.Redskins 4. Eagles OL: This is an interesting position. the O-lines for all the teams have been streaky but i put them like this 1.eagles 2.cowboys 3. Giants 4. Redskins DL: At DL this division is stacked names like, Osi and Jayston taylor, and demarcus ware(I know LB but hes a pass rusher), Trent Cole, Justin Tuck, Greg Eliis. They are all very good or great pass rushers. At DT last year Mike patterson was one of the best in the league leading all D-linemen in tackles. I can't really tell yo how good the years were for the otehr teams DTs but i know the D-lines in general and they go like this, but they are all very good. 1.Giants 2.Cowboys 3.Eagles 4.Redskins LB:I differ here from many people. I know no one knows the eagles linebackers but I think they are going to be playmakerrs all year this year, they are young talented athletic playmakers. The cowboys have very good Lbs, I do not like Zach thomas as much as most, too slow and old, but he is still a geart LB. The Giants have pierce but that is about it ecspecially after losing kawika mitchell, and the redskins have LFB and marcus washington. I rank the LBs, but i think by the end of the season the eagles could have the best corps in the division and for years to come. 1.Cowboys 2.Redskins 3.Eagles 4.Redskins DB: In my opinion this is the most clear cut, the Eagles have the best with three pro bow caliber corners, then the cowboys with a lot of talent at the position, then the redskins, and then I just dont think the giants are very good in teh secondary. 1.Eagles 2.cowboys 3.Redskins 4. Giants Then special teams. this will shock everyone but I think the eagles now ahve the best special teams on the division. Desean jackson is a wizard of return and we all know how good david akers can be, and if you've been to leigh you can see Sav Rocca's potential. Then plus the free-agent signings of the free agent specialist it makes for a great unit I rank um like this. 1.Eagles 2.Cowboys 3.Redskins 4.Giants From thos rankings it is clear that the eagles have the talent to win this division. They just have to put this together on the field. The NFC representitive in the Suber Bowl will be from this division, my opinion I think it will be the Eagles or Cowboys, can not wait to watch those two teams play. As jessica simpson(or Justin timberlake) said at the espys, Romo Romo Wherefor art thouh Romo. Fri, 25 Jul 2008 08:37:27 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/295378 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/295378 Courtesy of ESPN ( Commentary in the original article ) Mon, 21 Jul 2008 08:44:00 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/293145 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/293145 There's nothing like a good survey to spark a great debate. Well, the NFL coaches were asked to name names in the who's the smartest and dirtiest in the league. The votes are in and voted dirtiest player in the league is... www.rawsportsblog.com Wed, 02 Jul 2008 11:21:39 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/285088 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/285088 This article examines the production of linebackers in a 3-4 scheme as opposed to 4-3 schemes in fantasy football and IDP (Individual Defensive Player) leagues. Wed, 25 Jun 2008 16:21:52 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/282364 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/282364 No one was happier to see the Miami Dolphins season end more than the team itself! Fans watched in amazement as Miami produced one of the worst NFL seasons, ever! Miami's first and only win came in game #14 in which they defeated the Baltimore Ravens 22 to16. That is about the only highlight that came from this sorry team. RB Ronnie Brown was enjoying what was one of the better seasons by any running back in the league, having accumulated 991 total yards through his first seven games and scoring a combined 5 touchdowns before suffering a season ending ACL tear. Miami's only other possible fantasy contributor, WR Chris Chambers was shipped to the San Diego Chargers mid-season for a 2008 second round draft choice. Miami didn't sit around long, hiring Bill Parcells to run the organization. Soon after, Parcells fired Head Coach Cam Cameron, replacing him with Tony Sparano. These hirings can only be seen as a positive sign as anyone and everyone knows that Parcells will not tolerate anything less than 110% effort! Make sure to read more of what Bruno Boys Fantasy Football staff writer Chris Ziza has to say about the Miami Dolphins and their fantasy football worthy players heading into the 2008 season by clicking below.. Tue, 24 Jun 2008 00:09:07 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/281567 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/281567 In what is most likely the most competitive division, the defending Super Bowl champions Giants will battle it out with the Cowboys for the division title. The Redskins have a new coach and high expectations, and the Eagles hope their new shutdown corner Asante Samuels boosts their defense. We simulated out the entire season and provide you with team analysis, projected scores and fantasy sleepers. Tue, 17 Jun 2008 17:44:48 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/279066 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/279066 It's hard to imagine the 2007 fantasy football season going any better for the Dallas Cowboys than it did. In fact, out of all 32 NFL teams, the Cowboys were the lone team to have a player rank in the top 10 in fantasy points at each position (including defense). Somewhere, that Dallas Cowboys fan, who solely drafts players from the Big D, is rejoicing with his championship trophy. Make sure to read what Bruno Boys Fantasy Football staff writer Mike Whooley has to say about the Dallas Cowboys heading into the 2008 season by clicking below. Wed, 11 Jun 2008 00:25:10 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/276693 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/276693 I came across this video of Zach Thomas and felt obligated to pose the question: Can Zach Thomas Dance? Check this out and you decide. Sat, 19 Apr 2008 12:24:17 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/243482 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/243482 1. Tom Brady, Patriots (2000) 2. Joe Montana, 49ers (1979) 3. Steve Largent, Oilers (1976) 4. Shannon Sharpe, Broncos (1990) 5. Ken Houston, Oilers (1967) 6. Terrell, Davis, Broncos (1995) 7. Andre Reed, Bills (1985) 8. L.C. Greenwood, Steelers (1969) 9. Charles Haley, 49ers (1986) 10.Rodney Harrison, Chargers (1994) 11. Charlie Joiner, Oilers (1969) 12. Art Shell, Raiders (1968) 13. Dan Fouts, Chargers (1973) 14. Richard Dent, Bears (1983) 15. Zach Thomas, Dolphins (1996) 16. John Stallworth, Steelers (1974) 17. Rayfield Wright, Cowboys (1992) 18. Harry Carson, Giants (1976) 19. Dwight Clark, 49ers (1979) 20. Seth Joyner, Eagles (1986) 21. Mark Clayton, Dolphins (1983) 22. Mike Webster, Steelers (1974) 23. Harold Carmichael, Eagles (1971) 24. Earnest Byner, Browns (1984) 25. John Taylor, 49ers (1986) 26. Clyde Simmons, Eagles (1979) 27. Hardy Nickerson, Steelers (1987) 28. Matt Hasselbeck, Packers (1998) 29. Jamal Anderson, Falcons (1994) 30. Karl Mecklenburg, Broncos (1983) 31. Bob Kuechenberg, Eagles (1969) 32. Mark Schlereth, Redskins (1989) 33. Hines Ward, Steelers (1998) 34. Mark Bavaro, Giants (1985) 35. Keenan McCardell, Redskins (1991) 36. Trent Green, Chargers (1993) 37. Greg Lloyd, Steelers (1987) 38. Marc Bulger, Saints (2000) 39. Tyrone Braxton, Broncos (1987) 40. Ahman Green, Seahawks (1998) 41. Larry Brown, Cowboys (1991) 42. Brian Sipe, Browns (1972) 43. La'Roi Glover, Raiders (1996) 44. Jesse Sapolu, 49ers (1983) 45. Leon Lett, Cowboys (1991) 46. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Bengals (2001) 47. Troy Brown, Patriots (1993) 48. Aaron Kampman, Packers (2002) 49. Joe Horn, Chiefs (1996) 50. Brian Westbrook, Eagles (2002 Fri, 18 Apr 2008 17:23:51 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/242386 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/242386 Hey the draft matters and there are always great late round picks that go on to have a hall of fame career. So in the spirit of competition here is the list of players taken after rounds one through four. Here's the list... www.rawsportsblog.com Thu, 17 Apr 2008 21:27:35 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/241207 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/241207