Apologies for not introducing the new fantasy football team sooner, but come Monday night we were on the edge as to whether or not we would pull of a victory for the week (we managed it, somehow), and I didn't want to be jinxing myself in praising my players too much.
So, here they are, Sophomore Slump:
QB:
Matt Hasselbeck (Seattle) - We're hoping that Sunday was a fluke, and he continues to be a cornerstone of the team. He's moved from anonymity on the team to top status, I hope the pressure isn't too much for him. Especially since he's got Big Bad Ben's shoes to fill.
Mark Brunell (Washington) - We may be rethinking our contract with Mr. Brunell. He was the best available quarterback when it came time to pick up the 2nd quarterback, so I took him, but I did not take into consideration the Santana Moss factor. I'm OK with Santana Moss being a streaky player, and would love the double points on those good days, but don't think I can suffer through the lack of double points on those bad days.
Brad Johnson (Minnesota) - Currently he's one of those players I have to look at my roster to remember he's on the team. Last night I managed to remember that I had Minnesota's QB on the team, but couldn't have remembered his name if I had to. And I only remembered that much because Minnesota played Washington this week. He was on the bench last week, but put up good numbers. Hopefully this will continue throughout the season.
RB:
Tiki Barber (NY Giants) - I love me some Tiki Barber. And I love when that Manning boy gives Tiki the ball. I wish they'd let Tiki score some touchdowns, rather than using Tiki to get the ball to the 2 yard line and THEN deciding to give him a break, but I'll take it. We've also adjusted the song a bit this year. Instead of, "In the Tiki, Tiki, Tiki, Tiki, Tiki room." It's now, "In the Tiki, Tiki, Tiki, Tiki Barber room."
LaMont Jordan (Oakland) - You'd think with the goose egg he gave me Monday night I'd be upset, but I actually fell a little bit more in love with him Monday night. Because my opponent had Aaron Brooks, Oakland's Quarterback. And when it got to the point in the game where LaMont wasn't ever going to get the ball again because they had to throw it to try to get on the scoreboard, the coach pulled Aaron Brooks in favor of some other QB. I think that LaMont got the coach to make that change, to insure that my opponent wouldn't sneak by me to win the week. I don't care how he gets me the win, I got the win.
Reuben Droughns (Cleveland) - University of Oregon represents!
Jerious Norwood (Atlanta) - My final pick of the draft. His numbers looked good for the final player to be picked up for the year, and I liked his name.
WR/TE:
Santana Moss (Washington) - I wasn't able to keep him, but I still picked him up this year. And that makes me happy, because I love him.
Drew Bennett (Tennessee) - He scored me 11 points on Sunday. If that keeps up I will learn to love him.
Lee Evans (Buffalo) - Everyone in my league calls him Linda Evans. So far that is the impression that I have formed. I tend to be rather ambivalent about my wide receivers, and Lee gets the brunt of that.
Javon Walker (Denver) - Given the number of Colorado natives in my league, I'm a little surprised I have a Bronco on my team. They tend to be taken earlier than they're worth, because of the team the play for. Maybe I just got myself a lemon, we'll see.
Chris Cooley (Washington) - I didn't intend to have so many Redskins on the team. This was my 2nd to last pick of the draft, and I was enamored by his hair. We may be rethinking this decision soon.
K:
David Akers (Philadeplphia) - Due to my scrawl, I spent a good chunk of Sunday morning thinking I had the kicker for Atlanta. Until that guy actually had to kick the ball, and it wasn't David. And every time John Kasay kicked a monstrous field goal I lamented the fact that I did not get him back on my team this year. And despite all that David scored me 7 points. He obviously wants to fight his way into my heart, so I think I shall let him.
Lawrence Tynes (Kansas City) - A return from last year, he never dissapointed as a back-up guy.
D:
New York Giants - Another return from last season that never dissapointed. There was no way I would activate them for the hot Manning on Manning action that we saw Sunday night, but I'm sure they'll do right by me later on this season.
Baltimore Ravens - Over 1/3 of my fantasy points for the week were scored by the Ravens. They sacked, intercepted, scored a touchdown, and did not allow the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to score even once. Oakland didn't score once this week either, and that's who Baltimore faces next week. MONEY IN THE BANK!