Chester Taylor was the odd man out in Chicago and was released on the final day of roster trimming Saturday. His bounce landing was smooth and a interesting one as the ex-Bear running back was snatched up quickly by the Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals went from being loaded in the backfield to needing immediate help in a matter of weeks. After the NFL draft, the Cardinals roster consisted of Chris Beanie Wells, Tim Hightower and newly selected rookie Ryan Williams. As you may know, Hightower was traded to Washington mainly because of the new rookie, but unfortunately Ryan Williams was injured and placed on IR.

This led to many people circling or highlighting Beanie Wells on their draft board. The notion of “less is more” couldn’t describe Beanie Wells situation any better in fantasy; There’s nobody else to get carries, they must all be his. Regrettably, those who had high expectations for Wells, may now have to back off just a bit.

Beanie Wells wasn’t exactly at the top of your fantasy draft board, but I’m sure he did make your sleeper list (he got the “S” in our Depth Charts).

Despite the now or never expectations for Beanie Wells, Chester Taylor in Arizona could mean more than you think. Granted he was just cut by the Bears, but NFL team systems can be very player specific. Taylor who was one of last years more applying free agents never caught on in the Mike Martz offense.

There has been many running backs that have not worked out in one team’s colors, only to flourish in another. A perfect example is Cedric Benson, also a former Chicago Bear running back that was reborn in Cincinnati. Granted, his off-field problems had a major factor in his departure, but nevertheless, my point is that a system that caters to a certain style may thrive with the right personal.

Chester Taylor will be 32 in a couple weeks, but has only ever had one season where he had a full workload. In fact, you could say for an active running back that has only ever missed 5 games in 8 seasons, he is fairly healthy and under-used. Clearly his age and recent failure in Chicago will mark him as unworthy as a fantasy option across the nation as many will say he is past his prime, but I am a little more curious.

Chester Taylor Career Numbers

Beanie Wells track record doesn’t exactly instill the up-most confidence in fantasy owners. He has been a bust in the eyes of many and even with people buying into this second or even third chance to step up to expectations, I have my “believe it when I see it” attitude towards his 2011 season.

In closing, I am looking forward to seeing some stats an highlights early on in the first couple weeks for the Cardinals. The NFC West isn’t really known for their prestigious defense, so I am wondering just how Chester Taylor fits in.

-Possible waiver wire pick-up/ late round sleeper

Fantasy Football:

Three years ago Larry Fitzgerald turned a quick slant route into a go-ahead 64-yard touchdown in Super Bowl XLIII. If the Arizona defense had held Ben Roethlisberger and Santonio Holmes out of the end zone, Fitzgerald’s seven catches for 127 yards and two touchdowns would have made him a Super Bowl champion and MVP. It would have been the perfect ending to one of the greatest two-year runs by any receiver in NFL history. In both the 2008 and 2009 seasons, Fitzgerald posted at least 96 catches, 1,400 yards, and 10 scores. And he was only 25.

Of course, the Steelers eventually prevailed as SB XLIII Champions. However, Fitzgerald’s postseason momentum carried over into 2009. He was largely considered the best real-life and fantasy receiver in the NFL. He backed up that notion with another 1,000-yard receiving season and a career-best 13 TDs.
Fast forward to the post-lockout NFL and Fitzgerald has become an elite fantasy afterthought. So what happened in 2010 that caused such a downgrade? Surely he lost a step, dropped a handful of passes, suffered a serious injury, or ran into off-the-field trouble, right?
Wrong.

If you watched Saturday’s preseason game, you saw Fitzgerald blow past two Chargers for an 80-yard TD; the man didn’t earn the nicknames of “Sticky Fingers” or “The Best Hands in the NFL” by dropping passes either; he’s only missed four games in seven seasons; and outside of Peyton Manning, Fitzgerald is probably the most trustworthy player in the NFL.

Further, the Cardinals just reinvested in Fitzgerald, signing him to an eight-year deal worth $120 million. It’s the third time the team has given him serious money. So why are people doubting a player who just became the highest-paid receiver in the league and is still in his prime at 28? The Cardinals aren’t paying him for his community service off the field (although it doesn’t hurt any). Arizona is paying him—let me channel my inner Keyshawn Johnson here—to catch the damn ball.

But there’s a reason for all the doubt: last year Larry Fitzgerald posted his worst statistical outside of his rookie season and his third season in the league, in which he missed three games. He finished outside of the top 15 of receivers in fantasy football, scoring only six TDs, and he had the least talented collection of signal-callers (maybe in NFL history) throwing him the ball in Max Hall, Derek Anderson, John Skelton, and Richard Bartel—who sound more like a gospel quartet than a group of starting QBs in the NFL. Clearly Fitzgerald was mostly a victim of Kurt Warner’s decision to trade in his helmet and pads for half-buttoned shirts and sequined pants.

For the fantasy owner willing to take another glance, though, the 2010 season wasn’t all that bad for the post-Warner Fitzgerald. He still managed to haul in 90 catches and rack up 1,137 receiving yards, which was the eighth most in the league, on 173 targets from a bunch of scrubs. The 173 targets were third in the NFL behind only Reggie Wayne (176) and Roddy White (179). However, the Arizona offense was handicapped by its lack of a competent passer with many of the intended pass being un-catchable, ruining Fitzgerald’s chances at double-digit scores.

The 2010 season obviously put a damper on Fitzgerald’s perceived fantasy value; however, it also means that fantasy owners might be able to get Fitzgerald at a great value. Fitzgerald’s place in the top three of fantasy receivers in the game has almost unanimously disappeared. It’s hard to question a top three of Andre Johnson, who is building a Hall of Fame resume; Roddy White, who has turned into a gameday workhorse; and Calvin Johnson, who with a healthy Matthew Stafford could show why he’s considered the most talented receiver in the NFL. Though many still rank Fitzgerald in the top 10, you don’t have to look very far to see him being undervalued. For those lucky enough to nab Fitzgerald, I think he will once again make a claim for the title of the best receiver in the game.

So here are two reasons why Larry Fitzgerald will reclaim his spot as a top-three fantasy receiver in 2011:

1.) Kevin Kolb—You can argue that the Cardinals overpaid for Michael Vick’s backup. What you can’t argue against is that the Cardinals filled a huge hole in their roster and took a step back to relevancy. For the second season in a row, Kolb finds himself as the unquestioned week one starter. However, he doesn’t have to worry about looking over his shoulder and seeing Vick in Arizona. How much does Kolb help Fitzgerald? Exponentially. Kolb worked out with Fitzgerald this summer and has his full confidence, which is key for any QB-WR relationship. The first question mark is whether Kolb can stay healthy. At 6-foot-3 and 218 pounds, Kolb isn’t undersized at QB but, like Stafford, he hasn’t proven he can take the necessary weekly beating. He’s also been criticized for his tendency to check down too often and not take chances down the field. However, in Saturday’s preseason game against the Chargers, Kolb lofted a pretty spiral to Fitzgerald for a TD and just barely overthrew him on another long shot down the field. Kolb will learn like Warner that sometimes you just have to give Fitzgerald a chance, even if he is covered. Kolb’s greatest strength is his accuracy, which will help him connect with his favorite receiver more often than not. Expect another 150-plus target season for Fitzgerald—this time with over 100 catches and at least 10 TDs because of Kolb’s accuracy and ability to deliver a well-thrown ball.

2.) An improved supporting cast—The Cardinals traded away Anquan Boldin two years ago because of its perceived depth at WR. This offseason Steve Breaston left as a free agent and reunited with Todd Haley in Kansas City. All of a sudden Arizona was hurting at WR. However, that doesn’t mean the cupboard is bare. Opposite of Fitzgerald, Early Doucet and Andre Roberts should provide enough protection. Doucet was supposed to be Boldin Light, but the fourth-year receiver hasn’t lived up to those expectations because of a variety of injuries. Doucet showed his potential in 2009 against the Packers, reeling in six catches for 77 yards and two TDs. Doucet has impressed coaches in camp and looks prepped for a solid year opposite Fitzgerald or in the slot. Roberts is a second-year receiver out of The Citadel. After a rough start to his rookie season, he torched the Dallas secondary in Week 16 for 110 yards and a score. Roberts has plenty of speed and, as long as he continues to refine his skills at the position, he should make a huge leap in year two. Finally the most important addition could be veteran tight end Todd Heap. After spending his first 10 years in Baltimore, Heap returned home to Arizona as a free agent this summer—he was born in Mesa and played his college football at Arizona State. In his career, Heap has amassed 41 TDs, and at 6-foot-5 and 252 pounds he should be a solid red zone target for Kolb and open up the outside for Fitzgerald. Stephen Williams and Demarco Sampson have also showed potential in the preseason, adding to the depth and competition behind Fitzgerald.

Larry Fitzgerald is a media-savvy guy and has undoubtedly heard the news of his decline as an elite fantasy football receiver. The Cardinals met Fitzgerald’s demands of finding a long-term solution at quarterback and he recommitted to the team for the rest of his prime. Now I expect Fitzgerald to reward Cardinal fans and fantasy owners alike who still believe in him as a top-three fantasy receiver. 2011 prediction: 100 receptions, 1,200 yards, and 11 TDs.

photos: Zimbio

Fantasy Football:

New Orleans vs. Arizona Cardinals

This rematch from last year’s NFC Divisional round has lost a bit excitement. Though 2-2, the Cardinals are not nearly the team they were, and now have a rookie making his NFL debut as a starter. The Saints are still moving the ball, but have had some struggles in the red zone.

New Orleans offense is still potent, but not like last year’s championship squad. Drew Brees is playing well, and continuing to spread the ball to any and all receivers. Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas will miss this game, and in their place will be  Ladell Betts and Chris Ivory. Marques Colston has yet to score in 2010, but had success against the Cardinals in last year’s playoff victory.

Max Hall debuts as a starter. Unfortunately for him, Arizona is really hurting at wide receiver. Both Steve Breaston and Early Doucet will miss this game. This will continue to have a negative effect on Larry Fitzgerald, who is facing massive attention from opposing defenders. Arizona’s ground game is in better shape, with Beanie Wells and Tim Hightower both playing well. Look for the Cardinals to attempt to protect their rookie signal caller, and keep the ball out of the Saint’s hands by attempting to control the clock with the ground game.

[table "70" not found /]

Fantasy Football:

Arizona Cardinals 2-1 vs. San Diego Chargers 1-2

The Arizona Cardinals are a surprising 2-1, while the San Diego Chargers are 1-2. Of course the Cardinals 2 wins are by a combined 5 points against the Rams and Raiders. The Chargers have lost both of their road games so far, but pummeled the Jaguars in week 2 in San Diego.

In a division that everyone assumed the Chargers would wrap up in early November, San Diego is looking up in standings, 2 games out of first place. Worse, they are coming off a tough loss that saw the  defense limit the Seahawks to one TD, and the offense rack up over 500 yards. The special teams unit again let the Chargers down, as they surrendered two kick off return touchdowns, including the ultimate losing score of the game. This is going to be an angry Chargers squad Sunday. All indications are that Ryan Mathews will return healthy for this game.

As long as the Cardinals are starting Derek Anderson, there is little chance of a fantasy star emerging from the desert. Larry Fitzgerald is a proven super star, but Anderson is struggling to connect with him. Anderson’s completion percentage is a mediocre 52%. Worse, now the Cardinals will be without Early Doucet and Steve Breaston for the next game or two. With the healthy return of RB Chris Wells, look for the Cards to begin to become more of the smash mouth, run first team that Head Coach Ken Whisenhut prefers, from his days in Pittsburgh. Stephen Williams, who looked good in the pre-season, will step in at receive this week, while Breaston is out. As is standard, the Cardinals tight end position has no fantasy value.

[table "23" not found /]

Fantasy Football:

“I don’t really know what else I could possibly do,” Leinart said Monday. “It probably goes beyond football, beyond the field actually. For me, I am not making excuses. I am not going to complain. For me, I just really want an explanation and I haven’t been given one.”

What an ego, maybe you just suck?

Fantasy Football:

Beanie Wells Break Out Season

The one thing that drives me crazy, especially when talking about Beanie Wells is his history with injuries. This is football, not badminton, so if a guy gets hurt, don’t slap the caution sticker on him for life. Many players have recovered from injuries to bounce back and regain form…and Beanie is one of them.

This former Ohio State Buckeye really turned it on strong late last year, and had a solid role in the Cardinals playoff run, despite the lack of touches. Chris Wells averaged a very impressive 4.5 yards per carry for 793 yards and found the endzone 7 times in his rookie season.

This year, the Cardinals are a team in transition. Seeing players like Warner and Boldin leave may have people giving up on everything in the red uniform that isn’t named Fitzgerald, but while Arizona’s passing attack is changing gears, the running game is about to ref the engine, and burn rubber.

The Cardinals most underrated signing this off-season is Pro Bowl guard Alan Faneca. This former Jet/Steelers has a resume of being apart of some of the best running teams over the last 10 years. The Cardinals were already fairly strong with their interior line, guys like RG Rex Hadnot and Center Lyle Sendein had excellent 09 seasons. Thereby this added leadership should make one of the most underrated offensive lines in football, that much better. Just to throw it out there Deuce Lutui has been rumored to be up around 400 lbs, not  bragging rights by any means, but if the coaching staff can get this huge former USC lineman back on track, goal line holes will be large enough to skip through.

The biggest problem standing in the way of Beanie Wells becoming a huge fantasy star, is his counter part Tim Hightower. Hightower split carries with Beanie all year but had a worse rushing average. While Beanie hung back as the number 2 guy in 09, the job is secretly being groomed for him as there is more investment and potential in the late round 1st rounder. I expect huge transition in the amount of carries for Wells this year adding 20-25% more of the rock his way.

Overall I just like the way Beanie plays. Even if the line is just slightly improved from a year ago it’s the wealth that he brings to a team that has lost two important pieces to the passing attack. Whisenhunt is a smart coach with a history of working with what his has, opposed to forcing a template offense. Whisenhunt was once the man in the Steelers driver seat and with Faneca back on the line, things could look completely different in the dome.

Fantasy Football:

Green Bay Packers at Arizona Cardinals-1.5

Before this article grabs Green Bay fans by the wrists and drags them into the depths of painful, realistic punishment, let’s adore the facts. Green Bay just beat the Arizona Cardinals. They did so handily, 33-7, and after winning seven of their last eight games, there really isn’t much to suggest a first round exit.

If you truly believe that, you’re either a naive Cheesehead from Wisconsin, or you simply don’t follow the NFL.

After seeing the Minnesota Vikings beat the New York Giants and end any chances of the Cardinals obtaining a first round bye, Arizona head coach Ken Wisenhunt “wizened up” (pun intended) and sat all of his offensive starters after less than a quarter of play.What transgressed was the Green Bay Packers (who left their starters in for nearly the entire game) demolishing the Cardinals. Add the soul-pounding victory by Green Bay with it’s other six victories out of it’s last eight games, and you’ve got a confident group of players and coaches on your hands.

But, really, are they that confident?

They’re going back to the same place they just played in less than a week. Only, this time they get the real deal. The Cardinals saw what the Packers are capable of. They saw their offense going to work, how their defense works in it’s 3-4, and what tendencies Mike McCarthy and co. have. They saw it all first hand, and with extremely good seats, because after all, they were resting on the sidelines.

We all know that history itself isn’t working with the Packers, as it has been increasingly more difficult for teams to either a) beat a team three times in the same season or b) beat a team in Week 17, and then turn around and do the same in the playoffs.

Add the fact that the Packers will be facing a completely different team than they just faced, while also taking their show back on the road, and they have some sizable odds stacked against them.

And we haven’t even gotten to the strategy side of this match-up.

There’s no doubt that Green Bay can move and score the ball with the best of them. But Arizona says “Ditto” to that.

And on defense, both units offer vulnerability to the air attack, as evidenced by Green Bay’s embarrassing performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers, where Ben Roethlisberger passed for over 500 yards and three touchdowns.

The Cardinals, meanwhile, have been inconsistent on defense, allowing the Tennessee Titans to march 99 yards for a game-winning touchdown in the last November game, and then standing tall at home in a physically dominating effort against the high-powered Minnesota Vikings.

Throw in that this is Aaron Rodgers’ playoff debut, that Mike McCarthy hasn’t done anything in the playoffs without Brett Favre, and that the Cardinals were in the Super Bowl last year, and you’ve got yourself a scary game if you’re a Packers fan.

Regardless of either team’s inconsistencies or high-powered offenses, it all comes back to Green Bay having to return to Arizona for a second consecutive week and come out with a victory in a do-or-die setting, something that is never easy. But last week wasn’t the first time these two teams have faced this season. Green Bay also traveled to Arizona for their third pre-season game, a contest in which they prevailed, 44-37. That game, like these other two, was also on the road, and also had very little to do with Arizona’s “real” roster.

After two games with the 10-6 NFC West champions, the Packers will finally get a crack at the real defending NFC champs.

The only problem is, they’ll wish they hadn’t.

This article and more can be found here.

Fantasy Football:

This year the Cardinals are projected to win 8.5 games, are 15/2 to win the NFC Championship game, and 15/1 to win the Super Bowl. Are these Vegas odds making your head spin? Well, to summarize, the odds that the Arizona Cardinals are going back to Super Bowl, or even the playoffs, are not good.


At first glance, the Cardinals chances seem great. Pro bowler Kurt Warner, despite his age of 37, is still arguably one of the top QB’s in the NFL. Safety Adrian Wilson leads a much underrated defensive unit that played great down the stretch last year. The Cards also have one of the most lethal receiving cores in the game. Locking up Anquan Boldin would make everyone feel a little better about the 2009 season, but the fact he wasn’t traded is a good sign. Larry Fitzgerald is an elite playmaker who needs Boldin in the line up to free up double (even triple) coverage.

The NFC West was a walking band-aid last year, and should not be considered as weak as many people think. With some of the improvements made this off-season, there is no way any one team will win the division with ease. The Seattle Seahawks grabbed Houshmandzadeh in free agency, helping a laughable receiving core get better quickly; key players Deion Brach and Matt Hasselbeck are both returning from injury. A fresh start with new coach Jim Mora could also be good for some of these seasoned Seattle veterans. Not since the 1992 season have the Seattle Seahawks had such a low win total. The shocking 4-12 season will be huge motivation to improve quickly and challenge for a playoff spot.
The Rams lost playmaker Torry Holt and veteran LT Orlando Pace, but look somewhat strong after bringing in the New York Giants Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo to lead the pack. The Rams had an excellent draft and even made a few solid free agent signings.
The San Francisco 49ers, who were ghosts in free agency, came away laughing after Oakland passed on Texas Tech wide receiver Michael Crabtree at the NFL Draft in April. The only question now is who’s going to lead this young team? The right quarterback might have the 49ers finally pulling out of the repair shop with a serious muscle car.


The Cardinals didn’t get to the Super Bowl by default, they knocked off three strong offensive teams: Falcons, Panthers, and Eagles. With each playoff win the team grew more confidence, but an off-season of headaches may hurt the Cardinals 2009 season. Top teams always get picked apart in free agency, although losing as many starters as Arizona did hasn’t sat well with the loyal fan base, not to mention losing both their defensive and offensive coordinators Clancy Pendergast and Todd Haley. Even with the additions of RB Beanie Wells and Safety Rashad Johnson in the draft, this team has the look of being dubbed a one hit wonder. Too many losses on defense and the shake up of the coaching staff will mean the offense will be forced to win games in a shoot out fashion. This is great news if you have fantasy players, but hard to rely on down the stretch of the NFL season. The Cardinals schedule isn’t easy, playing 4 out of 5 road games starting in the middle of November, while going up against many up and coming teams such as the Jaguars, Texans, Bears, and Packers. Gridiron Experts predicts anywhere between a 6 to 9 win season.

Fantasy Football:

Fantasy Football: