Donovan McNabb to the Vikings

For the Minnesota Vikings, here we go again.  The Vikings and the Washington Redskins have put together a trade that would bring quarterback Donovan McNabb to the Vikings in exchange for a sixth round pick and a second conditional sixth round pick.  On the surface this is a good trade for both teams.  Everyone knew the Redskins were going to get rid of the longtime Eagle signal caller after one roller coaster ride of a season.  The fact that they got anything for McNabb was a win in D.C.  On the flip side, getting a veteran quarterback on a team that doesn’t have one for two late draft picks was a win for the Vikings as well.

This trade my no means shifts power in the NFC. Washington would be rebuilding with or without McNabb and few think the veteran quarterback will turn the Vikings back into a Super Bowl contender. What it might do for the Vikings is give this group of veterans one last shot at getting to the playoffs.  Even with McNabb coming off of his worst year in a decade, he still gives the Vikings a better chance to win this year.  Christian Ponder is the future in Minnesota, but he would have been eaten up in year one having to play the suddenly rock solid defenses in the NFC North.

Vikings fans have seen this before. Outside of a few years of Brad Johnson and later Daunte Culpepper, the Vikings have been a last stop for a number of quarterbacks.  Reports from a year ago had the Vikings flirting with McNabb already, so their interest this time around should have come to the surprise of no one.  Long term this move makes no sense, but the Vikings front office doesn’t think the window has closed for this group of players.

As far as fantasy football goes, this should improve every Viking skill position player for 2011.  Assuming McNabb is not the train wreck of last season, Visanthe Shiancoe, Percy Harvin and Adrian Peterson all will benefit from a veteran presence in the lineup.  Mike Shanahan was not going to have the veteran on the roster once the lockout was over so this shouldn’t effect anyone’s draft board when it comes to the Redskins.  Come to think of it there are not many players that will be high on anyone’s draft board anyway.

The bottom line is the Vikings continue to spin their wheels at the quarterback position for at least one more year – good news for owners of the skill position players, but does little for the long-term success of the franchise.  Long and short term this was a good move for Washington.  Getting anything for someone everyone knew you were going to get rid of one way or another was a great move.

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Fantasy Football Limbo: Quarterback Edition

Things change Fast in this league. By the time I took the first draft on this article and actually started filling in the information below we had gone from no deal done, to the owners voting on a new CBA, to the players being expected to vote momentarily.

By the time you read this, some of the players listed below Could already have their future’s clear. But the fact is a fantasy owner shouldn’t be afraid to take chances in the later rounds on some players. The following few players are the guys who *COULD* find themselves in a great situation with talent around them.  They could even be world-beaters who go to the playoffs, pro bowl, and accumulate other accolades.

For now … they’re stuck in Fantasy Limbo.

1. Kevin Kolb

The guy who was “The next” quarterback solution in Philadelphia was anointed the starter last season. In fact, there was enough trust in Kolb for the Eagles to trade away franchise quarterback Donovan McNabb. However, insert Mike Vick, after a Clay Matthews induced concussion, and Kolb is a franchise quarterback without a team.

Verdict: He will probably be traded to a team with a decent amount of pieces looking to climb up the ladder. However, he will be expensive! Rumors have had him going for a first rounder plus more.

Destination: Look for him to wind up in the NFC West, as Seattle, Arizona, and even San Francisco could execute a deal for a young franchise quarterback. Kolb is only 26, and in reality he could wind up with any QB needy team. We’ve heard the “Kolb to Arizona” rumors for months and there could be a quick deal done.

2. Carson Palmer

Palmer’s situation is unique. He has the ability, he has the confidence around him, and he even has the franchise to play for. He’s still under contract for now, but this is a battle of a quarterback who is fed up with what’s around him. The problem is, the team owner (Mike Brown) doesn’t want to kick a great quarterback to the curb. These two could continue the standoff, but something might get done soon.

Verdict: Mike Brown never gives in to players as he wants to maintain his hard-nosed image. But every minute that passes leaves other teams less likely to trade for a quarterback. If Mike Brown wants to get rid of Carson at all, he will try to pull the trigger early to maximize his return.

Destination: While Carson’s most likely destination is Cincinnati for the season, don’t be surprised to see him go to Minnesota (he’s a better option than McNabb is). He could also wind up in Seattle where Pete Carroll could provide the perfect environment of young receivers, a strong offensive line, and the USC connection.

3. Kyle Orton

When you hear the name Kyle Orton, most people just laugh because he isn’t a top tier option in fantasy football. However, Orton is probably at the bottom of most top 10 to 12 lists, and that means he could (and should) still be a starting quarterback on many teams. The stats don’t lie, in the last 3 years with 2 different teams (and 2 different playbooks), Orton averaged a 59.8% completion percentage, 40 total TD’s, 19 total INTs, and over 3700 yards per season. Not “lights out,” but it’s a better product than what many currently have.

Verdict: Orton might not leave Denver, but with both Tim Tebow and Brady Quinn looking to claim the starting spot in a (potential) open competition at quarterback, Orton very well could be out the door.

Destination: Orton is an enigma. I don’t think any team is looking to grab him for what he is. However, he could either be the guy that a team settles on (if they miss out on the Kolb deal for example), or he could be a guy to come in and help hold the position down for a while. He would be great in Tennessee, San Francisco, or Minnesota … but he also wants to play and it might not make sense to sign him if you’re only going to bench him halfway through the season for the younger quarterbacks you just drafted to get a shot (Locker, Kaepernick, and Ponder, respectively).

4. Donovan McNabb

My how the mighty have fallen. Last year at this point fans were looking at the McNabb situation in utter disbelief. Traded to a division rival? However, fast forward to this year and you can say you’re surprised for an entirely different set of circumstances. Washington finished their season with Rex Grossman as “the guy.” That means McNabb is an afterthought.

Verdict: McNabb is a smart player and might still have enough in the tank to prove something. If nothing else he can hold down a job until a rookie is ready.

Destination: We’ve heard Minnesota would be a great spot. That means Tennessee and San Francisco could also be destinations for McNabb to hold down the spot for a while as well. However, it wouldn’t be surprising to see McNabb start to fade off into the sunset as father time might not be on his side. He could wind up with a team as a backup, but his situation basically will be determined by where everyone else goes and what everyone else needs.

5. Vince Young

For all of the problems, issues, and just pure controversy around Vince, he is an athlete, he does win, and he only just turned 28. Vince’s problems aren’t his ability; it’s his maturity. He would be perfect with a team that has the pieces and veteran presence. It wouldn’t be surprising to see him in Miami, where Tony Sparano and company might feel the hot seat and the need to win now. If there isn’t enough pure interest in Young, there are always veteran teams looking for a great backup, and the perfect locker room presence of veteran leadership could come from New England, Pittsburgh, or Baltimore.

Verdict: Young has pretty much proven his ability. He needs work, but more than anything he needs control. He should still get a shot somewhere because teams are willing to deal with “problem child” players who cause headaches if they can produce on the field.

Destination: Miami and Washington make the most sense. Neither are over the top teams, but both have enough pieces while still having questions at quarterback. That being said, Young’s issues are going to be with coaches and GMs overall. Teams will take a chance on a WR who’s a diva, or a linebacker with anger management issues. Not many people want an unstable quarterback. It wouldn’t be surprising to see him float around and become a backup.

Fantasy Limbo: Quarterback Edition Gridiron Experts Gridiron Experts - Where Fantasy Football Champions Are Born

Fantasy Football Rankings: Donovan McNabb vs. Carson Palmer

You might not be thinking of it right now, but once the mid-to-late rounds of your fantasy football draft roll around, you might be finding Carson Palmer and Donovan McNabb pretty valuable.

With the lockout doing what it’s done, veterans like McNabb and Palmer arguably hold more value than rookies or other young pups, simply because they have the experience and have produced at a high level for years.

And when that time comes (depending on league size, format, and personal needs), Palmer and McNabb will start to look a bit more attractive as owners of a roster spot on your fantasy football team, especially when we know where they’ll be playing.

The question is, between the two, which is the better choice?

Why You Should Draft Donovan McNabb

He’s older and wiser, and he can’t possibly have a shakier offensive line in his next landing spot than in Washington. We have no idea where he’s going or how he’s getting there, but there were definitely enough flashes from 2010 that displayed McNabb’s true gamer personality. If he has the right team and weapons backing him, I do believe he could still thrive.

I think a lot of people looked at his meager 14 touchdowns and thought he was just pathetic all year, but he actually was pretty consistent. Consistently average, but still consistent. Despite throwing just the 14 scores, McNabb still found a way to throw a touchdown in 12 consecutive games. Not elite, but still very reliable.

McNabb also finished with over 3,300 passing yards, while topping at least 200 yards passing in 11 of his 13 starts. Again, this doesn’t have McNabb up for top-10 consideration, but he was consistently putting up average to slightly-above average production behind a bad offensive line.

Add in that he was robbed of three starts at the end of the year and dealt with injuries for most of the season, and you’ll see McNabb’s first (and likely only) season as a Redskin really wasn’t quite as bad as advertised (at least from a fantasy football rankings perspective).

Why You Should Draft Carson Palmer

I’m not a Palmer fan. His game is erratic and he’s generally not the most reliable fantasy performer. However, as unpredictable as he can be at times, he still knows how to get the ball into the hands of play-makers, and he is extremely effective when his teams are playing catch-up.

Despite having a so-called horrible year in 2010 (the Bengals did finish 4-12, after all), Palmer still threw for 3,970 yards and 26 touchdowns. Again, not elite production, but clearly a better overall season than McNabb had.

A closer look showed that, like McNabb, Palmer was actually surprisingly consistent throughout the season, throwing for at least one touchdown in 14 of 16 games, while tossing at least two touchdowns in nine games, including a seven-game streak with two or more touchdown passes.

Throughout their careers Palmer has shown more of a tendency than McNabb to put up big yardage and amass more touchdowns, despite having an inconsistent label ever since sustaining a serious knee injury. In just seven seasons, Palmer has four 3,800+ yard passing seasons and five 20+ touchdown seasons. McNabb, on the other hand, has just two 3,800+ yard passing seasons and five 20+ passing touchdown seasons in nearly double the years (12). Add in the fact that one of Palmer’s seven seasons was limited to four games, and those numbers are even more impressive.

Palmer and McNabb both have uncertain futures, with McNabb on the way out of Washington, and Palmer threatening retirement in an effort to get out of Cincinnati. If Palmer gets his way, he could end up in places like Seattle, Miami, or maybe even San Francisco; places in which I think he could thrive. Palmer is used up in Cincy, but a change of environment could give his career the extra kick it needs.

And the Winner Is…

Carson Palmer. God help me, I can’t stand Palmer’s erratic and inaccurate tendencies anymore than the biggest Cincinnati Bengals fan. But he’s younger, put up much better numbers in 2011, and a change of scenery could actually somehow ignite a major flame under the former number one overall pick.

McNabb is aging and no longer is an effective runner, which is only going to have him showcase his suspect accuracy and indecisiveness in the pocket more than ever. I think he can still play, but he needs some real stud talent around him and a borderline elite offensive line to be an efficient fantasy starter again.

Palmer will turn the ball over and lose real-life games, but he’s the more proven fantasy performer of late, as well as over the course of both players’ careers.

Fantasy Football Rankings: McNabb vs. Palmer Gridiron Experts Gridiron Experts - Where Fantasy Football Champions Are Born

McNabb To Fitzgerald at Practice in Arizona

It’s clear players want to get back to work, so much so they are organizing their own practices.

Larry Fitzgerald arranged a meeting place for stir-crazy NFL athletes to get together for a “low-key” workout Wednesday. Around 20 quarterbacks and receivers, mostly members of the Arizona Cardinals, took part in a workout in Phoenix.

One interesting headline and possible future rumor was soon to be ex-Redskin Donovan McNabb throwing balls to some of the Cardinal players, namely Larry Fitzgerald. McNabb lives in the area as does Todd Heap, both came out for this practice.

McNabb is is still with the Washington Redskins, though many see his days numbered in the burgundy and gold trim. The Cardinals are in need of a starting gunslinger and have had success with veteran quarterbacks in the past. Rumors have been linked to players like Kevin Kolb coming to Arizona, but the price for McNabb would be much cheaper.

McNabb To Fitzgerald at Practice in Arizona Gridiron Experts Gridiron Experts - Where Fantasy Football Champions Are Born

• James Harrison – LB, Pittsburgh Steelers
  James Harrison disclosed on his Twitter account that he’s set to undergo surgery on his right shoulder Monday.

• Kevin Kolb – QB, Philadelphia Eagles
  Kevin Kolb would be open to a trade to the Cardinals. Fantasy Factor: If the Cardinals did go after Kolb, Larry Fitzgerald’s stock would get an added boost. Although, the price for Kolb is going to be a difficult one to figure out, he is not worth a 1st round pick, at least this year he isn’t. The Cardinals have the 5th overall pick in this years NFL draft and could easily just select: Blaine Gabbert or Cam Newton instead of trading for the Eagle bench warmer.

• Chad Henne – QB, Miami Dolphins
  This offseason marks the 11th time in 12 years the Dolphins are searching for their potential quarterback of the future.

• Donovan McNabb – QB, Washington Redskins
  Although most speculation has had the Vikings interested in Vince Young this offseason, they may give Donovan McNabb a look. Fantasy Factor: McNabb was a let done in 2010, but the surrounding cast was a joke. The O-line was weak, there was no running game and he had an average receiving core at best. McNabb’s stock is low, but to join the Vikings might just be a match made in heaven.

• Matt Flynn – QB, Green Bay Packers
  The National Football Post’s Dan Pompei confirms that “teams in need of a quarterback are taking a good look” at Green Bay’s Matt Flynn. Fantasy Factor: QB’s that step in off the bench, look great at times. Yet the percentage of barely used back-up’s panning out to be the next best thing (besides Tom Brady) is a risky venture. There are far more A.J Feely’s and Troy Smith’s than there are Kurt Warner’s.

• Nnamdi Asomugha - CB, Oakland Raiders
  NFL.com’s Michael Lombardi lists the Dolphins, Patriots and Packers as potential destinations for free agent CB Nnamdi Asomugha this offseason.

• Plaxico Burress – WR, New York Giants
  Agent Drew Rosenhaus says his jailed client Plaxico Burress is in “terrific shape.” Fantasy Factor: Could Plaxico Burress Be the Next Mike Vick?

• Ray Rice – RB, Baltimore Ravens
  “The consensus of the Ravens’ brain trust” is that the running game’s struggles were the team’s biggest disappointment of the 2010 season. Fantasy Factor: I’m not sure you can point the finger directly at Rice. The play calling and ability to use Rice to best suit his skills were highly suspect

News & Notes: The QB Shuffle Gridiron Experts Gridiron Experts - Where Fantasy Football Champions Are Born

Before anything, let me first say Donovan McNabb is not having a great season. McNabb’s QB rating is at it’s lowest since his rookie season, and his ability to grasp this new Redskins offense is arguably another can of worms on it’s own.

At this point in the season, with the Redskins playoff chances completely gone, starting a young prospect quarterback really wouldn’t be the end of the world if McNabb was banged up. Playing prospects in the final weeks of the season in hopes of secretly gaining a high first round draft pick isn’t the worst idea in the world. Yet, Grossman isn’t a high draft pick that people are curious to see, he’s a bum.  The actions that have been taken by Mike Shanahan against his ex-starting quarterback Donovan McNabb are unbelievable. How can any player respect, or trust for that matter, anything this guy says. The list of head-scratching decision making Shanahan has made this season is almost hilarious. It actually is funny to those who can’t stand McNabb, Shannahan or the Redskins, but I digress.

When a team is not playing well, most NFL fans and critics look to one of two problems: the Quarterback or the Head Coach. Everyone has their opinion, but some situations (like this one) are very obvious.

When the Eagles destroyed the Redskins on Monday night football, people blamed McNabb for not being able to move the offense or keep up with their high-powered Philadelphia rival. The birds were scoring at will, yet McNabb was blamed for a terrible Skins defense? The Redskins defense ranks 22nd in points, 32nd in yards, 29th in passing yards and 28th against the run. The Skins defense could easily be called the worst in the league. If Mike Shanahan had built this team around a strong running game and a tough defense, and McNabb was failing to execute, he would have every reason to bail out on the McNabb project.

The truth of the matter is, McNabb has had no running game, nobody to throw to, and zero pass protection. The fact that the Redskins have as many wins as they do should be a surprise. My prediction: Donovan will be released and snatched up by a team that won’t use him as a scapegoat.

[Updated] Sneaky Tricks: Some have speculated that the Redskins benched quarterback Donovan McNabb in order to avoid the upgrading of the fourth-round pick they owe the Eagles in 2011 to a third-rounder along with paying him a large sum of his contract Link

Donovan McNabb: Redskins Punching Bag Gridiron Experts Gridiron Experts - Where Fantasy Football Champions Are Born

Just when you think he’s out….they pull him back in.

I’m not going to talk about the benching, we’re all sick  of that, but this is a huge sign of what the front office thinks of Donovan McNabb and the job he’s done thus far in 2010. No Shanahan running game, no pass protection and yet the Skins are .500. Does that deserve a huge contact ? No, but why let him walk before getting a chance to see what McNabb can do after a season or two of building a better overall team.

I said it before and I’ll say it again; he’s throwing passes to Joey Galloway-lol

Jason La Canfora reports McNabb’s new deal is worth up to $88 million, including $40 million guaranteed. more to come

Just in case you can’t get enough: ESPN McNabb interview

Bench This: McNabb Five-Year, $78 Million Extension Gridiron Experts Gridiron Experts - Where Fantasy Football Champions Are Born

Gridiron Experts Mailbag

How much will Knowshon Moreno be involved this weekend? (Dean_Hakim)

Jody Smith: All indications are that the Broncos expect Moreno to be fully ready, and start his weekend. However, you can also expect them to ease him into the line up. Considering the injuries the Broncos have suffered at tailback this year so far, it would be totally understandable for McDaniel’s to limit Moreno’s carries. Hamstrings are one of the most difficult injuries for a player to recover from; particularly a hamstring.  Expect Correll Buckhalter to see plenty of action on passing downs.

The Jaguars are also pretty poor against the pass, so I expect The Broncos to try to win the game through the air. Keep in mind that this is a huge homecoming for Tim Tebow. If he’s active, I fully expect him to play in and around the goal line, limiting Moreno’s scoring chances. In the end, I expect Moreno to have a good season. The Broncos are switching form their familiar zone blocking scheme to a one cut system that should fit Knowshon better. He doesn’t make a terrible play this week, but I would certainly consider other options if I had them on the bench. If I had to guess, I’d say, in limited action, 50 rushing yards, and a catch or two

Will McNabb have a good week? (Randy S.)
DC: The Redskins will need two things to show up on Sunday Night in order for McNabb to shine: A) the pass rush will need to keep the game close by pressuring that troubled Cowboys line and B) the run game will in need to be on cue to pick up solid 1st and 2nd down yardage. McNabb is not use to having a solid running attack at his disposal, good play calling could result in a great night for DMAC

What RB and QB will have the biggest week 1? (Chicago1978)

Jody Smith: That’s such a difficult question to answer in week one. This fist week always seems to have that strange feel to it. Every team has the ability to be a completely different one than the previous year. We have a tendency to over analyze last’s years final rankings when considering match ups, and often forget new coaching changes, player turn over, scheme alterations, etc.

That being said, it’s hard not to love what Chris Johnson brings to the table this week. A home matchup against the soft Raiders defense. CJ spent the off season wanting a new deal, and now saying he expects to rush for 2500 yards. Definitely the back to have this week. Also, don’t forget the Titans are likely to make the Raiders wear their black jerseys in the sweltering heat, making conditions that much worse for the Oakland D.

At quarterback, I subscribe to this simple theory: Never bench your studs, regardless of match-ups. I’m going to go with Tom Brady this week. I think the Patriots are going to get in going in a big way at home this week. Jay Cutler may be a nice option as well.

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Gridiron Experts Fantasy Factor

• Demaryius Thomas – WR, Denver Broncos
  According to the Denver Post, there’s concern that Demaryius Thomas’ tests could show a stress fracture that would keep him out 3-4 months. Fantasy Factor- The Broncos are going to be looking at the team veterans to pull their weight the first half of the season. Some fantasy owners are “hands off” Bronco players, but the “Patriot” mentality will be enforced. There might be a sleeper to step up and earn some nice yardage, stay tuned.

• Antonio Bryant – WR, Cincinnati Bengals
  Antonio Bryant (knee) still hasn’t resumed practicing since the first day of training camp. Fantasy Factor- It seems that Bryant’s injury is worse than reports have indicated, apparently now the Bengals are on the verge of eating the signing bonus and cutting him loose. Link to article at PFT

• Sidney Rice - WR, Minnesota Vikings
  Judd Zulgad of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune is “hearing” that Sidney Rice will be on crutches for eight weeks following hip surgery. Fantasy Factor- Rice is not a fan favorite these days, why not get the surgery done earlier? This is bad news for the passing game, but great news for AP.

• Donovan McNabb – QB, Washington Redskins
  Though he’s likely done for the preseason, Donovan McNabb insists his ankle “absolutely” has improved since injuring it in last Saturday’s game. Fantasy Factor- McNabb is smart, he says the right things, but secretly he wants some other chump QB in for the next two nothing games while the offensive line works out the kinks.

• Maurkice Pouncey – C, Pittsburgh Steelers
  Rookie Maurkice Pouncey has begun running as the Steelers’ first-team center, displacing veteran Justin Hartwig. Fantasy Factor- Hopefully this improves Mendenhall’s stock, as we have moved him down our latest draft board (coming out tonight).

• Owen Daniels – TE, Houston Texans
  Owen Daniels (knee) will not play this preseason, but coach Gary Kubiak confirmed Wednesday that he’s been “100 percent cleared.”

• Greg Camarillo – WR, Miami Dolphins
  The Miami Herald’s Jeff Darlington reports the Dolphins have traded Greg Camarillo to the Vikings. Fantasy Factor- Favre can make average WR’s great, will probably be the “reach player” in your draft , but don’t overlook him late.

• Maurice Clarett – RB, Denver Broncos
  Maurice Clarett has been granted permission to leave the state of Ohio to try out for the UFL’s Omaha Nighthawks. -what a joke.

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