Must Start: Pierre Garcon
Posted on 10. Oct, 2009 by Jesse in Articles
Ok, so I admit, the first four weeks of this column were an abject failure. I called out Ray Rice in week one, and McGahee blew up. I called out LenWhale White in week two and Chris Johnson goes crazy. Week three was the Felix Jones prediction, and Jones promptly gets hurt. I then tabbed Rashard Mendenhall as the guy I’d write about in week four, but busyness sidetracked me, and I never wrote the piece. I did, however, tell you a while ago that Mendy was going to be the man. Does that count?
Well anyway, I’m back to attempt my hand at a weekly column one more time. The premise is still the same: I pick a guy who is likely on your fantasy bench today, and tell you why you should start him tomorrow. With both fingers crossed, I give you Pierre Garcon, Colts WR.
For those of you who haven’t heard yet, Peyton Manning is a very good NFL quarterback. He’s also on fire this season, passing for more than 300 yards in all four of the Colts games so far this season. Manning is playing at an MVP level yet again, tossing nine TD’s and just three picks while getting the Colts off to a 4-0 start. Yes, Peyton produces.
But it takes more than just opportunity to get me to dub Garcon as my “Must Start” of the week. Pierre ain’t no softie. Since Anthony Gonzalez’ injury, Garcon has made the most of limited opportunities. He’s scored twice in a three game stretch, and has also posted 30+ yard receptions each week. At 6-foot, 210 pounds, Pierre has a great NFL body. Honestly, the guy kinda reminds me of Anquan Boldin. Big, powerful legs propel him, and single coverage seems inevitable with Dallas Clark and Reggie Wayne attracting all attention. I’m going to be bold here, but I see Garcon pushing Gonzalez back into the slot when he does return. Pierre is just solid.
Of course, I love Garcon this week because the Colts play the Titans in prime time. Tennessee is a mess in the defensive secondary, ranking dead last in yards allowed, and yeilding 10 passing TD’s through four games. Peyton Manning should embarrass them thoroughly, especially on national TV. Get Garcon into your lineup this weekend, and enjoy him. After all, his value will take a hit when Gonzalez returns a few weeks from now.
Others I considered: Marshawn Lynch against the Browns, LeSean McCoy against the Bucs, Miles Austin against the Chiefs, and Jerome Harrison against the Bills.
Lets all cross our fingers together.
