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.
NFL Newslinks 8/2/09
Posted on 02. Aug, 2009 by Jesse in NFL Newslinks
- It’s August now, and that means we’re off to the races. Training camps have already begun, and GoHuddleUp has you covered. Our Newslinks will keep you abreast of the latest developments, so come back often.
- New Viking WR Percy Harvin has been signed, and the club is wasting no time getting him involved. Harvin ran with the first-team offense on Sunday, and was moved all over the field. The Vikings have big hopes for the Florida product.
- A Raiders beat writer used his Twitter account to report that Javon Walker looked good while running routes off to the side during practice. Apparently beat writers in Oakland are drinking heavily. Walker is still on the PUP list and isn’t practicing with teammates.
- Not so fast Brady Quinn lovers, Derek Anderson is still competing for the Browns starting QB position. Apparently Anderson is looking very good in drills and has his swagger back.
- Peyton Manning knows that Reggie Wayne is his top target, but the reigning league MVP is also expecting big seasons from Anthony Gonzalez and TE Dallas Clark. Gonzalez is set to take over the flanker position vacated by Marvin Harrison.
- Ravens RB Ray Rice continues to impress his coaches. Rice has exhibited tremendous power for a 205-pound player, and the coaches are thrilled with his “attention to detail.” Many around the team continue to speculate that Rice will supplant Willis McGahee as the starting tailback.
- Brandon Marshall did show up to Broncos training camp on time, but it didn’t take him long to injure himself. Marshall limped off the field on Sunday with an apparent hamstring injury. No word on weather he slapped his girlfriend afterward.
- As we reported yesterday, Derrick Mason is back with the Ravens. He’s reconsidered, and he will play this season.
- LenDale White says he’s lost nearly 30 pounds this offseason because he stopped drinking Patron tequilla. We’re guessing he also stopped shoveling everything in sight down his pie-hole. Oh, and White is in a contract season.
- The Colts have come to terms with RB Donald Brown. The deal is expected to be signed before practices start on Monday.
- Antonio Gates is looking leaner and chiseled. Apparently the All-Pro TE is up to 263 pounds.
