GOOD CALL GONE BAD

Well, nobody wanted to heckle me last week. But there are plenty of people heckling Bill Belichick this week. As you surely know by now, he opted to go for it on 4th and 2,  at the Patriots own 28-yard line, up six points. Kevin Faulk ended up inches short and the Colts subsequently marched those 28 yards, using almost all the clock, to score the game-winning touchdown.

Thing is, Belichick did the right thing, in my opinion. Here’s why:

• It’s Tom Brady.
• It’s two yards.
• The Colts had all the momentum.
• We’ve seen it countless times before. Chances are, Peyton Manning is going to lead the Colts 70-75 yards for that touchdown anyway.

BUT…

(and that’s as big as I can make the font of that “BUT”)Belichick did plenty wrong while deciding to go for it:

• Don’t take a time out before you go for it! If they spring that on an unsuspecting Colts defense, they pick up the first down.
• Why not try a fake punt? They’d never be expecting a quick snap to the up back
• Why not let the Colts score? Especially when Addai made it down to the 1-yard line with over a minute to go. Then you have enough time to go down the field and kick a game-winning field goal.

Anyway, as Patriots fan, that game stung like pouring Popov vodka on an open wound. I do think the “analysts” are full of it when they say Belichick showed no faith in his defense. Manning has gone through better defenses like a hot knife through Land O’ Lakes in many a two-minute drill. I think Belichick just had a ton of confidence in his offense. Good idea. Okay call. Bad execution. Very bad recovery.

STARTING NINE

1. The Colts come back from a 13-point, 4th quarter deficit to beat the Patriots
There will be no comeback for my remote control.

2. ESPN reports  that over 10,000 of their fantasy football owners lost because Maurice Jones-Drew took a knee at the 1-yard line
Jones-Drew, who owns himself in multiple fantasy leagues, actually apologized to himself after the game.

3. Bucks rookie Brandon Jennings scores 55 points on Saturday
High-scoring teammate Michael Redd said he’s up for the challenge of maintaining his ball-hog reputation, despite the rookie’s emergence.

4. Raiders QB JaMarcus Russell benched in favor of Bruce Gradkowski
Hordes of Raiders fans just impaled themselves with their spiky shoulder pads.5. Warriors G/F Stephen Jackson gets traded to Charlotte
Well, the “Captain Jack” nickname was fun while it lasted.

6. Dwayne Bowe gets suspended four games for using an illegal substance
Right after the news broke, he tweeted that Larry Johnson made him do it.

7. The Cincinnati Bearcats hold off West Virginia to stay unbeaten
Funny things happen when you’re not paying attention to college football. Like Cincinnati being 10-0.

8. Dick Jauron is fired as the Buffalo Bills Head Coach
Area newspapers rush to be the first one to print the headline, “Jauronimooooooo.”

9. Zach Greinke wins the AL Cy Young Award
That’s the clincher. No doubt he’ll be on the Yankees next year.

BUMPS, BRUISES SPRAINS AND STRAINS

Bad week to be a running back:

Ronnie Brown is done for the season after being diagnosed with a Lisfranc fracture. Must be a bad fracture if they had to name it after some French-sounding dude.

Michael Turner is probably out a week or two with a high ankle sprain. How come you never hear about anyone getting a low ankle sprain?

Cedric Benson had to leave the last game early with a strained abductor. Odd name for a muscle. That sounds more like someone who kidnaps kids who’s under a lot of stress.

Brian Westbrook got another concussion. Don’t expect him back this season. But he’ll most likely be back next year. Hey, look on the bright side, now he won’t be listed as questionable every week.

Julius Jones suffered a rib injury. “Orange Julius” has turned red, with blood in his lungs as a result of the injury. Youch. But he’s slated to return in Week 12.

THE UNSPONSORED TRIVIA QUESTION

Watching Sidney Rice rack up over 200 receiving yards got me thinking…

(Answer later in the post.)

THE WIRE

No one here is bound to win you a title. But there are some good short-term fill-ins:

Sammy Morris – Call Laurence Maroney Fido, cuz he’s buried deep in Belichick’s dog house. Hmmm…seems like the perfect time for ol’ Sammy to re-emerge. Just watch out for the return of Fragile Freddy.

Jason Snelling – Turner says he might be ready to play by Sunday. Doubtful. And Norwood’s not going to be ready  to play this week. So “THIS WEEK ONLY! IT’S THE JASON SNELLING SHOW!” Get your tickets now.

Justin Forsett – Tough match up against Minnesota. Don’t force it, but play Forcett if you need a one-week boost. At the very least, he should rack up some receiving yards.

One-Week Wonders

Donnie Avery – Nope. Not buying it. Now that byes are over, this guy shouldn’t be in your starting lineup, unless you’re in a deeeeeeeeeep league.

Brandon Gibson – For 2010? Maybe. For the rest of this season. Hard to see steady production coming. Though his debut was impressive.

Larry Johnson – Step away from the “Add” button. You do not want to do this.

Upon Further Review

Chris Chambers – He’s no treat, but he could be useable. Now that Bowe come untied, Cassel’s going to have to throw to someone.

PLEASANT SURPRISES

Beanie Wells (2 TDs, 117  Tot Yds) – Hightower might as well join the Police Academy because Wells is steadily stealing his job.

Reggie Bush (2 TDs, 98 Tot Yds) – Thanks for joining us this season, Reg.

Justin Forsett (1 TDs, 149 Tot Yds) – Not that you had him active. But that percentage is going to soar this week.

SUDDEN DEMISES

Jay Cutler (0 TDs, 307 Pass Yds, 5 INTs) – This week against the Eagles, the Bears plan on wearing 49ers uniforms so Cutler can complete more passes.

Vincent Jackson (10 Rec Yds) – See, I knew a dud was coming. I was just a few weeks too early.

Miles Austin (20 Rec Yds) – That “whoosh” sound you heard is a slew of impatient owners exiting the Austin Bandwagon in a not-so-orderly fashion.

CRAZY STAT OF THE WEEK

0

That’s how many catches and yards Nate Burleson had. That’s kind of amazing, given that his QB, Matt Hasselbeck, threw 53 passes.

FREE ADVICE

K.F.: DeAngelo was listed as questionable for thursday night’s game. Should I start him or swap in Wells or Charles?

GEEK: Green light on Williams. The Charlotte Observer observed John Fox saying that DeWil only sat out to rest. Plus, there was a sloppy track at practice on Wednesday. Now, if something quirky should happen and reports on Williams change, you could go with Wells, who is coming off his best week as a pro and faces the lowly Rams. Steer clear of Charles, who is up against the new Steel Curtain.

THE UNSPONSORED TRIVIA ANSWER

So Sid is a Cock…

A:  Sidney Rice attended the University of South Carolina

PIGSKIN POLL

Si was the Stockton to my Malone this week, as he gave me a big assist by writing the hoops stuff…

HURTIN’ FOR CERTAIN

Never good when a top 3 player goes down. Here are some of the latest hits to fantasy lineups:

Chris Paul is expected to be on crutches for two weeks, before being further evaluated for a severely sprained ankle. The cupboard is “bear” in the Nawlins, except for former Bruin rookie PG Darren Collison.

Marreese Speights is out 6-8 weeks with a partial tear of the MCL in his left knee. At least he doesn’t have to feel guilty for taking away Elton Brand’s playing time anymore.

AZUBUIKE! …God bless you.

Warriors’ swingman Kelenna Azubuike has been diagnosed with a left patella tendon tear…and we have our first “out for the season” of the year. NBA play-by-play announcers around the league all breathed a sigh of relief. They won’t have to mispronounce his name for a while.

Quickly followed by our second season-ender!

Golden State SG Raja Bell is done for ’09-’10 after undergoing wrist surgery. We know who he isn’t tolling for: Nellie.

Orlando PG Jameer Nelson tore the meniscus in his left knee Wednesday versus the Bobcats. Nelson is expected to miss about 4-6 weeks after arthroscopic surgery. Here comes Jason Williams’ true chance at a comeback.

PLAYIN’ SOME PICK-UP

Here’s my take on who’s jumping out of the free agent pool and dropping off fantasy rosters.

Hot Commodities

Jason Williams –  As mentioned, Jameer Nelson is out 4-6 weeks and Jason Williams is next on the Orlando depth chart. In the 17 mpg he has been averaging for the Magic, he has gotten 5.3 ppg, 1 rpg and 4 apg. It is assumable that as a starter, he can and will double that output. This makes him a potential short-term pick up in deeper leagues, or for Nelson owners.

Ben Wallace – Yes, he is only averaging 4 ppg this season, but is playing 30 mpg in his return to Deee-troiiit Bas-ket-balll, averaging 9 rpg, 1.4 apg, 1 spg and 1.8 bpg. If you need defensive stats badly, he has average 10.5 rebounds and 3 blocks in his last four games and is getting time on the court (33 mpg in that stretch). He’s a decent pick up in five category leagues…eight cats, as well, if you can deal with the poor free-throw percentage.

Anthony Morrow – Morrow hasn’t done a lot lately, but he hasn’t gotten much PT. When he plays over thirty minutes, He’ll score 15 to 20 points and bring down 5 rebounds and shoots for high field-goal percentage. That said, Stephen Jackson is out of Oakland, Monta Ellis is getting ready to follow right behind him, Raja Bell is out with season-ending surgery. Take a flier on this guy. The reward could be worth the small effort.

Tip: If Memphis PG outcast Allen Iverson and the New York Knicks take a chance on each other, as has been rumored, AI will be worth a pickup.

Cold Product

Ryan Anderson – Before his injury, Anderson was averaging 14 ppg and around five rebounds, with good FG and FT percentages. He was a sneaky-good play in deep leagues. With Rashard Lewis’ return from suspension in Orlando, Anderson should be no more than a competent backup for reality basketball purposes. Drop him for the flavor of the week.

The New York Knicks’ Backcourt – If the above mentioned AI signing in the Big Apple occurs, take due note that Nate Robinson, Toney Douglas, Chris Duhon and Wilson Chandler (to a lesser degree) will have little or no value. The Knicks are 1-9 at this writing and if they take a risk bringing the disgruntled veteran PG in, Coach Mike D’Antoni will use him 35 mpg.

Quentin Richardson – As good as he was in week two, averaging close to a double-double, he was just as bad in week three, with two games where he contributed zero points. Four points, three rebounds, less than an assist and no defensive stats at all, to be exact. Drop him NOW, if you haven’t yet.

BIG BALLERS

Guys who stepped up over the past week:

Brandon Jennings (37 ppg, 5 rpg, 7 apg) – With numbers like that, you can overlook the lack of steals and blocks. You probably drafted him in a double-digit round and are deeming yourself as fantasy genius right now.

Dwayne Wade (33 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 5.3 apg) – A point guard in shooting guard’s clothing, who is making his way toward the #1 ranking in all fantasy formats in a contract year. Awesome stats from a great player, who is his team’s only scoring option. What more can you want?

Danny Granger (30 ppg, 11 rpg, 3.5  apg, 2 spg, 1.5 bpg) – Granger’s Indiana Pacers  only had two games, but DG equaled the stats of many four-game players. He stepped up, playing through a painful heal injury and moving to PF to compensate for Troy Murphy’s latest MIA.

UNEXPECTED FALLERS

Stars who stumbled:

John Salmons (10ppg, 4 rpg, 3 apg) – Considering where he was drafted and that he average 37 mpg during the period, that just is disappointing. If this continues, owners might just let him swim upstream.

Mehmet Okur (12 ppg, 5 rpg, 2 apg) – When they sent out the memo, Okur didn’t get his, apparently. In games versus Boston, Philly and Cleveland, he didn’t do his share to compensate for Deron Williams missing part of the week. And apparently he counts on the PG to make his offense o-kur. Thank goodness, D-Will is back.

Emeka Okafor (9.3 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 0 apg) – More like Emeka oh-for-four, cause he contributed very little in that four game period. He has not had an easy time fitting into the Big Easy offense, which should change up with a coaching change and CP3 out for several more weeks. There may be hope for the veteran center, but not today.

STAT THAT LOOKS LIKE A TYPO…BUT ISN’T

55

The number of points for Brandon Jennings versus the Golden State Warriors on November 14.

HOOPS HELP

M.G.: Do you start Antawn Jamison this week if you own him? How about Rashard Lewis?

SI: Jamison is back and while he has some rust to shake off, a returning 20-10 guy has got to offer up some decent numbers upon his return… at least 15 and 8, though his shooting percentage might be a little low his first few games. As far as Rashard goes, he was not injured, but suspended. He had the luxury of a full preseason and has worked out on his own during the suspension. Rashard’s numbers are projected to go down slightly with the addition of Vince Carter in Orlando, BUT he will still put up quality #2 forward numbers. He is probably a better start than the sub you’ve been using in his place the first three weeks.

SIMON SAYS

This week Si tackles the big NBA trade of the week…

On Monday morning, the Charlotte Bobcats improved their look by trading G Raja Bell and F/C Vladamir Radmanovic to Golden State for G/F Stephen Jackson and backup G Acie Law. The trade that will definitely make the Bobcats a better team is also seen as the beginning of a great purge in Oakland, which will have fantasy ramifications for players on both sides.

Stephen Jackson will fit into the Charlotte lineup as the starting SG, backup SF and very part-time PG. He also becomes the team’s #1 scoring threat, due to their lack of a better option. He has never shot better than 43% from the field and that won’t change. His other numbers should be more in line with what he did in Oakland last year, 21 points, 5 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 1.5 steals, as opposed to this year’s aberration, resulting from Coach Don Nelson’s whims. As a legitimate scoring threat in the lineup, he takes pressure off of Gerald Wallace (35 % from the field and only 13.4 ppg) and Raymond Felton (36 %, 11.4 ppg), who have often been double-teamed. S-Jax’s presence should better Wallace’s and Felton’s output.

We have much more of a mess in Golden State. With Jackson gone, the team is now concentrating on shipping out Monta Ellis, who Nelson is equally unhappy with. In the meantime, if Ellis plays, he will get even better totals than before, as the only true #1 option in NoCal. Raja Bell is having season-ending surgery on his previously injured wrist, while Vlad-Rad should get a decent amount of PT in the rotation and heave enough three-pointers to have some value. With no Bell or Jackson, Kelenna Azubuike out for the year, and injuries to Ronny Turiaf and Andris Biedrins, the Golden State rotation is down to Radmanovic, Anthony Randolph, Stephen Curry, Anthony Morrow, Corey Maggette, Ellis and Speedy Claxton. Since Ellis is all but gone, Randolph, Curry and Morrow are good bets to produce the rest of the season. If Maggette stays healthy, he will have his share of worthwhile games.

I calmly call for and await the dismissal of a lunatic named Don Nelson.

Want more? Check out Si’s Rookie Review from this week’s Hustle Points

RUNNING OUT THE CLOCK

Things that popped into my head or my inbox during the past week…

>> Nothing like a little homoerotic flashback from the 80s. This video shows athleticism at its very cheesiest.

The Geek