Wow what a week. Carson Palmer finally gets the trade he wants and arrived at Oakland. Jerome Harrison was on his way to Philadelphia and then suddenly found out he had a brain tumour. He has recently had surgery and my prayers are with him and his family. Josh McDaniels has convinced the Rams that Brandon Lloyd will help Sam Bradford while Mike Sims-Walker returns to Jacksonville.
Most notably the Carson Palmer move was huge. I have had a lot of people tell me that they paid too much for him. Many people have also told me that Palmer is "not that much of an upgrade from Jason Campbell." So, people agree that it is an upgrade. As an Oakland fan I remain positive and this is why. Palmer took a big pay cut to join the Raiders. Nothing shows commitment like a pay cut in my opinion. The second reason I like this trade is that Palmer and Head Coach Hue Jackson have worked together in the past. This should lead to a settling in quicker. The last reason to stay positive is that Palmer brings experience to the Raiders' shaky pass offence. Not sure Oakland Coliseum knows what that looks like. Overall, you have a guy who will want to prove himself to everyone and has a familiar friend as a Head Coach. Expect big things this season.
Palmer could cost Jackson his next two first round picks. That is a lot for a 21-year-old. The only positive about is that Coach Jackson is clearly happy with his team for the next few years. He is 4-2 as a Head Coach and we should all trust him. We should also be very happy to see that a Raiders' Head Coach is in charge of the team. He has control. Palmer trade proved it.
Last week's explosion article seemed to do all right. I'll be the first to admit that I did not see the response I wanted from Delone Carter or Delanie Walker. I was very disappointed with Greg Little as well. I would like to apologise for the Viking's defence decision. That was awful, I do not know what I was thinking. I was happy to see McCoy and Dalton do well, although I think they will consistent for the rest of the season.
Here are this week's explosion or implosion fantasy hopefuls.
QB: Curtis Painter (IND)- He hates pressure. The Saints like to blitz. Bad match up? Maybe. Painter is not be doing that bad. He is averaging over 15 points since starting and has thrown 5 touchdowns to only 1 interception and 1 fumble. The Saints defence has been very poor against the pass. Painter is improving and will certainly have to throw on Sunday. Expect 250+ yards and at least 1 TD.
RB: Jackie Battle (KC)- Finally we get to see what all the commotion is all about. Battle did some great things before the Chiefs got a bye week. I hope for his sake and Chief fans that he gets to start and gets 20 carries. The reason he is on this list is because Oakland is not great against the run and they will have to cover Dwayne Bowe on every play. Also, Richard Seymour will be busting through the KC front line so expect dump off passes to add to rushing yards. Expect Battle to beat out Thomas Jones and Dexter McCluster and have more than 60 yards with another 20 receiving, with at least 1 TD.
RB: Mark Ingram (NO)- Ingram has been getting more carries than Pierre Thomas. He has a TD in 3 of the last 4 matches. He is the goal line back and Head Coach Sean Payton will want him to gain some confidence for the play-offs. The main reason that I like Ingram is that the Saints will use this game to get their run offence moving again. They need a running game and the Colts are horrible at defending the run, expect something big from the former Heisman Trophy winner.
WR: Brandon Lloyd (STL)- He is back under Josh McDaniels. Expect him to have the ball thrown to him at least 10 times. McDaniels-Lloyd-Bradford. Expect a lot of throwing the ball and at least one of them ending in the end zone followed by a flag for unsportsmanlike conduct as McDaniels and Lloyd can re-unite in a fairy-tale hug.
WR: Percy Harvin (MIN)- . Ponder will throw, he likes to throw to Harvin, Harvin has big game. Simple explanation. Sounds effective right? Lets hope so. Harvin is not always on the field and he will probably be covered by Charles Woodson. So, where is the upside? PONDER HAS TO THROW. He has to. The Packers will stop Peterson on every play. Lets just hope that Ponder has enough time to get Harvin the ball before Clay Matthews "welcomes" the rookie to the NFL. Good luck with that one Christian.
TE: Jeremy Shockey (CAR)- Greg Olsen has turf toe. It is not that bad but having two decent tight ends means when one is hurt the other can step in easily. I think Riviera might keep the healthier tight end in the game for longer. As Steve Smith keeps getting double coveraged, defences will be concerned with Cam Newton's running ability in the red zone; so expect Shockey and Olsen to be open. Shockey should be on the field more, Law of averages, Shockey shows potential.
D/ST: Raiders (OAK)- Oakland are playing against an offence that does not really know its own style. They lost their best player and have struggled to switch to a pass-offence. Jackie Battle has emerged as a good option to run the ball as T.Jones and McCluster has wasted opportunities. The Raiders have to cover Dwayne Bowe on every play. I see enough Richard Seymour to have Cassell worried and Rolando McClain stopping Cassell from checking the ball down . Remember, Jacoby Ford is back to full speed and so dangerous on returns. All sounds positive to me.
Good luck!
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