Key Injuries In the 2011 NFL Season

Key Injuries In the 2011 NFL Season

Sadly with the lockout, there wasn't enough time to get the players conditioned right. They missed a good two to three weeks of training camp due to the lockout. This put every team behind because they didn't get the physical training they needed. But there are also injuries that sometimes have nothing to do with the lockout. Sometimes something happens wrong and you are out of service for a while. I am going to go through a list of the key injuries to teams this year.

RB-Ryan Williams,Arizona Cardinals

Arizona played Green Bay during a pre-season game on August 19th. Ryan Williams took the ball from Kevin Kolb and was hit by a Green Bay tackler. And that was the beginning of the end to a great season. Ryan Williams was a terrific Halfback for Virginia Tech. And I really felt sorry for the guy. Imagine looking forward to playing in the NFL for months, and then you get knocked out in the preseason. It was confirmed that the next day, he had a ruptured tendon in his knee and would be a season ending injury. He had high expectations by a lot of people and now they will have to wait until next year. Here are his stats at Virginia Tech last year:

(http://nflsfuture.com)

• 477 Rushing yards
• An Average of 4.3 yards per carry
• 9 Touchdowns
• 1 Reception Touchdown

Now the reason the stats are so low is because he was injured Weeks 4-7. But it was a disappointment for the Cardinals and Cardinal Fans that day. Now they have to wait til next year to see how this 2nd Round, (68'th Overall) draft pick will do.

QB-Chad Henne,Miami Dolphins

On the afternoon of October 2nd in San Diego, Chad Henne snapped the ball, on what was supposed to be a handoff and missed. He was hit and fell to the ground, landing awkwardly on his arm. The next morning reports stated that he was going to have surgery on the shoulder he injured. Meaning he is out for the season. Now the team is left with Matt Moore as the starting QB for the rest of the year. Here are his stats for the 4 games he did play:

(everyjoe.com)

• 868 Passing Yards\
• 4 Touchdowns
• 4 Interceptions
• 112 Rushing yards
• 1Rushing Touchdown

Experts are believing that game against the Charge was the last game Henne would play for Miami. That is possible. If the Dolphins could get a QB in the draft next year, that is entirely possible. But, who knows, at the end of the season they could be happy with Matt Moore. But look for Henne on the free agency list sometime in the near future.

K-Nate Kaeding, San Diego Chargers

On September 11, it was kickoff time as San Diego played, at home, Minnesota. Nate Kaeding runs and kicks the ball off then sprawls on the ground, obviously in pain. He was taken out on a cart and didn't return for the game. MRI results showed that he had torn ligaments in his knee. He would have to have surgery and would be out for the season. Now this kicker will be missed and be expected to have a great season. Here are his stats from last year:

(grantland.com)

• 23-28 kicks made
• 10 kicks made within 40-49 yards
• 40-40 PATs made
• 2 tackles

I know it was a disappointment for Kaeding to be out for the season but he knows he will be back unless something awful happens. Expect this guy to be in your fantasy football lineup again next year.

That will be it for the Right Field this week. Have a good one

The Top 5 Running Backs In the NFL: 2011

The Top 5 Running Backs In the NFL

RB Number 5- Ryan Mathews, San Diego Chargers

Running Back Number 5 is, Ryan Mathews out of San Diego. I watched this guy on his debut preseason game and I was shocked. This guy was amazing. Breaking wimpy tacklers everywhere. Getting about 10 yards per carry. Looks like he is going to be around for a long time. Only his second year in the NFL and he is on his way to Canton. Here are his stats so far this year:

• 413 Rushing Yards
• 3 Touchdowns, one for 100 yards or more
• An average 4.9 yards per carry
• An average 82 yards per game

The reason I ranked him so low, is because he hasn't scored a Touchdown in his last 2 games. Even though he has rushed for over a hundred or close to a hundred yards. But I expect him to keep getting better each year.

zimbio.com

Running Back Number 4-Darren McFadden, Oakland Raiders

My Running Back Number 4 is Darren McFadden out of Oakland. I remember when this guy was drafted in 2008. I knew that someday he would be worth something in the NFL. Because I saw him play at Arkansas and there was something special. Turns out I was right. After he proved he was better than Michael Bush and Justin Fargas, then he was named the starter. Now this guy is known for his amazing speed, extreme power, and a jaw-breaking stiff arm. He is on track for the best year of his 4 years in the NFL. Here are his stats:

(http://fantasyowneradvice.com)

• 519 Rushing Yards
• 3 Touchdowns, 2 for 100 yards or more
• Average 5.7 yards per carry
• Average 103 yards per game
• 1 TD Reception

Future Hall of Famer. I think so. Considering that last year 6 of his 7 touchdowns were for 100 yards or more. I think he could do more for the team if they used him a bit more. If they do that I except him to be in Canton, Ohio in the future.

Running Back Number 3-Fred Jackson, Buffalo Bills

The Running Back Number 3 is Fred Jackson out of Buffalo. This guy has exploded into the NFL. He has been average from his Rookie year in 2007 till last year. But he has been an absolute beast this year. Except for a few carries that have gone to CJ Spiller, the carries have been all for him. I wouldn't say future Hall of Famer yet, but we shall see. Here are his stats:

(fantasyknuckleheads.com)

• 480 Rushing yards
• 5 Touchdowns, 3 for 100 yards or more
• 5.3 yards per carry
• An Average 96 Yards Per Game

Like I said earlier, not quite Hall of Fame material yet. A few weeks or a year doesn't mean anything. Now if he can have several consecutive years of solid yardage and touchdowns then I will say Hall of Famer. But not not now.

Running Back Number 2-LeSean McCoy,Philadelphia Eagles

The Number 2 Running Back is LeSean McCoy out of Philly. This guy is a danger every single time he touches the ball. He has been a nightmare this year for every team except San Fran. Even though he is playing for one of the worst teams in the NFL right now, he is one of the few bright spots on the team. His Rookie year out of Pittsburgh Univ., was not a bright and happy one. He had very few yards and the same with touchdowns. But last year and for the most of this year he has really shown his colors. Green all the way. If he had a better team, then he might be better. Here are his stats this year:

(lehighvalleylive.com)

• 443 Rushing Yards
• 5 Touchdowns, 2 for a hundred yards or more
• An Average 83 yards per game
• An Average 5.8 yards per carry

This is a Running Back with unimaginable potential. This is only his 3rd year in the NFL, he has probably got at least another 8 years in this league, if he can remain injury free and scandal free. What can happen in those 8 years. Lord only knows.

Running Back Number 1-Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings

We have at last made it to the Number 1 Running Back. Adrian Peterson out of Minnesota. The word, "Wow", is too small to describe this guy. Too small to describe such a great runner. Minnesota knew they had something special when they drafted this guy out of Oklahoma. He proved he was going to be the starter from day one. Especially in 2009 when he scored 18 touchdowns. Here are the stats for this player:

(sportressofblogitude.com)

• 498 Yards Rushing
• 6 Touchdowns, 2 for 100 yards or more
• An Average 100 yards rushing per game
• An Average 4.5 yards per carry

I think everyone would agree on my choice for Number 1 Running Back. This guy is going to be in the Hall of Fame, for sure. At such a young age, records will be broken by the end of his career.

That does it for The Right Field, now go out and watch some football.

The Top 5 Tight Ends In the NFL: 2011

The Top 5 Tight Ends In the NFL

TE Number 5- Greg Olsen, Carolina Panthers

My number 5 pick is Greg Olsen. Yes, I just said Greg Olsen. Even though he went to the Panthers, he has been a popular target for "Young Newton". So far this year he has had a TD in the past 3 games and

is on a track to do better than he ever did with Chicago. At his current status he is better than the average Tight End but not the best. So far he has:

• 20 Receptions
• 240 yards Receiving
  
• 3 Touchdowns
• An average 48 yards per game

Expect many more years of this young Tight End and he can only get better. Newton should aim for him alot more because the talent is there all he has to do is tap into it.

(www.rotoinfo.com)

TE Number 4- Vernon Davis, San Francisco 49'ers

Vernon Davis from San Francisco is my Number 4 Tight End. Some people may think he needs to be ranked higher. I put him this low because he doesn't have the right QB. Alex Smith has improved but still he should aim for him more often. Fantasy owners like myself, have been somewhat pleased but not satisfied. He is barely better than Olsen. For example, his stats:

(bleedingeaglegreen.com)

• 22 Receptions
• 263 Receiving yards
• 3 Touchdowns
• An average 52 yards per game

Vernon Davis has been great throughout the years. As soon as the 49ers can get a decent QB, things will start to look up.

TE Number 3- Aaron Hernandez, New England Patriots

Aaron Hernandez from New England is my Number 3 Tight End. This guy is super young but he has so much potential. He was drafted in 2010 out of Florida. He was a favorite of Tim Tebow, and now he is becoming a favorite of Tom Brady. He hasn't done much this year. A knee injury has limited him to 3 out of 5 games. He missed key games against Buffalo and Oakland. But he is better and his stats will improve greatly. So far this year his stats have been:

(zimbio.com)

• 19 Receptions
• 2 Touchdowns
• 221 Receiving yards
• Average 73 yards per game

Like I said earlier his stats will improve, IF, he can stay healthy. He will have to compete with Gronkowski but I believe Brady will go to Hernandez more. Expect great things from this guy.

TE Number 2-Jermichael Finley, Green Bay Packers

Jermichael Finley out of Green Bay is my Number 2 pick. Why him? Mainly because of Aaron Rodgers. He is a spectacular target for Rodgers and apparently Rodgers knows it. He is on track for a record setting year. But some teams are wising up and not letting him into the endzone. But with the schedule easing up a little we should see some Touchdowns out of this man. Now here are his stats:

(nflsoup.com)

• 22 Receptions
• 301 yards
• 3 Touchdowns
• An Average 60 yards per game

Like I said earlier, with a few easy games coming up he should get more receptions and more touchdowns.

TE Number 1- Jimmy Graham, New Orleans Saints

Here we go the #1 TE in the nation is Jimmy Graham out of New Orleans. This beast has had over 100 yards in 3 games. He is spectacular and Pro Bowl bound. He absolutely wracked havoc against Carolina and Jacksonville. Brees has a dangerous weapon besides his great Wide Receivers. This is only his second year and he is this successful. Here are his stats:

(zimbio.com)

• 32 Receptions
• 496 yards
• 3 TDs
• 3 catches for 100 yards or more
• Average 99 yards per game

So that concludes this Top 5, stay prepared for another. This is Austin with the Right Field. Good bye.

History of An NFL Player: DeAngelo Williams

The Carolina Panthers, in 2006, made their choice for their 1st draft pick. DeAngelo Williams, Running Back, out of Memphis University. I remember that day, and my very first reaction was, "Huh, who is this dude who favors Steve Smith?" But I think it was a great choice to draft this guy, and I will explain later.

In 2002, DeAngelo was recruited by Memphis. In his Freshman year he wasn't too good, even though he rushed for 600 yards, he only scored 5 touchdowns. But in his last 3 years of college he made sure that he was going to be the starter for the rest of the way. 2004 was his most noticeable year. With more than 20 touchdowns and almost 2,000 yards. He broke NCAA records. He had 34 straight games with more than 100 yards rushing. He ranks 4th with the most rushing yards in the NCAA. And the most all-purpose yards in the NCAA. He also led his team to victory in the Motor City Bowl by rushing for over 200 yards and scored 3 touchdowns. Surprisingly before the draft, his ranking dropped rather a lot. But the Carolina Panthers saw something in him and took him in the first round.

(memphisflyer.com)

In the 2006 and 2007 years, DeAngelo didn't get a good chance to showcase his talents. Due to being a backup to RB Deshaun Foster. Foster was released in 2008, and it officially made Williams the starter. In the 2008 Draft, Jonathon Stewart from Oregon went to the Panthers. Then Williams has a new partner. And what a combination these two have been. But in 2008, even with split carries Williams still had 18 touchdowns and was hard to bring down. In 2009 when Williams was injured in the last 3 games of the season. Then last year, Panther fans were disappointed when Williams was injured in Week Six. He was out for the rest of the season with an ankle injury.

(fantasyknuckleheads.com)

The new Panther staff was unsure whether they wanted to keep Williams with two years of being injured. They did sign him and so far has been doing good and has an opportunity at a young age to become a future Hall of Famer.