DL Dewayne White, DET (6 solos, 1 asst, 1 sack, 1 INT, 2 FF, 1 FR, 1
PD)
White always seemed to be on the verge of a breakout season in Tampa but had
trouble getting enough playing time to make it happen. That should no longer
be a problem in Detroit, where he's expected to help upgrade one of the league's
worst pass rushes. He got off to a great start this season and should continue
to see success as long as interior DTs Shaun Rogers and Cory Redding stay
healthy.
DL Mario Williams, HOU (4 solos, 1 asst, 2 sacks, 3 QH, 1 FR)
After playing several different positions along the defensive line last year,
Williams will play exclusively at RDE this year and the Texans feel it will
help his productivity. With 4 solos, 2 sacks, and 3 QB hurries, Williams was
a dominant force and helped shut down the Chiefs offense. A few more games
like this and the Texans decision to pass on icons like Reggie Bush and Vince
Young to select him #1 overall last year will start to make more sense.
DL Mike Patterson, PHI (7 solos, 3 asst, 1 sack, 1 QH)
Patterson led the Eagles in tackles this week while also adding a sack and
QB hurry. The player known as "Baby Sapp" for his ability to be
a disruptive force inside could be headed for a breakout season, particularly
in leagues that separate DTs from DEs.
DL Jarvis Green, NE (5 solos, 1 asst, 2 sacks, QH)
Despite not being a full-time starter in New England, Green still managed
to finish with an impressive 7.5 sacks. Now that Richard Seymour is on the
PUP list, Green will get a chance to start every week and should be even more
productive with the added playing time.
DL Kenyon Coleman, NYJ (10 solos, 2 asst)
Coleman didn't make much of an impact as a reserve in Dallas the past four
seasons, but he's now a starter who the Jets are relying heavily on. While
he's unlikely to make a big impact in leagues with sack-heavy scoring systems,
a 10-solo game from a 3-4 DE is certainly worthy of an upgrade.
LB Roger "Rocky" McIntosh, WAS (9 solos, 2 asst, 1 sack, 1
QH, 1 FF)
MLB London Fletcher-Baker deservedly got most of the preseason love from IDP
owners but 2nd year player Rocky McIntosh could be one of the year's bigger
surprises. McIntosh had a great preseason, his main competition for playing
time (Lemar Marshall) was released, and SLB Marcus Washington doesn't seem
to be 100% healthy yet. McIntosh certainly made an impact in his first start
at WLB this week with 9 solos plus a sack and forced fumble, and he should
remain in the team's nickel package for the time being.
LB Paris Lenon, DET (9 solos, 2 asst)
Paris Lenon has been in the league for 5 years but hasn't really had a comfortable
hold on a starting job before now. He led the Lions in tackles this week and
also appeared to be a regular in the team's nickel package. While his upside
may be limited, Lenon is a steady player who should remain productive as long
as he's the MLB in Detroit.
LB Scott Fujita, NO (8 solos, 1 asst, 1 PD)
Fujita was the Saints best linebacker last year and that trend continued with
his play against the Colts in the season opener. Even though he plays on the
strong side of the formation, Fujita is still a productive fantasy option
because he rarely leaves the field due to his cover and pass-rush skills.
LB Mike Vrabel, NE (6 solos, 1 asst, 2.5 sacks, 2 QH, 1 FF)
After filling in at ILB for much of the past two seasons, Vrabel appears to
be back at OLB this season with Adalius Thomas playing inside. The change
appeared to suit him as he helped terrorize Jets QBs this week with 2.5 sacks
and 2 hurries while still finishing with 6 solo tackles. Vrabel is an excellent
all-around LB who can contribute in a variety of ways no matter where he lines
up.
LB Barrett Ruud, TB (10 solos, 3 asst, 1 FR, 1 FR)
After patiently waiting his turn behind veteran Shelton Quarles the past two
seasons, Barrett Ruud is finally a starter. He's a talented player who has
a chance to be very productive in this defense. He was beaten for a big gain
by WR Bobby Engram, however, and could be replaced by Cato June in the nickel
package at some point.
LB E.J. Henderson, MIN (7 solos, 1 asst, 2 sacks, 2 QH)
Henderson was a very highly regarded ILB when he entered the league a few
years ago out of Maryland but it took him awhile to adjust. Although he performed
well at WLB last year, there was some uncertainty about how he would do now
that he's playing at MLB again. If his play in the opener is any indication,
Henderson could wind up being one of the year's bigger IDP surprises. He made
tackles all over the field and also helped make things uncomfortable for Joey
Harrington with 2 sacks and 2 hurries.
LB Stephen Cooper, SD (7 solos, 1 asst, 1 FF, 1 FR)
One of the great IDP debates this offseason was who would take over for Donnie
Edwards and become an IDP stud in San Diego. Based solely on the results of
the opener, Cooper appears to have taken an early lead over Matt Wilhelm.
Cooper led the team in tackles and also added a couple big plays with a forced
fumble and fumble recovery.
DB Jim Leonhard, BUF (8 solos, 5 asst, 1 INT, 1 PD)
Bills starting FS Ko Simpson was carted off the field with a broken ankle
early in the game. He was replaced by Jim Leonhard, who wound up leading the
team in tackles and also added an interception of Jay Cutler. Leonhard isn't
a particularly exciting player but he's in line for a lot more playing time
and will likely be targeted frequently by opposing QBs.
DB Marlin Jackson, IND (8 solos, 4 asst, 1 FF)
Jackson is a former 1st round pick playing in a system that is very conducive
to fantasy production for CBs. The Colts lost both of their starting CBs to
free agency, but Jackson could wind up being better than either of them and
his play against the Saints was a great start. Having Dwight Freeney and Robert
Mathis playing up front certainly doesn't hurt.
DB Jermaine Phillips, TB (8 solos, 2 asst, 1 sack, 1 QH)
Phillips had a very productive season a year ago but also made a lot of mistakes.
The Bucs drafted a potential replacement for him in Sabby Piscitelli, but
Phillips appears to have held him off for the time being. As long as he's
the starter at SS, he should have more games like this one and remain a pretty
reliable fantasy option.
DB Ike Taylor, PIT (5 solos, 1 sack, 1 INT, 1 PD, 1 QH)
It wasn't that long ago that Taylor was on the verge of becoming a shutdown
CB for the Steelers. He regressed last year, however, and was bumped down
to a nickel job late in the year. If his play this week is any indication,
however, Taylor could be due for a rebound season. He was the best defender
on the field and helped shutdown Braylon Edwards while also adding his first
career sack and an interception.
DB Reggie Nelson, JAX (7 solos, 1 sack, 1 FF)
Nelson didn't start the game for Jacksonville (veteran Sammy Knight did) but
that didn't stop him from making his presence felt. Nelson tied with 3 other
players for the team lead with 7 solo tackles while also contributing a sack
and forced fumble. As their first round pick, the Jaguars will want to get
his speed and playmaking ability on the field so don't be surprised if he
has more games like this provided he doesn't make too many mistakes in coverage.
Downgrades
DL Osi Umenyiora, NYG (O tackles)
Umenyiora is one of the most important players on the Giants defense but he
didn't even make it through one full defensive series in Sunday night's game.
He left with a knee injury and didn't return. His status for next week remains
unclear but this certainly isn't a good start for a player with a history
of injury problems.
DL Jason Ferguson, DAL (1 asst)
Ferguson left the Sunday night game at the end of the first quarter with a
torn biceps muscle and is likely out for the season.
DL Dusty Dvoracek, CHI (1 solo, 1 asst)
Dvoracek missed all of his rookie season last year with an injury but battled
back and won the starting NT job in camp this year. Unfortunately, it looks
like he suffered a serious knee injury in yesterday's opener and he will likely
miss the rest of the season.
DL Derrick Burgess, OAK (1 solo)
Burgess leads the NFL with 27 sacks over the past two seasons but he was kept
very quiet against the Lions this week despite 36 pass attempts for Jon Kitna.
DL Kyle Vanden Bosch, TEN (0 tackles)
The Titans have shifted Vanden Bosch to the right side of the line which should
allow him to face fewer double teams this year. His season got off to a rough
start, however, as he was kept off the stat sheet by the Jaguars this week
and he'll have to face Peyton Manning and the Colts next.
DL Brett Keisel, PIT (0 tackles)
Keisel seemed like he might be a candidate for a breakout season in the Steelers
defense this year, but he was held scoreless in IDP leagues this week with
0 tackles and no pressures despite 38 pass attempts from the Browns QBs.
LB Coy Wire, BUF (1 asst)
Wire started at WLB in place of the injured Keith Ellison but suffered a sprained
knee and was forced to leave the game. He's expected to be miss at least 4
weeks and will likely be replaced in the starting lineup by Mario Haggan.
LB Pisa Tinoisamoa, STL (2 solos, 1 asst)
Tinoisamoa sprained his ankle in the fourth quarter this week. This guy has
shown flashes of being a very productive player in the past but he just can't
seem to stay healthy. This latest injury isn't expected to be serious but
it's not a good omen for the rest of his season.
LB Brian Simmons, NO (1 solo)
Simmons looked like a big free agent pickup for the Saints this offseason
after a strong career with the Bengals. However, he wasn't able to win a starting
job and his only tackle this week came on special teams. Looks like he'll
need an injury or benching to one of the Saints starters to regain any fantasy
value.
LB Roosevelt Colvin, NE (0 tackles)
The Patriots finished with 5 sacks of the Jets and Colvin's counterpart Mike
Vrabel had 2.5. Colvin is a quality pass rusher but he's also a feast or famine
type who relies heavily on sacks for his fantasy production. Don't be surprised
if he puts up a few more weeks like this before the year is up.
DB Yeremiah Bell, MIA (4 solos, 1 asst)
Bell's season is over with a torn Achilles that he suffered during the Redskins
game. The Dolphins will likely replace him with Travares Tillman who is a
significant downgrade.
DB Mike Brown, CHI (2 solos, 2 asst, 1 INT, 2 PD, 1 FR)
Brown was having a tremendous game before suffering a serious knee injury.
His season is likely over and given his injury history, retirement might be
a consideration. Brown will most likely be replaced in the starting lineup
by 2nd year player Danieal Manning who has better range but lacks Brown's
instincts.
DB Lito Sheppard, PHI (2 solos)
Sheppard suffered a sprained MCL in the game against the Packers and will
miss at least one game. Sheppard has missed 9 games over the past 2 seasons
so he hasn't been the most durable player and the Eagles secondary isn't as
deep as it used to be.
DB Ko Simpson, BUF (1 solo)
Simpson suffered a broken ankle on Sunday and had to be carted off the field.
He'll be out indefinitely and there's a chance the injury could end his season.
Jim Leonhard will replace him in the starting lineup.
DB Brodney Pool, CLE (0 tackles)
Pool was not credited with a single tackle and was also responsible for several
blown coverages. He allowed Santonio Holmes to get behind him on a 40-yard
TD catch, and was also beaten for a TD by rookie TE Matt Spaeth.
DB Kenoy Kennedy, DET (1 asst)
Kennedy missed much of the preseason with an injury but was healthy enough
to start. His only assisted tackle came early in the game, however, and he
had no luck slowing down Lamont Jordan.
