Here at Footballguys.com, we have Spotlights and Faceoffs. Those features are fairly comprehensive, but they are limited to viewpoints from either one or two writers. Well some players need a little more commentary. We have decided open up the dialog and asked our staff to leave their thoughts on these players and what is expected from them in 2010. Here, discussion centers around QB David Garrard.
Sigmund Bloom: Garrard is strictly a backup fantasy QB. Also, last year taught us to not trust Garrard on the road, where he had a paltry three passing TDs and averaged fewer than 200 passing yards a game. It feels like the team has moved on from Garrard as a long-term solution, and if they start slow, he could be replaced as an attempt to shake things up even if he isn't playing that badly. That's why he's strictly a backup.
Maurile Tremblay: His ADP ensures that he will be drafted only as a backup. But I think he's got some nice potential. For the past two years, I thought he has played a lot better than his raw stats would indicate, but hasn't gotten much help from his OL or WRs. (I'd say the same about Matt Cassel last year as well.)
I think Garrard is more talented than many give him credit for, and eventually talent can win out if the situation improves.
You can't count on Garrard. He's been generally overrated as a fantasy player for the past two years (including by me). But at this point, his ADP has dropped enough that, given his ability, I think he's underrated.
Andrew Garda: I agree with Bloom. Garrard is a bye-week or injury fill-in, nothing more. He's not terrible as an NFL QB, but he's not what will drive the Jacksonville offense. Maurice Jones-Drew will. Garrard and the passing game will play only a supporting role - one insufficient to create any legitimate fantasy value.
Andy Hicks: Garrard was stuck with a lackluster supporting cast in the passing game last season. Mike Sims-Walker provided a decent target, but after him it was an over-the-hill Torry Holt and three rookie WRs.
Although Jarrett Dillard and Mike Thomas could develop, Garrard's group of receivers appears to be underwhelming again this season. Garrard might look like he presents good value because his ADP is so low - but that value is a façade. While Garrard might finish as the fantasy QB16 and thus outperform his ADP of QB24, he won't be a fantasy starter in any case (except in leagues that start two QBs).
Jeff Pasquino: Garrard is one of those guys who will likely not win you a fantasy game but he also won't lose one for you either. The chances of him putting up 300 yards or three touchdowns is minimal (300 yards five times in the last two years with just two 3-TD games) but he is also more likely to put up an average (12-20 fantasy points) or better than average (20+ fantasy points) quality start than a poor one. He had seven games with 20+ fantasy points last year and only three starts below 12 points. To put it another way - he is a stable fill-in quarterback for a bye week.
Part of the reason he posts decent fantasy numbers despite not throwing for a ton of yards or TDs is his running ability, or rather his willingness to run. Garrard led the league in rushing attempts for quarterbacks with 77, and only he and Aaron Rodgers topped 300 yards on the ground last season.
He's not flashy but he's a stable QB2 who I would be perfectly happy with if I had to throw him out there 1-3 times a season. But I would not be counting on him to win me a playoff game.