Monday Morning Hangover: Week Fifteen

Jeff Haverlack

hangover_fotor

 

Every Sunday we’re featuring the Sunday Six Pack that covers the day’s biggest storylines. We follow this up each and every Monday with The Monday Morning Hangover, which looks back on those stories and covers what we learned. These back-to-back articles are sure to get you primed, pumped and informed throughout the entire season. In addition, reading these articles will ensure you understand the dangers of not paying attention or drinking too much on Sundays.

Can #1) Kissing Cousins

Kirk Cousins did seem to provide a spark for the flagging Redskins, but ultimately couldn’t will his team to a victory, falling 27-26 to the Atlanta Falcons.  For his part, Cousins threw for 381 yards and three touchdowns, but also tossed two interceptions and lost a fumble.  He managed the pocket well and while he was under pressure throughout the contest, the offensive line held the Falcons to a single sack on the day.  But the offense sputtered by turning the ball over seven times, five of which came via fumble.  We doubt there’s any brewing controversy just yet as to who will be starting at quarterback in 2014, but Cousins can certainly push that snowball downhill with two noteworthy performances to finish out the year.

Can #2) Cutlery

The return of Jay Cutler was a successful one as he ended the day throwing for 265 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions while guiding the Bears to a 38-31 win.  For fantasy owners, this game had a bit of everything. Chicago returned an interception for a touchdown while the Cleveland defense countered with a fumble recovery and touchdown of their own.  Recent star Alshon Jeffery had a quiet day until the fourth quarter when he, somehow, came up with what was essentially a jump ball between two Cleveland defenders for a 45 yard score.  Jeffery would end the day with five receptions, 72 yards and that single touchdown.  Brandon Marshall tallied six receptions for 95 yards and a touchdown.  Running back Matt Forte’ managed 127 yards on 24 carries.  For Cleveland, it was a lackluster performance on offense.  Practice squad back, Edwin Baker got the first touchdown of his career and finished the day with 38 yards on eight carries, in addition to four receptions for an additional 46 yards.  The ridiculous, at least of late, Josh Gordon, was on his way to an anemic performance before scoring late in the fourth quarter on a 43 yard streak from Jason Campbell.

Can #3) Dr. Geno and Mr. Smith

It was about as expected.  Geno Smith was uninspiring but not terrible, passing for 157 yards and a touchdown, while also tossing an interception.  Once again, the Jets could find no offensive rhythm and are in bad need for offensive weapons in the outside receiver position department.  With exception of tight end Jeff Cumberland, who reeled in three receptions for 50 yards and a touchdown, no other receiver could muster more than 44 yards.  Running Back Chris Ivory looks capable in the backfield and rushed for 66 yards on 11 totes, but with no one home in the passing game, the Jets won’t be able to lean on the run game.  The Jets have a long off-season ahead of them without a great foundation to build from it would seem.

Can #4) Sweeney Todman

I found myself recommending Jordan Todman more than once this week and he turned in a notable performance for the Jaguars, rushing 25 times for 109 yards while adding another 44 yards on four receptions.  While Todman isn’t the type of back that will openly compete as a lead back over bigger names, he’s shown the ability to be productive, receives the ball well out of the backfield and runs tougher than his size would suggest.  He’s a good name to own if you own Maurice Jones-Drew.  

Can #5)  Ram Tough

It was an ugly day for Drew Brees and the visiting Saints as they were man-handled by a motivated Ram squad.  On the day, Brees did throw for 293 yards, but could only manage a single touchdown while throwing two interceptions and losing a fumble.  Stud tight end Jimmy Graham tallied a whopping 25 yards on two receptions, not exactly what owners were hoping for during fantasy playoff week.  The loan bright spot was the surging Marques Colston who found the end zone again on one of his eight receptions for 92 yards.  For the Rams, Kellen Clemens remains noteworthy with another efficient performance, passing for 158 yards and two touchdowns. Thanks to the run game upon the capable legs of Zac Stacy, who rushed for 133 yards and a touchdown on 28 carries, Clemens was able to manage the game well without having to play from behind.  Stacy will remain an intriguing young back to consider in early rounds when we head into 2014.  No Ram receivers tallied more than 41 yards on the day.  In the end, the Rams emerged victorious by the score of 27-16.

Can #6) Have You Met Dez?

It was a big day for Dez  Bryant as he was targeted early and often from Tony Romo, finishing the day with 11 receptions, 153 yards and a touchdown in a game where the Cowboys snatched defeat from the jaws of victory.   Five touchdowns in the second half sunk the Cowboys in the end, a loss sure to have reverberations in Big D.  Stay tuned.  It’s been an up and down campaign for the dominant-capable receiver, but now with over 1,000 yards on the season and 11 touchdowns, he’s finishing on a strong note and will likely end as a top ten receiver.  Bryant is a young 25 years old and will be a mainstay in fantasy for years to come as long as he keeps his head on straight.  With running backs seemingly on the decline in 2013, Bryant is sure to move up a few spots in average drafted position.

 

jeff haverlack