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Week 2
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MARIO MANNINGHAM (WR-NYG): The shifty wide out is a dangerous route runner who smoothly gets in and out of his cuts. He’s making the most of his opportunity to emerge in an offense short on experience at wide receiver. His focus to hang on to the ball on a 22-yard touchdown reception versus Dallas was an incredible display of athleticism.
SENECA WALLACE (QB-SEA): The career backup was called into duty to cover for an injured Matt Hasselbeck. Wallace was ineffective for the most part, operating behind a banged-up offensive line. Over the course of 2008, however, the Iowa State product was very efficient with an 11:3 touchdown-to-interception ratio, while also setting a team record with 184 consecutive passes without an interception. Overall, he’s a good decision maker with a decent arm. The undersized triggerman should perform better with a full week of practice under him. Monitor Hasselbeck’s status this week. Initial tests were negative, but Seattle may choose to let him rest his ribs for one game before throwing him back out to the wolves.
MIKE SIMS-WALKER (WR-JAX): The oft-injured Sims-Walker was one of Jacksonville’s few bright spots in a brutal home loss to Arizona. The 6’2” long strider has 4.3 speed and soft hands. But what really works in his favor is that he’s supplanted the underachieving Troy Williamson in the starting lineup and the fact that the Jaguars should be playing from behind quite often this season.
JOHNNY KNOX (WR-CHI): Jay Cutler has a favorite receiver in Chi-Town and it’s not Earl Bennett. Rookie Johnny Knox has established remarkable chemistry with his quarterback thanks to his raw speed and elusiveness after the catch. The young speed merchant is versatile enough to split out wide or line up in the slot.
JUSTIN FORSETT (RB-SEA): The second-year back is quickly picking up steam as a key member of the Seahawk backfield. He may have even overtaken Edgerrin James as the number-two option. Previously highlighted in Ones to Watch, Forsett touched the ball 11 times for 35 yards on the ground and 57 yards as a pass catcher versus the 49ers. The 5’8” playmaker is an electrifying runner with the lateral quickness and balance to gain yardage in tight quarters. Forsett is a no-brainer in deep leagues.
TASHARD CHOICE (RB-DAL): The hard-charging Choice may only be part of three-man rotation, but has proven to be a powerful north-south runner with extraordinary burst and the ability to break tackles. Those in need of an insurance back with high upside would be wise to invest in Choice who’s available in most leagues. Marion Barber III and Felix Jones are far from being durable options, making the ex-Yellowjacket a likely weekly starter at some point during the season.
KELLEY WASHINGTON (WR-BAL): No, he’s not the greatest route runner. But what Washington does offer is good hands and the ability to catch the ball in traffic. The 6’3” wide out’s size and exceptional strength make him tough to defend. Washington has bumped Demetrius Williams out of the number-three receiver spot and is becoming an option that Joe Flacco is becoming increasingly comfortable with. The journeyman finished yesterday’s game with four receptions for 58 yards and a score.
SHAWN NELSON (TE-BUF): Nelson should undoubtedly see increased snaps due to starting tight end Derek Schouman’s leg injury versus Tampa Bay, which may be of the season-ending variety. To this point, the rookie has shown flashes of his amazing quickness off the snap and agility to make tough grabs. He still needs a bit of seasoning as a blocker, but it won’t be long before the Bills start featuring him with greater frequency. Nelson should currently be viewed as a possible bye-week fill-in with superb potential.
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