Gridiron Meanderings

Whew! I am worn out from watching a thrilling, close AFC Championship game. As a Pittsburgh Steelers fan, I am thrilled with the result, but that second half was nearly heart attack inducing! That said, there are some interesting things to take away for fantasy owners heading into 2011.

Mark Sanchez, Quarterback, New York Jets – I have to admit, he’s a better quarterback than I thought. He’s put together some solid games in the postseason, and his stat line was solid in one-half of play against a formidable Steelers foe. What impressed me most, though, was his toughness and ability to come back after a lousy first half of play. He nearly pulled it off, and if he continues to grow and learn, he has a very good outlook for 2011 and beyond.

Verdict: Sanchez should remain a very solid QB2 option in all formats, with the upside to be a low end QB1 if he continues to improve and the Jets open the offense more for him. His third season will be very telling.

Rashard Mendenhall, Running back, Pittsburgh Steelers – There were a lot of people who didn’t believe in this guy heading into 2010, and he’s proven the doubters and nay-sayers wrong. He literally took this game over, running for 121 yards against one of the best run defenses in the league. Oh, and he did it without their Pro Bowl center for most of the game. Can you imagine what he’d do with a better offensive line? Seriously, he runs with power, has quick feet, very good balance, and is a pretty good receiver and pass blocker out of the backfield. One of the rare complete backs in this day and age.

Verdict: People will argue with me, but he was perhaps the steadiest runner in the league in 2010. I place him in the top-five going into 2011, only behind Adrian Peterson and Chris Johnson. He should be in the discussion with the likes of Arian Foster, Maurice Jones-Drew, and Jamaal Charles.

Shonn Greene, Running back, New York Jets – He was bottled up for most of the game, except for a big 23-yard burst to start the second half. Still, he ended up with nine carries for 52 yards and looked like the back people expected to see in 2010. What I really liked is he got some tough yards for the Jets and should have been in on the huge goal line plays instead of LaDainian Tomlinson. Owners and Jets fans can only hope Rex Ryan and company learns from that mistake.

Verdict: We don’t know if Tomlinson will be back or what his role will be, but Greene looks like he should be in for a larger role as a starter in 2011. With many folks disappointed and disillusioned with him after 2010, he should be someone to target as a RB2 with RB1 upside. He may even be available in drafts when folks are looking for a RB3. He might also be available on the cheap on the trading block, though I would try and hide my interest by adding him as part of a package deal.