[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lfrE9af20T0&feature=PlayList&p=6844B5CB5DB57B67&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=27[/youtube] (Numbers in parentheses denote 2008 positional finish in Default IDP Manor Scoring) 2008 Team Rankings: Total Defense – 12th (308.7 YPG), Run Defense – 5th (81.3 YPG), Pass Defense – 24th (227.3 YPG), Scoring Defense – 6th (12.3 PPG) DEFENSIVE LINEMEN: Defensive end Patrick Kerney (DL95) enters his 11th NFL season, and given his age (32) and the fact that he’s missed significant time two of the past three years he’s a risky DL2 choice. The recent news that [...]

(All fantasy football stats based on Default IDP Manor Scoring) TALE OF THE TAPE: 6′ 1″, 200 lbs., 26 years old, 4th season, University of Alabama 2008 STATS: 89 tackles (82 solos), 1 forced fumble, 9 passes defensed 2008 POSITIONAL FINISH: DB37 BEST POSITIONAL FINISH: DB2 (2007) CURRENT FANTASY FOOTBALL OASIS RANKING: Redraft: DB8 Dynasty: DB6 2009 OUTLOOK: New Orleans Saints strong safety Roman Harper appears ready for a rebound after a somewhat disappointing 2008 with the arrival of defensive [...]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cn_Yw7mEpqg[/youtube] (Numbers in parentheses denote 2008 positional finish in Default IDP Manor Scoring) 2008 Team Rankings: Total Defense – 13th (326.0 YPG), Run Defense – 13th (106.8 YPG), Pass Defense – 20th (219.2 YPG), Scoring Defense – 23rd (23.8 PPG) DEFENSIVE LINEMEN: While San Francisco is yet another 3-4 team with a dearth of IDP-relevant players on the defensive line there is one notable exception. End Justin Smith (DL11) has 50+ solos and Top 15 finishes two of the past [...]

One of the more interesting developments to come from San Diego Chargers training camp in 2009 was the installation of newcomer Kevin Burnett as the starter at WILB, as reported by The North County Times. Burnett, who came to San Diego after 4 seasons in Dallas, had 38 tackles and 2 sacks in limited duty for the Cowboys in 2008. The Ball Says: Burnett opened camp as the team’s nickel WILB, but impressed the coaching staff enough in run support [...]

Here’s a preview of The Ball’s latest set of IDP rankings for dynasty leagues. We’ll be updating the rankings as the season approaches. Enjoy! Rankings based on Default IDP Manor Scoring. DEFENSIVE LINEMEN 1.) Jared Allen, MIN 2.) Mario Williams, HOU 3.) Justin Tuck, NYG 4.) Terrell Suggs, BAL 5.) Trent Cole, PHI 6.) Osi Umenyiora, NYG 7.) Julius Peppers, CAR 8.) Chris Long, STL 9.) Gaines Adams, TB 10.) Robert Mathis, IND 11.) Adewale Ogunleye, CHI 12.) John Abraham, [...]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hET5k4YvhaQ[/youtube] (Numbers in parentheses denote 2008 positional finish in Default IDP Manor Scoring) 2008 Team Rankings: Total Defense – 25th (349.9 YPG), Run Defense – 11th (102.6 YPG), Pass Defense – 19th (217.2 YPG), Scoring Defense – 15th (21.7 PPG) DEFENSIVE LINEMEN: Yet another 3-4 defensive front with very slim pickings from an IDP standpoint no Chargers’ DL cracks our Top 50 defensive linemen, although tackle Jamal Williams (DL51) deserves some late-round consideration in deeper leagues that require the position. [...]

According to a report in the Tampa Tribune the Buccaneers are (at least temporarily) abandoning the plan to move Jermaine Phillips to weakside linebacker and will instead move the 8th-year veteran back to safety due to the 4-game suspension of starting FS Tanard Jackson. Phillips had 59 tackles and 3 interceptions in 11 games at safety a year ago. The Ball Says: The Tribune believes that Phillips will line up at FS, but we think it more likely the bulked-up [...]

Here’s a preview of The Ball’s latest set of IDP rankings for dynasty leagues. We’ll be updating the rankings as the season approaches. Enjoy! Rankings based on Default IDP Manor Scoring. DEFENSIVE BACKS 1.) Oshiomogho Atogwe, STL 2.) Adrian Wilson, ARZ 3.) Gibril Wilson, MIA 4.) Richard Marshall, CAR 5.) Eric Weddle, SD 6.) Roman Harper, NO 7.) Kenny Phillips, NYG 8.) Antoine Winfield, MIN 9.) Charles Tillman, CHI 10.) Troy Polamalu, PIT 11.) Yeremiah Bell, MIA 12.) Quintin Mikell, [...]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUlet8CQbGI[/youtube] (Numbers in parentheses denote 2008 positional finish in Default IDP Manor Scoring) 2008 Team Rankings: Total Defense – 28th (371.9 YPG), Run Defense – 29th (154.7 YPG), Pass Defense – 19th (217.2 YPG), Scoring Defense – 31st (29.1 PPG) DEFENSIVE LINEMEN: Second-year defensive end Chris Long (DL57) looks to build on a somewhat disappointing 2008, and given his potential as a two-way end and the above average tackle opportunities he will likely see Long possesses solid DL2 value. His [...]

Oakland Raiders linebacker Kirk Morrison suffered a dislocated elbow in the team’s latest preseason game according to a report in the San Jose Mercury News. Morrison, who has averaged 127+ tackles the past three seasons, is expected back in time for the Raiders’ Sept. 14 opener against San Diego. The Ball Says: Oakland Head Coach Tom Cable stated that Morrison is still “ahead” in his competition with Ricky Brown for the starting job at MLB, and while we still expect [...]