NFL.com’s resident Fantasy Expert Michael Fabiano posted an article on Friday discussing the impact the certain coaches could have on fantasy owners come the 07-08 season. Sure they don’t get picked during our drafts, but they’re style of play calling and offensive philosophy are aspects often ignored by most fantasy owners. Fabiano’s article listed the changes in the Fantasy Football world due to the recent coaching changes on several teams in the NFL. He listed the offensive strategies for new head coaches like Lane Kiffen, Cam Cameron, Bobby Petrino, Norv Turner and……you guessed it, Ken Whisenhunt. Here’s what Fabiano had to say about the style of play Fantasy owners can expect from the Cards offense this season under The Whiz:
“KEN WHISENHUNT, ARIZONA: Todd Haley is the official offensive coordinator for the Cardinals headed into the 2007 season, but it will be Whisenhunt who installs the offensive attack. The former NFL tight end and H-Back was a tight ends and special teams coach at Vanderbilt University before he moved onto the pros where he coached in Baltimore, Cleveland, New York (Jets) and Pittsburgh. He had spent the past three seasons as the Steelers offensive coordinator and helped lead the team to a win in Super Bowl XL.
Whisenhunt’s success in Pittsburgh with Ben Roethlisberger is a positive for the stock of Matt Leinart, who should benefit from his schemes and is a borderline No. 1 or 2 fantasy quarterback. Offensive line and assistant head coach Russ Grimm will look to improve what was an awful unit last season, and that will be vital to the success of Edgerrin James because Whisenhunt wants to run the football about 60 percent of the time. If Grimm can cure the offensive line’s woes, James could be a terrific value selection in all drafts.
Anquan Boldin will be utilized much like Hines Ward was in Pittsburgh (he has been moved from the “X” receiver to the “Z” receiver), so Whisenhunt will move him around and could even line him up in the slot. Boldin might also be used on gadget plays, and there’s a chance he could even see some carries out of the backfield. Haley has also made Larry Fitzgerald a focal point in offseason work, so Boldin and Fitzgerald will both be viable No. 1 fantasy receivers. Whisenhunt would also like to use the tight end more often, but none of Leonard Pope, Ben Patrick or Troy Bienemann will warrant much consideration in fantasy football.”
As far as I’m concerned, I’m not looking for huge numbers and gaudy stats. What the Cardinals need on offense is consistency. They need a solid ground game accompanied by their potent passing attack. The run sets up the pass, it’s as simple as that. If you can’t run the ball then you can’t win games. Arizona needs to improve their red zone % to 70% because this offense is going to have to win quite a few shootouts while the defense continues to adjust to the newly implemented 3-4 system. I am glad Ken Whisenhunt is bringing in a two back system, give Edge all the blockers you can. I think James’ TDs will improve by 10 this season bringing his 07 total all the way up to 16!!
Hey what can I say, I’m a Cards fan……which means I’m an eternal optimist.
Mike Duggan
AZCardsfan4life