Fantasy News - 09/06/2006
Source: FoxSports.com Laurence Maroney - #39 - Running back - 5'11" - 220lbs News: Laurence Maroney (knee) practiced in full pads on Wednesday. Impact: We're still waiting on that injury report. The first-round pick has now went through consecutive full-contact practices. (Wed. Sep 6, 2006) Tedy Bruschi - #54 - Linebacker - 6'1" - 247lbs News: Tedy Bruschi (wrist) did not practice Tuesday. Impact: It's still unclear as to whether the Patriots' top inside linebacker will play in Week 1. The injury report comes out Wednesday. (Wed. Sep 6, 2006) Fantasy Impact: At this rate it's impossible to say for certain whether Maroney will make much of an impact on Sunday against the Bills, but owners of Corey Dillon should be concerned about Maroney splitting carries. If Bruschi doesn't play on Sunday then Junior Seau and Tully Banta-Cain should get more playing time. |
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Seau looks like a nice fit - 08/23/2006
Source: projo.com, bostonherald.com The Patriots were stretching, getting ready for practice yesterday afternoon when coach Bill Belichick wandered over to the far side of the field to talk to his newest player. The two, the coach and the new linebacker, spent time in what looked like earnest conversation. Minutes later, when the real work of practice began, there was the new guy, No. 55, playing at inside linebacker, along side Mike Vrabel, with Tully Banta-Cain and Rosevelt Colvin on the outside. Fantasy Impact: Seau should have an immediate impact providing another experienced, knowledgeable linebacker that can move inside with Vrabel and allow Banta-Cain to work on the outside. Seau should manage to have some impact this year, but with Bruschi's return imminent at the beginning of the season, Seau is not very valuable as an IDP threat. |
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Banta-Cain takes aim at starting job - 08/21/2006
Source: BostonHerald.com If the Patriots’ survival plan at linebacker this year is to get step-up performances from players who’ve been overlooked or underestimated, then consider Tully Banta-Cain as a glimmer of hope that the unit won’t be as thin as feared. The fourth-year outside linebacker flourished in a starting role against the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday night, recording three tackles, a sack and two quarterback pressures. He showed good burst in pursuit and consistently set an edge on running plays. To fully convince coach Bill Belichick, Banta-Cain will have to continue to show he can do more than just get at the quarterback, although he does have two sacks in as many preseason games. Fantasy Impact: The Patriots' 3-4 often rushes the OLB and Banta-Cain could be very successful in this role. If fit into a rotation with Vrabel shifting inside next to Bruschi, then Banta-Cain could have value solidifying the Patriots' D. |
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It's an opportune time for Banta-Cain, Green - 08/15/2006
Source: Boston.com, bostonherald.com In the 3-4 alignment, Tully Banta-Cain was inserted at outside linebacker. That moved Mike Vrabel from outside linebacker to inside linebacker, where he replaced Don Davis. The team also worked in a 4-3 set at various times, taking Banta-Cain off the field and adding defensive lineman Jarvis Green. Fantasy Impact: Two young players along the Patriots' defense, DE Green and OLB Banta-Cain, may not have much impact this season, but their presence in different looks solidifies this New England D and should get them more involved. In addition, if Banta-Cain moves on a more permanent basis to the OLB role in the 3-4, Vrabel will get more looks on the inside and more tackles. |
