Imagine if fantasy football was like–oh, I don’t know–that cornball VH1 Divas Live concert, and the network told Mariah to alternate verses with Shania, like some screechy version of “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” with sequins and bad hair extensions. Throw in Elton John in a thong, and that’s what “committee” means to the fantasy owner.
The committee approach is a heinous concept dreamed up by coaches to get back at fans, players and owners. The concept works like this: A team has no single player good enough to start full time at running back or quarterback or whatever, so it platoons a couple of schmoes so there’s enough blame to go around.
Or else the team has a potential go-to guy, but his competition is a draft pick or a veteran or trade bait. So they both plod through the season, never giving fantasy owners productions on which they can rely.
They call it a committee, but nothing gets done.
Most NFL seasons have a few of these situations sprinkled around the league, and this year’s no different. Since they can’t always be avoided, knowing what to expect from each “committee member” can help keep owners from getting burned.
DETROIT
The situation: With running back James Stewart on injured reserve, in comes former Denver
1,000-yard rusher Olandis Gary, who joins starter-by-default Shawn Bryson and undrafted rookie Avon Cobourne.
The outlook: Bryson is a better receiver than Gary, but Gary has averaged at least 4 yards per carry in four years. Gary will likely start once he learns the offense–after all, Detroit did trade a draft pick to get him.
SAN FRANCISCO
The situation: Garrison Hearst was named the starting running back this week, staving off a challenge from talented third-year young backup Kevan Barlow.
The outlook: Hearst and Barlow are mentioned together so often it’s starting to sound like they’re a microbrew. They’ve been going at it like this for three years now, and the wily veteran refuses to give up the ghost. Hearst averaged just 2.5 yards per rush in preseason, but Barlow managed only 3.5 yards a carry–hardly electrifying.
TAMPA BAY
The situation: Michael Pittman has himself in a fine jam, facing jail time and/or a suspension after being arrested on a charge he rammed his SUV into a vehicle carrying his wife and child.
The outlook: Pittman is the starting running back until the league or the law come calling. Ex-Cardinal Thomas Jones looked tremendous in preseason, leading the team with 186 yards and three touchdowns. Reports say the Bucs plan to use both backs along with Aaron Stecker and Mike Alstott.
TENNESSEE
The situation: The Titans have been looking for someone to complement wide receiver Derrick Mason.
The outlook: Justin McCareins scored three TDs during the preseason and was favored to ascend last season before he got hurt. Draft pick Tyrone Calico is a hot commodity too. But quarterback Steve McNair said that 6-foot-5 Drew Bennett, the declared No. 2, is as indispensable as Mason or tight end Frank Wycheck.
TWO MORE TO WATCH
Bears: Anthony Thomas won the starting job over Adrian Peterson but was inspiring in only one preseason game. If Thomas falters, Peterson will get the call because coach Dick Jauron must win.
Jets: New York has said that LaMont Jordan will share carries with Curtis Martin. The 230-pound Jordan is a bruising downhill runner. After 2,604 career rushes, Martin has some miles on him.
BANK IT
Week 1 locks
1. Kelly Holcomb
WR, Browns vs. Colts
2. Matt Hasselbeck
QB, Seahawks at Saints
3. Ricky Williams
RB, Dolphins vs. Texans
4. Clinton Portis
RB, Broncos at Bengals
5. Terrell Owens
WR, 49ers vs. Bears
– TO owes the Bears for a poor showing in 2001, advises R-Dub to bring a Sharpie.
6. David Boston
WR, Chargers at Chiefs
7. Laveranues Coles
WR, Redskins vs. Jets
8. Edgerrin James
RB, Colts at Browns
9. David Akers
K, Eagles vs. Buccaneers
10. Panthers defense
vs. Jaguars
BUSTED
Week 1 stiffs
1. Tom Brady
QB, Patriots at Bills
2. Brad Johnson
QB, Bucs at Eagles
3. Emmitt Smith
RB, Cardinals at Lions
– Can you name an Arizona receiver?
The Lions defensive backs can’t either.
4. Troy Hambrick
RB, Cowboys at Falcons
5. Curtis Martin
RB, Jets at Redskins
6. Amos Zereoue
RB, Steelers vs. Ravens
7. Eric Moulds
WR, Bills vs. Patriots
8. Todd Heap
TE, Ravens at Steelers
9. Kris Brown
K, Texans vs. Dolphins
10. Packers defense
vs. Vikings
Sleeping beauties
The overlooked and undervalued
Buffalo Bills defense
After giving up 25 a game, the Bills front office got serious and added linebackers Takeo Spikes and Jeff Posey, as well as defense tackle Sam Adams and a late grab in safety Lawyer Milloy, a major coup.
