I usually trust wide receivers from Florida like I trust bankruptcy attorneys.
But San Diego’s Reche Caldwell could make a believer out of me. It isn’t just that he has scored in consecutive weeks to start the season (when’s the last time an ex-Gator receiver did that?) but that Marty Schottenheimer trusted him enough to throw to him on fourth and 15 in the fourth quarter. Caldwell also was the first person Drew Brees looked to on the Chargers’ first series.
One would hope at least one Gator receiver emerges as a consistent fantasy threat among a group that includes Darrell Jackson, Ike Hilliard and Jabar Gaffney.
After all, the school does field the most receivers on NFL rosters with seven.
If you have an opening, it certainly couldn’t hurt to give Caldwell a look.
DON’T LOOK NOW: The Lions special teams scored another touchdown, this week on a 99-yard kick return by Eddie Drummond. They can keep this up as long as they keep facing offensively challenged opponents. It just goes to show that in the fantasy world, quality is relative.
I BELIEVE: I believe Edgerrin James must have stuffed Dominic Rhodes in a locker before the game. James had the kind of monster week (2 TDs, 124 yards) that has been long overdue, and neither Rhodes nor James Mungro had a chance to steal his thunder–or fantasy points–this weekend. Marvin Harrison, though, needs to clear a locker for Reggie Wayne.
BACK TO EARTH: Those Quentin Griffin owners who pre-ordered polish for their championship trophies got slapped back into reality after the Jacksonville game. So which is the real Griffin: The guy who barbecued Kansas City or the one who got fed to the Jaguars?
I’d say somewhere in between. The Jags’ defense look just as tough against the run as the Ravens. Well, as tough as a team can look with speckled kitties on their sleeves.
GET WELL, NEVER: Injuries are a wonderful thing–for the competition. Roy Williams and DeShaun Foster can thank Charles Rogers and Stephen Davis, respectively, for their big days. And Williams was my only sleeper pick that wasn’t comatose in Week 2.
WELCOME BACK: Donte Stallworth. It took nine catches, the mediocre 49ers defense and Aaron Brooks throwing out of desperation in the fourth for you to get 113 yards and a score.
I THINK: In those hideous all-black-and-orange uniforms, the Dolphins could easily spot Rudi Johnson. From Jupiter.
HEY, TYRONE WHEATLEY: Your 38-yard-old quarterback Rich Gannon had just as many rushing yards (24) as you. On six fewer carries. Ty Wheatley, thou name art “bum.”
HOLD ON: Emmitt Smith scored another rushing touchdown? Against the Patriots? Had to be an illusion or CGI.
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plthompson@tribune.com
