Here’s a math problem for you.
Check out this number: 1.714285714285, etc., etc. into infinity
Is this the square root of pi or Quentin Griffin’s rushing average against the San Diego Chargers?
I think we all know which it is. Here’s another quiz question.
If a train wreck is on a collision course with the Denver running game, how many weeks can Griffin play before his fumbles and ineffectiveness cost him his starting job?
Whether Griffin–or Tatum Bell– is the final answer for the Broncos will be played out in the next few weeks. And Griffin isn’t alone. Mistakes, mediocrity and injuries are starting to take their toll on a number of fantasy players.
Week 4 will be a watershed week. Domanick Davis’ aching ankle has opened the door for Jonathan Wells to share carries. Michael Pittman returns from a suspension, just in time to take over in Tampa Bay’s rushing attack as Charlie Garner goes out for the season with a right knee injury. The annual Steve McNair watch is on, and you can bet backup Billy Volek will see some time behind center soon.
Oakland quarterback Rich Gannon was kind enough to mistake linebacker Derrick Brooks for a throw pillow, breaking a vertebrae in his neck and expediting the inevitable transition to Kerry Collins.
The Lamar Gordon experiment in Miami ended after just three games; the running back was placed on injured reserve with a dislocated left shoulder. Next up is Leonard Henry, or the Dolphins could import another sacrificial lamb if they can trade for Kansas City “diaper” dandy Larry Johnson.
Not that anyone can do much behind that offensive line. Miami’s front five could go down as one of the worst lines in league history–and that includes those Tinker Toy Tampa Bay lines of the Vinny Testaverde era.
They don’t keep stats for O-lineman, so I don’t know how you go about measuring such a thing. Maybe you take one of those wands that measures toxic radiation and wave it over left tackle Wade Smith. Then use it on Marty Booker and A.J. Feeley.
Perhaps the Dolphins can fill all of their holes by trading Adewale Ogunleye.
Oh, wait.
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plthompson@tribune.com
