FANTASY CRUZ: Receivers poised to make impact for team owners

By: Joey Cruz / Staff Writer 

Welcome back to part two of the Fantasy Cruz draft special. Last column entailed quarterbacks and running backs. Let’s now dive into receivers, tight ends and defenses. I will not stoop down to kickers. I mean come on, kickers, seriously?

Tight ends are going to be a major draft issue this season. The top two tight ends are coming off season-ending injuries and are probable as of next week. But then again, they do have two studs throwing them the ball, arm slinging Phillip Rivers and “The Sherriff,” Peyton Manning.

Receivers are coming back with a vengeance this season. Some receivers were make or break last season for many owners alike. Take for example Desean Jackson, who was a week-by-week game winner for any fantasy owner who obtained him on their roster. Then again, there were weeks where he was very quiet. The top receivers this season seem to be the same as last year’s because their quarterbacks are intact, so make sure you snatch one.

I have always been more of a fan of defense than offense, and lately in the NFL, defenses are becoming extremely complex. Whether talking about the Jets, Steelers, or even the Ravens, these NFL defenses have offensive coordinators pulling their hair out at times. They blitz corners and drop an outside backer to his spot, or even rush five in the box and ghost a safety towards the middle of the field. Defense is definitely the better side of the football.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Andre Johnson- Last season’s 1,216-yard, 8-touchdown year is just another example that, year after year, he is a player owners can rely on and trust. I think if anyone were to be his quarterback, they would make him look good. Role Model.

Greg Jennings- I mean, he does have Aaron Rodgers going for him. Last season he caught the ball for 1,265 yards and 12 touchdowns. Look for Jennings to repeat a dynamic season now that healthy Packers are back in the mix. Remember, he ran into the end zone with a broken leg and broke Darren Sharper’s tackle. Doing it for Madden.

Roddy White- Last season, he was the second best receiver in fantasy football. Last year, his numbers were 1,389 yards and 10 touchdowns. This year he has a thriving quarterback with another year of experience and a new addition to the receiving core that will free him up sufficiently. Watch out for Atlanta this season, along with White. Dirty Bird.

UNDER THE CRUZAR

Julio Jones- Two words: draft him. From what I have seen this preseason, Jones is looking very healthy after having that foot injury after college. Don’t be surprised if Jones is a top five, number two receiver in the NFL this season. Roll Tide.

TIGHT ENDS

Antonio Gates- Last season he suffered from injuries, but hopefully he’ll be back in action for owner’s sakes.  If Gates gets back to his usual self, I can guarantee he will be the most efficient tight end this season. Spark Plug.

Dallas Clark- This season is a crapshoot for the top tight ends. Dallas Clark is back in action, but apparently Peyton Manning isn’t going to start week one. With Kerry Collins throwing him the ball, hopefully Clark is fully recovered and good to go to have a usual Dallas Clark season. Comeback Kid.

Jason Whitten- Last season was not so great with a little over 300 yards and three touchdowns. His best buddy is back and healthy, looking extremely promising. Tony Romo is another “under the cruzar” QB, and with him at Whitten’s disposal, owners can be pretty confident Whitten will dominate in the Wild West this season. John Wayne.

UNDER THE CRUZAR

Rob Gronkowski- With 546 yards and 10 touchdowns last season, Gronkowski was a go-to-guy for “Tom Terrific,” especially in goal-line situations. Don’t expect for this to change this season. The Pats have improved with additions in Chad Ochocinco and others, but when it comes down to the Patriot’s offensive scheme, goal line situations entail short passing, dink and dunk plays to Gronkowski and Hernandez. Big Rob.

DEFENSES

Pittsburgh Steelers- Having one of the most intimidating defenses in the NFL, the Steelers instill sheer fear in opposing offenses that line up against them. While they are healthy, they usually have the defense in the NFL year after year. They led the league last season with 48 sacks, 21 interceptions and 188 points total. Their defense, as a whole, is strong. Steel Curtain.

Green Bay Packers- With an injured offense last season, the Packers defense was the focal point, along with Aaron Rodgers who got them to the Super Bowl. With countless numbers of pro-bowlers and a defensive player of the year two seasons ago in Charles Woodson, the Pack defense is the real deal and will have another breakthrough fantasy year. The Big Cheese.

New York Jets- As long as Rex Ryan is the head coach of the NY Jets, the defense will be the strong suit of the team, and that will not change. For the last two seasons, everyone discredits the Jets because of Mark Sanchez’s inability to be the big time quarterback they need him to be. The defense holds the team up and they make it to two straight AFC championships while beating very formidable opponents. The Jets defense will be strong again this season. I guarantee it. Gang Green.

UNDER THE CRUZAR

Dallas Cowboys- During Rob Ryan’s tenure in Cleveland as the defensive coordinator, the Browns improved immensely. Now, the very talented Cowboys defense is armed with Ryan and they will improve. Their secondary is shaky sometimes, but with Ryan’s blitz packages implemented into the diabolical front seven of the Dallas “D,” they will force turnovers and definitely get sacks. Dirty D.

Hopefully all owners are content with their picks, and good luck to all fantasy owners this season. Everyone should be quite gracious that football is back. Cruz out.