9-on-9: Mayoral league update; Tomlin says 'Parker's our runner'
It's a light day here, gamers, due to the holiday. But there's always room for headlines. We're all NFL today, because Week 1 is upon us…
Using his scientifically formulated 2009 player projections, Scott Swanay has revealed the winner of the Yahoo! Sports Mayoral Face-Off. Please recall that the city receiving the most fan votes will receive a $15,000 donation to a local non-profit sports program. Not sure yet if the Royals and Pirates qualify. Need to check with Yahoo! PR. [Fantasy Sherpa]
If you were expecting a backfield committee in Pittsburgh in Week 1, coach Mike Tomlin has some news: "Willie Parker's our runner. Rashard [Mendenhall] has done a nice job and he's going to get an opportunity to get his touches, but more important than anything else, Willie Parker(notes) is our runner." This doesn't mean that Mendenhall is valueless, obviously, but he hasn't exactly had a dazzling preseason. If he ever does something to make himself worthy of more playing time, he'll get it. [Pittsburgh Tribune-Review]
Carolina claimed rookie running back Tyrell Sutton(notes) from Green Bay, but general manager Marty Hurney doesn't want you to interpret the move as a sign that Jonathan Stewart(notes) – inactive for nearly a month with Achilles pain – won't be ready for Week 1. "We wanted to keep our strength strong," said Hurney. That's all. Just strengthening the strongness of their strength. Nothing to see there. [The Rock Hill Herald]
One additional note from the mayoral league: Apparently there was some sort of public outcry in Green Bay when Mayor Schmitt drafted Adrian Peterson first overall. All Day was quickly dealt. Here's the trade…
Feel free to evaluate in comments. The national perspective on that one probably won't match the sentiment in Green Bay. [Mayoral Face-Off]
Jay Cutler(notes) speaks...to Michigan Avenue Magazine. (Nice sweater, tough guy). They don't really hit every essential fantasy question, but they do discuss the Bears' receiving corps: "I think that’s one of the major questions I’ve received since I’ve gotten here: Who are we going to throw the ball to? Can they catch it? Are we going to go get a free agent or make a trade for somebody? And after working with those guys since the beginning of April, I think we’ve got everything we need." And then he names a few favorites. If Cutler didn't mention you, young receivers, then it's probably not a great sign. [Michigan Avenue Magazine]
Oakland receiver Chaz Schilens(notes) (foot) may return by Week 2. "Without getting into anything too specific, I’d say it’s on schedule. Everything is settled, the bone is healing well." He's worth the wait, despite his employer and his quarterback. [Oakland Tribune]
Brandon Marshall(notes) is no longer suspended, but he's no less crazy/unhappy than he was last week. According to the Denver Post, "An NFL source reiterated Sunday that the Broncos are not planning to trade Marshall." But c'mon. That's ridiculous. Make 'em an offer and you'll see how quickly plans change. [Denver Post]
The gentlemen of the Fantasy Football Roundtable gathered to rank the top five running backs, and to collectively disrespect DeAngelo Williams(notes) (consensus No. 7). Everyone ranks Peterson at the top for standard scoring purposes. Funston remains on the MJD island, alone. [RookieBlitz.com]
As most reasonable fantasy owners know, Cedric Benson(notes) is a fraud, running behind a wretched line. Here's recent word from Cincy on rookie Bernard Scott(notes): "Scott can provide a change of pace as a shifty, speedy back, but his ability to continue to improve as a blocker will determine how much playing time he gets." [Cincinnati Enquirer]
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Shirtless Romig pic via US Presswire
