2012 Fantasy Outlook - Running Backs

2012 Fantasy Outlook
Running Backs

Bullish

Chris Johnson (TEN)

If CJ was in the Hollywood blockbuster “Cliffhanger” he’s the type of person you’d want to fall to his death. Most position players rarely throw their o-line under the bus after a bad performance, and in 2011, that was a major talking point for Johnson.

CJ’s punk-bitch persona aside, he’ll hopefully be in playing shape BEFORE the season starts and is primed for a huge bounce back season.  Matt Hasselbeck and Jake Locker are both legitimate QBs, which cements his value as a first round pick in PPR leagues.

Ray Rice (BAL)

Averaging 240 carries and 4.6 yards per season in his first 4 years in the league, Fried Rice has done for short people what Bill Cosby did for African Americans, change public perception.  Even the smallest competitors can still break your face.

I don’t see his production slipping, barring a major injury to himself or his o-line.  Most owners see Joe Flacco as a limiting factor for Rice’s production, but please remember McGahee’s resurgence during the Tebow era.  The check down pass is your best friend…point!

(Side note: if you’re in a league where Cam Newton scores 75 points a week and there’s no PPR, do yourself a favor and find new friends.)

LeSean McCoy (PHI)

If McCoy struggles in 2012, it may not be his fault.  The Redskins and Cowboys have corrected the issues on defense, now more acclimated with their coaching staff and their philosophy.  

It will be much more difficult for McCoy to get a jury to convict…I mean penetrate the line of scrimmage. His only value will come as a receiver in PPR leagues.   

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This song has been replaying in my head for two days. Enjoy.

Why Worm Hates:

The Miami Heat

During Saturday’s post-game press conference of the Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat game 3, 2011 playoff series, Dwyane Wade was asked about Miami playing “dirty.”  On any other day, this question would seem vague and off centered. Except for the incident picture above, which occurred earlier that night when Wade fell to the ground and brought down Celtics star point guard Rajon Rondo to the floor, hard. 

I’m no fan of Rajon, for a small man, he’s an extremely physical player and has made over zealous gesturers in the past…even facilitating a scuffle with then pacifist Kirk Hinrich during their 2009 playoff series.

Wade’s action should have put him in the category of Bill Lambert’s Combat Basketball, but for some reason he said it was an accident and we should believe him…right, David? 

It didn’t seem like it was an accident and it did leave Rondo with a dislocated elbow, which he returned from that eventful Saturday night and helped lead the Celtics over the Heat.

Now that we’re all up to speed, let’s let loose the dogs of hate.  If you think Wade’s actions on Saturday were anything other than an attempt to injury, you’re either a 2011 Heat fan boy or a mongoloid.  Take a step back from your distorted views and gain some perspective.  Hypothetical example: Even if your father turned out to be a serial rapist, you shouldn’t just blindly defend him because he’s your dad.  Learn the facts and make an informed, rational decision.

So why does Wade earn a pass for playing dirty?  Ethics in sports is important.  With millions of dollars in endorsement deals, and increased contract negotiating power on the line, should we not expect stars to act within reason?

Returning to the matter at hand, a reporter asked Wade about the “dirty” label, which is a valid and merit-laced question, given Wade’s conduct throughout the series.

Immediately after the question was asked, insert LeBron James and his ego….”That’s retarded.”  Looks like there’s injustice brewing, and LeBron won’t stand for it.

LeBron was so insulted at the (legitimate) question; he let his true feelings be known and we caught a glimpse of the actual LeBron, not the one selling Nike’s shoes and clothes but the young man behind the name.  

Let’s run through the events that transpired these last 12 months and see if LeBron knows the definition of retarded, as a slur. 

Dwyane Wade, LeBron James and Chris Bosh had a meeting to form a pact in signing with one team, so they had a greater chance of winning future NBA championships. Analysis: Retarded with a dash of ethical misconduct and market manipulation.

During free-agency, Dwyane Wade, LeBron James and Chris Bosh all met other teams to discuss possibly signing with their organizations, AFTER they had already made their pact, to make it seem like they hadn’t already agreed on where they’d sign.  Analysis: Retarded and a waste of time and resources.

LeBron James holds an ESPN Primetime Special to announce the decision on where he preferred to sign.   Analysis:  Retarded and narcissistic.  What kind of sadistic ass-hat is this guy?  I think we need Dr. Drew to test this asshole.

When James and Bosh eventually sign with Miami, and partake in a WrestleMania type spectacle in Miami, pictured below.

Analysis: Retarded and immature.  This is why terrorist enjoy bombing America.

LeBron James’ mother, Gloria James, was arrested for allegedly assaulting a parking attendant at a Miami hotel.  This incident occurred after a night drinking with friends. Analysis: Retarded and classless.  Insert apple and tree reference [here]. 

These actions, along with the crass nature of league commissioner, David Stern coupled with inconsistent and emotionally driven officiating have put the sport of professional basketball in a sleeper hold.  Let’s hope it wakes up.