FANTASY FOCUS: Gruden what 'MNF' needs

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When Jim Zorn does get fired, Redskins' owner Daniel Snyder will be calling Jon Gruden. I hope that he and Gruden will not find common ground, because Gruden is fantastic on ESPN's Monday Night Football. He adds an insight and a level of excitement to the game that has been LONG missing.

When asked by a reporter if his play was the reason that the Raiders were struggling so badly, Jamarcus Russell replied, "I personally don't think I'm the reason. Do you?"

Carolina outgained Buffalo 425-167 and lost 20-9. Rumor has it that Matt Moore could be the Panthers' starting quarterback as early as this week.

It's obvious that LaDainian Tomlinson has indeed lost a step. He had 23 carries for 71 yards against the Chiefs, but his red zone numbers were alarming. LT had eight carries inside the 5-yard line and produced ZERO touchdowns.

Biggest pickup this week might be Shonn Greene of the Jets. Leon Washington broke his leg on Sunday and Greene stepped in and ran for 144 yards and 2 TDs. He'll be Thomas Jones' backup, but the Jets love running the ball.

Tell me you saw Adrian Peterson literally run over Randall Gay? I taught him that.

Alex Smith looked really good in relief of Shaun Hill. Smith has earned a start again this week. Of course if you're counting on starting a 49ers quarterback, your team has many problems.

Larry Johnson of the Chiefs has long been, putting it nicely, a troubled individual. There will be a suspension coming his way. I suggest giving Jamaal Charles a nice look. His numbers are better than Johnson's anyway.

Week 7 Report Card:

Starts:

Jay Cutler (QB/Chi): 26 of 37 for 251 yards with 1 TD and 3 INTs. At least this week they've got the Browns.

Donovan McNabb (QB/Phi.): 15 of 25 for 156 yards and 1 TD. Maybe teams play down to the Redskins. By the way, I'm not impressed with their version of the Wildcat.

Dwayne Bowe (WR/K.C.): 2 catches for 11 yards and 1 TD. More of a reflection of Matt Cassel's awful play.

Sits:

Kurt Warner (QB/Ari.): 20 of 36 for 231 yards with 1TD and 1 INT. It was his fewest completions and yards in any game this season.

Brian Westbrook (RB/Phi.): 3 carries for 13 yards before getting not out of the game with a probable concussion. Staying healthy never has been Westbrook's strong point anyway.

Steven Jackson (RB/STL): 23 carries for 134 yards. Very nice game for Jackson, but there is that glaring zero in the touchdown column.

WEEK 8 Starts/Sits:

Starts:

Vincent Jackson (WR/SD): At home against the Raiders. With a very limited running game, Rivers-to-Jackson might be something you'll hear often Sunday.

Shonn Greene (RB/NYJ): Versus Miami. See above.

Austin Miles (WR/Dal.): Hosting Seattle. Clearly the play-maker they thought Roy Williams would be.

Sits:

Steve Slaton (RB/Hou.): At Buffalo. You're not going to sit a first-rounder, but the Texans ground game never has, well ... gotten off the ground. Thankfully Slaton can catch the ball.

Matt Ryan (QB/Atl.): At New Orleans. Ryan has struggled the past twp games and will continue this week. Until Michael Turner can get it going, defenses will key in on the passing game.

Terrell Owens (WR/Buf.): Hosting Houston. I'll just say there are 53 wide receivers with more catches than Owens.

• Andy Hampton writes a weekly fantasy football column, "Fantasy Focus," for the Daily Chronicle. Write to him at sports@daily-chronicle.com.
 

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