From Melvin's Perspective: This trade gives Matt a desperately needed reliable third WR to start alongside Roy Williams and Chris Chambers. Matt Jones, or any of the Jaguars receivers, for that matter, weren't going to perform week in and week out, and this was a clear position of need for Melvin. The decision to cut Byron Leftwich and start David Garrard illustrates what kind of shambles the Jaguars passing game is in, so bringing in a guy like Branch, with a proven quarterback like Matt Hasselbeck, is a major boost for Melvin.
Jason Witten is a step down from Tony Gonzalez, but it may not be as big a dropoff as it seems. First of all, with all the weapons that the Cowboys have, they should at least be able to move the ball consistently, leading to red zone opportunites for Witten. Tony Romo is playing with a chip on his shoulder, and will look to Witten when Owens is double covered.
From Rich's Perspective: In trading for Tatum Bell, Rich really didn't improve his situation at the running back position. For a short while last week, it appeared that Lions running back Kevin Jones would be heading to the Physically Unable To Perform list, and miss a minimum of 6 weeks, however, Jones has survived the training camp roster cuts and is still part of the Detroit 53 man roster. This news makes Tatum Bell less appealing, even though he may be starting a few games until Jones is 100% healthy. Realistically, Tatum Bell will not crack Rich's starting lineup without an injury to either Laurence Maroney or Reggie Bush.
Tony Gonzalez, however, is an instant starter at tight end. While Kansas City's wide receivers don't scare anybody, Gonzo always seems to find a way to have a big season regardless. Larry Johnson is back with the team now after his holdout, so the offense has at least two proven weapons for defenses to key on. Getting Gonzalez was a good move for Rich, but he has to hope that the price he paid for him wasn't too steep.
The Winner: Slight edge goes to Matt Melvin.
6 comments:
Good analysis. I think the only way trades happen in this type of league is when they work out for the best interests of both teams. My main concern was my Saints bye in week 4. Right now I don't have a proven RB to fill in for Bush, and Tatum appears to have some great potential early in the season. My next RB bye is in week 10, providing me plenty of time to make another roster adjustment.
Branch, although a good receiver, fits better in Melvin's roster due to his need for a 3rd strong WR. Furthermore, Branch shared his bye week with Fitzgerald in week 8, so avoiding that conflict will hopefully make that week a little less stressful on for the Jabbers head coach.
I like Witten's prospects this year, and I was hoping to grab L.J. Smith off waivers to include him in the deal, but no dice thanks to Dave. Overall, I agree the trade favors Melvin because of the immediate impact that Branch will be able to have on his team week in and week out. We will see if that analysis holds true in the early weeks of the season.
I don't really like the trade because it completely throws off my analysis of the Hefty/Melvin matchup. Heck, two people voted for Melvin to win after my MMSY was posted! Haven't you any manners, Matthew and Richard?
Nobody reads your MMSY.
JK LOL!!! Is that a person's face in a pile of lasagna?
But ... hey!
It's Pizza the Hut from Spaceballs. He's the evil, intergalactic gangster who is trying to strong arm Lonestar and Barf, and ends up eating himself to death later on in the movie.
Melvin obviously looks like Pizza.
I read your MMSY. Well, I have to because I post it.
Otherwise, I'd probably just give it a passing glance.
Also, I like the acronym MMSY. It reminds me of the movie "The Last Mimzy" that Dwight Schrute was in.
Well looks like Tatum's prospects are less and less as time goes by. Oh well. Hopefully Branch gets run over by a bus!
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