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Bust - Jake Delhomme (CAR)

18 Jun, 2007 Busts

Jake Delhomme (QB) Carolina

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSE8h0syClY

Remember when Carolina was in the Super Bowl? Way back when Jake Delhomme was a good fantasy QB? Those certainly were the days. Strangely, if you look at Delhomme’s stats from last year, they aren’t all that bad. However, like the Transformers, there is more here than meets the eye.

The Bust Explained

On the surface, Delhomme looks like a guy in the prime of his career. The last couple years he’s been putting up decent stats. However, the Panthers signed ex-Texan David Carr as one of their few free agents. Carr, who has had his share of ups and downs, still has the talent to be considered a threat. While Delhomme will begin the year as the starter, it may not take too long for coach Fox to pull the plug, should the offense struggle. Which is a somewhat scary proposition, when you consider just who the Panthers have (that isn’t named Steve Smith). A very ragtag bunch. Smith is a playmaker, but he’s going to be very easy to double-team most every play. He’s got a rookie WR lining up on the opposite side, and no tight end to speak of. Not a good sign for Delhomme. If Smith is covered more, Delhomme will take more sacks than usual, or force the ball into
coverage. Neither one is a good thing. Let’s not forget the thumb injury that Delhomme struggled with last year. This could turn into a lingering problem. Remember what a thumb injury did to Kurt Warner’s career?

The Risk Factor:

Perhaps everything is as it appears. Delhomme is poised for another decent fantasy year. Carr is nothing more than an insurance policy for Delhomme’s fully healed thumb. If this is the case, Delhomme could put up a 3500yard, 20TD season.

The Strategy:

Do NOT rely on Delhomme as a starting fantasy QB. It’s just too risky, and the potential rewards aren’t there. If you miss the boat on the good, solid fantasy QBs, take a chance on one of the younger guys with alot of weapons on their offense.

Peyton Manning

Indianapolis Colts