Travis Henry: Talented but troubled.

Travis Henry faces a possible one-year suspension for violation of the league’s substance abuse policy.  Sample A has been tested, Sample B is being fought over in the courts because Henry is contending that his experts would not be allowed to attend the testing.  The reason for this is that the “expert” provided by Henry is affiliated with a lab which is against the CBA.  From what is being reported, Henry filed this action on September 20^th.  If he could have stayed clean until October 1^st, he would have been released from the treatment program and have a clean bill (after two years of being clean, you get a clean slate).

For those with Travis Henry on their roster, start thinking about a back up plan.

To counter that downer news, let’s throw a feel good sports story out there.

The Colorado Rockies (I know, it’s baseball) have voted a full playoff share to the widow of their minor league first base coach, Mike Coolbaugh, who was killed by a line drive.  This was not done by the management of the club but by the players.  This is a thing we very seldom hear reported in sports. 

"When I heard about what the players did, I almost cried," Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd said. "This was the players' idea. I think it's remarkable."

Granted, this will not bring Mike Coolbaugh back but it should let Amanda Coolbaugh, Mike’s widow, know that while he is gone, he is not forgotten by the players that he helped work through the minors.

So, to the players of the Colorado Rockies, I give you a hearty “Thumbs Up”!  Thank You for restoring just a little faith in athletes.

On to fantasy football and let’s hit the QBs this week.

How many of you got burned by Donovan McNabb’s stellar performance last week?  I almost did on one league but had adequate depth through the roster to save the team from implosion.  I also have Kitna to throw in there and I think that Kitna, sans bye week, is my starter for the rest of the season.  May even try to offload McNabb to someone who is desperate.  Have to wait until after Week 6 though.  Hopefully McNabb won’t be McNasty that week and actually gives me some value in trade discussions.

In Arizona we have a QBBC that is working somewhat.  It isn’t good for either Warner or Leinart fantasy wise but it is working for them on the field.  We’ll see if this continues.  Just when you thought RBBC was killing you…

Jake Delhomme is hurting and so are the Panthers.  While many thought that David Carr was going to be the solution to Jake and eventually run him out of town, Carr threw one hell of a stink ball at them.  Were the Bucs that good last week or was Carr that bad? 

Gus Frerotte is in for the ailing Marc Bulger.  The Rams are a train wreck right now with regards to injuries and there doesn’t appear to be an end to the tunnel.  Hopefully Gus can provide a spark in St. Louis and try to get them untracked.  Without Bulger or S-Jax, it may be difficult.

Brian Griese certainly didn’t impress anyone last week with his 3 pick performance.  At least they moved the ball in the air.  Unfortunately, Chicago is beat up defensively and what they really need is a ball control offense to keep them protected.  Cedric Benson needs to get off his ass and actually perform for a living and Griese needs to find Mushin Muhammed, Desmond Clark and Greg Olsen on possession routes to make a difference.  If not, Sir Brett will chew them up.

Alex Smith is out, Trent Dilfer is in.  I’m not sure if this is a bad thing or not.  Smith was having major problems moving that offense.  With Dilfer having a week of practice time and virtually a full game of unexpected duty to knock off the rust, he could be serviceable.  Just don’t expect it against the Ravens Defense, who were embarrassed by their loss at Cleveland .  I wouldn’t want to be Dilfer this week.

Well, that’s it for now.  It’s time for this one to Ramble On.  See Ya Next  Time.