Question for you with a real simple answer. What RB selected in the first round of nearly every single fantasy football draft in the universe has been the biggest bust of them all? Ah yes, that'd be Joseph Addai. Yet, ironically, most people would love to speak to the likes of Ladainian Tomlinson, Steven Jackson or Marshawn Lynch when they mention first round busts. I beg the question: why do we always forget about what an utter disappointment Addai has been?You have to go to Week 9 of last season (yes, last season) to find the last time Addai has rushed for over 100 yards in a game. Sure, I know the argument doesn't hold so much water when you proclaim that Addai is in fact an all-purpose back. Oh, I understand that -- yet, really, is he that great of an all-purpose back? What does he do that's so special? I think a lot of us fell in love a little prematurely with Addai. And many folks are paying for that brutal mistake this season.
The Colts' struggles this season on offense have seen Peyton Manning take a lump of the blame. Yet, in fact, it's been the lack of a running game that has seemingly doomed the Colts. Addai has been hurt, but he's also been highly ineffective. He's barely over 300 all-purpose yards on the season, averaging 3.1 yards per carry with only four TDs. The bottom line is that he's not getting it done. And, yet, there is still this chatter that Addai will be fine, he'll turn it around and he'll kill it down the stretch. Not so fast.
Look, I know the schedule ahead is about as easy as it gets. However, Addai has shown absolutely no signs that he can flip the switch. In fact, the Colts have turned and leaned moreso on Dominic Rhodes than was expected at the start of the season. Rhodes has been more effective filling in for Addai and splitting carries when Addai is in the lineup.
Maybe Addai is simply not healthy -- we can't be 100% sure.
As Manning has gotten his step and his health back, the Colts offense has started to click. Despite Addai owners licking their chops at a schedule that reads HOU, @SD, @CLE, CIN, DET, @JAC, I'm just not seeing the turn of events. The offense will go through Manning and company and that means a heavy dose of the vintage Colts passing attack. Look, I might be wrong, but even as the Colts continue to try and get the run game going -- I'd be shocked to see Rhodes completely fazed out of the offense.
I know it just seems insane when looking at the schedule to lose faith in Addai. However, if it's not painfully obvious by now that Addai is just not the same guy who ripped it a year ago, it will sure sting down the stretch. Addai has never really been a guy who racks up rushing yards, but what established him in fantasy football last year was that he scored TDs. He also chipped in with the passing game here and there. Well, none of the above have happened for Addai this season.
No, I'm absolutely not suggesting you give up on Addai. However, my goal is to temper your expectations. Generally, you are what you are at this point in the season. And unfortunately, for those who snagged Addai with their fist pick, he's currently ... a bust. The schedule says this should change, but I'm not buying it.
You simply can't give up on Addai, but don't come crying when he craps out down the stretch as he has pretty much all season.
Comments (Page 1 of 1)
I'm not too worried about Addai, mainly because I traded for him (not drafted him) and he's sitting on my bench, along with Rhodes. My league starts exactly two RB's and I've got Peterson and Chris Johnson as my primary backs (with J Lewis and R Williams joining Addai/Rhodes on the bench). If Addai (OR Rhodes) happens to bust out during this user-friendly stretch, it's a bonus, not something I'm desperately needing (at least not right now).