By Bryan Douglass
November 8, 2008 1:36pm CST

The week has passed and the magnificent Fanball staff has once again filled your noggin with knowledge for use in the week ahead. We have entered the meaty weeks of the season where wins make the difference between playoff contender and late-season pretender, and the need to look for the slightest of edge against the competition is as demanding as ever.

With that in mind, it would be wise to look beyond the potential of the individual and instead focus on those peripheral contributors that provide beneficial work environments.

Here are five questions that do just that, representing debates and dilemmas the casual fan might overlook in spite of the insight the answers can provide into the potential of those players that will fill your fantasy roster.

1. What is the latest on the offensive line in Atlanta?

Throughout this season we have vaulted praise towards the Dirty South, finding drastically improved returns despite the introduction of a new coaching staff and the implementation of several new starters at key positions. More than anything, the ability to identify capable young offensive linemen worthy of starting jobs has put this team on the map, currently ranked 7th in the NFL for overall offense while touting a rookie at quarterback, a former backup at running back, and an offensive line built on youth and potential.

That line now stands in question as the injury bug has taken a full-sized bite out of the team's depth chart. Rookie left tackle Sam Baker (more than worthy of consideration for Rookie of the Year honors, though he would never stand a chance considering his position, not to mention the rise of the quarterback, Matt Ryan, he has been protecting) recently underwent successful back surgery and his status moving forward is uncertain. The team has yet to announce details of the procedure performed and they have skirted questions concerning the severity of the injury and any timetable for Baker's return. We do know Baker's procedure is known as a discectomy, a surgical procedure performed to remove herniated disc material that may be pressing on a nerve root or on the spinal chord, but it is nothing short of a guess to suggest the time needed for recovery.

To make matters worse, Baker's backup, veteran Todd Weiner, is suffering from knee pain and has been held out of practice for most of the week. While the team suggests Weiner will be ready to play on Sunday versus the Saints, the decision to sign free-agent tackle Wayne Gandy was made on Wednesday to ensure a capable man would be on hand to fill the spot at left tackle.

Add an additional injury for starting center Todd McClure, also struggling with back pain, and you have a worrisome scenario for a team that has thrived thanks to the outstanding protections of this line. The Saints are lacking on defense, allowing an average of nearly 240 passing yards per game with just 14 sacks on the season (only six teams have fewer). However, the importance of the left tackle position can't be overstated, and Baker has been the catalyst for Ryan's impressive rookie season. The numbers suggest Ryan could be worthy of a fantasy start, but the list of injuries should introduce enough worry for fantasy owners to seek alternative options.


2. Why is Buffalo struggling?

The Bills started this season with four consecutive wins, riding the surge provided by the arm of quarterback Trent Edwards and the powerful rushing efforts of Marshawn Lynch to a strong start that caught the eye of football fans across the globe.

Since then, Buffalo has suffered three losses in their last four outings while Lynch appears to have peaked with numbers on the decline and Edwards is struggling to avoid costly mistakes, totaling just two interceptions over those first six games with three in his last two.

However, the finger of blame could be pointed at the offensive line. The Bills have allowed just 18 sacks on the season, but seven of those sacks have come in the last two weeks while facing two of the more troubled defensive squads - Miami and the New York Jets - in the league (though the Jets are vastly improved from last season, especially in terms of the pass rush). Consider the concussion suffered by Edwards against Arizona in Week 4, the rash of fumbles in recent weeks, and the rise in turnovers and it is hard to suggest this line, the same line we praised as one of the best in the NFL after those first four wins, is getting the job done. Add falling numbers for Lynch, results that have brought fewer opportunities his way over the past two weeks (just 22 carries total over those losses to Miami and the Jets) and the lack of faith in the line is undeniable.

There are no injuries to be found for those offensive linemen in recent reports from the league. The team has not forced change (and thus a lacking chemistry) into that formation despite the struggles, believing they will get back on track. However, a close and focused review of these games reveals that failing efforts from the fullback (where Buffalo fails to field a worthy blocking presence) and the tight ends (where the Bills do not possess a true blocking option, instead fielding players looking for reception) are giving the opposition a source of inspiration.

In each of the last two games, the Bills have all but abandoned the run with hopes of surging their scores and recovering from early deficits. This is a severe detriment for any offensive line, allowing the opposition to tee off against the pass with no fears that this offense will be handing the ball off. The approach puts those offensive linemen on an island, void of needed support from secondary blocking options and tiring from the consistent pressure of a relentless pass rush. Game records indicate the Bills produced just four rushing attempts for 14 yards after halftime against the Jets. Against Miami, they pushed just four rushes for 13 yards after the mid-game break.

Understand the lack of production in slowing Jets NT Kris Jenkins is a worry, but it is a problem every team the Jets have faced has found, thus it may be a bit unfair to suggest that one performance is indicating the end is at hand for Buffalo. It may in fact be lack of variety from the offense that is causing problems, and that leaves hope of improved performances moving forward. This offensive line is struggling, but steps can be made to entice progress.


3. Should we give Baltimore a bit more love?

Review the overall numbers and you may wonder why we would introduce an offense ranked 19th in the NFL, averaging just 322.5 total offensive yards, as a team worthy of praise. This group is averaging fewer than 175 passing yards per game and is lacking in quality fantasy commodities for your consideration... so why are we ready to heap praise in their direction?

Consider more recent returns and the grand view presented by the overall picture. This team is averaging a whopping 148.8 rushing yards per game, ranked 4th in the NFL, yet they are the only team in the top 10 for rushing yardage averaging fewer than 4.0 yards per carry. Review the individual statistics and you will find 27 rushers listed before you reach a name from the Ravens' roster. Starter Willis McGahee is averaging just 3.5 yards per carry and has earned just 100 carries thus far (to offer perspective, top dogs Clinton Portis, Adrian Peterson, and Michael Turner all have at least 176 carries). Injury has played a role in the low number of opportunities, but rookie Ray Rice and fullback Le'Ron McClain have filled the void admirably, ranked 32nd and 30th on the individual rushing production stats thus far (that's three Baltimore rushers within five rankings of each other).

Meanwhile, rookie quarterback Joe Flacco is suddenly working as an arm to fear. After struggling to reach the 150-yard mark in each of his first four games with completion percentages in need of improvement, the kid out of Delaware is suddenly surging. He has 230 passing yards or more in three of his last four games, completing over 70% of his pass attempts in two of those battles. His passer ratings over the first five games of the season (in order): 63.7, 47.8, 81.7, 50.4, and 57.0. His ratings over the last three: 120.2, 81.9, 109.6.

The key to allowing a rookie passer to improve so quickly (especially considering the lackluster list of receivers he has to target) is comfort, and the Ravens have found that formula despite the loss of future Hall of Fame tackle Jonathan Ogden and the introduction of several changes along that offensive line. Right tackle Adam Terry has stepped up his game and overtaken veteran Pro-Bowl regular Willie Anderson for the starting job, and he's joined Jared Gaither as two of the more surprising performers at tackle this season. Guard Ben Grubbs, a top draft pick out of Auburn last season, is becoming an outstanding contributor for the rushing efforts in Baltimore, thus allowing a multitude of rushers to find success up the middle, the path that is especially rewarding for Rice (averaging 7.7 yards per carry over the Ravens' last two games).

Add the outstanding gifts of fullback Lorenzo Neal, the man that turned LaDainian Tomlinson into one of the best running backs we've ever seen, a man now carrying the full load of the blocking duties in Baltimore, thus allowing McClain to earn carries rather than blocks (a facet of tremendous benefit for the Ravens. McClain has struggled in protection, but his power and size are proving too daunting for would-be tacklers when he carries the football), and suddenly the Baltimore offense is transforming into a unit to fear.

The schedule ahead is tough (including the Giants, the Eagles, the Redskins, the Steelers, the Cowboys, and the Jags), and expectations should be tempered, but the rise of these contributors has us believing Baltimore is headed in the right direction.


4. Titans versus Bears: Offensive Lines or Defensive Fronts?

For this writer, this particular game serves as the source of hope and a sign of all that is right and good with the NFL. It is a matchup that will present the old-school fan of the game, the jersey-donning coach potato cheering for violence and mayhem, with a glimpse of gridiron heaven. The Titans, the only remaining unbeaten team in the league, tout the league's 10th-ranked rushing defense in the land. The Bears rank 5th on that same scale. Flip the coin to offense and the similarities continue where Tennessee, averaging 149.1 rushing yards per game behind the prolific efforts of rookie Chris Johnson, rank 3rd in the nation for rushing offense while Chicago, led by their own rookie of choice in Matt Forte, rank 11th.

Put the spotlight on the offensive lines, for they will be the difference between a win and a loss for teams built on defense and rushing.

Inspection of the matchups should bring two separate but influential discussions centered on specific matchups, the first being focused on Chicago right guard Roberto Garza, one of the best NFL commodities at the position, and his matchup against Tennessee left tackle Tony Brown.

While Albert Haynesworth is the man of fame and fortune (and rightfully so, possibly worthy of rank as the best defensive linemen in the land), the Titans are going to need Brown to raise his game and take advantage of the scenario likely to unfold. Chicago center Olin Kreutz is going to be the force of the Bears' efforts up the middle, and the perennial Pro Bowler will be spending much of his day helping unproven left guard Josh Beekman in attempts to keep Haynesworth at bay. That leaves Brown alone with Garza as the leading force to infiltrate the line of scrimmage and attack Forte.

Turn the discussion to the Chicago defense where end Alex Brown has been the leader of all things good. He'll be working against the left side of the Tennessee offensive line where tackle Michael Roos and guard Eugene Amano have carried the load for the Titans.

As it stands, it is hard to review the performances of those players and state, despite the lack of star power the names may carry, this tandem is not working as one of, if not the, best left side in the game. Quarterback Kerry Collins, standing in the pocket at 35 years of age, has been sacked just three times. Collins is not and never has been a passer known for elusive moves behind center. He takes his drop, he stands and scans, and he throws. That may be the most demanding job on the offensive line, protecting such a quarterback from harm, and Roos and Amano have been outstanding… and they have faced some of the best, including Mario Williams with the Texans, Jared Allen with Minnesota, Terrell Suggs with Baltimore, Dwight Freeney with Indianapolis, and Aaron Kampman with the Packers.

The battle in the middle will be fierce, but the advantage lies with Tennessee and their passing offense. This Titans offensive line may rank with the Giants as the leading example of excellence in the NFL today, and that presents the obvious advantage of experience and proven ability Collins carries over Chicago passer Kyle Orton as the flavor of favoritism in this matchup.


5. Can the Indianapolis line stand up the Pittsburgh Steelers?

Mostly likely viewed as one of the top games of the week for casual fans and football loyalists alike, the Colts and Steelers are set to wage war, yet the picture we might have envisioned is a far cry from the realities of today.

Neither team enters with an optimal scenario on hand. The Steelers may be forced to deal with the Colts defense without their top offensive contributors. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is listed as a game-time decision due to a shoulder injury suffered against the Redskins last week while rusher Willie Parker is set to miss his fifth game in the last six with continued shoulder pain. While the situations seems dire, it is a hampered mode this team has battled (and conquered, sitting at 6-2) all season long.

For the Colts, the view is much more concerning. The list of injuries out of Indianapolis is rather short, listing just four players overall with only one (cornerback Kelvin Hayden) standing as a significant worry entering Week 10. However, unlike the Steelers, the Colts have yet to produce significant improvements since returning to health. Early injury worries for center Jeff Saturday and running back Joseph Addai left this offense without two of the key contributors that led this team to historic offensive production levels in recent seasons, and the results followed, losing two of their first three games (earning their only win by just one field goal, 18-15 over the Minnesota Vikings).

Both players have returned to action and now the Colts enjoy a full cabinet of offensive weapons, yet the team continues to fail. They are 1-2 over their last three, and once again it was the leg of Adam Vinatieri that produced the three-point win over the maligned New England Patriots last week, 18-15 (and he had to boot it from 52 yards to get the job done).

The signs of struggles are in the numbers, and all point to lacking performance from the offensive line. For years, this unit has ranked among the most reliable in the NFL. Quarterback Peyton Manning has suffered fewer than 20 sacks in four of the past five seasons, including a total of 13 absorbed in 2004, 17 in 2005, and 14 in 2006. Last season that number jumped to 21 and he has already absorbed nine thus far in '08. The lacking protection has also been indicated in the turnover column. Manning's interception totals since 2003 (respectively): 10, 10, 10, 9. Last season he jumped to 14 and he has already totaled nine picks this season.

The flip side of that offensive coin is even more troubled. The Colts rank dead last in the NFL for rushing offense, totaling 171 carries - 31st in the NFL, indicating their lack of confidence - for 561 total rushing yards, averaging 3.3 yards per carry (all NFL lows). The fall is somewhat understood with Addai missing multiple games to injury. However, his time on the field has yet to produce the top gains we would expect as a member of this offense. Against Minnesota in Week 2 he averaged just 1.3 yards per carry, taking 15 handoffs for 20 yards. Last week against New England he managed just 1.9 yards per carry with 17 handoffs for 32 yards. Addai has yet to produce a 100-yard performance and his receiving totals, normally viewed as an outstanding benefit, have been horrendous (his top performance coming via two catches for 13 yards versus Minnesota).

Clearly a team cannot produce such woeful results without suffering from lackluster play along the offensive line. They miss Jake Scott (having moved to Tennessee) more than they could have ever imagined while left tackle Tony Ugoh seems to have taken a severe step backwards after an outstanding rookie season in '07. Both guards, Charlie Johnson and Mike Pollak, have yet to seize the opportunity and showcase any sign of progress, though both are still young and learning. The most worrisome factor may be the lack of depth, a luxury the Colts have enjoyed during Manning's tenure. The list of options is limited and offers little-to-no hope of improvement.

Now they must face one of the top defenses in the land, and the resulting emotion for fantasy owners will be as damaging as any scenario the Colts have faced this season. The defense ranks at the top of the NFL crop this season, allowing just 258.4 total offensive yards per game. This group is especially skilled at getting after the quarterback, allowing just 177.2 passing yards per game (4th in the NFL) with 19 interceptions taken (9th in the league), 14 passing touchdowns surrendered (1st in the league), and 41 sacks thus far (7th in the league). The average 68.0 passer rating allowed is topped by just one (Buffalo) and the schedule faced thus far proves the effort is worthy of top praise.

Those numbers have been produced against the likes of Donovan McNabb, Eli Manning, and Jason Campbell. All were held in check, and now they are set to add Manning to the list. It's hard to imagine, but it seems wise to suggest any and all commodities on your fantasy roster donning Indianapolis jerseys would be best kept on the virtual sideline (though Reggie Wayne may be the obvious exception… he seems to get his regardless). Many of those players were gone after the first two rounds of your fantasy draft were complete, but now it seems likely the fall of their support system will result in serious troubles versus the league's elite defensive force.

Without that line, the Colts are a shadow of the team we have grown to covet, pushing those worrisome injuries for top offensive weapons in Pittsburgh into the shadows.