By Bryan Douglass
September 27, 2008 11:37am CDT

If you have played fantasy football for any length of time, you understand the importance of perspective. There are many components used to build the machine that is the NFL, and each and every one of those pieces plays a role in the game. As such, they should all be included in your choice of perspective for the season to be.
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. Will the Eagles survive without Shawn Andrews?
Thus far, 2008 has not been kind to Andrews. His travails during the preseason, missing the bulk of training camp as he fought what was described as mental health issues brought rumors of a pending contract holdout and also seemed to suggest, at least to some, that Andrews lacked the dedication and heart needed to contribute to the team.

However, he got himself back to camp just in time for the first week of the season and appeared to be on the right path. He has been as productive as ever, supporting one of the best offensive units in the game thus far. Quarterback Donovan McNabb is enjoying a comfortable passing pocket, the rushers are going forward with power, and it is all due (at least in large part) to Andrews and his fellow offensive linemen.

This week offers a troubled picture as the Eagles attempt to identify a proper mode of attack against the mighty Chicago Bears defense. McNabb continues to battle a chest contusion, top rusher Brian Westbrook is listed as questionable as he battles ankle injury, and top short-range target tight end L.J. Smith was held out of practice with back pain. While capable rusher Correll Buckhalter will fill in admirably with Westy sidelined, the rest of the missing cast either relies on or provides the support needed to push forward, and their backup options are not as talented. Now add the most recent injury for Andrews, battling back spasms, and you have serious need for doubt.

There is no questioning Andrews’ contributions. He’s an elite player at the position, easily ranked among the top-10 performers at right guard. He is the primary source for rushing lanes, he keeps the pocket well protected, and he gets into the open when needed to provide support going down the field. All indications point to him missing this week’s game against Chicago, a team just a touch over 70 rushing yards per game (5th in the NFL). This is going to be a problem.

Max Jean-Gilles will make the start in his stead, but there is reason to believe the mix of Andrews’ injury, the injury woes for Westbrook, and powerful defense brought by the opposition will create serious problems for the Philadelphia rushing attack, and that can affect the entire effort in a negative manner.

2. Will Montrae Holland enhance the Dallas effort?
The Cowboys signed Holland last month after his release from the Denver Broncos, planning to use the veteran guard in place of injured left guard Kyle Kosier. However, Holland needed time to learn the advanced Dallas offense and young Cory Procter proved capable of filling the team’s needs, thus Holland’s ascension into the starting lineup was put on hold.

To be fair, the Dallas production has been just fine. Quarterback Tony Romo is completing 67.4% of his passes for an average of 9.70 yards per attempts, and he has absorbed just three sacks along the way. More importantly, the rushing attack, a facet directly affected by guard play, has been stellar. The group of rushers for Dallas is averaging 5.0 yards per carry while the top two backs on the depth chart are emerging as premium fantasy forces. Marion Barber has averaged 4.6 yards per carry with 285 yards and four touchdowns through three games. Backup rookie Felix Jones is averaging a whopping 8.2 yards per carry with two rushing touchdowns of his own. However, the most significant number to show how effective this offensive line has been: 13.7. That is how many yards per catch tight end Jason Witten is averaging, an insane number for a player at that position. He’s stretching the field and finding time to work deeper routes, and that can only be achieved with supreme pass protection.

Now Holland has been proclaimed ready for action, and the timing couldn’t be more intriguing. Kosier had returned to his starting job last week but aggravated the injury in his right foot, and now the ‘Boys expect he will miss an additional 2-3 weeks of action. Coach Wade Phillips intends to start Procter once again, but Holland has been taking reps with the 1st-team offense in practice this week and all indications suggest he will earn significant playing time. That should leave questions if you own any one of the top fantasy weapons from this roster.

A review of Holland’s scouting report indicates a lack of mobility and failures to get to an explosive jump off the snap, yet his technique and knowledge earned from experience has turned him into a positive contributor for the rushing game. There are times when elite interior bull rushers will beat him to the point of attack and produce tackles in the backfield, but Holland knows how to get the job done and will offer quality penetration lanes for an already stout rush attack.

Now consider the opponent. Against the run, the Washington Redskins have struggled, allowing an average of 4.4 yards per carry and 108.3 rushing yards per game. That would indicate the decision to move to Holland could be a positive change. In fact, the next three weeks fail to submit a worthy defensive line that will focus on exposing Holland’s weaknesses, including Cincinnati, Arizona, and St. Louis. That’s a favorable slate that could provide outstanding gains for an already-stout rushing attack, and Holland could lead the way.

3. How concerning is the loss of Eric Steinbach?
It would be fair to suggest Steinbach is worthy of inclusion in any discussion focused on the best guards of the National Football League. The Browns dedicated tremendous financial resources to steal him away from Cincinnati as a free agent two years ago, and as you review the rise of this offense since his move to the Dawg Pound, you realize he is working as the example of excellence for those lining the point of attack by his side.

Steinbach was lost late last week to a shoulder injury, missing a full week of practice and the following game against Baltimore. Recent reports following prolonged pain in the shoulder indicate an MRI has revealed no structural damage, but the Browns are still likely to be playing against the Bengals this week without him, and that’s a problem.

After scoring a gaudy total of 402 points on offense last season, the Browns have struggled to produce any semblance of that offense this season. They have just two offensive touchdowns scored thus far, both coming via the pass. The rushing unit is averaging just 3.6 yards per carry and quarterback Derek Anderson has suffered seven sacks thus far (after absorbing just 14 through all of last season).

This is a far cry from the team that averaged 351.3 total yards of offense per game last season, and now they have lost their leader on the offensive line. Having Steinbach on the field would give the Browns hope for reversing fortunes. Instead, they will fight through with Seth McKinney, a viable backup option that will perform but will also serve as a sizeable downgrade from the starter.

In other words, it appears rusher Jamal Lewis, who continues to fall short of expectation, and company are in for more worries. The Bengals are surrendering just 3.3 yards per carry thus far this season, and without Steinbach opening the lanes, the effort to run with the football against the Bengals could prove futile. That is as concerning as any factor the Browns are attempting to overcome.

4. Are the Bills in trouble without Darian Barnes?
Rare is the fullback who gains recognition as a player the casual fan will know and value, but the work of Darian Barnes is quickly becoming the source of such inspiration. Barnes carries seven seasons in the league largely spent as a journeyman without a solid home, but since joining the Bills, he has become a the pillar of support needed to allow rusher Marshawn Lynch an opportunity to shine. Coach Dick Jauron constructed a similar system during his time in Chicago, putting one of the best offensive lines in the league in front of a smashing fullback to ensure the lanes are clear for the fleet-footed rusher with the ball. Now he has done it again in Buffalo, and the numbers prove it’s working.

Through the first three games of the season, Lynch has served as one of the more rewarding primary backs in the NFL. While he has averaged just 3.6 yards per carry, he’s racked up 60 handoffs and made good with 218 yards and four touchdowns. Barnes’ contributions to the offense can also be viewed in the passing game. Tight end Robert Royal has totaled 10 receptions for 86 yards and a touchdown while Lynch has added eight for 57. Barnes serves as the lead block on those, as well, and he has the short-range targets of the Bills making contributions.

This week brings a report indicating Barnes has been limited in practice this week with a bum foot, and his availability for this week’s battle with the Rams is in question. The timing of this downfall is troubling as St. Louis has surrendered an average of 5.1 yards per carry thus far this season against the run. Getting Lynch into open space would allow his acceleration to make good for substantial gains, but with Barnes on the sideline, the team is without a worthy lead rusher and his gains could be muted.

Fantasy owners would be wise to track Barnes’ status as game time approaches. Lynch needs to stay in the starting lineup against this lackluster D regardless, but having Barnes could be the difference between a stellar day and disappointment.

5. Is there reason to worry in New Orleans?
Review the latest injury report and the listing of three particular names in New Orleans should strike a nerve.

The first is tight end Mark Campbell. Unlike the man that filled the starting role before him (Jeremy Shockey), Campbell is a member of the blocking crew, offering additional support for the talents of Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas as well as arm of Drew Brees. Campbell is the man dealing hits while others avoid them, and he was limited in practice this week with a strained hamstring. He is listed as questionable for this week’s game against the Niners.

The second is left tackle Jammal Brown, the rising young star tasked with covering the elite defensive ends of the NFL. He has improved to probable for this week’s matchup, but he was forced out of the last week’s matchup against Denver with a groin injury. These are nicks that are easily aggravated and thus his status should be labeled as questionable in your own mind. This is the man charged with protecting the blind side for the quarterback, and he is likely to be hampered, at best.

The third is fullback Mike Karney. Few realize just how crucial Karney’s offerings have been over the past three seasons. At 5-foot-11, 255 lbs, Karney is a bowling ball with speed, able to stay low and put the lead block in front of those that carry the rock. Put your checks on the production of both Bush (152 rushing yards, 250 receiving through three games) and Thomas (75 grinding yards) and you can see how troubling it will be if Karney is unable to go, battling with a sprained ankle and unable to practice late in the week.

It is possible all three could see action and play, but at the very least, all will be running at less than 100%. That puts additional strain on a rusher that has shown a propensity for indecision behind the line of scrimmage. Put Bush behind Karney and he can be lethal. Take Karney out and he may be forced to revert to old habits. Leave Brown off of his assignment against defensive end Justin Smith and suddenly Brees is doing more running than passing. List Campbell as inactive and the entire crew suffers.

It will be hard to avoid the temptation to start both Bush and Brees this week, but the injuries in their supporting cast leave need to question their true potential.