Brunell was so great for us last year and I have to admit he blew away my expectations. I think he can just as effective this season, but I am nervous about his age and health. (Thank goodness we have Campbell - I hope the brass knew what they were doing when they drafted him). Anyway, I have a little exert from FootballDocs' magazine:
Brunell had a renaissance in 2005 as he reached a career high in TD passes, 23, while he played in all 16 games for only the 3rd time in his 12 year career. This year, Brunell will be teamed up with Al Saunders, from KC, as his offensive coordinator and new offensive weapons, Brandon Lloyd and Antwaan Randle El. These new components will complement Santana Moss and help Brunell post solid numbers. Brunell probably won’t top his career TD numbers from 2005, but he should have a very solid season IF he plays all 16 games. It will be difficult for the 36-year-old QB to play 16 games. WHEN he plays, he can be a solid fantasy QB in 2006, but you should have a back-up plan in case of injury.
I think they are pretty on the money with a prediction of 21 TDs for Brunell b/c I think Portis (and maybe a little Betts!! Go Hawkeyes!!) will be running the ball in for a few TDs this year. In KC, Saunders seemed to love the rushing TDs, so I won't be surprised to see some “pound it in” mentality. If nothing else, I think I can have a solid backup fantasy QB in Brunell. (I plan on targeting him in my leagues)
Brunell might be a good fantasy pick this year with Saunders directing the offense. Not a lot of people will select him based on his passing yards, but I think he'd be a good pick to have as a starter on someones fantasy pick. Last year it was either Santana Moss or Chris ey and by the middle of the year defenses were able to key on Moss. They won't be able to do that this year so Brunell would be a good QB on a fantasy team. I might pick him as my backup QB to start the season and see how he goes, and if he clearly benefits from the new system I could add him as my starter. He could be a sleeper pick for someones team.
I have taken Brunell in almost all of my fantasy drafts as a backup or even third quarterback. He really is a good decision maker and doesn't give alot of interceptions, which as you all know is a killer at the qb position. I don't know about him being a starter or worth a starter pick but if you can get him in the 9-11th round, i think he's worth it.
Dec. 31, 1972
NFC Championship Game at RFK Stadium
W, 26-3
"Just remember this. Forty men together can't lose." George Allen
If you pick him, you may want to make sure you have Cambell on your bench.... either through injury or the emergance of Cambell, I don't think Brunell will start more than 10 games, but I do think he will do well when he does play.
Romans 1:11 "For I wish that I myself were cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers..." Paul
I had Brunell and Moss last season, most folks overlooked them because they are "Redskins", and the team had not been very successful in the past several years. Very effective combination until Moss started drawing all of the attention due to the lack of complementing receivers.
R.I.P. Andrew McDonough 9/3/92 - 7/14/07. Love & miss you, #20.