Fantasy Impact Counterpoint: Mike Horacek
By Simon McGrother
Mike Horacek is a 10-year veteran with hall-of-fame career stats. He's coming off an injury interrupted 2007 with the Dragons and starts afresh with the Kansas City Brigade.
There are several question marks over Mike's likely stud-dom in 08: new team, surprising choice at QB, some good alternative receivers, his own fitness.
Let's break it down.
New team - the Brigade are one of the quiet success stories of the league. They finished last season 10-6 and were desperately disappointed to crash out in the wild card round of the playoffs. They scored solidly (Raymond Philyaw ending the season with 85 TDs) and had a good balance between run and pass. The addition of Horacek is a clear signal that they intend to go further this year. They also benefit from playing in the Central Division with some of the league's weakest teams, giving the Brigade one of the easiest schedules of any team.
Fitzgerald at QB - as mentioned Philyaw had a great 2007 and Fitzgerald will need to have his best ever season to come close to replicating Raymond's stats. But I think the planets are aligned in his favor. With a very fine group of receivers, his useful mobility, and an offensive unit that is used to providing protection to the tune of 5+ TDs per game, I think John will improve on his career best 61 TDs. My prediction is 75 scores from the comeback kid.
Alternative receivers - ok, so really I mean Charles Frederick, who was sensational in his rookie season. He totaled 41 TDs in 2007, putting him in the league's top 10 scorers. But interestingly, despite the fact that KC threw 85 TDs, Charles only caught 27 of these (he rushed for the other 14). That leaves 58 TD receptions for the rest of the crew. So the gut-reaction that Horacek might have been brought in to play second fiddle to Frederick doesn't really hold water. What's more, Frederick has no more history with Fitzgerald than Horacek does, so no favoritism going into the new season. I think that Horacek will be the main guy, with Charles falling just below his 1st year mark.
Mike's fitness - well he's come through pre-season ok, but hey, this is always the great unknowable. Respect the fantasy god's and they might just keep him healthy for the whole year.
Overall I'd say Mike is going to be one of the very best WR2s. If he's your main man, you're going to struggle but if he's backing up a C-Jax or a Ben Nelson, then you are looking more than just ok.
Prediction: 1300 yards, 33 TDs, 2 rushing TDs.
Simon McGrother is a founding member of Arena Football Online and a member of the Arena Football League Writers Association. Contact Simon at smcgrother@arenafootballonline.com
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