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Mike Horacek is a 10-year veteran and one of the all-time greats in the AFL. Horacek is a lock for 100+ catches and 30+ TDs each and every year. He played the last three years with Aaron Garcia and the New York Dragons but in 2008 will sport a Kansas City Brigade uniform. So owners can expect another 100+ receptions and 30+ TDs this year, right? Not so fast.
The biggest problem I see is the QB situation in Kansas City. The Brigade has QB John Fitzgerald as the starter, and I'm not convinced he's ready to play a full 16-game season. He has not played an AFL game since May of 2006. Prior to this year, in two seasons with the Austin Wranglers, Fitz averaged 65.5 passing TDs through the air and seven TDs on the ground. That's about what type of production I feel people can expect in 2008. Why is this worrysome you ask?
Let's look at the Brigade WRs. They have last year's Co-Rookie of the Year, Charles Frederick, who was involved on almost every offensive play for the Brigade, as he led the team in receptions, receiving TDs, yards rushing, and rushing TDs. Then there is the resurgent Thabiti Davis, who just recently signed with the Brigade. Last year, Thabiti caught 123 passes for 1200+ yards for the Las Vegas Gladiators. Then we can move onto Boo Williams, another receiver who was productive, catching 45 balls for 473 yards and 17 TDs.
So why should all Horacek owners worry about 2008? Because Aaron Garcia IS NOT HIS QB! Garcia could be counted on for 85+ TDs when healthy. Fitzgerald won't throw 70 TDs this year, and there are just too many other options on the Brigade for Horacek to post another 100 catches and 30 TDs. If Fitz throws for 70 TDs, can we really expect Horacek to catch almost 50% of his TD passes? That's some wishful thinking. The average draft position for Horacek points to his being overvalued. I've got Horacek projected for 90-95 catches, 1100 yards, and 23 TDs, but I would not be surprised to see him dip below those totals. He's got to stay healthy and Fitz has to have a great year for him to maximize those numbers. I have no doubt that you will see Horacek have some good games this year, but they will not be as consistent as they were in the past. I see Horacek performing as a WR3, at best, for 2008.
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