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Topic: Is Burleson a bust? (Read 235 times) |
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Philosopher King
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Re: Is Burleson a bust?
« Reply #4 on: Dec 20th, 2005, 4:10am » |
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From a fantasy perspective, yes, I think he is and will (continue to) be "a bust". From an NFL perspective, the Vikings perspective, I just don't think he is "the answer"... to the situation left behind by the departed Moss. I think he could be a nice #2 NFL wideout. He needs to play opposite a 1) complementary 2) stud. If he does, he could become a nice filler fantasy wideout. But, that is all I ever see him being, at best that is. What I mean by "complementary" is someone who is not his twin, i.e. Troy Williamson. It needs to be a dude who's capable of being a #1 wideout, a team's go-to guy and whose physical stature and style of play is the correlative of his, and I think they basically have that dude in Koren Robinson, who is/plays a little bigger and tougher than Burleson and can if he puts his mind to it, from an athletic standpoint at least, be a #1.
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| « Last Edit: Dec 20th, 2005, 4:11am by Stegfucius » |
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GM
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Re: Is Burleson a bust?
« Reply #5 on: Dec 20th, 2005, 9:24am » |
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Remember that guy Duante Culpepper who was unstoppable in 2004, and then inexplicably sucked this year ? (before getting hurt and adding injury to insult for everybody who drafted him in the first round).
In comparison to 2004, I think the one overlooked change to the 2005 Vikings offense that might help explain why Burleson/Robinson/Robinson/Taylor/Williams have been virtually worthless is the change from offensive coordinater Scott Linehan (who now handles the Dolphins offense) to Steve Looney   .
Notice how there is no featured receiver, and now everybody has 3 catches for 30 yards every week ? Yup, that has to be Looney.
As far as Burleson, I doubt you can label him a bust, he is never going to be a star, but like Steg mentioned, he's definitely a servicable #2 receiver. He is rather ordinary from a size/speed perspective, but remember, he was quite productive in the 2004 Vikings system (albeit at a very unimpressive 7 YPC), and did have 138 catches his last year in college.
If Koren Robinson is the #1 receiver in Minnesota is up to Koren Robinson. He's a rare talent, with an obvious attitude problem  , but has the ability to become a dominant receiver. However, if Steve Looney is still running the offense in Minnesota, you have to wonder if he will still keep trying to use all 5 receivers in an egalitarian manner that makes them all worthless for fantasy purposes anyway. 
Troy Williamson is a different receiver compared to Burleson because of his speed, but once again, the Vikings offense might again render him worthless. Williamson has the ability to, at worst become an Eddie Kennison, at best a Torry Holt. The key for Williamson will be adapting to the pro scheme, and becoming more physical. Burleson doesn't come close to Williamson speedwise, but makes up for it with technique (sort of like Hines Ward).
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| « Last Edit: Dec 20th, 2005, 9:26am by junkyardjake » |
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Red Zone Master
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Re: Is Burleson a bust?
« Reply #6 on: Dec 20th, 2005, 10:08am » |
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Ok, my turn to weigh in on this.
Strictly from a fantasy perspective, Burleson could be considered a bust. He was really pumped up post-Moss, but that was probably unfair. His value is in his hands and his route-running..a.k.a...Cris Carter. That's why he flourished with Moss, just as CC did. W/O a featured guy, he's having the same type of season we saw Peerless Price have when he went to Atl with all the hype.
 | I DIGRESS...
Culpepper's terrible play this year can be attributed directly to the horrible offensive line play early in the year. The Vikes played TB, Cincy, Atl, Car & Chicago in 5 of their 1st 7. All good front lines, some of them stellar. In comes BJ, and he gets to play Detroit (2x), GB, CLE & STL...a MUCH lesser challenge for the line. Hence we've seen better play from the line, and better QB play.
Would Linehan have made a difference in those first few games with Pepp? It's possible, but I don't think it would've made a difference fantasy-wise for anyone, save maybe Wiggins.
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But back to Burly! I wouldn't predict any Viking WR above a #3 for next year. Even with Pepp back, that's the highest I could give anyone. If you get return ydg, you could make a case for KRob being your #2, but that's a bit of a stretch.
So yes, if we want to compare pre-season hype to stats, Burleson's a bust that won't come out of it. But there's a lot of factors that have worked against him, moreso than simply his performance.
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3 straight underperforming seasons, one nitwit head coach, 2 problem child WRs, 1 collosal trade bungle....but a wild boat party with booze and hookers!!!????? Priceless.
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Philosopher King
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Re: Is Burleson a bust?
« Reply #7 on: Dec 24th, 2005, 1:36pm » |
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Well, now I see why you asked this, Jimbo... Burleson jettisoned like yesterday's used toilet paper... And, to think... I just thought you were trying to provoke discussion...  on a VERY legitimate issue to bring up.
Anyway, you got Moulds no problem... With the guy you guys have in last place in the 2 league, it's like you've been sitting in last place all this time with respect to picking up free-agents. This guy always and only pleads "no lo contendre".  ... 
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He is young and has tons of talent. He is not a top pick mind you, but I would think that after you have obtained at least 2 very solid WR's he may work somewhat in a # 3 role with tons of upside. IMHO you just can't risk a high pick on this type of player...let the other guy take the risk while you slide away with an Engram type player. 