2011 Position Battles: The Winners

The Carolina Panthers QB Battle Winner:

Cam Newton

Jimmy Clausen never had a chance. Having him and Newton split time was just a formality. Cam Newton had a better week two than week three, but showed his running ability versus Cincinatti. Cam Newton’s QB rating hasn’t been spectacular, but he has made great plays out of broken ones. Greg Olsen provides a great escape route and look for Deangelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart to open up the passing lanes allowing Cam to prove he is worthy of his 1st overall pick status.

The Washington Redskins RB Battle Winner:

Tim Hightower

The rookie doesn’t take this battle. Rookie Roy Helu seemed to be a lock with Hightower being signed for insurance purposes, but Hightower has really shined in the preseason. Washington’s zone blocking scheme seemed to really bring out the best in Hightower. He hasn’t had any fumbling issues and didn’t get injured, allowing him to prove that he is more than some goal line threat. Roy Relu has looked equally impressive, but this time on the bench will allow him to mature into a great running back. Ryan Torain needs not to even be mentioned as he still can’t seem to stay healthy.

The Washington Redskins QB Battle Winner:

Rex Grossman

The real winner out of the battle of Rex Grossman and John Beck is Andrew Luck. Neither Grossman nor Beck has what it takes to lead the team to the promise-land, so look for Grossman to be the band-aid of a Redskins offense that is in need of open heart surgery. Second year wide receiver Anthony Armstrong is showing some progress and aging Santana Moss has begun to show gilmpses of his old explosive self. Being in a loaded NFC East, there is little hope for the Redskins to succeed without a valid passing game.

Miami Dolphins QB Battle Winner:

Chad Henne

I will be the first one to say that Chad Henne’s play over the past two weeks has left me in awe. Henne rebounded from his disastrous first preseason game to come up with impressive games week two and week three. Chad Henne brought some ease to Dolphin fans Saturday night going 10-13 and 175 yards and a touchdown against one of the stingiest defenses in the NFL in the Baltimore Ravens. He even made Brandon Marshall owners happy with 60 yard bomb that resulted in a touchdown and an embarrassing look for the Buccaneers secondary. Although he isn’t “The Future” of the franchise, he will provide enough stability until next years draft.

Green Bay Packers WR2 Battle Winner:

Donald Driver

For all of you guys thinking Donald Driver is old and washed up, think again. Everyone, along with myself, was thinking younger receivers like Jordy Nelson and James Jones were going to line up on the other side Greg Jennings, but Donald Driver has other ideas. Over the past 2 weeks Driver has provided more of a consistency over Nelson and Jones, and has taken some of the focus off of Greg Jennings. Even in Greg Jennings absent friday night, Driver had the look and feel of a WR1 and made some tough catches. Fantasy owners should not write off Driver so soon, he could be a huge surprise this season….again.

Honorable Mentions: Kyle Orton over Tim Tebow in Denver, Ryan Grant over Brandon Starks in Green Bay, Reggie Bush over Daniel Thomas in Miami.