Moving On: the Trichotillomaniacs of the Far East

By Bill Williamson; ESPN Far East Blogger

Here are some areas the Trichotillomaniacs need to work on following 113-108.40 win over the SanFranciscoFerries in week 3:

Recap:  Ben Roethlisburger and FA acquisition Andre Brown both exploded in scoring over 30 points to give the Trichs their first win of the 2012 season. 

Biggest area to build on:  The Far East crew finally looks like a team that can compete on weekly basis with Roethlisburger and Vernon Davis consistently scoring points.  Alfred Morris looks to remain in the feature back role for Mike Shanahan’s dominant zone blocking scheme, giving the team a much-needed solid RB output.  RGIII cannot keep getting hit like he does every week for the Redskins, and Morris will be asked to handle the bulk of carries to minimize wearing down the rookie sensation QB.  Morris’s physical running reminds me of a certain Shanahan late-rounder that flourished under the master--- Terrell “TD” Davis.  The team’s strategy to hoard second-tier and handcuff RBs may finally be paying off, with players such as Jacquizz Rodgers and Lamar Miller getting significant touches as more than change-of-pace backs due to their respective starters struggle-off field (Turner) and injury (Bush).  Although Jonathan Dwyer regressed when he fumbled the ball, Jonathan Stewart looks to be ready to compete after two weeks rest.  Carolina offense is so much more potent with Stewart on the field, and he has a nose for the endzone.  One back from this group will probably fill the Flex position next week.

Biggest area to fix:  The Receivers.  The tandem Jordy Nelson and waiver pickup Donnie Avery only managed 3 pts combined.  TE Jason Witten, starting at Flex, scored 0 pt in the worst game of his NFL career.  Had the team lost, theirs would have been the eyebrows that got pulled.  Although Hakeem Nicks’s rejoining the team may provide a solid starting option at WR, he is also injury prone and can often be a cause of concern.  The team gave up on Justin Blackmon after two weeks.  GM General Far East was in a trade talk with one unnamed team that’s shown interest in him to get a player or waiver money in return, but in the end he decided to release the talented-yet-unproductive rookie.  A-Rodg’s struggle directly affected Nelson’s production this week.  He caught only two passes for 18 yards in his game against Seattle.  Although hard to imagine Green Bay offense staying low for much longer, it’s difficult to rely on Nelson while Green Bay receivers share the few thrown balls that come their way. 

What to watch for:  They face disappointed HomeSpunNeckBloodz (1-2) in a .500 Bowl.  The dreaded bye starts in week 4, and red-hot Roethlisburger is one of the first to have to sit out this weekend.  The good news is, the team gets over the QB bye early on while there are still many good options available in the market.  WR Nicks is expected to be in the line up, but with the team giving up on Blackmon they can use some help in the position.  Look for the Trichs to seek QB and some receiver help in the waiver wire and FA.  Jason Witten’s days as a Mania may be numbered because of his continued lack of production.