"Got Schaub?"

Ahhhh...how we LOVE our back-up quarterbacks. It is has been said time and time again, the most beloved player on any football roster is the back-up quarterback. This year, there is arguably none more than Matt Schaub.

For a guy with career stats of 52.2% passing percentage (84 for 161), 6 TD and 6 INT, and a passer rating of an abysmal 69.2%, there is not a more overrated NFL quarterback than Matt. He has shown no true signs that he is worthy of the praise he receives from fantasy GMs all around the globe, yet, he is seen as some kind of prodigal son, come to establish a solid offense and save the Texans organization. "SHAME ON YOU" for giving into such unfounded hype.

I compare you to the hundreds of athletes that came in after the hype of "Got Milk?" had long sense left, yet you did it because everyone else was doing it...

What you must think about when considering Matt Schaub on draft day is what changes have been made to the Houston Texans roster SINCE his arrival (or David Carr's departure). To be as blunt as I can, ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. For all those of you who hoped to secure good QB past the 6th round, instead focusing solely on "impact positions", you are going to be in for a long, long fantasy football season.

The offensive line is going to be just as poor under Matt Schaub as it was under David Carr. He will lead the league in being sacked, yards lost (career-wise, is off to a great start all ready amassing 12 sacks in 36 games (not more than 6 full games) and 49 yards lost.

Although Eric Moulds had lost a step prior to his Texas debut, he was still a refined, route running, excellent catching, fairly dependable (at 107, injury is always a possibility) wide receiver. Who is opposite Andre Johnson (who is simply losing statistical and financial gain because of the organization he plays in)? Kevin Walter? Andre Davis?

Who is going to run the ball (obviously not Reggie Bush...the biggest blunder in NFL history)? Ahman Green? So we have lost Moulds for another aged, injury plagued veteran? The only bright light in the offense is the TE Owen Daniels who will surprise many in this league simply because he has better than average speed, solid hands, great route running skills, and a very keen sense of the defense, however, he will not be as affective as previous years due simply to the lack of the offensive line...he will be counted on more to block than ever (or they will sub him so that he doesn't get injured, therefore limiting options further).

All in all, Matt Schaub is undoubtedly the most overrated quarterback in the draft, not because he will go early, but simply because fantasy football nation as a whole has bought into this whole "crock of crap" that he is going to be somebody...

Show me an NFL quarterback with a career 52.2% passing percentage that can make heroic throws and thrust fantasy teams into playoffs, FROM HIS BACKSIDE!!!!

If you are one who dismisses that the QB is the second most producing point player in fantasy sports (first, stop being a complete idiot), then I afford you a few names to consider.

J.P. Losman: Last year, he showed a maturity that only comes from losses and learning. With a tandem of Evans and Price, and Roscoe Parrish as the third option, he will have a better chance (and a better o-line). Marshawn Lynch will hurt him early, but with A-Train able to cover the nitty-gritty third and short, third and goal situations, he is better than Schaub.

Chad Pennington: Although injury-prone, he has an offensive line of young studs, solid RB tandem of Thomas Jones and Leon Washington, solid WR with L. Coles and J. Cotchery, and an underrated TE in Chris Baker (not to mention, being coached by Man-"Genius"). The D/ST of the Jets are underrated as well and will keep Chad and his crew on the field and in the hunt for a Wild Card slot behind NE.

Alex Smith: This kid is due for a breakout year. Darrell Jackson is old, but will get 10TDs and 1K in yards, Arnez Battle will put up more fantasy points than you expect (not a sleeper, but a waiver-wire watch), Vernon Davis is a stud (click, clack....), Frank Gore is overrated and is wearing down as he usually does, but his back-up Michael Robinson will shine at some point this year (keeper general managers, remember that name) and an o-line that has better than average with the base of it's staff returning.

Matt Leinert: He is border-line when it comes to late picks, averaging around 7/8th round, but with Fitzgerald, Boldin, B. Johnson at WR, the Edge and Marcel Shipp running the ball, a better o-line, especially with key draft pick Levi Brown and a great run-blocking, average catching Leanord Pope at the TE position, they should actually live up to the hype that has been going on in Arizona for the past five years. There defense is still suspect, but better, younger, and faster (not a fantasy draft pick, but has impact on the time the offense has the ball).

Eli Manning: Tiki leaves and everyone writes of the NY Football Giants offense. Please do make this mistake. Although I am not a "Plastic"-o Burress homer, he is still an excellent receiver (when healthy), Jeremy Shockey will actually be worthy of the no. 3 - 5 overall TE, fantasy-wise for the first time since his arrival, Brandon Jacobs and Rueben Droughns will do more than share the ball, but will handle the departure of Tiki (more Pittsburgh style, stuff it down your throat, but will have as equal an affect or better because most teams will need to put more in the box, giving Burress and Shockey a chance for more passes. The defense is solid (still not draft worthy, even with the return of Michael Strahan (He can stop the gap in the middle of a D-line, but can't fix that gap in his teeth?). Lastly, I hit you with another keeper player, Steve Smith out of USC. He is shining in camps and preseason and will eventually win the number two WR spot. He will have more fantasy impact that Meachem(SD-I/R), Jarrett (CAR), Rice (MIN), Bowe (KC). (Not better than Anthony Gonzalez, IF it is a keeper league - He replace Harriosn sooner or later)

There you have it... as Flava Flav says... "Don't Believe the Hype".

The question is... "Did you get SCHAUB'D?"

Statistocrat