2009 Free Fantasy Football Tonight Blog With Jeff Mans from Fantasy Football Search

Thursday, August 28, 2008

The Final Chapter: Willie McGinest and His Mom

You’ve seen the commercial. Willie McGinest, the sagacious outside linebacker for the Cleveland Browns, is speaking winsomely into a cell phone: “I know, I made a mistake.”
Electric strings from Norman Greenbaum’s Spirit in the Sky whine behind him. The video jumps to McGinest facing the camera, as he explains “I listen to my mom but just not on the football field all the time.”
That mom is Joyce McGinest, the woman who, as the commercial says, signed up the second of her three children––her only boy––for Pop Warner Football when he was seven years old. She viewed football as a means to keeping her Long Beach son busy and productive. Lo and behold, it did just that….for thirty years.
“Willie always said that he wanted to be a professional football player,” says Joyce. “So what is the best time to start? When you’re small, to give you the fundamentals.”
You know the cliff-notes to the rest of the Willie McGinest story: Part of the 55 Club at USC, a pioneer at the now ubiquitous hybrid rush-linebacker position early on with the Patriots, later a staple in New England’s three Super Bowl titles and now, a revered veteran leader for the burgeoning Browns. A cut below Hall of Fame caliber, McGinest nevertheless epitomizes everything that is right about the game. And he’ll long be remembered because of that. Alas, he will go down as a rare rock-solid piece to a dynastic puzzle––much like a Robert Horry or a Jorge Posada.

Click to continue

Andy Benoit
www.NFLTouchdown.com

Monday, August 25, 2008

FFS Cheat Sheets and 101 Player Ranking Updated!

Check out our updated Cheat Sheets and 101 player rankings. It is our final updating of the season for the cheat sheets, but the player rankings will be updated up until the start of the season. Check them out.

101 Top Ranking

2008 Cheat Sheets

Thursday, August 21, 2008

No Curtis, Check Out Rookie DeSean Jackson

DeSean Jackson has already made an impact with the Eagles and McNabb with 12 preseason catches for 122 yards.

WSe drafted him as a sleeper this season and with Curtis going down he is the Eagles best receiving option. Donovan McNabb and offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg both are warning against high expectations and adjusting to the NFL has always been tough for rookiw WRs, but with Curtis's injury and missing up to seven weeks of the season, Jackson figures to get allot of looks in the passing game.

Dolphins RB Brown likely sidelined for exhibition

From Yahoo.com

DAVIE, Fla. (AP)—Miami Dolphins running back Ronnie Brown will likely miss Saturday’s exhibition against the Kansas City Chiefs with a strained right thumb.

Dolphins coach Tony Sparano said Thursday that Brown is not expected to play.

Brown, who was injured in Saturday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, has been wearing a wrap around his thumb and has not participated in contact drills this week.

“It’s nothing major. It just hurts a little when I try to make catches and stuff,” Brown said earlier in the week. “I’ll be fine when the regular season rolls around.”

Last year, Brown was on pace for a career year before he tore a ligament in his right knee and had season-ending surgery.

Ricky Williams has been Miami’s best offensive option in the preseason, leading the team in rushing through the first two games.

Rams RB Jackson signs 6-year, $44 million deal

By R.B. FALLSTROM, AP Sports Writer
3 hours, 18 minutes ago

AP - Aug 20, 5:45 pm EDT 1 of 5 NFL Gallery ST. LOUIS (AP)—Steven Jackson signed a six-year, $44 million contract, ended a 27-day holdout, and was on the field for practice with the St. Louis Rams on Thursday.

And all was forgiven.

Coach Scott Linehan, who conducted a month of practices without the centerpiece of the offense, joked that he gave Jackson “a big hug” and then asked for a loan. Offensive tackle Orlando Pace, no stranger to holdouts, said he was happy “big time, big time” to see the bruising runner. Defensive tackle La’Roi Glover said simply, “Things are pretty good at Rams Park right now.”

The 235-pound running back had been entering the final season of a five-year, $7 million deal he signed as a first-round pick in 2004. Linehan said he understood the business end of the game after Jackson got a deal that includes more than $20 million in bonuses and puts him third on the salary scale on the team, trailing only quarterback Marc Bulger and Pace and fifth among NFL running backs.

“It was great to see him,” Linehan said. “There’s no up side to being adversarial in these kind of deals. You’ve just got to stay positive and you’ve got to focus on who’s here, and have trust and faith in the people that are working on getting everything done.”

Jackson, 25, said both sides compromised during negotiations that stayed underground and generally cordial. Gregarious by nature, he kept silent publicly while getting frequent text-message updates from teammates and Linehan, and then flew from his home in Las Vegas to St. Louis on Wednesday when the deal was imminent.

After doing individual drills and a bit of team work in his opening practice, he said he hoped to retire as a Ram. He also pledged to be ready for full duty in the Sept. 7 opener at Philadelphia.

“No one gets 100 percent of what they would like to happen, but me and my agent are happy,” Jackson said. “Of course, there were heated debates on the phone but no one attacked publicly. I still feel the same way about this organization as I did last year the last game of the season.”

It won’t be all roses. Jackson expects a rude welcome from Rams fans after he criticized them last year for a lack of commitment. The Rams failed to sell out three games and the Edward Jones Dome had a healthy dose of Packers and Steelers fans for late-season games.

“You definitely expect mixed reviews,” Jackson said. “When you’re talking about this kind of money a lot of people can’t really understand why would you turn your back on a contract? Business is business.”

It’ll be at least a week before he gets his first preseason carry. Linehan said Jackson would be in uniform Saturday night against the Ravens but would not play while he conditions his body for football.

The team plans to get Jackson plenty of extra work and will even use the warm-up time before the preseason game to help him get up to speed. Jackson spent 20 minutes on a treadmill after practice, catching up on his cardio work.

“Really, you can’t simulate the game,” Linehan said. “It’s more the conditioning factor of starting and stopping, and getting in the huddle and doing all that. We have plans to do some extra things with him, even when we’re not practicing.”

Jackson, coming off his third consecutive 1,000-yard season despite missing four games with injuries, justified his holdout while still under contract because of the lack of guaranteed money in the NFL. He based his decision to stay away instead of reporting to camp and continuing talks on the risks of playing his position.

The Rams cut off negotiations on the first day of training camp until Jackson showed up, after the running back turned down a deal the team said would have put him in the upper echelon of running backs.

“Taking a lot of hits, you never know if you can jeopardize it,” he said. “The only safe bet to not signing a new deal right away is staying out of harm’s way.”

Backing up that point, Jackson missed four games with a groin injury and part of a fifth with a bulging disc last season. The Rams lost all five games while going 3-13.

Former teammate Marshall Faulk criticized Jackson’s durability and second-guessed whether he deserved a big contract in a recent radio interview.

Jackson declined an opportunity to fire back.

“All things are forgiven,” he said. “Some people don’t agree and some people do agree and that’s just what it boils down to during a holdout. Before I made the decision to hold out I took that into consideration.”

The Rams had made signing Jackson to an extension an offseason priority and approached Jackson’s agent not after the season, but negotiations stalled when Jackson switched representatives and signed with Eugene Parker in late June. Jackson said the death of owner Georgia Frontiere last January also held up talks.

Jackson has averaged 115.7 yards from scrimmage since his rookie year, fourth best in the NFL. He led the NFL with 2,334 yards rushing and receiving in 2006 and his 90 receptions in 2006 is sixth-best by a running back in league history.

Team Report New York Jets

New York Jets
By Andy Benoit, www.NFLTouchdown.com
Predicted: 2nd
2007 Record: 4-12 (3rd AFC East)
Head Coach: Eric Mangini (3rd year)

****Brett Favre was traded shortly after this report was published. Most of the Jets content, surprisingly, remains the same. But to read the Favre analysis, click here****

Roster Quick View
*rookie
**new veteran
Offense
QB: Chad Pennington Wet noodle for an arm, but at least he’s accurate and smart.
RB: Thomas Jones Disappointing in his New York debut last season. But should have 1,300 yards behind this O-line in ’08.
FB: Tony Richardson** Estimable veteran leader. Has lost a step at 36, but is still a good addition to the ground game.
WR: Laveranues Coles Can be petulant when upset, but he deserves to be listened to. Admirable character and toughness.
WR: Jerricho Cotchery Has surpassed Coles as the preeminent possession receiver on this team.
TE: Chris Baker Days in New York could be numbered after he ripped the organization throughout the offseason.
LT: D’Brickashaw Ferguson Is developing better than people think. Very lithe, but that’s not always what you want in an OT. Must improve his strength and knee-bend.
LG: Alan Faneca** His five-year, $40 million deal is the richest contract both in team history and NFL offensive linemen history.
C: Nick Mangold In just his third season is one of the upper-echelon centers in the game. Superb run-blocker and adequate in pass protection.
RG: Brandon Moore Not a shimmering starter, but can get the job done just about anywhere inside.
RT: Damien Woody** Was a Pro Bowler early in his career, but work ethic and output tapered off when he went to Detroit. Boom or bust addition.
--------------------------
QB: Kellen Clemens No way this is what the Jets thought they were getting when they drafted him in Round Two. Average tools, questionable football IQ and inconsistent overall.
RB: Leon Washington Needs to get more touches in 2008, as he’s one of just two key offensive players who has any speed.
WR: Brad Smith The other speedy player. QB in college who is still learning the WR position. Jets love to call on him in gadget plays.
WR: Wallace Wright Joined the Jets as an undrafted rookie in ’06. Has worked his way up from special teams but will have to hold off 6th-round rookie Marcus Henry.
TE: Dustin Keller* Has turned some heads and been compared to Dallas Clark.
OL: Will Montgomery Utility presence inside who at least has some, albeit minor, starting experience to his name.

Defense
LDE: Shaun Ellis Not a great fit in a 3-4. And, judging by his vacillating intensity level, he knows it.
NT: Kris Jenkins** A behemoth force, but has never had to play two gaps. Will he remain motivated with so many blockers draped over him?
RDE: Kenyon Coleman When he gets a jump, he dictates the action and devours the run. Needs to get a jump more often in 2008.
LOLB: Bryan Thomas Former DE, has settled into his outside role okay. But not okay enough to discourage the team from signing Calvin Pace and drafting Vernon Gholston.
LILB: Eric Barton Offers excellent strength in high-traffic areas. Over-aggression can be a problem at times.
RILB: David Harris Started as a rookie midway through the ’07 season and went from iffy to okay, to decent, to solid, to good, to great. Big things are in store.
ROLB: Calvin Pace** Fine athlete who found his niche as a 3-4 OLB. But $22 million guaranteed for a guy coming off a 6.5-sack season?
CB: Darrelle Revis Second-year stud who is already one of the top 10 CB’s in football. Will have a chance to return punts and kicks, and establish himself as a star in ’08.
SS: Kerry Rhodes Team leader who possesses tremendous range and big-play instincts. Signed a well-deserved five-year, $33 million contract over the offseason.
FS: Abram Elam Very good tackler but doesn’t quite match challenging backup Eric Smith’s grasp of Mangini’s complex scheme.
CB: Justin Miller Missed all of last season with a torn ACL. If he’s healthy (and more mature), he can be an above average corner. Worth taking a chance with.
--------------------------------
DL: Sione Pouha Jets gave him a three-year extension because his 325-pound size makes him an excellent clogger up front.
LB: Vernon Gholston* No. 6 overall pick who must prove he can play with consistent energy and adapt to a two-point stance.
NB: David Barrett Shaky at times, but one of the few players in the league who gets away with face guarding.

Key Players Acquired
CB Ahmad Carroll (FA)
RB Jesse Chatman (Mia)
G Alan Faneca (Pit)
TE Bubba Franks (GB)
DT Kris Jenkins (Car)
LB Calvin Pace (Ari)
FB Tony Richardson (Min)
RB Musa Smith (Bal)
OL Damien Woody (Det)

Key Players Lost
G Adrien Clarke (Bal)
OT Anthony Clement
FS Erik Coleman (Atl)
CB Andre Dyson
LB Victor Hobson (NE)
WR Justin McCareins (Ten)
DT Dewayne Robertson (Den)
TE Sean Ryan (Mia)
OL Wade Smith (KC)
QB Marques Tuiasosopo (Oak)

Not exactly pleased about going 4-12, the Jets brought in immediate reinforcements. Faneca is a great addition no matter which way you spin it. At 31, he still has a few years left being the best G in the game. Jenkins is another great player, but they gave up two draft picks as well as $20 million in guarantees just to get him. Considering his history of injuries and disgruntlement, and his inexperience with the NT position, that’s a substantial risk. It’s a gamble to guarantee Pace $22 million. The ex-Cardinal never lived up to his first-round status until his contract year. The hope is that his move to OLB was what prompted his outbreak. Woody could thrive or flounder here, depending on his effort. Richardson is old but not washed up. Franks is younger but definitely washed up. All of New York’s departures have either been adequately replaced or weren’t needed inbeing with.

2008 - New York Jets
Rd Sel # Player Position School
1 6 Vernon Gholston DE Ohio State
1 30 Dustin Keller TE Purdue
4 113 Dwight Lowery CB San Jose State
5 162 Erik Ainge QB Tennessee
6 171 Marcus Henry WR Kansas
7 211 Nate Garner T Arkansas

Gholston can be a prototypical 3-4 pass-rusher, but he’ll have to get comfortable with a move to OLB. Keller is a converted WR, though some scouts believe he has only mediocre hands. The Jets ask their tight ends to block a lot, so Keller may have a slow insertion into the starting lineup. New York’s third-round pick was sent to Carolina as part of the Kris Jenkins deal. Many question Lowery’s speed, but the Jets play enough zone coverage to offset those concerns. Ainge comes from a high-profile sports family; his uncle is Boston Celtic GM Danny Ainge.

New York Jets 2008 Preview Report
Well that didn’t last long. Eric Mangini’s reign as God, that is. After being canonized for leading what was thought to be a moribund franchise to a 10-6 record in his first year as head coach, “Mangenius” quickly fell from Einstein to Frankenstein during his team’s 4-12 ’07 campaign.
Now, Mangini––and GM Mike Tannenbaum, for that matter––is subject to questioning as he enters his third season as a head coach. Does his chilly Belichick-esque demeanor really get through to players? Are his practices too tough? His rules too draconian? What about his game plan? Too conservative offensively? Too complicated defensively?
Sure, it’s somewhat impetuous to raise these questions only one year after awarding a guy the unconditional benefit of the doubt. But Mangini understands––he’s probably asked himself the same thing.
After all, look at the personnel changes made during the offseason. The Jets are a portrait of a team that’s bent on winning now. They signed 31-year-old guard Alan Faneca to the richest contract in offensive lineman history (five years, $40 million, $23 million of it guaranteed). Faneca is still the crème de la crème at his position, but not even the Steeler team that he’d been with for over a decade was willing to consider such hefty compensation.
New York didn’t stop there. Breaking away from the Patriot model that this organization is built around, Mangini and Tannenbaum shipped their third-and fifth-round draft choices to Carolina for discontented defensive tackle Kris Jenkins. They signed the eighth-year pro to a new five-year, $35 million contract upon arrival.
When healthy and happy, Jenkins is one of the best players in the NFL. However, he missed virtually all of the ’04 and ’05 seasons with injury, during which time he battled alcoholism and depression. Commendably, he’s regained his status as an elite interior D-lineman. However, he’s never played in a 3-4. Furthermore, Jenkins’ contract includes weight clause incentives––something you never like to see in a deal flux with $20 million worth of guarantees.
Wanting to bolster their pass-rush, the Jets signed Arizona free agent Calvin Pace to a six-year, $42 million deal, with $22 million guaranteed. Last year, the former first-round pick moved to outside linebacker after four disappointing seasons at defensive end. Praise was heaped all over Pace when he set a career high in sacks…with 6.5. The guy soared from bad to decent, yet the Jets paid him record-setting money as if he were great. Maybe he is. Or, maybe he was in a contract year. Only time will tell. But would the Patriots have done this?
New York wasn’t done there. Needing a better return on their running game investment than Thomas Jones’s 3.6 yards per carry, they signed 36-year-old fullback Tony Richardson. The hope is that he can remain an elite lead-blocker for another year or two. They also signed serial underachiever Damien Woody. Once a Pro Bowl force for New England, Woody started just 13 games the past two seasons in Detroit because of injury and weight issues. The Jets also signed tight end Bubba Franks, a blocking presence who runs like he’s wearing snow boots.
None of these are terrible moves. But, aside from Faneca, they’re all riskier than riding shotgun next to Lindsay Lohan. What’s more, the front office’s munificence towards free agents has irked some of the players at home. After finally receiving a new five-year, $33 million contract, fourth-year safety Kerry Rhodes admitted that a few of the veterans had been miffed by management’s reluctance to reward its own.
Venerable veteran wide receiver Laveranues Coles––who played through a concussion and high ankle sprain despite the team’s rudderless season last year––flat-out called the front office liars during dilatory negotiations for the new contract Coles says he was promised. The two sides finally agreed to a deal in March.
No harmony has been found with Chris Baker. With the arrival of first-round pick Dustin Keller (drafted 30th overall) and the addition of Franks, Baker, a starter, is the team’s third-highest paid tight end. Claiming he’d been promised a new deal last year, Baker spent the offseason avoiding all voluntary activities and ripping the organization at every turn. At one point, he asked reporters if they thought Mangini would be happy being the third-highest paid coach on the staff. Interesting angle.
Baker compared his saga to the Pete Kendall ordeal from a year ago. Also claiming to have been victimized by a broken promise about a new contract, the 13th-year guard publicly aired his grievances last season. Eyes rolled and heads shook when the coaching staff flippantly demoted the veteran who, a year earlier, had helped save New York’s season. Shortly before the season opener, the Jets dealt Kendall to Washington, leaving a gaping hole at left guard that helped kill the run game.
No doubt, the Jets front office and coaching staff operate staunchly. Iron fists can rule if they bring forth prosperity. But unless a head coach has won a Super Bowl––like a Parcells or a Belichick––he had better at least be somewhat malleable in dealing with his players.
Also, Mangini and Tannenbaum want to accelerate to the top, but they must not turn their back on the construction of this franchise’s long-term foundation. There are some really good pieces in place here.
Third-year offensive linemen D’Brickashaw Ferguson and Nick Mangold are developing well. Fourth-year safety Kerry Rhodes is a star. Second-year linebacker David Harris is fast becoming one, if he isn’t already. Same goes for second-year cornerback Darrelle Revis. And this year, sixth-overall pick Vernon Gholston arrives at outside linebacker.
The Jets have a system in place. Stocking it with young talent must be the top priority. As the Bills have noticed, this is especially true considering New England’s utter dominance in the AFC East. (Of course, never in a million years would Mangini or Tannenbaum bow down to the Patriots.)
Yes, with Faneca, the offensive line is now one of the best in the AFC. And the defense is almost a lock to improve it’s ranking of 18. Overall, the Jets had a productive offseason. But in spending $140 million on risky free agents, they created a bubble. Not to mention, after Brett Favre refused to speak with them, they settled for a third edition of the humdrum quarterback competition that has almost stagnated them. The term Wild Card applies to this club in every way.

Offense
It’s as bland as a quarterback competition in New York could possibly be. And it’s almost getting old. For as long as Eric Mangini has been with the Jets, Chad Pennington and Kellen Clemens have been vying for the starting job. The fact that there even is a competition says everything about Clemens.
Pennington is a known commodity. The only question about him is Can he stay healthy? As long as he’s on the field, the Jets know they’ll have an accurate but weak-armed game manager who will be a leader and protect the football. That’s not entirely bad (Minnesota would kill for such a player right now). But if you don’t have a stifling defense and dynamic rushing attack, conservative quarterbacking is not great.
Clemens wasn’t considered to be NFL-ready coming out of Oregon. But he was considered the future of the franchise. Clemens went 3-5 in eight uninspiring starts last year. He threw 10 interceptions and just five touchdowns, and didn’t show off his heralded mobility when defenders regularly converged on him in the backfield. His decision-making and poise were spotty at best, and aside from a nice deep ball or two, his arm strength was closer to trifling than striking.
At this point, the bigger question is not whether the 25-year-old Clemens is ready to be The Guy in 2008, but whether he’s capable of ever being The Guy. Pennington––who is still only 32––does not have an NFL arm, but with slow-footed receivers like Laveranues Coles and Jerricho Cotchery, offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer has no reason to call for many deep passes anyway.
Coles and Cotchery are both laudable possession receivers. The former is one of the most courageous men in football, and the latter is coming off a breakout season in which he caught 82 balls for 1,130 yards. Still, the Jets desperately need someone who can stretch the field. The hope is that third-year pro Brad Smith can emerge as a serviceable slot receiver in ’08. A quarterback at Missouri, Smith has been utilized as a gadget weapon his first two seasons. Though rough around the edges, he’s a shifty runner who can conjure up big plays with the ball in his hand.
The Jets don’t have any other serviceable receivers, which is why the tight end position needs to become integrated more into the passing game. Judging by how they traded back into the first round to snag Purdue’s Dustin Keller, Tannenbaum and Mangini agree. Keller is a former wide receiver who has enough speed to extend routes down the seams. He’s an unpolished blocker, though, which is why Chris Baker, and perhaps even Bubba Franks, could get snaps ahead of him early on.
With the arrival of fullback Tony Richardson and the upgrades on the offensive line, the Jets may not require their tight ends to block quite as often in 2008. The hope is that they’ll rarely have to ask tight ends to block on the left side. That’s where third-year tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson resides. Drafted fourth overall as an underclassman from Virginia, Ferguson has endured trials and triumphs through his first two seasons as a pro. But if he continues down his current path, he’ll sprout significantly toward the end of this season and be in full bloom sometime in 2009. Ferguson is extremely athletic, and his technique, while still inconsistent in terms of hand placement and timing in pass protection, is improving. Staying above 300 pounds and playing with leverage are ongoing challenges for him.
Ferguson is not as far along as fellow third-year pro Nick Mangold. Calling the protections his first two years, Mangold has quickly matured and is poised for a Pro Bowl campaign. He’s a superb tactician who can play with power and get to the second level on a regular basis.
Helping both third-year gems on the left side is Alan Faneca lining up between them. He’ll bring great mobility to the ground game. And he’s a wall in pass blocking.
The guard on the right side will be Brandon Moore, a reliable sixth-year pro with decent power. Moore can play guard or center, just like his new partner at tackle, Damien Woody. The Lions were bothered by Woody’s poor conditioning, though they begged him to stay and be their right tackle this past offseason. They didn’t beg him to the tune of $11 million guaranteed though.
Depth is a major concern along the front five. Assuming the linemen stay healthy, New York should see an improvement in sacks allowed (the Jets gave up the third most per play last season) and rushing output (they ranked 29th a year ago). Though he was the featured ballcarrier on a Bears team that reached the Super Bowl, Thomas Jones is not a top-notch running back. Given that he’ll be 30 on opening day and possesses mediocre speed with only intermittent tackle-breaking abilities, there are more than 20 runners in the league who are more threatening than Jones. But most will not run behind a lead-blocker like Tony Richardson.
Leon Washington needs to see his touches at least double in 2008. He had only 71 carries and 36 receptions last year. Though his 5’8”, 202-pound size caps his availability, Washington offers the speed and quickness that are absent from this offense. Free agent pickups Jesse Chatman and Musa Smith bring nothing the Jets don’t have already.

Defense
The Jets employ the same Byzantine 3-4 scheme that Mangini learned while coaching in New England. It aims to confuse offenses with a multitude of pre-snap movements, blitzes and deceptive zone coverages.
There are three key new components in the New York front seven, plus two second-year players who figure to make a deeper impact. The new central figure is Kris Jenkins who, as the nose tackle, is responsible for leading the all-important fights in the trenches. Though Jenkins has played a three technique throughout his career, he is potentially the first true blocker-eater that Mangini has had in New York. Previous nose tackle Dewayne Robertson lacked the necessary size (6’1”, 308) to clog the interior. The 6’4” Jenkins outweighs Robertson by at least 30 pounds. There was a noticeable difference in New York’s front line in times when 325-pound Sione Pouha subbed for Robertson last year. This past offseason, Pouha was given a three-year contract extension to return as the No. 2 nose tackle.
If Pouha had a little more quickness, he could be the formidable run-stopping end needed to push Shaun Ellis. Ellis is a good pass-rusher (from 2003-04 he notched 23.5 sacks), but this scheme rarely asks him to pressure the quarterback. He has recorded only five sacks in each of his two seasons under Mangini. At times, Ellis looks disinterested in playing the run. He doesn’t have the ideal strength to anchor, but he’s athletic enough to get movement and do damage, much like a Ty Warren for the Patriots. This is what Mangini and defensive line coach Dan Quinn need to coax out of the ninth-year veteran.
Kenyon Coleman is the other end. He didn’t quite live up to his huge contract last season, though he has the tools to thrive in this system. With C.J. Mosley and Kareem Brown being the only other options up front, the Jets need Coleman to prosper.
Sixth overall pick Vernon Gholston was a defensive end at Ohio State, but the Jets have followed through on plans to convert him to outside linebacker. At 6’4”, 264, this is a natural fit for the rookie. Gholston will begin the season in the reserve pass-rushing role that 10th-year veteran David Bowens has occupied. (Bowens in turn could challenge backup inside linebacker Brad Kassell for his job.)
When Gholston matures as a pro––which could be right away, sometime around Halloween, sometime next season or, according to those skeptical of his motives and motor, never––he’ll replace 2002 first-round pick Bryant Thomas in the starting lineup. Thomas, a longtime defensive end, has recently gotten comfortable making reads in space. But he’s not a playmaker. Calvin Pace will handle the outside duties on the right.
Mangini and defensive coordinator Bob Sutton do not send pressure only from the edges. Last season, standout rookie inside linebacker David Harris posted a team-high five sacks, all of them coming after Week 7. Harris’s week-to-week improvements were enthralling to Jets fans. He was an okay backup, then made 17 tackles in his October 28 starting debut against Buffalo. He followed that with a 24-tackle performance against Washington. A lot of those tackles, however, came downfield (Clinton Portis torched New York for 196 of his team’s 296 yards rushing that day).
As the season wore on, Harris improved his diagnostics and became a greater presence near the line of scrimmage. Now semi-experienced playing in a 3-4 alongside acceptable starter Eric Barton, Harris should ascend to Pro Bowl status in the very near future.
Remarkably, Harris might not be New York’s most impressive sophomore. Cornerback Darrelle Revis has thus far exceeded his first-round billing. Always game for facing the opposing team’s best receiver, Revis has the shadow skills of an elite cover corner. He surrenders virtually no room in short-area coverage and has dangerous playmaking abilities in zone. Part of the reason Revis finished second on the team with 87 tackles last year was he did give up a few catches––mainly early on. That will change in 2008, as the former Pitt Panther has proven to learn quickly from his youthful mistakes.
Mangini was Hank Poteat’s secondary coach in New England. New York’s zone coverage assignments are second nature to the soon-to-be 31-year-old, which is why he has started 15 games the past two seasons (and why he was given another one-year deal worth the veteran minimum, $750,000, over the offseason). Poteat has never been dazzling; his two interceptions last season were a career high.
Thus, the Jets are hoping that Justin Miller can mature into a solid starter in his fourth year. Miller missed all of ’07 with a torn ACL, but he was able to partake in most of this year’s offseason activities. He has a terrific skill set. But off-field issues have been his vice. Another deviation from the right path could make Miller the next Ahmad Carroll (who, by the way, is on the roster and hoping to capitalize on a fortuitous last chance).
David Barrett has proven too inconsistent to start, but he should beat out Drew Coleman and Dwight Lowery for the nickel back job. If Poteat doesn’t start, he’ll likely push for dime duties, as he’s not a great fit as a nickel in the slot.
With his close friend Jonathan Vilma being traded, strong safety Kerry Rhodes becomes the vocal leader of this Jets defense. Rhodes is cut from the Troy Polamalu/Adrian Wilson model. He’s an effective tackler, viable blitzer and, more than anything, rangy pass defender. He’ll shoulder a lion’s share of the load from whoever starts next to him at free safety, whether it be the more productive Abram Elam or the more reliable Eric Smith.

Special teams
For the most part, Mike Nugent has fulfilled the promise that made him a second-round pick in 2005. He’s improved his leg strength but was only 1/4 from 50-yards-out last season. Ben Graham netted an acceptable 37.2 yards per punt in ’07.
Leon Washington is a superb return artist. He averaged 27.5 yards per kick return and scored three touchdowns last year. That said, Darrelle Revis is electrifying in the return game. He got a lot of return reps during the offseason. The Jets could put Revis back on punts (where Washington caught 14 of the 34 balls he fielded, and failed to break a return longer than 33 yards). Revis could also line up as the No. 2 option on kick returns, which may discourage teams from avoiding Washington.

Bottom Line
Any team would improve after bringing in $140 million worth of new veteran talent. The hope is that the newcomers and youngsters on defense can pick up the scheme, and an upgraded front five can compensate for the offense’s lack of speed. The Jets are good enough to contend for a Wild Card in 2008.

Myth Buster
Thomas Jones is an elite running back
Thomas Jones is effective, but so are most of the starting running backs around the league. No one will argue that the 10th-year veteran is in the top stable of NFL ballcarriers with guys like LaDainian Tomlinson, Steven Jackson, Adrian Peterson, Joseph Addai, Larry Johnson and maybe Frank Gore.
In the second tier, players like Marion Barber, Jamal Lewis and Clinton Portis are more proficient workhorses than Jones. Willie Parker, Fred Taylor and Brian Westbrook are all greater homerun threats.
Jones still doesn’t rank high after that. There is a slew of young backs that any smart coach would prefer over a 30-year-old runner on his fourth team. Names like Marshawn Lynch, Brandon Jacobs and Ryan Grant come to mind. Heck, even unconventional weapons like Darren McFadden, Maurice Jones-Drew and Reggie Bush are better choices.
Players who are similar to Jones in terms of style are Willis McGahee, Ernest Graham, Ronnie Brown and Laurence Maroney. All are younger and more dynamic.
What we can say about Jones is that he’s still a little better than his younger brother, Julius, and he’ll always be a lot better than Cedric Benson.

Open Thought
Laveranues Coles did something a few years ago that the sports world did not adequately recognize: he disclosed to the New York Times and on Oprah that he was a victim of sexual abuse growing up. His stepfather––whose name Coles chose not to reveal––spent nearly 10 years in prison for the crime.
Coles’s reason for sharing his deeply personal trauma was that "If it gets one kid to come out and say, 'Look, this is happening to me,' ... I think it's right." This brave act of selflessness overrides the machismo that defines the football culture––a culture Coles has spent most of his life in. It shows true character on his part.

Team Report Buffalo Bills

Buffalo Bills
By Andy Benoit, www.NFLTouchdown.com
Predicted: 3rd
2007 Record: 7-9 (2nd AFC East)
Head Coach: Dick Jauron (third year)

Roster Quick View
*rookie
**new veteran
Offense
QB: Trent Edwards Has accumulated some admirers but has plenty to prove. Added 15 pounds of strength over the offseason. Will be given more audibling freedom in ’08.
RB: Marshawn Lynch Runs with Marion Barber-esque tenacity, and shows subtle elusiveness at times. Needs to do a better job at letting his holes develop.
FB: Darian Barnes Will be used as a traditional lead-blocker now that new offensive coordinator Turk Schonert has done away with the H-back position.
WR: Lee Evans In the final year of his contract. Buffalo needs to lock this guy up––he’s easily one of the top 10 WR’s in the game.
WR: James Hardy* Tallest player ever drafted by the Bills (6’7”). Also has a 39-inch vertical and 10-inch hands. Think he might help the red zone offense?
TE: Robert Royal Veteran leader who dropped his body fat percentage from 18 to 8.2. Coming off knee surgery, but blocking prowess should allow him to maintain a starting job.
LT: Jason Peters Holding out, and rightfully so. One of the best LT’s in football. But, under his original RT contract, he’s only the team’s third-highest paid O-lineman.
LG: Derrick Dockery Classic B-grade player (A is great, C is average). Held down by the shoddy starters to his right.
C: Melvin Fowler Competes hard, but has a dire lack of power. Couldn’t get to the second level to save his life.
RG: Brad Butler Fowler x2.
RT: Langston Walker Doesn’t have the quickest feet, but solid technique and 6’8”, 366-pound size allow him to consistently square up on defenders.
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QB: J.P. Losman Has remained a team player since demotion, but wants to be traded. Problem is, wherever he goes, he’d likely be a backup there as well.
RB: Fred Jackson Second-year player from Coe College. Averaged 5.2 yards per carry last season, but saw just 58 attempts.
WR: Josh Reed Only serviceable as a possession receiver out of the slot.
WR: Roscoe Parrish Punt returning magician who doesn’t make a profound impact on offense. That’s fine.
TE: Derek Schouman Rising second-year player who impressed coaches during the offseason. Could push for a starting job, though is likely to come off the bench in ’08.
OL: Kirk Chambers Might fill in at LT if Jason Peters is out.

Defense
LDE: Chris Kelsay Plays with energy, but frankly, doesn’t contribute a whole lot. Not a frightening pass-rusher, and can’t hold ground against the run.
DT: Marcus Stroud** Brought in for a third-and fifth-round draft pick. Still looking to regain his Pro Bowl form after serious ankle surgery in ’06.
DT: Kyle Williams Fringe starter who needs to show more power against the run. Given three-year, $14.5 million contract extension. Why?
RDE: Aaron Schobel Became the highest-paid Bill in history last year (though not if you count Al Gore’s electric bill). Sack totals dropped, but he still pressured passers.
SLB: Angelo Crowell Fourth in the AFC in tackles in ’07, but Buffalo ranked 25th against the run in part because he doesn’t always shed blocks or take smart angles to the ball.
MLB: Paul Posluszny One of the best college linebackers of all time. Rookie season was lost when he broke his arm in Week 3. Many expect him to ignite the front seven in ’08.
WLB: Kawika Mitchell Always exceeds expectations. Will have to really thrive to do so this year, as he brings valuable Super Bowl experience from New York.
CB: Terrence McGee Playmaker who devours slower opponents. Ranks somewhere in the second echelon of cornerbacks.
SS: Donte Whitner Plays the game 100 mph; his best work actually comes when he’s operating in traffic near the line of scrimmage.
FS: Ko Simpson Coming back from a broken ankle. Factor in his minimal experience, and the ’06 fourth-rounder becomes a fairly big question mark.
CB: Leodis McKelvin* Widely considered the best CB in this year’s draft. Played in middling Sun Belt Conference, but is said to have the technique and raw skills to thrive right away.
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DL: Ryan Denney Adequate backup who is essentially another version of Chris Kelsay.
LB: John DiGiorgio Started because of injuries last season. Is a much better fit in a utility backup role.
NB: Jabari Greer Coming off a fantastic ’07 campaign that was worthy of casual Pro Bowl consideration. Can clamp down on a wide receiver.

Key Players Acquired
Te Courtney Anderson (Atl)
CB William James (Phi)
DT Spencer Johnson (Min)
LB Kawika Mitchell (NYG)
LB Donnie Spragan (Mia)
DT Marcus Stroud (Jax)

Key Players Lost
WR Sam Aiken (NE)
CB Jerametrius Butler (NO)
TE Michael Gaines (Det)
LB Mario Haggans
DE Anthony Hargrove (suspended)
LB Leon Joe (TB)
S Jim Leonhard (Bal)
WR Peerless Price
LB Josh Stamer (Ten)
RB Anthony Thomas
CB Kiwaukee Thomas
DT Larry Tripplett (Sea)
CB Jason Webster (NE)
LB Coy Wire

It’s always a positive sign when a team can dump this many veteran contributors and not have to replace them. That means the young players are developing. Absolutely none of these departures will be missed. Some were valuable in kick and punt coverage, but special teams mastermind Bobby April will figure out a way to fill their void. Of the players brought in, Mitchell is the most significant, though Stroud is the most recognized. The former brings great playoff experience and the latter is a three-time Pro Bowler (though he must prove he’s still formidable after his ’06 microfracture ankle surgery). Johnson can help the run defense. James will be a very good dime back.

2008 - Buffalo Bills
Rd Sel # Player Position School
1 11 Leodis McKelvin
CB Troy State
2 41 James Hardy
WR Indiana
3 72 Chris Ellis
DE Virginia Tech
4 114 Reggie Corner
DB Akron
4 132 Derek Fine
TE Kansas
5 147 Alvin Bowen
OLB Iowa State
6 179 Xavier Omon
RB Northwest Missouri State
7 219 Demetrius Bell
T Northwestern State-Louisiana
7 224 Steve Johnson
WR Kentucky
7 251 Kennard Cox
CB Pittsburgh

McKelvin is a playmaker (4.38 speed) who is said to possess tremendous man-to-man abilities. Hardy could prove to be a monster. At 6’7” and with a 39-inch vertical, he’ll at least improve the moribund red zone offense. Ellis was a productive pass-rusher in the ACC; a lot of 3-4 teams considered him a potential OLB. Corner is a solid corner (think anyone has ever made that play on words?) who brings depth. But he won’t play much in ’08. Aside from special teams, neither will the rest of these rookies.

Buffalo Bills 2008 Preview Report
It’s both inspiring and heartbreaking. The Buffalo Bills are like a scrawny, small town middle schooler who privately busts his tail everyday in hopes of somehow capturing the 12th spot on the basketball team. He’ll be given a chance, but considering he must beat out the fleet-footed, high-jumping, six-foot-something monster from New England, you know he won’t actually have a chance.
Hailing from the tiny Western New York market, the Bills are the closest thing the NFL has to an underdog. Their legacy is that they once lost four consecutive Super Bowls. Currently, their eight-year playoff drought is the longest in the AFC. Their last postseason showing was the ’99 Wild Card round, when they were victimized by the Music City Miracle.
Yet, despite their struggles, the Bills are stampeding on. And owner Ralph Wilson Jr., along with the remade front office and head coach Dick Jauron, are doing things the right way. They’re drafting and developing players, tweaking and solidifying schemes and reaching out to fans both old (Orchard Park) and new (Toronto). The Bills are pining to be winners.
Buffalo GM Marv Levy retired for good following the ’07 season. During his two-year start, Levy drafted seven starters and a slew of significant backups. He also hired Jauron in ’06, establishing the team with a firm Cover 2, ball-control identity to carry into the future. This past offseason, Jauron worked closely with Levy’s replacement, CEO Russ Brandon, as well as influential vice presidents Tom Modrak and John Guy, to maintain the club’s ascension. Aside from not addressing the feebleness of the interior offensive line, they did a great job.
Needing to invigorate a run defense that ranked 25th last year, the Bills traded for Jacksonville’s three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Marcus Stroud. They also signed Minnesota’s underrated run-stopper Spencer Johnson. The healthy return of second-year middle linebacker Paul Posluszny will help, as will the addition of rock-solid outside linebacker Kawika Mitchell. Mitchell devoured Buffalo when the Giants visited town in Week 16 last year. His leadership and playmaking prowess will be valuable.
Looking to buckle down against the pass, the Bills drafted highly-touted cornerback Leodis McKelvin 11th overall. They also added depth by signing William James. With free safety Ko Simpson healthy, Buffalo is expected to improve its 29th-ranked pass defense.
Offensively, the Bills are carefully developing second-year talents Trent Edwards and Marshawn Lynch. Both showed some promise as rookie starters last season. They’ll be playing for former quarterbacks coach Turk Schonert, who replaces the banal Steve Fairchild as the offensive coordinator and play caller. Schonert expects to bring a greater emphasis on the short passing game, expanded audibling options for the quarterback and offer more creativity overall (though which new play caller isn’t expected to be more creative?).
Overall, the Bills are building a system. Ralph Wilson and the men in suits are also making great strides from a business standpoint. Needing to generate more revenue in order to avoid relocation, the Bills orchestrated a deal with Rogers Communications to play eight home games over the next five years at the Rogers Centre in Toronto. The NFL approved this unconventional marketing ploy, and the Canadian people validated it. There is a waiting list of 180,000 just to enter the ticket pool for Buffalo’s games north of the border. And the average ticket costs $183, which more than doubles the average price of the NFL’s most expensive ticket (New England). All this has produced around $8 million in additional annual revenue for the Bills.
But this is the part where you remember that as every glimmer of hope pops up in Buffalo, the Patriot mallet is there to bop it back down.
Even the success of the Bills’ Canadian venture doesn’t shine next to New England. After all, the Patriots don’t need to outsource their fan base. They hail from the sports-crazed Boston market and are a fixture on national TV. They’re so prosperous that owners and fans actually grumble when the team is awarded a primetime game (makes for a late night). When the Bills returned to Monday Night Football last October, it was a red letter day in Western New York. And when the Bills were flexed into a Sunday night game in Week 11, the region went nuts. Until the Patriots came in and won 56-10.
The Patriots are always quashing the Bills’ hopes. For example, Bills quarterback Trent Edwards had a great offseason, adding 15 pounds of muscle and devouring the more complex playbook. The Patriots’ quarterback had a great offseason––he came out of it and was still Tom Brady.
Speedy Bills receiver Lee Evans is an unheralded stud who can stretch the field and also make unexpected big plays over the middle. He’s in the final year of his contract and eager to sign a well-deserved top-dollar extension. The Patriots have Randy Moss.
Running back Marshawn Lynch is a rising star coming off a 1,115-yard rookie season. The Patriots don’t really need to run the ball. But if they did, you can bet Laurence Maroney would match Lynch stride for stride.
Buffalo finally invested in its offensive line last season, signing guard Derrick Dockery and right tackle Langston Walker to nearly $75 million worth of long-term contracts. Plus, budding left tackle Jason Peterson (who held out for a new contract), went to his first Pro Bowl. The Patriots sent three offensive linemen to Hawaii last season. Oh, and all of their players showed up for training camp.
The Bills have an improved front seven, led by last year’s second-round linebacker Paul Posluszny and Pro Bowl-caliber defensive end Aaron Schobel. The Patriots like the direction of their front seven now that 10th-overall pick Jerod Mayo has arrived. They’re also pretty high on future Hall of Fame defensive end Richard Seymour.
Under the guidance of renowned assistant coach Bobby April, the Bills have the NFL’s finest special teams. Okay, the Pats are mediocre on special teams. Oh, but they did have the first-and fourth-ranked regular teams last year.
The Bills have fortified their coaching staff under Dick Jauron, posting surprising 7-9 records each of the past two years. The Patriots are led by Bill Belichick. They’re 28-4 the last two years..
Well, uh…the Bills are more likeable. They’re a blue-collar organization that exemplifies the integrity of the game. They’d never run up the score get entangled in a controversy like Spygate or be aloof toward opponents and reporters. The Patriots don’t give a damn.

Offense
Let’s get one thing clear: there is no quarterback controversy in Buffalo. Trent Edwards is the starter, J.P. Losman is the backup. This is justice. Despite the fact that Edwards was drafted in the third round, and Losman in the first, there is a noticeable pro-Edwards discrepancy between the two. Even with a mildly unorthodox throwing motion, Edwards is the more refined passer. Losman is known for his mobility, but Edwards is comparable in this sense. On top of athletic skills, Edwards is the more mature decision-maker. Losman can be a spark off the bench, but only if Edwards gets hurt.
The Bills will ask their second-year passer to open things up a bit in ’08. Edwards’s quarterbacks coach, Turk Schonert, is calling the plays as the coordinator. Schonert has expanded the passing game and bestowed more audibling freedom for the young signalcaller.
Aiding Edwards’s efforts is the arrival of James Hardy, a desperately-needed No. 2 receiver who will complement Lee Evans. Hardy––drafted 41st overall out of Indiana––has the size and leaping ability of an NBA small forward. His 4.49 speed makes him a weapon downfield, and it goes without saying that he can be a possession option in high-traffic areas (like, say, the red zone, where Buffalo’s 30th-ranked offense ranked, whatdaya know, 30th last year).
Evans will still be option numero uno in 2008. Out of the media spotlight and playing for a team with a wavering passing attack (thanks in part to the gales of Ralph Wilson Stadium), the fifth-year pro might be the most overlooked wideout in the game. Evans has posted more prolific receiving numbers through the first four years to start a career than any Bill in history. His five touchdowns of 70-plus yards tie Chad Johnson for the most in the NFL since 2000 (and Evans wasn’t even drafted until the first round in ’04).
There is a caveat with both wideouts: Hardy was up and down in college, and Evans has been known to go missing every few Sundays. It’s important that Hardy and Evans curtail the inconsistency that flecks their good names. The Bills do not have a lot of options outside these two. Seventh-year pro Josh Reed is an adequate slot receiver, though he’s only effective in short yardage. Roscoe Parrish can fly in the return game, but it’s a different story when he’s with the mainstream offense.
Tight end Robert Royal is a pragmatic run-blocker who offers virtually nothing as a receiver. That’s why second-year pro Derek Schouman is pushing him for playing time.
Schonert wisely wants to get running back Marshawn Lynch more involved in the passing attack in 2008. Lynch is alert in space and capable of snagging balls on the fly. He must, however, make significant strides in blitz pickup (especially considering that neither Edwards nor Losman have proven capable of withstanding big hits). If Lynch struggles in this sense, the Bills have only Fred Jackson and Dwayne Wright to turn to.
Lynch’s signature is his tenacity. He gained 1,115 yards on the ground last season––seemingly all of them on a second effort. Lynch runs with power and elusiveness, but his career won’t take off until he becomes more patient. Too often he will crowd his blockers and attack a hole that hasn’t developed. Incorporating a classic fullback like Darian Barnes into the offense could help calm Lynch. Barnes is not a road-grader, but he’s at least someone to follow.
In Lynch’s defense, the holes in front of him don’t always develop. Such is going to be the case when Melvin Fowler is at center and Brad Butler at right guard. Both are intelligent players, but both lack the necessary power to survive inside. Neither gets a push or reaches the second level. This puts serious limits on how the Bills can use left guard Derrick Dockery, and it also stunts the impact of punishing left tackle Jason Peters.
Peters is an animal in space, possessing a deer’s fluidity and a grizzly bear’s force. He is understandably unhappy about his contract, as he entered training camp (or rather, didn’t enter training camp) as the team’s third-highest paid lineman. Formerly an undrafted tight end, the 27-year-old Pro Bowler has three years remaining on a deal he originally signed as a right tackle.
The contract that Langston Walker signed as a right tackle last season is worth $5 million a year. So far, Walker has earned his check. Should Peters miss significant time in ’08, Walker would or the Bills could turn to Kirk Chambers to protect Edwards’s blind side. Chambers may not be able to survive even in short spurts, but Buffalo has few options off the bench. The rest of the front line depth is relegated to guard, namely in unpolished Duke Preston (who should be starting ahead of Butler) or oft-injured Jason Whittle (coming back from a severe groin tear).

Defense
The Bills ranked 31st in yards allowed last season, but because they were stout in the red zone, they gave up only the 18th most points. Nevertheless, Dick Jauron and coordinator Perry Fewell are focused on making significant strides in 2008. Any progress will derive from the middle, where the Bills feature a different defensive tackle (Marcus Stroud), middle linebacker (Paul Posluszny) and free safety (Ko Simpson) than last season. All three are upgrades over their predecessors/fill-ins.
Stroud could be the first Bills interior lineman to draw consistent double teams since Pat Williams. Though a serious ankle injury has hampered him the past two years, Stroud is only 30 and capable of finding a second wind. He plays with great leverage and quickness for a 306-pounder.
Paul Posluszny has only completed two NFL games, but he could be the type of linebacker worth protecting with blocker-eating linemen. The famed Nittany Lion is fast and assertive, and he’s going to be a very industrious tackler once he learns to take more proficient angles in pursuit. He’ll almost certainly be better than utility backup John DiGiorgio was filling in last season.
Ko Simpson is not a star, but it’s either him, George Wilson or Bryan Scott. Considering he has a brighter future and makes good enough reads, the Bills will take their chances with the developing former fourth-round pick.
All defensive players seem to get better when the four linemen in front of them are causing a stir. Buffalo employs a Cover 2, which means they ask their interior linemen to shoot the gaps. But the Bills are not the Colts; the defensive tackles Buffalo has––Stroud, along with Kyle Williams and Spencer Johnson––are more equipped to tie up space than gain penetration. 2006 first-round draft pick John McCargo shows fleeting bursts of quickness off the snap, but not often enough to compensate for the liability he poses against the run. Expect McCargo to fight with run-defending specialist Johnson for top backup duties behind Williams.
Improvement from the defensive tackles will benefit the familiar faces on the edges. Last season, Aaron Schobel––who has more sacks since 2003 than anyone in football other than Jason Taylor––reached the quarterback only 6.5 times. Though he had signed a bank-breaking long-term contract prior to training camp, his motor did not sputter. Schobel simply finished fewer plays in ’07. He was still a constant nuisance in the backfield––and he’ll be that again in ’08.
Schobel has never had great players opposite him. Chris Kelsay is as average as they come, and Ryan Denney is simply Kelsay in a different jersey. The Bills would love to see third-round rookie Chris Ellis step in on third downs and infuse the left side with the pass-rushing energy that’s long been lacking.
With Posluszny in the middle, less will be demanded of the linebackers on the outside. Strongside guy Angelo Crowell made 126 stops last season, though only two behind the line of scrimmage. Crowell is athletic, but he must do a better job at unshackling from blocks. He’s proven his commitment to his craft: over the offseason, he postponed his honeymoon just so he would not miss team workouts.
Kawika Mitchell will be a huge addition on the weak side. For one, his presence could prompt third-year pro Keith Ellison to regain the form he showed as an emergency starter in ’06. For two, the Super Bowl XLII champion is one of the few players on this team who has won something at the pro level. Mitchell is an intelligent leader who elevates his game in crucial situations.
In addition to Ko Simpson, the Bills feature another third-year pro at safety: Donte Whitner. The undersized but over-caffeinated first-round pick loves to play fast and furious. Whitner will recklessly throw his weight into a tackle, even though he lacks the strength to do serious damage. He’s actually more effective lining up in the box.
The Bills don’t ask for much from their safeties in coverage. That’s okay considering Buffalo’s trio of cornerbacks. First-round rookie Leodis McKelvin is expected to be a star right away. Scouts rave about McKelvin’s natural coverage and playmaking skills.
The Troy product won’t have to match up against No. 1 receivers on a weekly basis. Those chores fall to Terrence McGee. While less aggressive when facing speedy opponents, McGee is a gambling route jumper who has a big-play mindset. He broke up an NFL-high 21 passes last season and also snatched four interceptions.
Undrafted fifth-year pro Jabari Greer did not get enough praise for the job he did in 2007. Greer hovered near shutdown status as a stifling man-defender. In nickel packages, the Bills may want to consider playing him on the outside and sliding McGee into the slot. The depth behind Greer is first-rate. Williams James is an able defender who brings starting experience from the NFC East. Fourth-round rookie Reggie Corner will be a project, though the Bills remember him as the guy who held James Hardy to two catches in the Akron-Indiana game last year.

Special Teams
Assistant coach Bobby April is the NFL’s sultan of special teams. April routinely has some of the league’s best coverage and return units. Last season, the Bills were No. 1 in both punt coverage and return. Roscoe Parrish set an NFL record with 440 punt return yards en route to posting a league-leading 16.3 average. He also averaged 240 yards on kick returns, and had one of his two touchdown returns.
Brian Moorman averaged only 40.8 yards per punt, but that was by design. His net of 37.6 tells you what kind of coverage he got. Rian Lindell has been the league’s most accurate kicker over the past two seasons, successfully converting 47/52 field goal attempts. That’s not easy when you play your home games in Ralph Wilson Stadium.

Bottom Line
The Bills are making strides; an appropriate goal would be to reach the postseason for the first time this decade. If everyone stays healthy, they’ll be in the running. At the same time, it’s important that Buffalo keep preparing to peek in a few years.

Myth Buster
J.P. Losman is a much better scrambler than Trent Edwards
It’s almost a neck and neck tie. Losman may have the slightest edge, but as you’re about to read, it’s academic. There are two reasons people think Losman appears to be the better running quarterback: one, he is smaller (6’2”, vs. 6’4”), which makes him look quicker; two, when he scrambles, he often tucks the ball. When Edwards scrambling, he maintains his throwing posture and keeps his eyes downfield. This allows him to be a dual threat, as opposed to just a runner.
How important is all this? Not very. Losman ran 20 times for 110 yards (5.5 average) last year. He fumbled twice (one of which was lost). Edwards ran 14 times for 49 yards (3.5 average). He had one fumble that Buffalo recovered.

Open Thought
I think Thomas Friedman is right––the world really is flattening. Because of this, I don’t mind globalization. Why fight the inevitable?
However, when it comes to football leaving our U.S. borders, I do mind. I’m as fearful of this change as Ann Coulter is of any change. Simply put, I don’t want football sneaking outside our country. Sure, on the bright side, globalized football could, in the very long run, spell the demise of soccer (there’s no way any culture can fully understand both sports and not agree that Real Man’s Football is superior). But that’s not worth it.
There’s a deep sense of Americanism to our game. I’d like to keep it that way.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

The Fantasy Football Scouting Report Radio Podcast Starts Tonight!

Want to get all the best and fasted information on free agents and impact players coming from free agency? Check out The Fantasy Football Scouting Report on Blog Talk Radio every Tuesday at 9pm EST where will discuss the latest injuries and players who will step in to fill those positions. Plus we will give you premium access to our upcoming star players in the NFL that you can pick up weeks in advance. Join Jeff Mans from Scout Fantasy Football, Todd "The True Guru" Farino from Fantasy Football Search, and AJ Pelletier from the NFL Fantasy Playbook!
Go to the link below and listen and call in with questions during our 1 hour broadcast.
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Football-Scout

Team Report: Miami Dolphins

Miami Dolphins
By Andy Benoit, www.NFLTouchdown.com
Predicted: 4th
2007 Record: 1-15 (4th AFC East)
Head Coach: Tony Sparano (1st year)

Roster Quick View
*rookie
**new veteran
Offense
QB: Josh McCown** His starting experience gives him a mild edge over John Beck and Chad Henne in the quarterback competition. Not a long-term option though.
RB: Ronnie Brown Was leading the league in yards from scrimmage before tearing his ACL last October. Speedy recovery, but must regain trust in his knee.
FB: Reagan Mauia His 270-pound weight gives him power, but he’s still learning the position. Fortunately for him, so is backup Boomer Grigsby.
WR: Ernest Wilford** Parcells and offensive coordinator Chad Henning love big, strong WR’s––even those without first-rate athleticism.
WR: Ted Ginn Jr. Did not quiet the critics last season. But this is a new year with a new quarterback, new coaching staff and new playbook.
TE: Anthony Fasano** Not as good as the South Florida media is making him out to be (constricted as a receiver). Still, a serviceable blocker.
LT: Jake Long* The only other OT ever drafted No. 1 is Orlando Pace. Dolphins would be thrilled if their guy reached that level.
LG: Justin Smiley** Was signed the second free agency began. Offers solid strength and mobility, but must prove that his shoulder is healthy and his skills are suitable for the left side.
C: Samson Satele Second-year player who still has a few seasons left in his development process. Capable of starting in the meantime, but needs plenty of support.
RG: Donald Thomas* Didn’t even play football in high school. Has been a huge surprise in camp, which is why he’s on track to beat out higher-drafted rookie Shawn Murphy.
RT: Vernon Carey Miscast at LT last season, though did okay. Plays the game a lot like Jabba the Hut might play (not meant as an insult).
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QB: John Beck Best case scenario is he makes a career as a solid No. 2 QB. Too jittery to tinker with in the starting lineup and, at 27, too old to have great “potential.”
RB: Ricky Williams In the final year of his NFL-mandated minimum salary contract. Was smoking hot in the offseason activities. Should have a fairly prominent role in 2008.
WR: Derek Hagan Doesn’t drop passes like he used to. Limited speed and 6’2”, 203-pound size make him a possession receiver.
WR: Greg Camarillo A poor man’s––very poor man’s––Wes Welker. Doubtful he’ll be able to beat out undrafted rookie Davone Bess.
TE: David Martin Struggled mightily last season, in part because the Dolphins asked him to block so much.
OL: Steve McKinney** Can play G or C, but with this season being a long-term rebuilding project, there’s no point in starting an average 11th-year veteran.

Defense
LDE: Vonnie Holliday Playing time dropped dramatically last season. Considering he’s 32 and surrounded by rising prospects, could see more of the same in ’08.
NT: Jason Ferguson** Was with Parcells in New York (Jets) and Dallas. Somewhat undersized for NT and coming off a torn triceps, but overall, not a terrible option.
RDE: Phillip Merling* Drafted 32nd overall; scouts love his motor. Experienced at a multitude of D-line positions.
LOLB: Charlie Anderson** Special teams stalwart who has three sacks in his four-year career. The man he’s replacing had 117 career sacks.
LILB: Akin Ayodele** Played for this coaching staff in Big D, which gives him a mild advantage over Reggie Torbor in starting competition. Can be stout against the run.
RILB: Channing Crowder Fluid athlete, but taking over for Zach Thomas does not make him the next Zach Thomas.
ROLB: Joey Porter Expected to perform better now that he’ll be used in a more natural freelance role. Still, double digit sack total is highly unlikely.
CB: Will Allen Not a playmaker, but very solid man defender who really understands how to play the CB position.
SS: Yeremiah Bell Compelling talent who has been plagued by injuries throughout his four-year career. Coming off blown Achilles and trying to prove himself in a one-year deal.
FS: Jason Allen Nice speed and serviceable run-stopping ability. Starting job is not a lock, though he’s all but guaranteed a role in nickel packages.
CB: Michael Lehan High-character veteran who survives despite questionable hip swivel.
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DL: Randy Starks** Never lived up to potential in Tennessee. Why would he flourish here now that he’s been paid?
LB: Reggie Torbor** Should have been given more opportunities with the Giants. His inexperience in a 3-4 could hinder him early on.
NB: Andre Goodman Decent veteran, but isn’t going to make any QB think twice.

Key Players Acquired
LB Charlie Anderson (Hou)
LB Akin Ayodele (Dal)
S Chris Crocker (Atl)
S Keith Davis (Dal)
TE Anthony Fasano (Dal)
FB Boomer Grigsby (Mia)
NT Jason Ferguson (Dal)
CB Nate Jones (Dal)
QB Josh McCown (Oak)
OL Steve McKinney (Hou)
WR Tab Perry (Cin)
TE Sean Ryan (NYJ)
G Justin Smiley (SF)
DT Randy Starks (Ten)
LB Reggie Torbor (NYG)
WR Ernest Wilford (Jax)

Key Players Lost
RB Lorenzo Booker (Phi)
WR Marty Booker (Chi)
RB Jesse Chatman (NYJ)
G Rex Hadnot (Cle)
OL Cory Lekkerkerker (Dal)
QB Cleo Lemon (Jax)
LB Derrick Pope (Min)
OT L.J. Shelton (SD)
LB Zach Thomas (Dal)
DE Jason Taylor (Was)
OL Joe Toledo (SF)
DT Keith Traylor
S Cameron Worrell (NYJ)

Bill Parcells does not mess around. He prefers players whom he’s familiar with, which is why six of Miami’s acquisitions have played for him before. Of the players brought in, only three are clear-cut starters: Ferguson, Smiley and Wilford. However, as many as 13 of these guys could push for serious playing time. Of the players lost, obviously Thomas and Taylor are the big names. Both had something left, but there’s no sense in forcing them into what is obviously a substantial rebuilding project.

2008 - Miami Dolphins
Rd Sel # Player Position School
1 1 Jake Long T Michigan
2 32 Phillip Merling DE Clemson
2 57 Chad Henne QB Michigan
3 66 Kendall Langford DE Hampton
4 110 Shawn Murphy T Utah State
6 176 Jalen Parmele RB Toledo
6 195 Donald Thomas G Connecticut
6 204 Lex Hilliard RB Montana
7 245 Lionel Dotson DT Arizona

Every No. 1 pick is expected to be a superstar. However, not all of them materialize. Even the OT position can generate high-drafted disappointments (Oakland’s Robert Gallery or Buffalo’s Mike Williams, for example). The spotlight’s on Long. Merling is an intriguing prospect because he’s a great fit for a 3-4 DE job. Henne had four years of starting experience in the Big Ten but still must improve his decision-making if he wants to succeed in the NFL. Expect him to start before the season is over. Langford is a run-stopper who could be molded into a developmental DT. He’ll have to put on weight though. Murphy figured to start at G very soon, but Thomas has outperformed him thus far. The rest of the rookies figure to add depth.

Miami Dolphins 2008 Preview Report
Only Bill Parcells could be retired, move to South Florida and undertake a laborious NFL rebuilding effort. The soon-to-be 69-year-old left Dallas in ’07 and went all of one year without feeding his football addiction. To his credit, he did not jump back into the coaching ranks.
So here we go again––another Parcells reclamation project. This is the fifth one. With Dolphins owner Wayne Huizenga having no ego and being in the process of turning the team over to Stephen Ross, it’s clearly the Big Tuna’s show in Miami. Nothing about this is new. This isn’t even the first time that the future Hall of Famer has inherited a 1-15 AFC East team. You may remember, Parcells took over the hapless Jets in 1997. He made them a nine-win club right away, then led them to the AFC championship the following year.
Of course, that AFC East division did not feature a dynastic Patriots franchise (which, by the way, given Bill Belichick’s NFL upbringing, is something the Big Tuna had a slight hand in as well). Nine wins is simply unrealistic for these Dolphins. In fact, any numerical expectations for 2008 seem almost pointless. The bottom line is, Parcells builds winners––which is exactly what the Miami Dolphins will be once he’s done.
So how does he do it?
For starters, he uses his own Rolodex. Parcells favors the familiar. He hired former Cowboys VP of scouting Jeff Ireland to be his GM (aka right hand man). Then, he brought in his offensive line coach and one-time play-caller in Dallas, Tony Sparano, to replace Cam Cameron. Sparano is a Parcells yes man––which, in this case, is a good thing. (If you’re working for Parcells, it means you inherently think like him anyway.)
Sparano’s coaching staff is rich with former Cowboys assistants. There are five in all, including defensive coordinator Paul Pasqualoni. The offensive coordinator is Dan Henning. Henning’s ties to Parcells date back to 1970, when the two were young New Yorkers working as assistant coaches at Florida State. They were last together for a brief stint with the Jets.
After Parcells entrenches a like-minded coaching staff, he implements the game plan. Almost always, it involves a ball-control offense (which Sparano and Henning run) and an over-sized 3-4 defense.
Strategy in place, the Big Tuna then conducts the roster purge. In this case, there were no boundaries (a one-win season can be very emetic). Seemingly, the longer a player had been with the Dolphins organization, the more expendable he was (hence the removal of Zach Thomas and Jason Taylor). Parcells does not like dealing with longtime veterans he has no history with––such players are too hard to remold.
After dumping roughly one-fourth of the roster, Parcells begins to fill the holes. This is where it gets interesting. His predilection for the familiar also persists when he’s acquiring players. You may have noticed that six of his former Cowboys were brought in (cornerback Nate Jones, free safety Keith Davis, linebacker Akin Ayodele, nose tackle Jason Ferguson––who also played for Parcells as a Jet––tight end Sean Ryan––who was in Dallas in ’06––and tight end Anthony Fasano).
Parcells will also install younger free agents who haven’t played for him but could possibly find a modest role within his paradigm. This year’s crop includes guard Justin Smiley, defensive tackle Randy Starks, linebacker Reggie Torbor, quarterback Josh McCown and receiver Ernest Wilford.
Understand that none of these players are building blocks. Rather, they’re merely bivouacs in place while the general reconfigures his infantry through the draft. Parcells’s damage is done during his reconnaissance across college campuses. He’s one of the great talent evaluators of this era, and he’s a master at getting what he wants on Draft Day.
This year, he had the luxury of picking first overall. Unimpressed by the skill players at the top of the ’08 rookie class, Parcells chose a guy he expects to be a “10-year left tackle”: Jake Long. The Michigan product arrives NFL-ready, though he may experience some mild growing pains with the speed of the pro game.
After Long, Parcells plucked a prototypical 3-4 defensive end––Clemson’s Phillip Merling––to be the cornerstone of his front seven. Expect Merling to be the first of five new front seven defenders brought in by Parcells over the next two or three years.
As great as last year’s second-round pick John Beck has looked taking sacks and dumping the ball off underneath, Parcells reckoned he needed a quarterback. Oddly enough, he does not have a model for this position. With the Giants, Parcells won Super Bowls with superstar Phil Simms and backup Jeff Hostetler. In New England, he had No. 1 overall pick Drew Bledsoe. With the Jets, he had veteran Vinny Testaverde (a former No. 1 pick but career-long game manager). In Dallas, Parcells reached the playoffs with developmental project Quincy Carter, brought back Testaverde and Bledsoe, then ultimately hung his hat on undrafted Tony Romo.
All Parcells wants in a signalcaller is dependability. He liked Michigan’s Chad Henne enough to draft him in Round Two. Henne was a four-year starter for the Wolverines and possesses classic NFL pocket passing tools. He’ll be given every opportunity to win the first string job, even if he begins the season behind placeholder Josh McCown.
Very revealing is the fact that, aside from guard Shawn Murphy, all of Miami’s other rookies are developmental projects. There’s defensive lineman Kendall Langford from Hampton. There are running backs Jalen Parmele from the Mid-American Conference and Lex Hilliard from the 1-AA ranks. Sixth-round guard Donald Thomas was once a walk-on at Connecticut; he didn’t even play football in high school.
Building from seemingly below the ground up––and realizing that although roughly 25 percent of the roster has been overhauled, at least another 60 percent still needs to be replaced––one might think that Miami’s return to prosperity won’t arrive until shortly after hover cars hit the market. But Parcells works quickly. At all four of his previous NFL stops, his team had registered a winning record by the end of his second year.
Of course, at all four of those stops, the acerbic coach didn’t sit in a suite on Sundays.

Offense
It’s never a good sign when there’s a three-way competition for the starting quarterback job. Parcells is famous for saying that if you have two quarterbacks who can play, it means you don’t have one. In this sense, his team has negative one.
Three-way quarterback competitions usually involve two guys dueling for the job and one guy being given P.C. reps by the coaching staff. That does not appear to be the case here. Josh McCown, John Beck and Chad Henne really are all in contention. Each brings a different wrinkle to the formula.
In McCown, the Dolphins have a guy well-versed in holding down the fort under center. McCown was a fringe starter at times in Arizona and Oakland (he also had a one-year stint as a benchwarmer in Detroit). He is athletic enough to bootleg outside, though he scares no one. If Miami wants a player who can execute the offense and give them a chance to eke out immediate wins, they’ll go with him.
Beck’s chances of starting could be tied to the fact that it’s hard to give up on a second-round pick who has only been in the league for one year. After all, the BYU product is jittery in the pocket and, despite being 27, callow in his reads. But the new coaching staff has been impressed with Beck’s work ethic. Quarterbacks coach David Lee tinkered with Beck’s throwing motion and was encouraged with the results.
Still, it is highly unlikely that Miami would choose the previous regime’s second-round passer over their own. For this reason, Henne is favored to assume the long-term reins for the Dolphins. Henne shows good leadership skills but must first solidify his grasp of Tony Sparano and Chad Henning’s playbook. Considering his mediocre decision-making at Michigan, Henne seems likely to learn from the sidelines early in the season.
Not helping whoever is under center is Miami’s putrid receiving corps. Interstate-95 pickup Ernest Wilford started 37 games in his four years at Jacksonville, including 26 over ’06 and ’07. However, he has never caught more than 45 passes in a season. Wilford has the Keyshawn Johnson-like size that Henning and Parcells covet. But, also like Keyshawn, he has limited spring in his step. Keyshawn survived on polished route running; Wilford is average in and out of his breaks.
He’s still a better route runner than second-year pro Ted Ginn Jr. Burdened with high expectations as the 10th overall pick, Ginn did not set South Beach on fire as a rookie. He had only one catch over 40 yards. Dolphin fans must be patient with the electrifying ex-Buckeye. Ginn has the speed and elusiveness to make defenders miss––he just needs time to learn the nuances of the game. Of course, there’s no guarantee he will.
Logic says that Ginn should be constricted to the slot in 2008. However, with the only experienced receivers on the roster being Greg Camarillo, David Kircus and Derek Hagan, Miami’s hands are tied. Camarillo can make the occasional big play, but he’s a bubble guy. So is Kircus. Hagan, a third-round pick in ’06, shows some promise, but not enough to warrant a starting job. Besides, he’s a more limited possession receiver than Wilford.
Ginn can slide into the slot in three-receiver sets, though don’t be shocked if he stays outside in order to make room for undrafted rookie Davone Bess. The prolific lightning bolt from Hawaii has sticky hands and superb quickness.
The Dolphins will receive minimal contributions from their tight ends in the passing game. Former Cowboy Anthony Fasano, a second-round pick by Parcells in ’06, figures to replace struggling David Martin in the starting lineup. Fasano is a standout blocker, but he lacks finesse with the ball in his hands. Martin is simply too inconsistent.
The questions with the aerial attack reaffirm Sparano and Henning’s commitment to running the ball. The Dolphins will be a rock-pounding club in 2008, which is why they’re monitoring Ronnie Brown closely. The fourth-year pro is coming off ACL surgery. He ran with more assertiveness in 2007, and prior to going down last October, Brown was leading the NFL in total offense, However, playing on a mended knee, Brown will have to rediscover his confidence. This could be an issue, especially early on.
Who would have ever thought that Miami would be relying heavily on a 31-year-old Ricky Williams? Indeed, the mercurial former Heisman Trophy winner is looking to prove himself in the final year of his contract. Drug use and a torn pectoral muscle last year have limited Williams to just three starts over the last four seasons. He’s only carried the ball six times since 2005. That said, Williams was reportedly the most impressive Dolphin offensive player in minicamps and OTA’s.
Brown and Williams will have plenty of escorts on the ground this year. The Dolphins will incorporate Fasano and 270-pound fullback Reagan Mauia (or former Chiefs fullback Boomer Grigsby) into many of their run-blocking schemes. Expect most of the runs to travel left. That’s where No. 1 overall pick Jake Long (tackle) and free agent headliner Justin Smiley (guard) reside. Smiley is a natural right guard, but Sparano––an offensive line connoisseur––wants the fifth-year pro to help ease Long’s transition to the pro game.
This leaves a spot open at right guard. Ideally, fourth-round rookie Shawn Murphy will fill it. Murphy is a resolute competitor, but he played defensive line until his junior season at Utah State. Because he’s still learning the guard position, Miami considered going with tackle Trey Darilek, a former backup for Sparano in Dallas. However, sixth-round rookie Donald Thomas showed such great power early on that he appears to have the inside track. There’s also Steve McKinney, though the Dolphins see no point in giving reps to an 11th-year veteran at this point.
Center Samson Satele earned a passing grade as a second-round rookie in his 16 starts last season. Having played in a spread offense at Hawaii, there are still concerns about Satele’s ability to hold up as an NFL run-blocker. He struggles when defenders line up directly over him. But Satele has the mobility to lead-block in space, and his elevated awareness and partnership with the fairly-athletic Smiley should lead to noticeable improvements in 2008.
Former first-round pick Vernon Carey is back in his home at right tackle. Carey is somewhat lethargic, thought that’s just part of being a 335-pounder. He is overpowering in a phone booth and will punish defenders who come at him off balance.

Defense
This was a diarrheic defense last season, which is to say, it couldn’t stop the run. Miami surrendered a league-worst 153.5 yards per game on the ground. Ostensibly, having four new front seven starters will bring about change––and given where this group was last year, any change figures to be in a forward direction. Then again, one of the new starters––likely Charlie Anderson––will be replacing future Hall of Famer Jason Taylor.
Anderson is a career-long special teamer. He’ll end up back on the bench if converted defensive end Quentin Moses develops. Moses was a third-round draft choice of the Raiders last year but got cut prior to the season (something bizarre must have happened there). The 260-pounder is a splendid athlete. He improved throughout the season in ’07 but needs to develop more comfort in space.
Playing at right outside linebacker is Joey Porter, who is eager to rebound from a tepid first year in Miami. At 31, Porter has lost a bit of his oomph, though he’s still capable of posting a few sacks.
Miami’s linebacking strength is inside. Parcells loves Channing Crowder. The pliant fourth-year pro will almost certainly lead the team in tackles in ’08, but he must take better angles to the ball. Akin Ayodele has great size (6’2’, 250) to fill against the run. His familiarity with this scheme from his stint in Dallas should give him the edge over underappreciated ex-Giant Reggie Torbor.
Miami won’t need to have linebackers putting their hands in the dirt again this season. The team drafted Phillip Merling in the second round, plus they still have Vonnie Holliday and Matt Roth. Both Holliday and Roth are on thin ice––the former because he’s 32 and the latter because he’s a defensive lineman-linebacker tweener but not of the pass-rushing ilk. If third-year pro Rodrique Wright can ever stay healthy, Holliday or Roth could be forgotten.
Third-round rookie Kendall Langford is a developmental project from Hampton. He’s expected to provide run-stopping prowess, perhaps even at the tackle position. He’ll have to expand his 282-pound frame to play the nose though. Currently, Miami has veteran Jason Ferguson slated to line up over center. Ferguson turns 34 in November and missed 15 games with a torn triceps in ’07. Still, he’s a Parcells guy.
The Dolphins don’t have a lot of other options inside. Randy Starks was signed from Tennessee, but he’s never found an identity at the pro level (some believe an inconsistent motor could be to blame). Last year’s fourth-round pick Paul Soliai was a major disappointment. Considering the new regime’s fondness for undrafted rookie Anthony Toribio, Soliai could be shown the door in the very near future.
The Dolphins secondary is littered with decent-but-not-outstanding players. Cornerback Will Allen is the best of the bunch, though he’ll never get the credit he deserves, simply because he doesn’t make a lot of interceptions. Instead, Allen focuses on doing exactly what a corner is supposed to do: stopping wide receivers. He has a good feel for playing man coverage, and he rarely gets burned.
If Michael Lehan is healthy, he’s likely the No. 2. But Lehan, like fellow corner Andre Goodman, lacks the quickness and technique to make sudden plays on the ball. Both men will compete with inconsistent extraordinaires Travis Daniels and Nate Jones.
There are five players vying for two starting safety jobs. The front runner has to be Jason Allen on the grounds that he was a first-round pick in 2006 and finally alighted on his comfort zone last season. Allen is a superb athlete who can play cornerback in nickel and dime packages. In those instances, former Falcon Chris Crocker would line up at free safety. Crocker is a ho-hum run-defender, but he’s capable of picking off the deep ball.
Technically, Renaldo Hill is the incumbent starter at free safety. He manned the position in ’06 before blowing out his knee in October ’07. Hill faces an arduous task of reclaiming his job, but he’s always managed to exceed expectations in his eight-year career.
Yeremiah Bell would be an upper echelon strong safety if not for his vulnerability to the injury bug. It bit hard last September when he tore his left Achilles in the season opener. That is a difficult injury to bounce back from, but Bell is favored to beat out hard-hitting ex-Cowboy Keith Davis.

Special Teams
Kicker Jay Feely is a highly-respected veteran who shows solid accuracy. He reportedly improved his range over the offseason. The Dolphins ranked 30th in kick coverage last year, so kickoff depth will be a priority.
Brandon Fields averaged a decent 43.2 yards per punt as a seventh-round rookie in ’07. He had only 10 punts fall inside the 20, though in fairness to him, he was not often kicking from optimum field position.
Ted Ginn Jr. was drafted for his return prowess more than anything. After one year, the jury’s still deliberating. We know he’s good––the question is, do teams fear him? Ginn took a punt 87 yards to the house last season. But, as was the case in his kick returns, he tended to dance too much.

Bottom Line
A paucity of talent at the skill positions really plagued this team last year. Having Ronnie Brown healthy and someone new under center helps, but not enough. No biggie––the rest of the roster is under construction anyway. Parcells knows this….he’ll take care of it.

Myth Buster
Matt Roth is no good
Roth is a fine player who is miscast in a 3-4 scheme. He was worthy of his second-round draft status coming out of Iowa, though it didn’t make sense for Nick Saban to bring him here. That’s the Saban era for ya.
Roth is a high-energy player who shows an excellent combination of quickness and strength. The problem is, he is a short-armed 272-pounder with 6’4” height, making him too small to play defensive end and too big to play linebacker.
Roth’s offseason arrest in Iowa for public intoxication irritated the team, though if he were a better fit in this scheme, it wouldn’t jeopardize his roster spot. If Roth gets cut, it will be because he was misused. It will also mean that a very good 4-3 defensive end will be available at a reduced price.

Open Thought
The Dolphins have to be the most nondescript classic franchise in the NFL. Think about it: a prominent team at the time of the 1970 merger, authors of the only undefeated season, five Super Bowl appearances, 12 division titles and quarterbacking legend Dan Marino. The Dolphins are rich with NFL history.
Yet, when people think of classic NFL clubs, when does this one come to mind? Usually after the Packers, Bears, 49ers, Cowboys, Steelers, and Giants. And maybe even Colts. The chimes of Sam Spence’s NFL Films music rarely evoke thoughts of the Dolphins. There’s little football purity associated with this team.
This could be because Miami is not a classic American town. It’s a tropical climate city that features a lot of Latin American culture. And it’s located on the southern edge of the continental U.S.

Team Report: New England Patroits

New England Patriots
By Andy Benoit, www.NFLTouchdown.com
Predicted: 1st
2007 Record: 16-0 (1st AFC East)
Head Coach: Bill Belichick (9th year)

Roster Quick View
*rookie
**new veteran
Offense
QB: Tom Brady Can win Super Bowls, post big numbers, sell your product, whatever. The greatest QB of this generation.
RB: Laurence Maroney Most think he’s primed for a breakout season. He’s certainly good enough. But are there enough touches for him in this offense?
WR: Randy Moss Attitude problems? Effort issues? Ha!
WR: Chad Jackson Was a lauded second-round pick in ’06; career has been grounded with injuries. If he’s healthy, you’ll quickly learn a lot about him.
WR: Wes Welker Just guessing, but his league-leading 112 receptions last season has to be some sort of record for a “No. 3 WR.”
TE: Ben Watson Coming off ankle surgery though should be more effective in 2008. Capable of 70 catches if not for the number of stars around him.
LT: Matt Light Tom Brady makes this B- blocker look like an A+.
LG: Logan Mankins Moves extremely well and packs a powerful punch, especially at the second level.
C: Dan Koppen Steadying force inside who is coming off his first Pro Bowl.
RG: Steve Neal Underrated mobility, and experience as a wrestler explains his power in the phone booth.
RT: Nick Kaczur Involved in a drug sting over the offseason. This, coupled with his slow feet in pass protection, could jeopardize his job security.
-----------------------
QB: Matt Cassel Has plateaud after three years––or at least that’s what they tell us. Third-round rookie Kevin O’Connell will likely become the No. 2 next season.
RB: Kevin Faulk Has embodied the true Patriot for the past decade. Versatile, unselfish and always a little better than you expect.
FB: Heath Evans Capable lead-blocker and short-yardage runner when called upon.
WR: Jabar Gaffney Has nice chemistry with Brady. Could step into a No. 2 role, if need be.
TE: David Thomas Coming off a broken foot that took forever to heal. Must improve his blocking if he wants a job.
OL: Ryan O’Callaghan Has toiled between starter and backup his first two years. Given his power and Kaczur’s situation, don’t expect anything to change in Year Three.

Defense
LDE: Ty Warren Sixth-year veteran who has long been one of the most overlooked players in the game. Terrific in all phases.
NT: Vince Wilfork Stunning power, as long as he’s not having to slide too far east and west.
RDE: Richard Seymour Only 29 and already Canton-bound. Masterful leverage and strength make him nearly impossible to run against.
LOLB: Mike Vrabel Struggles to get off blocks, but it hasn’t mattered yet. Recorded 12.5 sacks last season and has been a solidifying force at virtually every LB spot.
LILB: Victor Hobson** Has experience playing in a 3-4, but won’t beat out Jerod Mayo in the long haul. In fact, may not even beat out converted SS Tank Williams in the short haul.
RILB: Tedy Bruschi Yes, he’s lost a step. But given how callous this organization has been to declining veterans, do you really think he’d still be starting if he couldn’t play?
ROLB: Adalius Thomas Dynamic utility weapon who needs to be featured more in 2008.
CB: Ellis Hobbs Feisty and fast, but must overcome the stigma of being the guy who gave up the game-winning TD in Super Bowl XLII. Also coming off groin and shoulder surgery.
SS: Rodney Harrison Regarded throughout the league as the game’s dirtiest player. Turns 36 in December but hasn’t hit a wall. Keep your fingers crossed, New England.
FS: James Sanders Like rice: you can serve him with everything and he’ll cover your bases without standing out.
CB: Fernando Bryant History with secondary coach Dom Capers will likely afford him the first crack at filling the abyss at left cornerback.
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DL: Jarvis Green One-gap ace who can operate anywhere along the defensive line. Could start for most teams.
LB: Jerod Mayo* Eager eyes are fixed on this 10th overall pick. Can play every LB position but must first learn the league’s most complex defensive scheme.
NB: Jason Webster Has been solid as a starter at times in his career. Though for some reason, teams are always quick to get rid of him.

Key Players Acquired
WR Sam Aiken (Buf)
CB Fernando Bryant (Det)
LB Victor Hobson (NYJ)
TE Marcus Pollard (Sea)
OL Oliver Ross (Ari)
CB Lewis Sanders (Atl)
CB Jason Webster (Buf)
S/LB Tank Williams (Min)

Key Players Lost
TE Kyle Brady
LB Rosevelt Colvin (Hou)
CB Randall Gay (NO)
DL Rashad Moore (Atl)
CB Asante Samuel (Phi)
WR Donte’ Stallworth (Cle)
DB Eugene Wilson (TB)

The Patriots defensive backfield got rocked over the offseason. It shows a certain level of hubris for this club to think they can simply let Samuel walk away. He made opponents think twice before attacking the left side of the field. Had Gay stayed, he would have been the No. 1 CB. Instead, journeymen Bryant, Webster and Sanders will compete for the job. New England might really miss Wilson––especially if one of the safeties gets hurt. Hobson can be plugged in at ILB, but he might not be a long-term solution. Surprisingly, Williams––a career-long SS––could end up starting at ILB. Stallworth was great for this offense, but they’ll have no problem replacing him internally.

2008 - New England Patriots
Rd
Sel #
Player
Position
School
1
10
Jerod Mayo
OLB
Tennessee
2
62
Terrence Wheatley
CB
Colorado
3
78
Shawn Crable
OLB
Michigan
3
94
Kevin O'Connell
QB
San Diego State
4
129
Jonathan Wilhite
CB
Auburn
5
153
Matt Slater
WR
UCLA
6
197
Bo Ruud
LB
Nebraska

Mayo was a versatile star for the Volunteers. The Patriots are giddy about him––and when the Patriots are giddy, pundits take notice. Wheatley figures to start at some point, though 2008 may be a bit soon. He’s admired for his toughness. Crable made regular appearances in the backfield as a Wolverine; now, he’ll study under renowned Buckeye Mike Vrabel. O’Connell was brought in to replace Matt Cassel as Tom Brady’s long-term backup. Wilhite lacks size and playmaking abilities. Slater’s dad is Hall of Fame lineman Jackie Slater. Ruud also has NFL bloodlines: his brother is the starting MLB in Tampa Bay.

New England Patriots 2008 Preview Report
After his team’s stunning 17-14 Super Bowl XLII loss to the New York Giants, the illustrious quarterback stood behind a podium in front of an inordinately rabid, callous media and spoke wistfully about going for a title again next year. Fortunately for Tom Brady, none of the bloodhound reporters were smart (or cruel) enough to ask this question:
Tom, you guys came into this game with the best record in NFL history. Over 18 weeks, you obliterated teams early in the season, took care of other elite clubs at all stops and thrived in every adverse, high-pressure situation. You personally, a three-time world champion, led a prolific offense that shattered virtually every significant NFL single season record. Your team’s defense allowed the fourth fewest points in the league and featured three Pro Bowlers (not to mention at least three other star veterans who could end up in the Hall of Fame). Your special teams were sharp, and the consensus was that your head coach was the closest in the business to reaching Vince Lombardi’s pedestal. If you couldn’t win it all this year, how will you EVER win it all?
Brady would have had as tough a time responding to that as he did New York’s interior blitz.
Surely you have heard of the Super Bowl hangover. You know, the supernatural force that has caused six of the last seven Super Bowl losers to miss the playoffs the following season? If those six teams’ Super Bowl hangover felt like the result of downing a few too many Keystone Lights the night before, you can imagine New England’s must feel like the aftermath of pounding a few too many shots of Everclear (after overdoing it on the El Dorado).
We’ve always been able to offer advice to the Super Bowl loser. Chicago Bears? Improve your quarterback play. Seattle Seahawks? Upgrade your secondary. Philadelphia Eagles? Establish more of a run game. Carolina Panthers? Build on your experience, and maybe think about adding another playmaker or two.
But what do we tell the Patriots?
You gave up five sacks in the Super Bowl, so upgrade your offensive line? They already had three Pro Bowlers up front.
You got burned by Eli Manning in the fourth quarter, so revamp your secondary? Well, Asante Samuel (now an Eagle) was a first-team All-Pro. Rodney Harrison was a feared force. And, if you want to look ahead, Brandon Meriweather was an ascending ’07 first-round pick. Not to mention, if Giants special teams ace David Tyree doesn’t miraculously trap the ball against his helmet after Manning miraculously escapes a sure-fire sack on third-down-and-five, we’re probably marveling at how the Pats D held New York to just 10 points.
A lot of people are eager to tell the Patriots that they need to infuse more youth at the linebacker position. There’s some validity to this (hence the drafting of Jerod Mayo in the first round). But still, realize that the veteran linebackers last season weren’t a problem. Mike Vrabel recorded 12.5 sacks. Tedy Bruschi led the team in tackles. Junior Seau routinely made big plays down the stretch. And free agent pickup Adalius Thomas earned every bit of the $20 million Robert Kraft guaranteed him.
The Patriots don’t have any true weaknesses to correct––that’s why they went into the final game undefeated. Thus, no Super Bowl loser has ever felt as little elasticity in trying to bounce back as this team will. The Pats are being asked to rebound their own three-point rim-out. Impossible? Just about.
Suppose New England comes out and wins every game this fall. Not only will they still fail to assuage the criticism and decrease the doubts––they’ll actually exacerbate them. After all, what the Patriots themselves said all season long proved to be true: winning every game doesn’t mean anything if you can’t win the last. In other words, this loss will follow them.
Of course, let’s not over analyze here. Stiff as New England’s bounce back may be, they’re at least under the direction of one Bill Belichick. And that wistful quarterback from behind the podium isn’t too bad either. Belichick and Brady suffered their first postseason defeat together in 2005 (divisional round at Denver). They bounced back by leading an otherwise average Patriots club to the AFC championship in ’06. In that game New England gave up an 18-point second half lead in a crushing loss to the rival Colts. Belichick, Brady and company rebounded again by winning their first 18 games in 2007.
As the losses become more painful, the Patriots seem to get stronger. The kidney-blow from the Giants would bring most franchises to their knees. But with Belichick and Brady, are we really going to classify the Patriots with “most franchises”?

Offense
Turns out, it could be stopped. In the 11th hour of the ’07 season, the New York Giants created the blueprint for slowing down a Patriots offense that had scored an NFL-record 589 points during the regular season. New York’s performance was so impressive that Football America seems to have almost forgotten about Tom Brady’s mind-boggling 50 touchdown passes and 117 rating, or Randy Moss’s unreal 23 touchdown receptions.
Instead, the focus is on the flaws of New England’s offense that were exposed in Arizona. After seeing Brady pick apart Jacksonville’s conservative three-man pass-rush in the Wild Card round, Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo predicated his Super Bowl game plan on pressuring the passer. Indeed, virtually every quarterback struggles with defenders in his face––and Brady is no exception. While courageous and poised in the pocket, the ninth-year veteran does not have an innately rocket arm like a Carson Palmer or a Brett Favre. Brady’s precision and velocity derive from his textbook mechanics––which can’t be executed with defenders invading his space.
To get pressure on Brady, Spagnuolo overloaded New York’s pass-rush up the middle. Not only did this obstruct Brady’s vision and rattle the cages of Patriot guards Logan Mankins and Steve Neal, as well as center Dan Koppen, it also forced New England running backs to direct their pass-blocking help inside. This left Patriots tackles Matt Light and Nick Kaczur on an island, where they were manhandled by Osi Umenyiora and Michael Strahan.
Light was an All-Pro last season, but that was simply a case of the uninformed media voters buying into the Patriot hype. What the Giants knew was that the 305-pounder is dexterous in run-blocking but rickety against speed-rushers like Umenyiora. Kaczur shows good power in the ground game, but he doesn’t begin to have the agility to shadow fluid pass-rushers like Strahan. Throughout the entire ’07 season, a mastery of the offense and intrinsic awareness dropping back had allowed Brady to simply step up whenever his pocket would collapse. However, against the Giants, Brady stepped up into the clogged middle. And there’s your blueprint.
So how do Pats offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and his men counter now that Pandora’s box has been opened? Contrary to initial beliefs, a change in front five personnel is not needed. Light is a fine left tackle overall, and Mankins’s power and mobility make him one of the league’s best young guards. Koppen has been nearly flawless for much of his six-year career, and Neal is on a similar level. New England’s interior line also has adequate backups in Russ Hochstein (a strong run-blocker who started in Super Bowl XXXVIII) and Billy Yates (a fifth-year pro who understands the system). Right tackle Nick Kaczur is replaceable, with powerful Ryan O’Callaghan being a worthy option.
The Patriots shifting their focus a little more toward the run could mitigate some of their explosiveness, but at the same time, give opponents more to prepare for. The Giants weren’t too concerned about Laurence Maroney, which is a waste considering Maroney is a fast and punishing young runner. If Maroney can stay healthy for all 16 games (something he hasn’t done yet), he could produce the breakout season that most of Boston is expecting.
However, given that Sammy Morris is fully recovered from the chest injury that ended his ’07 campaign last October, there may not be enough carries for Maroney to get too far past 1,000 yards. Tenth-year pro Kevin Faulk is still an exquisite third-down back, plus the Patriots may refer to fullback Heath Evans or newcomer LaMont Jordan in short-yardage situations.
You may have noticed that New England’s receivers are fairly decent. Ready as Maroney is, Brady and McDaniels will continue to spread the field and air it out. Randy Moss has proven to be the perfect Patriot. He should finish somewhere near his 100-catch, 1,500-yard numbers of a year ago. However, it’s unfair to expect any player to catch more than 15 touchdowns––let alone 23.
Wes Welker is option No. 2, though his inside position makes him a No. 3 on paper. And his production (NFL-leading 112 catches in ’07) suggests he’s actually a No. 1. Welker––whose quickness underneath makes him tailor-made for the slot––undoubtedly benefits from defenses rolling coverage to Moss. Also benefiting this season will be third-year wideout Chad Jackson. Copious injuries have prevented the once-heralded Gator from having a substantial impact through his first two seasons. But with long-striding speed and an improved understanding of the offense, Jackson could emerge as an unexpected weapon in Donte’ Stallworth’s old role. If he doesn’t, there’s always Jabar Gaffney.
Not to be forgotten is athletic tight end Ben Watson. He’s coming off ankle surgery but should be in top form September 7. Backup David Thomas is more of a question mark. He must rebound from the broken foot that has plagued him for the past year. If he does, he then must elevate his blocking, as that’s the only way he’ll get on the field.

Defense
Cynics the world over are carping that the Patriots aging defense is on the brink of destruction. Not quite.
Yes, the final chapters are approaching for a few of New England’s players––most notably 35-year-olds Tedy Bruschi (inside linebacker) and Rodney Harrison (strong safety). But this is a defense that finished fourth in yardage and scoring last season, thanks to Bill Belichick’s elaborate 3-4 scheme. Older veterans can survive here because this zone-heavy system rarely puts defenders in one-on-one situations.
That being said, more speed at inside linebacker would be a huge plus for New England. Recognizing this, Belichick and GM Scott Pioli uncharacteristically drafted a linebacker in the first round: Jerod Mayo of Tennessee. Though injuries hindered him at times in college, Mayo has the athleticism, intelligence and football charisma that the Patriots covet. He played all three linebacker positions as a Volunteer and projects as Bruschi’s heir apparent.
New England would love for Mayo to be able to start right away––but that’s a tall order. Longtime Jet Victor Hobson played in virtually this same scheme under Eric Mangini the past two seasons and could be a serviceable option in the short term. Hobson, however, has only moderate agility and struggles to get off blocks.
One name to consider is Tank Williams. He’s been a mediocre strong safety throughout his seven-year career, but after joining the Patriots this past offseason, he shifted to inside linebacker. Williams, a Stanford product, is intelligent enough to handle the task, and Belichick has always had a fondness for aggressive safeties in the box. Don’t be shocked to see Williams lining up with the first unit on opening day.
Veterans Mike Vrabel and Adalius Thomas can play inside as well, though both are at their best near the edges. Vrabel, the consummate linebacker for this system, is coming off his first Pro Bowl after notching a career-high 12.5 sacks. He’ll turn 33 in August but, like longtime Patriot Willie McGinest (now in Cleveland), he should be effective in his outside role for another few years.
Thomas’s role needs to expand. New England paid him $20 million in guarantees to come aboard last season. He fit in perfectly but only reached the quarterback 6.5 times (he did have a team-high six tackles for a loss). Part of the issue was that Thomas often had to line up inside. This season, playing the part of Rosevelt Colvin, he should vie for Pro Bowl consideration.
The linebacker depth across the board is solid, especially if Junior Seau decides to come back. Eric Alexander is a coverage specialist. Third-round rookie Shawn Crable was a potent pass-rusher at Michigan. Even special teams maven Larry Izzo can handle a few snaps from time to time.
Amplifying the linebackers is a three-man line that, for many years, has been the class of the NFL. Rarely do blockers reach the second level against New England. Nose tackle Vince Wilfork is a ravenous road barrier inside. Ferocious off the snap, the 325-pounder (likely 345-pounder) has the quickness to collapse any interior offensive line. Wilfork’s stamina is good for a nose tackle, as he does not cede many snaps to backup Mike Wright.
Right defensive end Richard Seymour is ready to take over the world in 2008. Fully healthy for the first time in ages (chronic knee problems have hindered Seymour), the soon-to-be 29-year-old has dropped 10 pounds from his 6’6” frame. Being the most vociferous run-stopping end in football this year is a given for Seymour; surpassing his career-high of eight sacks (set back in ’03) is a possibility.
Left defensive end Ty Warren is another stalwart run-defender capable of reaching the quarterback. First-class backup Jarvis Green is a formidable one-gap penetrater in nickel situations. Green––who can play the run as well––has also proven to be more than adequate as a starter when called upon.
For years, the Patriots and their secondary have been like your old college buddy who never seemed to have any food in his cupboards yet somehow never went hungry. Injuries in New England’s defensive backfield have become commonplace. So have the departures of longtime starters (Lawyer Milloy, Ty Law, Tyrone Poole, etc.).
If not for memories of wide receiver Troy Brown keeping the defense afloat as a nickel back, one might declare this to be the year that the Patriots have over-pushed their luck with secondary personnel. During the offseason, New England said goodbye to three capable starters, including Pro Bowler Asante Samuel. However, Belichick believes that the arrival of special assistant coach Dom Capers can mollify things.
Capers must establish his cornerback rotation. Ellis Hobbs is the only clear-cut starter at this point, and considering he has been benched at times during his four-year career and still isn’t fully recovered from surgery on a torn left shoulder labrum, this is a somewhat liberal use of the term “clear cut.”
The candidates for the other starting cornerback job are Fernando Bryant, Jason Webster, Lewis Sanders, Terrence Wheatley and Brandon Meriweather. Bryant is the most familiar with Capers and the scheme, but he tends to get picked on. Then again, so does Webster. Sanders has great awareness and patience, but he lacks playmaking prowess and physicality. Wheatley is a mature second-round pick who has 4.29 speed, but that still might not be enough for him to acclimate right away. Meriweather, a first-rounder a year ago, is the most gifted of the bunch, but the Patriots would prefer to use him at free safety.
As long as James Sanders is healthy, Meriweather likely won’t crack the starting lineup in ’08. Sanders is not flashy, but he consistently holds down the fort in centerfield.
Rodney Harrison has lost some of his speed, which can be a problem considering he’s never taken the best angles to the ball. Still, the 15th-year veteran is a proficient force, particularly as a head hunter over the middle. Should Harrison get hurt––he’s missed 17 games over the past three seasons––Sanders could slide down in the box, or the Patriots could call on Tank Williams.

Special Teams
Stephen Gostkowski has done well as Adam Vinatieri’s replacement, but not everyone believes he’s earned the full trust of Belichick. In the Super Bowl, Belichick opted to go for it on fourth-and-13, rather than kick a 49-yard field goal. In fairness to Gostkowski, the Patriots’ prolific offense had prevented them from attempting any field goals of that length during the regular season, which may explain Belichick’s reluctance.
New England does not prioritize the return game, which is why you occasionally see the heavy-footed but sure-handed Kevin Faulk on run backs. Faulk is utilized because he doesn’t fumble. Generally, reliable Wes Welker handles punt returns. Ellis Hobbs, when called upon, can be electrifying returning kicks.
By the way, not that it matters, but New England’s punter is Chris Hanson.

Bottom Line
Seeing how this team responds to the devastating conclusion of what had been the greatest season in NFL history––and perhaps professional sports history––is one of the most fascinating NFL storylines of 2008. For most clubs, a bounce back would be impossible. But Belichick and Brady lend legitimacy to New England’s chances. Final forecast: Patriots season ends with an AFC championship loss to the Colts.

Myth Buster
Peyton Manning is better than Tom Brady
Yes, Brady’s invincibility and Manning’s vulnerability in big games have evaporated. But let’s not allow this to cloud the bigger picture. Brady leads Manning 3-1 in Super Bowls. For people who truly believe that football is all about winning––and you’d be surprised how few people are really like this––the debate ends here.
For pontificating armchair quarterbacks who marvel at Manning’s command of the Indy offense, understand that Brady has essentially the same power in New England. He just doesn’t use it on every down. What’s more, up until last year, Brady had been doing more with less. Aside from Corey Dillon in ’05, Brady never had a dominant rushing attack behind him. And he didn’t have two superstar receivers like Reggie Wayne or Marvin Harrison to throw to. Once Brady did get those weapons, he obliterated the record books.
This, by the way, pulled the plug on the argument made by all the fantasy geeks who, for years, have blabbered about how Brady’s numbers are dwarfed by Manning’s.

Open Thought
I like the way Bill Belichick handles the media. Reporters who vilify the guy because of his unshakable ambiguity and guardedness are simply getting the treatment they deserve. One of the biggest problems in our country is that the cut-throat media industry is so profit-driven that seemingly every story we hear is sensationalized or misrepresented.
Belichick knows this––and he knows that nine out of ten reporters would screw his team in exchange for a hot headline. Not to mention, a majority of reporters who question experts like Belichick barely have a tyro’s understanding of the game.
Because Belichick doesn’t march to the media’s beat, his team has survived distractions such as Spygate (largely a media-driven controversy, by the way), having high-profile superstars (i.e. Tom Brady, who, you may have heard, is dating Giselle Bundchen) and player movement (take your pick).

Monday, August 18, 2008

Live Expert League Fantasy Football Draft with Johnny Archive!

Come listen to Johnny Archive, Todd Farino, AJ Pelletier, and a whole bunch of other experts get into a dog fight of a draft. The draft broadcast will be held at Blog Talk Radio http://www.blogtalkradio.com/FridayNightFootball

Join us for some fun, laughs, excitement, and much more!

TTG

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Fighting Chance Fantasy's 2008 Wide Receiver Rankings

We’ve now given you the top 31 QB’s, and the top 40 RB’s. This list will cover the top 49 wide receivers. Our final rankings will cover the best tight ends.

Here are the wide recievers

Randy Moss, New England Patriots
98 catches, 1,493 yards, 23 TDs
After two seasons in Oakland where it was obvious he was just going through the motions, it would have been hard to predict the kind of season that Moss had in New England. But he and Tom Brady seemed to form a chemistry right away (as two great talents often will), and Moss showed everyone that he still had plenty in the tank. He is a freakish talent when he is applying himself, and seeing that they lost the Super Bowl, I don't see Moss' motivation being any lower this season. The law of averages says he's not going to score 23 times, but he will approach 100 catches again, and the yardage should be there as well. Definitely the first receiver off the board.
Terrell Owens, Dallas Cowboys
81 catches, 1,355 yards, 15 TDs
T.O. will always be a drama queen. Whether it be whining his way out of San Francisco, Baltimore, or Philly, you can always count on him to make headlines off the field. Unlike many other primadonnas like him, Owens always shows up on Sunday and gives his all. He may get a case of the dropsies from time to time, but he's big, he's fast, and he wants the ball. In two seasons in Dallas he has scored 28 touchdowns, and that is where your fantasy bread is buttered, in the endzone. With his relationship with Tony Romo continuing to be solid on the field, expect Owens to be the focal point of the Cowboys passing attack again, and I expect more catches, more yards, and similar touchdown numbers.
Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis Colts
104 catches, 1,510 yards, 10 TDs
Somewhere over the last two years, Reggie Wayne went flying by Marvin Harrison as the best receiver in Indy. Although his touchdowns remain similar, he caught 18 more passes in 2007, and gained 200 more yards than he did in 2006. And as long as they have that Peyton guy throwing him the ball in an offense that is pass first, Wayne should be looking at another year of 100 catches and double-digit scores. It is time to stop calling him the best number two receiver in fantasy, he is now the man for the Colts.
Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals
101 catches, 1,412 yards, 10 TDs
He's had some trouble with some nagging little injuries the past couple of seasons, but Fitzgerald is one of the best. He's big, he's young, and he knows how to go up and get the ball. Fitzy is also helped by having another legitimate receiving threat across the field in Anquan Boldin, and when it comes to the red zone it is almost always Fitzgerald that they throw to. The Cardinals obviously think the world of him, as they uncharacteristically opened up the pocketbook and gave Larry a $40 million contract extension, while Boldin is still waiting to get paid. He is one guy that already puts up good numbers that I can see a possible nice increase in 2008, he's one of my best picks.
Braylon Edwards, Cleveland Browns
80 catches, 1,289 yards, 16 TDs
After being the number three pick in the draft in 2004, Edwards had been viewed as somewhat of a bust because his statistics were just not what anyone expected they would be after his collegiate career. It's time to take that Bust tag off and save it for someone else, because Braylon broke out in a big way last season. Perhaps it was the lack of talent at the QB position that held him back these past couple years, but he and Derek Anderson were certainly on the same page. Edwards is a big dude, and really knows how to stretch the field for the long pass. I expect that he will catch even more passes in 2008, but another season of 16 touchdowns might be a little too much to expect. I think most fantasy owners would take 12, and that's what I expect he will get.
Andre Johnson, Houston Texans
60 catches, 851 yards, 8 TDs (9 games)
Johnson was on pace for another huge season in 2007 after his breakout the previous year, but was derailed by a knee injury that seemed to linger longer than expected. Now that the Texans are actually turning themselves into a legitimate team, the sky is the limit for Johnson as long as he can stay healthy. He is the focal point of the entire offense, and should be targeted at least ten times a game. He had 100 catches in 2006, and was well on the way to that number again last year, so no reason to think that he can't get over the century mark with 10-13 scores.
Steve Smith, Carolina Panthers
87 catches, 1,002 yards, 7 TDs
Smith is the motivation for all the short guys out there, that you don't have to be 6'3" to be a star in the NFL. At 5' 9" Smith proves that all you really need is to be really fast. So if you are short and slow, then your dreams are destroyed. Smith is a pretty amazing talent in that every week the defense knows that he is going to get the ball, yet they still can't seem to stop this guy. He has caught 80+ passes for 1,000+ yards for three consecutive seasons, but 2007 took a mighty turn for the worse after QB Jake Delhomme went down to injury. Which is understandable seeing that the next option was David Carr and we all know how that went. His hot temper has gotten him suspended for the first two games of the season, after punching teammate Ken Lucas, but he will be back after that brief suspension. Smith's shining star has definitely fallen from the consensus #1 fantasy wideout, but he still will put up good numbers for you and is still a legitimate first receiver for a fantasy team.
TJ Houshmanzadeh, Cincinnati Bengals
112 catches, 1,143 yards, 12 TDs
His numbers have increase in each of the past three seasons, but they got to be so good in 2007, that you can't expect them to go much higher than this. Housh finally got the national attention that he has deserved, as he tied for the league lead in receptions. With the drama that is Chad Johnson on the other side, Housh often doesn't get the other team's best corner on him. A former 7th round draft pick, T.J. has turned himself into one of the most reliable fantasy wideouts in the game, as he generally is a possession receiver, but when he gets in the open field, he knows how to make people miss. You can safely expect another 100 catch season, as the Bengals as a team will bounce back from another disappointing season, and Housh will be a big reason why.
Chad Johnson, Cincinnati Bengals
93 catches, 1,440 yards, 8 TDs
Houshmandzadeh's guy on the other side, Johnson has been a whirlwind of controversy this offseason. He has threatened to hold out, he has threatened to sit out the season, he has threatened to play Arena Football, but my money says he will be in Cincinnati when the season starts. He has gone from funny with his antics and outspoken ways, to kind of annoying really quick He has been great at getting catches and yards, but he has been lacking in the touchdown department recently. I know eight touchdowns looks good, but they all came in just four games, and three were in the first two weeks. That sort of inconsistency will drive fantasy owners crazy, because touchdowns are what you need. He went on a similar binge in '06 when his seven touchdowns all came in four games. It is nice when he scores that two or three touchdown game, but then he disappears from the endzone for weeks at a time. Still a legitimate number one receiver on a fantasy team.
Torry Holt, St. Louis Rams
93 catches, 1,189 yards, 7 TDs
Once the most consistent receiver in the NFL, you can start to see age and injury starting to take their toll. Although he didn't really miss much time, Holt's knees have been a disaster the past couple of seasons, and at age 31, he is starting to lose a step. Funny, that even with the disaster that was the Rams 2007 season, Holt's numbers are still pretty solid. He still should be good for 85-90 catches and over 1,000 yards, and he is still their go to guy, so his scores should stay around the same. He's still a great receiver, just a tick down from where he used to be.
Marques Colston, New Orleans Saints
98 catches, 1,202 yards, 11 TDs
One of the up and coming young wideouts in the league, Colston busted out in 2006 after being a 7th round draft pick. He had a great increase in numbers from his first season to his second, as he caught 28 more balls, almost 200 more yards, and three more touchdowns.

Click here for the rest of the list at fightingchancefantasy.com

Team Report: Kansas City Chiefs

Kansas City Chiefs
By Andy Benoit, www.NFLTouchdown.com
Predicted: 4th
2007 Record: 4-12 (3rd AFC West)
Head Coach: Herman Edwards (3rd year)

Roster Quick View
*Rookie
**New Veteran
Offense
QB: Brodie Croyle It’s too early to judge, but so far, he’s 0-6 as a starter and shows sporadic accuracy.
RB: Larry Johnson Broken foot ended his ’07 season in November. He was doing little before that. Great power runner, but might he need dominant blockers in order to thrive?
WR: Dwayne Bowe Dripping with talent. The challenge for him will be developing fundamentals while resisting the temptation to coast on raw skill.
WR: Devard Darling** He’s your No. 2? Really? You know he only has 20 catches in his four-year career, right?
TE: Tony Gonzalez Thirty-two and still the best TE in football (sorry Antonio Gates).
TE: Brad Cottam* Two-hundred-and-sixty-nine-pound frame should help make him a viable run-blocker in Chan Gailey’s frequent 2-TE sets.
LT: Branden Albert* Talented first-round pick who saw his draft stock soar. But that was as a LG. Faces a monumental transition in his first year.
LG: Brian Waters The cog of the front line. Only 31, so still has plenty left, but must rebound from a down year.
C: Rudy Niswanger Undrafted guy who has been a little-used guard for most of his first two seasons. If he can’t cut it, veteran Wade Smith will take over.
RG: Adrian Jones A tackle by trade, but the Chiefs lack options at this position.
RT: Damion McIntosh Moving to the right side (where his skills are a much better fit) after spending nine seasons at LT. Prideful player, well respected by teammates.
----------------------------
QB: Damon Huard The reason he’s a career backup is he takes too long to get rid of the ball. Still, he’s proven he can start when called upon.
RB: Kolby Smith Has the potential to be a 1,000-yard back if he’s in the ideal situation. However, doesn’t standout in any one area, which may limit how coaches use him off the bench.
WR: Will Franklin* Nephew of former Bengals WR Darnay Scott. Athletic 4th-rounder who needs a year or two to polish up. Thanks to paucity of WR’s, Chiefs may have to start him in ’08.
WR: Jeff Webb Well-built and effective running after the catch. Problem is, he rarely puts himself in a position to do so.
FB: Mike Cox* Undrafted rookie who could be the default lead-blocker out of the backfield.
OL: Will Svitek Swing tackle. Has alright mobility but lacks the power to pop and hold ground.

Defense
LDE: Alfonso Boone Can be a monster at times, but endurance seems inconsistent. He’s a run-stopping DT playing out of position.
DT: Glenn Dorsey* High expectations as the fifth-overall pick. Was a two-gap defender at LSU, but Chiefs want him to get penetration in a three-technique.
DT: Ron Edwards Why is he starting?
RDE: Tamba Hali Ferocious run-defender though will focus more on pass-rushing now that he’s moved to the right side. Expect at least 10 sacks.
OLB: Derrick Johnson As fluid as they come. Isn’t a beast in traffic, but the more space you give him, the more dangerous he becomes.
MLB: Napoleon Harris Personifies an average LB. Can handle his business, but a majority of his tackles come several yards downfield.
OLB: Donnie Edwards Still effective at 35, though he’s lost more speed than he has left. Fortunately, he’s smarter than everyone else.
CB: Patrick Surtain Also slowing down, but also still capable of starting. Should be a No. 2, but with the DB’s around him, may not get challenged a whole lot.
FS: Jarrad Page Struggled mightily in deep coverage last season. Must improve awareness and take better angles to the ball.
SS: Bernard Pollard Cross apply comment on Page.
CB: Brandon Flowers* Second-round rookie who starts because no one else on this roster can. Scouts like his heart and football IQ.
----------------------------
DL: Turk McBride Seemingly vanished late in his disappointing rookie season. It’s too early to cry “bust”, but 14 tackles and 1 sack won’t cut it.
LB: Demorrio Williams** Could certainly start in a bind. Lacks size (6’0”, 232) and strength, but moves well.
NB: Brandon Carr* Fifth-round rookie from Division II Grand Valley State. Will defend the outside in nickel packages.

Key Players Acquired
OT Anthony Alabi (Mia)
WR: Devard Darling (Bal)
DE Trevor Johnson (Stl)
RS B.J. Sams (Bal)
OL Wade Smith (NYJ)
LB Demorrio Williams (Atl)

Key Players Lost
DE Jared Allen (Min)
LB Kendrell Bell
OL Chris Bober
K Billy Cundiff
TE Jason Dunn
LB Keyaron Fox (Pit)
FB Boomer Grigsby (Mia)
WR Eddie Kennison
CB Ty Law
WR Samie Parker (Den)
DT James Reed
CB Benny Sapp (Min)
G John Welbourn
S Greg Wesley (Oak)
C Casey Wiegmann (Den)
H-back Kris Wilson (Phi)

These transactions paint a dire picture of a team in full-scale rebuilding mode. The Chiefs traded the disgruntled Allen (their best player) for three high draft picks, which was good value. Stars like Allen are extremely hard to come by though. Law, Dunn, Kennison, Welbourn, Wesley and Wiegmann were all good players at one point, but all were significantly past their prime. It made perfect sense to get rid of them. Not one of Kansas City’s acquisitions is capable of starting. Darling might get a chance only because the Chiefs are so weak at WR. Sams can at least spark the return game.

2008 - Kansas City Chiefs
Rd
Sel #
Player
Position
School
1
5
Glenn Dorsey
DT
Louisiana State
1
15
Branden Albert
G
Virginia
2
35
Brandon Flowers
CB
Virginia Tech
3
73
Jamaal Charles
RB
Texas
3
76
Brad Cottam
TE
Tennessee
3
82
DaJuan Morgan
SAF
North Carolina State
4
105
William Franklin
WR
Missouri
5
140
Brandon Carr
CB
Grand Valley State
6
170
Barry Richardson
T
Clemson
6
182
Kevin Robinson
WR
Utah
7
210
Brian Johnston
DE
Gardner-Webb
7
239
Mike Merritt
TE
Central Florida

The Chiefs certainly nailed the quantity part––how much quality they drafted remains to be seen. Remarkably, as many as six rookies could be starting in 2008. Dorsey and Albert are already focal points on the first string. DT’s generally struggle transitioning from college to the NFL. Given that Dorsey has no one around him, expect that to be the case. Albert is a G who will be learning to play LT on the fly. That’s like a med student interning as a head MD in an emergency room. Flowers seems ready for the pros. Cottam is the other likely starter, given new OC Chan Gailey’s predilection for 2-TE formations. Franklin and Carr both appear destined to handle three-receiver duties on their respective sides of the ball.

Kansas City Chiefs 2008 Preview Report
Look Chiefs fans, it’s not going to be fun, okay? But understand, it’s part of life. Everyone goes through it at some point. The Germans went through it after World War II. Your friends all went through it after their first major breakup. Heck, the Florida Marlins go through it every few years. It’s called rebuilding, and it’s what your favorite team is doing right now.
The worst part of any rebuilding project is the sucker punch that precedes it. No one ever sees it coming. The Germans didn’t foresee the bombing of Dresden. None of your friends predicted the last big fight. And the Marlins….well, okay, the Marlins usually do foresee it, as their rebuilding projects are often triggered by a World Series title. But they’re weird like that.
Chiefs fans, take solace in knowing that you’ve already survived your sucker punch. It came last year. It must have hurt. Your team snuck into the playoffs in ’06, then began the ’07 season 4-3. That’s when the fortress fell, as Kansas City lost nine straight. A lot of the experts were surprised the fall didn’t come sooner. But you, Chiefs fans, you seemed surprised that it even came at all.
By December you had mastered the art of booing and were calling for the head of team president Carl Peterson. You even hurled your new booing skills at him during the team’s draft party in April. You shouldn’t have.
And you shouldn’t be so hard on head coach Herman Edwards either. Clock-management issues aside, the man has reached the postseason four times since 2001. Only three head coaches (Bill Belichick, Tony Dungy, Mike Holmgren) have gone more. Edwards’s players respect him, and a lot of them learn under his tutelage.
As for Peterson, perhaps he could have read between the lines and spotted the looming rebuilding stage earlier (say, three or four years ago, when most of the offense became eligible for AARP membership). But you probably would have just booed the guy then, no?
You probably don’t want to hear any of this right now. That’s fine––you love football and badly want your team to win. There’s some nobility to that. But realize, you’re acting like the teenager who hates their parents because of a midnight curfew. You should be thankful that your team has leaders who are even willing to rebuild. Some clubs––the Raiders, for example––can never face their rebuilding stage. It’s sad because when this happens, their rebuilding stage never goes away.
At least your team is owned by the Hunt Family and managed by guys like Peterson and Edwards who, despite risking their own job security, willingly dismantle an aging roster in order to replenish it through the draft. That’s the right away to go about it––you can’t buy your way out of rebuilding.
This is why your team said goodbye to big-name veterans like Ty Law, Casey Wiegmann and Eddie Kennison (to name a few). And it’s why they traded Jared Allen. No need to say it––it’s obvious you weren’t happy about the Allen trade. There was plenty to question about the move (mainly, if Peterson won’t keep a 26-year-old sack leader, who will he keep?). But regardless of the trade’s merits, Peterson is to be commended for staying true to his plan. By getting rid of Allen, he saved the team over $30 million in guaranteed money (which is good because the Hunt Family is shelling out $150 million in the otherwise publicly-funded $400 million Arrowhead Stadium renovation project and isn’t big on paying for hefty signing bonuses right now). Peterson also acquired an additional first-round draft pick for Allen, as well as a pair of third-rounders.
In all, Chief fans, your team had 12 draft picks this past April––half of them in the first three rounds. There’s no way this won’t pay some sort of dividends in a few years. But for right now, you’ll have to be patient. As many as six of these draft picks could be starting this season.
Headlining the bunch is Glenn Dorsey, who must learn to be a one-gap defensive tackle while facing NFL blockers and having shaky tackles beside him. Dorsey is a first-rounder, so go ahead and expect big things. But don’t forget the challenge he’ll be going through.
Branden Albert is a first-rounder as well, but be easier on him. The guy was a guard in college and is getting acclimated to the foreign left tackle position. That’s one of the toughest positions in football. Last year, you were too hard on left tackle Damion McIntosh (who, by the way, is now starting on the right).
Second-round pick Brandon Flowers will start at cornerback. Rookie corners are seen as fresh meat by most quarterbacks in this league. Flowers may be ready for the job, but he’ll be playing with a pair of safeties (Bernard Pollard and Jarrad Page) who are awful in coverage. It’s almost inevitable that he’ll struggle. Keep this in mind.
The nickel back next to Flowers will be another rookie––Brandon Carr. You’d be diabolic to jump on this kid right away. He’s a fifth-round pick out of Division II Grand Valley State. He’ll be playing with the same iffy safeties as Flowers, only he’ll have minimal big stage experience to refer to. And don’t forget, Carr, Flowers and the rest of the young defenders will be hearing from acerbic defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham throughout the week. In other words, criticism from you on Sunday would just be overkill.
Again, remember that you’ve survived the sucker punch. And while you were booing your head coach, he was getting some of the early growing pains out of the way. Edwards allowed quarterback Brodie Croyle to start six games last season. The kid lost all six, but at least now he won’t be so wide-eyed when he takes the field to start his third professional season. And he’ll have second-year stud Dwayne Bowe to throw to.
Edwards was even willing to stick with his young safeties last year (Pollard and Page were second-year players at the time). Their performance was brutal, but the coach knew that ’07 was a lost cause, which made veteran safety Greg Wesley’s contributions moot. That’s why Wesley sat.
Edwards maybe could have been more patient with rookie defensive linemen Tank Tyler and Turk McBride, but those guys needed to show better work ethic. In fact, if you absolutely must boo a young player, boo them. They could use a kick in the pants.
But be patient overall. Another four-win season seems imminent. Six wins would be solid. Eight wins, reason for a parade. Such is life. Your team has been pretty stellar for quite awhile. Now, Chiefs fans, it needs your support.

Offense
The maturation of Brodie Croyle is key. And obviously, so is the health of workhorse Larry Johnson. Also significant is the arrival of coordinator Chan Gailey, a meat and potatoes type play-caller who favors the power-run with two-tight end formations.
But nothing about Kansas City’s offense will matter if the front five doesn’t improve. This offense’s ’07 yardage and scoring ranking of 31, as well as its rush ranking of 32, pass protection ranking of 29 and third down ranking of 28, were direct results of an O-line that was as impermeable as a colander. It was bad. Like stale-cereal-in-spoiled-milk-bad. Or Ben-Affleck-in-Gigli-bad.
Consequently, four of the five positions up front will be manned by someone new this year. The only guy returning to his spot is mobile three-time Pro Bowler Brian Waters, who is looking to bounce back from a mediocre season. That could be tough, given the situation around Waters.
Branden Albert is a guard playing left tackle. Damion McIntosh is a left tackle playing right tackle. Such a switch sounds easy, but some players have actually compared it to learning to write with the opposite hand. Rudy Niswanger was once an undrafted guard who is now playing center. Adrian Jones is a right tackle sliding inside to play guard.
Should any of these five guys get injured or fail, swing tackle Will Svitek (who can also play guard) could step in. So could center Wade Smith (who also plays tackle). Or guard Tre’ Stallings (who is more experienced at tackle). Or ex-Dolphin Anthony Alabi, a tackle by trade but guard by necessity.
If these linemen play well, then their peripateticism is seen as versatility. If they struggle, it’s viewed as instability. At this point, the latter seems more likely. Albert has a monumental challenge in front of him. Niswanger is 6’5”, which is awfully tall for a center. He may have trouble gaining leverage. Jones and McIntosh will survive on the right side, but both guys are extraordinarily average.
Mitigating the situation will be the presence of an extra tight end. Expect third-round rookie Brad Cottam to spend a lot of time on the left side helping Albert. Cottam (6’5”, 269) has excellent size, and scouts marveled at his strength coming out of Tennessee. However, he must avoid the injury bug that bit him in ’04 and ’07.
Future Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez is a better blocker than people realize, though obviously, the Chiefs need his services in the passing game. Some have murmured that the 32-year-old is slowing down. That’s funny because even though the Chiefs had no rushing attack last season, Gonzalez still managed to catch 99 passes for 1,172 yards.
Gonzalez will be Brodie Croyle’s first option, though second-year wideout Dwayne Bowe seems destined to soon change that. Bowe is a freakish athlete blessed with solid speed and a chiseled 6’2”, 221-pound frame. His greatest challenge at this point is simply avoiding the tendency to ride his wave of talent instead of developing his fundamentals.
It will be slim pickings for Croyle outside of Gonzalez and Bowe. Chronic underachiever Devard Darling is slated to start at the other wideout spot. The hope is that working with receivers coach Eric Price––who recruited Darling at Washington State––can ignite him. There’s still hope for the ex-Raven. He’s not fast or quick, but he’s at least willing to go over the middle.
Fourth-round rookie Will Franklin will have a chance to earn a starting job. Franklin played at nearby Mizzou and showed goods hands and agility. He may need some refining though. Third-year player Jeff Webb has not materialized as hoped, mainly because he struggles getting open.
As for Croyle, his job is anything but secure. The Chiefs took a good long look at Matt Ryan prior to the draft, and if they were concerned about making the playoffs, they’d probably be starting limited but dependable 12th-year veteran Damon Huard (like they did last year). Croyle is a solid athlete with a good enough arm. He needs to prove that he can read a defense and manage the flow of a game.
In fairness to Croyle, he did not have a formidable rushing attack to fall back on last season (the offensive line’s struggles were to blame). The hope is that Larry Johnson––who, this time a year ago, was coming off his second-straight 1,750-yard rushing season––can stay healthy and hungry. Johnson broke his foot last November and had been treading water behind feeble blocking before that. He is a workhorse who can wear down a defense, as long as he doesn’t wear down first (emotionally as well as physically). Johnson turns 29 in November, but considering he sat for most of his first two pro seasons, one would think he has at least three years of gas left in his tank.
Still, the Chiefs must be judicious in the number of carries they give Johnson (his NFL record 416 attempts in ’06 were too much). Backup Kolby Smith was impressive at times as a fifth-round rookie last season, but he does not flash any striking skill that would give him a distinct role off the bench. This could be why Carl Peterson drafted lightning-fast Jamaal Charles in the third round.
Kansas City was hoping a starting fullback would emerge in one of the minicamps, but none did. Most likely, either Oliver Hoyte or undrafted rookie Mike Cox will handle the job in ’08. Expect Gailey to sub the fullback for an extra tight end on most downs.

Defense
There will be growing pains on defense, though not quite as severe as on offense. This unit has surrendered fewer points every year since Gunther Cunningham returned as coordinator in 2004. This season, Cunningham will be pulling double duty by coaching the linebackers, something he hasn’t done since ’97. The added job won’t be too hard––linebacker is the only sturdy sector on the defense. All three starters from last year (middle ‘backer Napoleon Harris and outsiders Derrick Johnson and Donnie Edwards) return. Also in the fold is speedy outside backup Demorrio Williams, who signed from Atlanta.
Harris is as average as a ham sandwich, but the Chiefs can live with that. Johnson picks up some of the slack. He’s not fierce in traffic, though he’s deadly in space. He runs as well as any linebacker in the league, and the further he’s run, the harder he’ll hit. Compared to Johnson, Edwards is slow. But 13 years worth of wisdom compensate for most of his decline.
Kansas City’s front four won’t be as potent after the departure of Jared Allen. The arrival of Glenn Dorsey is a huge plus, but Allen may have been the most dominant defensive lineman in the league. Dorsey will focus on getting penetration as opposed to occupying blockers like he did at LSU. It’s curious that the Chiefs don’t line up 304-pound beast Alfonso Boone at his natural tackle position next to Dorsey. Boone is not a clogger, but his brute power makes him a natural disruptor inside. He could draw some of the attention away from Dorsey.
Instead, the Chiefs are using Boone at left defensive end to combat the outside run. That leaves the spectacularly mundane Ron Edwards in a starting role. If Tank Tyler could play, Kansas City would start him. However, the third-round pick from a year ago does not seem to have the professionalism to make it in the NFL. Tyler has potential as a pass-rusher, but he must drastically improve his strength and technique.
Allen’s departure moves third-year pro Tamba Hali over to the right side. Hali is elated about the opportunity because it will likely lead to more sacks. Indeed, he has the speed and tenacity to be an upper-echelon pass-rusher––he just needs to finish big plays (he had 7.5 sacks last season but let at least another five slip through his grasp). One concern, however, is that Hali’s relocation will mitigate his impact against the rush. The 275-pounder plays with masterful leverage and is one of the best run-defending ends––if not the best––in football.
Turk McBride will be the primary backup at defensive end (though he came into the league as a defensive tackle). When he’s playing with confidence, he shows excellent quickness. Defensive line coach Tim Krumrie needs to help McBride find his confidence more often. Putting him inside more could help.
The secondary can make or break this defense in 2008. Free safety Jarrad Page and strong safety Bernard Pollard need to elevate their game. Page was spectacular as a seventh-round rookie in ’06 but tailed off after assuming a fulltime starting role in ’07. Part of the problem is that the 225-pounder is a natural strong safety who is far more comfortable near the line of scrimmage. However, Page already has six interceptions to his name, so it’s not like he’s incompetent in coverage.
Pollard is very similar to Page. A natural thumper, he’s most effective near the box. The Chiefs willingly use their linebackers in coverage (Edwards is shrewd defending underneath and Johnson can run with most wide receivers, let alone a tight end). Nevertheless, Kansas City desperately needs Page and Pollard to improve their awareness and take better angles. There are no options behind either man. Third-round rookie DaJuan Morgan had only one full season of starting experience before leaving North Carolina State a year early, and veteran Jon McGraw has nowhere near the foot speed required to start in the NFL.
Cornerback Patrick Surtain is aging but not enough to be shown the door. His veteran experience is valuable. Brandon Flowers is a smart player but a rookie nonetheless. Nickel back Brandon Carr is well-sized but in need of significant polish. Also in need of polish are undrafted young veterans Tyrone Brackenridge and Dimitri Patterson.

Special Teams
Placekicking was a major issue for the Chiefs last year. They shuffled through three players (John Carney, Dave Rayner and disappointing fifth-round pick Justin Medlock) and never felt right about any of them. This year, they’re hoping that journeyman Nick Novak can handle the job. If he can’t, they’ll start praying about undrafted rookie Connor Barth. Punter Dustin Colquitt is coming off a very fine season. He averaged 45.5 yards per boot, with a net of 39.5.
Longtime Raven B.J. Sams was brought in to be the return specialist. DUI arrests and the occasional injury have blemished Sams’s career, but if he’s right, he’s a long-striding playmaker.

Bottom Line
2010. This, Chiefs fans, is when you can expect your team to win again. Until then, stay patient––there’s a lot to build here.

Herman Edwards is a bad coach
Edwards is not the league’s best coach, but he takes more heat than he deserves. Part of the reason is that he occasionally makes mistakes managing the clock, which is a very public error that all fans can see. But clock-management is only a small part of a head coach’s job description.
Edwards’s track record suggests he’s handling the rest of his business rather well. He’s gone to the playoffs four times since 2001, which ties for the fourth most amongst all NFL head coaches. Yes, he had a losing record with the Jets, but his numbers were skewed by a tumultuous 4-12 ’05 season that blindsided the entire organization. The year before that, Edwards had New York three points away from reaching the AFC championship.
Edwards’s record in Kansas City has been marred by yet another quick-striking rebuilding project. The Chiefs went 4-12 last season after the front office proved to be one year behind in retooling the roster. But before that, Edwards led this team to an unexpected playoff appearance, despite being without starting quarterback Trent Green half the year.
Perhaps most important about Edwards is that he is a man of character who garners respect from all his players. He played the game, and now, he teaches the game. There are worse coaches out there.

Open Thought
Kudos to the Chiefs and the people of Kansas City for facing the hefty bill of renovating Arrowhead Stadium and not succumbing to selling out on the venue’s naming rights. The stadium remodeling project is costing the Hunt Family $125 million, and taxpayers have been paying an additional 3/8th cent sales tax to come up with another $250 million. It would be very easy to sell the naming rights and lose the integrity of Arrowhead Stadium, but the Missourians seem to have wisely realized that the extra $4 or $5 million a year would not be worth it.

Listen & View Our Expert League Draft Held August 12th

Our first annual expert league draft was a complete success and all 14 teams drafted excellent teams. The draft took place on August 12th, 2008. If you'd like to view the draft results goto;
http://www.mockdraftcentral.com/2008_fantasy_football_search_live_mock_draft.jsp

If you'd like to listen to the radio broadcast of the draft with Johnny Archive, Todd "The True Guru" Farino, and RC Rizza. We had special guests Chris Farino, Patrick Welsh, Rhett Oldham, and Jeff Mans. You can listen to the podcast at:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Football-Scout

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

View The LIVE EXPERT LEAGUE Draft on Mock Draft Central

Here is the actual link to the upcoming 2008 Fantasy Football Search Expert League draft held at Mock Drat Central

http://www.mockdraftcentral.com/2008_fantasy_football_search_live_mock_draft.jsp

This is an update because the previous link will not take you exactly to the live draft viewing area. This link will.

The draft will be held Tuesday August 12th at 9pm EST. Join us and watch so of the best in the business draft their championship teams.

Sorry for any confusion.

Monday, August 11, 2008

Watch and Listen to our Expert League Draft August 12th!

Need some serious expert help in fantasy football? Tomorrow August 12, 2008 at 9pm EST Fantasy Football Search will be having its expert league LIVE draft. It will be held at Mock Draft Central so it can be viewed by the public. Watch
Fantasy Football Search - Todd "The True Guru" Farino
Mock Draft Central - Geoffrey Stein
Scout Fantasy Football - Jeff Mans
No-Offseason.com - Paul Hickey
Xtreme Fantasy Football - Mike Bowser
Pro Fantasy Football - Chris Farino
Fantasy Football Starters - Jeff Coruccini
NFL Fantasy Playbook - AJ Pelletier
Fantasy Football Big Game - Patrick Welsh
Junkyard Jake - RC Rizza
Fighting Chance Fantasy - Ryan Hallam
Johnny Archive.com - Johnny Archive
Owners Box Sports - Joe Quiles
Fantasy Sports Zone - Rhett Oldham.

To watch the draft at at Mock Draft Central, follow this link http://www.mockdraftcentral.com/draft.jsp?id=77772. The draft starts at 9pm EST.

We will be broadcasting the draft on Blog Talk Radio at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Football-Scout as well, so tune in and get all the first hand information you need from Johnny Archive, Todd Farino, and RC Rizza. The show starts at 8:30pm EST and enter the chat room to ask our broadcasting team questions.

Blog Talk Radio Broadcast of the FFS Expert League Draft

Listen to your favorite experts play out their draft strategies for the 2008 Fantasy Football Search Expert League during a special 2 hour broadcast as Johnny Archive, Todd "The True Guru" Farino, and RC "Junkyard Jake" Rizza call all the picks and exciting moves as 14 experts play a daring game of draft chess. You can catch the broadcast LIVE on Blog Talk Radio at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Football-Scout

CLICK HERE to view the league page and see the 14 teams participating in the draft and the draft order. The draft will also be held and viewable by the public at http://www.mockdraftcentral.com/. More details on that will follow tomorrow.

Email us at thegurus@fantasyradiogurus.com with any questions!

Team Report: Oakland Raiders

Oakland Raiders
By Andy Benoit, www.NFLTouchdown.com
Predicted: 3rd
2007 Record: 4-12 (3rd AFC West)
Head Coach: Lane Kiffin (2nd year)

Roster Quick View
*rookie
**new veteran
Offense
QB: JaMarcus Russell Ridiculously strong arm allows him to stretch the field and make plays on the move. Obviously, has plenty of maturation to do as a leader and decision-maker.
RB: Justin Fargas Coming off first 1,000-yard season and playing in a new three-year contract. His best work may actually be in pass-blocking.
FB: Justin Griffith Good ballhandler, but Oakland doesn’t need that from the FB position. Must hold off the more powerful though less alert Oren O’Neal.
WR: Javon Walker** Serious knee problems have ravaged him in recent years. Also, contemplated retirement early in camp. If he’s right, he’s great. But big if.
WR: Ronald Curry Three blown Achilles have mitigated much of his once-intoxicating athleticism. That said, still an effective contributor. Must have fewer drops in ’08.
TE: Zach Miller Led all NFL rookies in receptions (44) and yards (444) last year. Still, the Raiders need to get him involved even more in the passing game.
LT: Kwame Harris** Huge bust playing for the team across the bay. Tom Cable likes his potential in the zone-blocking scheme.
LG: Robert Gallery Another huge bust––until he found a home at G, where the pass-blocking demands are much lighter. Mobility makes him the team’s only stable offensive lineman.
C: John Wade** Veteran plug-in guy who may get pushed by perennial fringe starter Jake Grove.
RG: Cooper Carlisle Lacks strength even for this finesse blocking scheme. Problem is, Raiders don’t have anyone to replace him with.
RT: Cornell Green Coming off ACL surgery but should keep his job considering that Paul McQuistan is clearly a backup and second-year wonder Mario Henderson is said to lack fire.
-------------------------
QB: Andrew Walter His presence makes the health and development of JaMarcus Russell 10 times more important.
RB: Darren McFadden* Highly -publicized playmaker who will be phased into the offense as a multidimensional Marshall Faulk-type weapon.
WR: Drew Carter** Three ACL injuries in his first four years marred his career in Carolina. Has the speed to chase Russell’s long balls, but can’t do much else.
WR: Johnnie Lee Higgins Second-year pro who is more of a track star than football player at this point. Lane Kiffin admitted that he should have played more in ’07.
TE: John Madsen Essentially a WR in a three-point stance. Raiders will use Tony Stewart in short-yardage situations.
OL: Jake Grove Can play G or C. Seems to be on the starting bubble every year. Strong in pass protection but lacks balance as a run-blocker.

Defense
LDE: Derrick Burgess Avoided voluntary activities over the offseason because he wants a new contract. But sack totals have dropped from 16 to 11 to 8 over the past 3 years.
DT: Tommy Kelly Missed 9 games and virtually all offseason with an ACL injury. Still, Al Davis gave him an astounding 7-year, $50 million contract to stay and replace Warren Sapp.
DT: Terdell Sands Effort and energy were up and down (mostly down) last season. Deaths in the family likely had something to do with it. Extremely powerful; expect him to bounce back.
RDE: Jay Richardson Second-year player and already one of the best run-defending DE’s in football. Needs to elevate his pass rush, even if he won’t ever be a double-digit sack artist.
SLB: Robert Thomas Oakland’s most fervid run-stopping LB––and he’s only average in this sense.
MLB: Kirk Morrison Serenaded with praise for his pass defense, but lacks awareness and assertiveness against the run.
WLB: Thomas Howard Speed and agility allow him to jump the underneath routes (6 picks, 2 TD returns last year). But, like Morrison, must improve drastically in rush defense.
CB: DeAngelo Hall** Bona fide playmaker who will be a top 5 CB as soon as he stops getting beat by double moves.
SS: Gibril Wilson** Plays with energy and range, particularly against the run. Also brings rare winning experience to the table.
FS: Michael Huff In line for a breakout season now that he has more talent around him. Adequate tackler, excellent man-defender (experience at CB). Must start generating turnovers.
CB: Nnamdi Asomugha Recorded eight picks in ’06 and rarely got challenged in ’07. He’ll see more balls come his way now that Hall is across from him.
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DL: Gerard Warren It’s 50-50 that he’ll play hard. If he does, it’s then 50-50 that he’ll play well. And this, ladies and gentleman, is what makes a former No. 3 overall pick a bust.
LB: Sam Williams Great size (6’5”, 260) and serviceable in traffic. But, thanks to a rash of injuries, has played in just 36 games his first 5 years.
NB: Stanford Routt Not the best tackler, but adequate in terms of quickness and agility. Should do well in a nickel role.

Key Players Acquired
WR Drew Carter (Car)
DE Kalimba Edwards (Det)
CB DeAngelo Hall (Atl)
OT Kwame Harris (SF)
LB Ed Hartwell (FA)
DT William Joseph (NYG)
DE Greg Spires (TB)
QB Marques Tuiasosopo (NYJ)
C John Wade (TB)
CB Michael Waddell (Ten)
WR Javon Walker (Den)
S Gibril Wilson (NYG)

Key Players Lost
DL Tyler Brayton (Car)
DB Chris Carr (Ten)
DE Chris Clemons (Phi)
QB Josh McCown (Mia)
C Jeremy Newberry (SD)
WR Jerry Porter (Jax)
RB Dominic Rhodes (Ind)
DT Warren Sapp (retired)
S Stuart Schweigert (Was)
OT Barry Sims (SF)
CB Fabian Washington (Bal)

Al Davis went on another spending spree. Of the players he brought in, only Hall and Wilson are untainted. And both came at a very hefty a price. Hall signed a seven-year deal worth as much as $70 million. Oakland also had to ship an ’08 second-round pick and ’09 fifth-rounder to Atlanta. Wilson got six years, $39 million. Together, more than $40 million was guaranteed to the two DB’s. Edwards, Harris and Joseph all underachieved at previous stops. Walker and Carter have each had three major knee operations. Spires and Wade have aged.
Of the players lost, only Sapp will truly be missed. Washington and Schweigert became expendable when Hall and Wilson arrived. Sims was slowing down. Porter wore out his welcome. They’ll miss Clemons’s pass-rushing prowess. They’d miss Brayton’s too, if he had any.

2008 - Oakland Raiders
Rd
Sel #
Player
Position
School
1
4
Darren McFadden
RB
Arkansas
4
100
Tyvon Branch
CB
Connecticut
4
125
Arman Shields
WR
Richmond
6
169
Trevor Scott
DE
Buffalo
7
226
Chaz Schilens
WR
San Diego State

Al Davis was high on McFadden. He sees the electrifying Razorback as an amplified version of Charlie Garner. Garner, you may recall, had over 900 yards rushing and receiving for this team back in the ’02 Super Bowl run. Oakland’s second-round pick went to Atlanta as part of the DeAngelo Hall trade. Their third-rounder was given to New England last year, just so the Raiders could move up and get OT Mario Henderson at pick No. 91. (So far, Henderson hasn’t developed.) Branch will play S, which he did a little in college. He’s said to be a harsh hitter. Knee surgery caused Shields to miss 10 games his senior year; the Raiders love surgically repaired WR’s (see Ronald Curry, Javon Walker, Drew Carter). Scott began his collegiate career as a TE. Schilens never caught more than 35 passes in a season with the Aztecs.

Oakland Raiders 2008 Preview Report
No, they’re not rebuilding. And they’re not improving. Wherever the “right track” may be, they’re at least two time zones away from it. Young franchise quarterback JaMarcus Russell? Doesn’t matter. Star rookie running back Darren McFadden? Moot point. Thirty-three-year-old head coach Lane Kiffin? Irrelevant.
Regardless of whose on the roster, the Oakland Raiders are near the nadir of the NFL. They’ve been so bad since their ’02 Super Bowl loss that not only has their motto “Just win, baby” gone out of style, but making fun of the motto has gotten old as well. It’s almost embarrassing. And we all know whose fault it is.
It’s sad to see Al Davis’s franchise wallow in decadence. Love ‘em or hate ‘em, the Raiders are one of the iconic teams of the NFL. And Davis is one of the iconic characters. The man has done more for pro football than perhaps anyone alive. And for this, we owe him.
That said, football takes place in the here and now. Davis concurs, as his vision is perilously near-sighted. Problem is, it’s never encountered a mirror. Davis should have relinquished his managing control long ago. But, despite reports of failing health, the 79-year-old continues to call the shots.
Those shots have included five coaches in the past eight years. This past offseason, Davis reportedly tried to make it six. Incensed upon learning that Kiffin pondered the possibility of returning to the college ranks, the owner drafted a letter of resignation for the fresh-faced coach to sign. Kiffin refused. The mess that unfolded from this would have been a public relations nightmare, if not for the public’s already low regard for the franchise (or the franchise’s utter disinterest in PR).
Firing Kiffin would have also been expensive. Unable to issue the death penalty, Davis instead sentenced the coach to solitary confinement. Kiffin’s decision-making power is close to nil. On draft day last year, he was able to convince Davis to trade Randy Moss, but he wasn’t able to dissuade him from drafting Russell. Insiders say that Kiffin has never thought Russell to be the right quarterback for his system. There were also concerns that Russell would be difficult to sign. Indeed, Davis wound up getting rocked in negotiations, giving the LSU kid nearly $32 million in guarantees after a rookie season-wrecking holdout extended into the second week of September. (P.S. Moss wound up doing okay after getting shipped to New England, which doesn’t help Kiffin’s pull.)
Kiffin doesn’t even have a say over his own coaching staff. He and defensive coordinator Rob Ryan agreed to part ways in January. Ryan was all set to take a job with the Jets. When he went in to thank Davis for his four years in Oakland, the owner blew a fuse and vetoed the move, forcing Ryan to finish out the final year of his contract. Kiffin has since referred to Ryan as the “de facto defensive coordinator.”
This past spring, it was reported that Kiffin wanted as many as five assistant coaches removed, but Davis declined because of aversion to paying off their contracts. Speaking of contracts, Kiffin is essentially in the final year of his. Technically, two years remain on the deal, but the final season is not guaranteed. (Raiders sources have said that Davis never gives a head coach job security past two years.)
The problems aren’t just with the disjointed, unstable coaching staff. Oakland’s roster is blemished too. When it comes to acquiring players, the Raiders are like a slick-haired millionaire who only dates strippers. Davis has a predilection for expensive, high-maintenance guys with striking bodies. Basically, he collects athletes.
And it doesn’t matter if the athlete is damaged. Last season, Davis drafted running back Michael Bush in Round Four, despite the rod in Bush’s once-broken right leg. Bush hasn’t played football in two years, though he’s expected to contribute in ’08.
This past offseason, Davis gave $16 million in guarantees to wideout Javon Walker after the ornery seventh-year pro was released by rival Denver. Walker has missed 25 games the past three years because of multiple knee surgeries. He’s a super talented athlete, but there’s no way any other team would have guaranteed him more than $10 million. His motivation is questionable as well. After struggling early in training camp, Davis had to talk the receiver out of retiring.
Walker isn’t the only oft-injured receiver. Free agent pickup Drew Carter has had three knee operations Davis sees in Carter a 6’3” target who can fly. Receiver Ronald Curry has suffered three blown Achilles tendons in his career. But the ex-Tarheel quarterback and starting shooting guard––that’s ACC basketball––is a mesmerizing athlete. (In fairness to Curry, he has recovered from his Achilles problems and is a fairly productive player.) Even fourth-round rookie wideout Arman Shields is still recuperating from ACL surgery.
None of Davis’s investments in injured receivers compares to what he did on the other side of the ball. Needing to replace Sapp, Davis turned to Tommy Kelly, an underrated fifth-year pro who had spent a majority of his career stopping the run as a defensive end. Kelly missed the final nine games last season with a torn ACL, but coaches believe that, once healthy, he can be one of the best three-technique tackles in the league. So, Davis re-signed Kelly….for $50.5 million over seven years. It was the richest contract ever awarded to a defensive tackle. Kelly himself was surprised. And no, it’s not just a back-loaded deal. There’s more than $18 million in guarantees. This makes the zero-time Pro Bowler with 13 career sacks Oakland’s unofficial lottery ticket. Kelly won’t have had a lot of time to fine-tune his inside mechanics, as he spent all offseason rehabbing his knee.
By the way, this wasn’t Davis’s largest investment. The owner traded a second-and fifth-round draft pick to Atlanta for cornerback DeAngelo Hall. Hall then received a market-setting seven-year, $70 million contract ($24.5 million guaranteed). Hall might be worth that kind of money, but only if he tag-teams with burgeoning sixth-year stud Nnamdi Asomugha (who humbly signed a $9.765 franchise tender in July after seeing less proven players secure long-term contracts).
Hall’s salary detracts from the overpayment issued to former Giants safety Gibril Wilson (six years, $39 million, $16 million guaranteed). Wilson can play, but not at the Bob Sanders-Troy Polamalu level that his compensation suggests.
To Davis’s credit, at least he’s trying. And sacrificing. The Raiders aren’t exactly generating massive revenue these days. If they ever had home games on TV, you’d notice the waves of empty seats at dumpy McAfee Coliseum. Granted, the Raiders have improved attendance since taking control of their own ticket sales. But that’s about the only success that their totalitarian system has brought recently.

Offense
Whether Lane Kiffin likes it or not, his offense is commandeered by second-year flamethrower JaMarcus Russell. Kiffin’s hesitancy about Russell certainly does not pertain to the quarterback’s athleticism. At 6’6”, 270 (rumors of Russell’s weight ballooning to 300 over the offseason are, almost certainly, samples of great online fiction writing), Russell moves with remarkable litheness. He is not a scrambling quarterback but he has no trouble voyaging outside the pocket. His arm strength––which, at face value, is the best in the game––enables him to fire darts off balance and from all locations.
This, however, is what gives Kiffin reservation. Russell walks the fine line between being a playmaker and building bad habits. Though some players can successfully toggle that line for an entire career (see Favre, Brett), most cannot (see else, everyone). The Raiders need Russell to learn how to manage an offense and dissect a defense. After skipping his senior year at LSU and holding out his first training camp, Russell essentially comes into 2008 as a rookie. Whatever growing pains he endures, the Raiders will experience with him. After all, there’s absolutely no reason to put backup quarterbacks Andrew Walter or Marques Tuiasosopo on the field.
The Cowboys drafted Emmitt Smith in Round One a year after No. 1 overall pick Troy Aikman arrived. The Colts selected Edgerrin James in the first round one year after taking Peyton Manning with the first overall pick. Does this mean anything? The Raiders hope so. After tabbing Russell last season, they used their No. 4 overall pick on Arkansas running back Darren McFadden, arguably the highest touted player in the ’08 draft.
The long-term plan is for McFadden to be a lethal Swiss Army Knife in the back pocket of Russell. The Raiders believe that in McFadden’s explosive burst and flexible athleticism there exists the second coming of Marshall Faulk. Kiffin, offensive coordinator Greg Knapp (who leaves the play calling duties to the head coach) and running backs coach Tom Rathman are putting a lot on McFadden’s plate. But given that the rookie doesn’t even turn 21 until late August, the portions are small.
When the season kicks off, McFadden will work out of a variety of backfield formations, as well as in the slot. He’ll do all this in a second-string role (at least early on). Sixth-year veteran Justin Fargas, fresh off his first 1,000-yard season, remains the starter. Fargas finally became patient enough to leverage his Andretti-like speed behind Oakland’s zone-blocking front line. Given that he is excellent in blitz pickup and has decent hands, it’s possible that Fargas will maintain a third-down role in 2008. In this case, he and McFadden could be on the field together.
The Raiders have packages that include McFadden and second-year runner Michael Bush in the same backfield. Bush has not carried the ball since Louisville’s 2006 season opener, but if fully healthy, he can be a 247-pound battering ram. His contributions are significant because the only other backfield power on the roster is Justin Griffith and Oren O’Neal, both of whom are fullbacks.
Oakland got away from a power-run image when offensive line coach Tom Cable was brought in last season. Despite not having the proper personnel to work with, Cable immediately implemented a zone-blocking scheme that sky-rocketed the team’s rush ranking from 29th to sixth. Cable was able to install two new linemen over the offseason, though he still has, to put it bluntly, second-rate talent to work with.
The first newcomer is left tackle Kwame Harris, a disappointing top-round pick from San Francisco. The mistake-prone Harris has wavering confidence, but Cable believes the 26-year-old possesses the mobility to get to the second level. The second newcomer is 33-year-old center John Wade. Showing unexpected strength, Wade is able to move defenders and create good angles in the ground game. He is a below average pass-blocker, however, which is why you could see Jake Grove starting again at some point.
Lining up between Harris and Wade is Robert Gallery. Once a non-delivering left tackle, Gallery is now settling into his second season as a dependable guard (it’s his fifth year overall). He is much better on the inside where he doesn’t have to cover as much ground in pass protection. Opposite Gallery is Cooper Carlisle, a grossly underpowered guard, but one who is well-schooled in the intricacies of a zone. Carlisle should be coming off the bench, but the Raiders don’t trust backup Paul McQuistan.
McQuistan actually filled in at right tackle last season after Cornell Green tore his ACL. Green is back, though in what form remains to be seen. Last year’s third-round pick Mario Henderson was thought to be a project. Sure enough, he was inactive for 15 games as a rookie. The hope was that Henderson could push for a starting job this year, but coaches were unimpressed with his fire during offseason activities.
The Raiders aren’t going to get much run-blocking help from their tight ends. Zach Miller improved his blocking precipitously as a rookie, but he’s still a cut below average. John Madsen is practically a wide receiver. The Raiders could look to veteran Tony Stewart or converted lineman Fred Wakefield, but both players are only usable in obvious running situations.
The wide receiver situation is pretty clear: it comes down to guys staying healthy. Ronald Curry, Javon Walker and Drew Carter should all be ready for Week 1. How effective they’ll remain for the entire five month-stretch is up in the air. Curry must drop fewer balls this season. Walker will have to stay patient as he works himself into the offense. Carter must diversify his game. He won’t have anyone pushing him, however, as No. 4 receiver Johnnie Lee Higgins only caught four passes as a third-round rookie last year.

Defense
Rob Ryan’s unit will fail for a second straight season if it doesn’t get better against the run. Last year, the Raiders surrendered an astonishing 4.8 yards per carry. Ten runners posted 100 yards against them.
Improvements from the front line are necessary, though a bulk of the onus is on the linebackers. Because Mike ‘backer Kirk Morrison and Will ‘backer Thomas Howard are superb pass defenders and in their fourth and third year respectively, there is a misconception that they’re rising young stars. The fact of the matter is, Morrison lacks awareness against the run, and he’s vulnerable when teams grind between the tackles. Howard is fast in all senses, but he only makes the predictable plays. If he has to read and react, he goes missing.
Strongside linebacker Robert Thomas is Oakland’s heartiest front seven run-defender, but he comes with too many limitations. Thomas plays because backups Sam Williams and Ed Hartwell can’t stay healthy.
One guy who could do a lot for the Raiders run defense is defensive tackle Terdell Sands. Powerful as an earthquake and big as a tectonic plate (6’7”, 335), the eighth-year veteran from Chattanooga is poised to rebound from a lethargic ’07 season marred by personal tribulation (deaths in the family). The Raiders gave Sands a $4 million signing bonus as part of a new contract. Such largesse isn’t bestowed upon players who don’t have the character to rebound from a bad year.
This marks an ironic segway to backup Gerard Warren. You may remember Warren as the third overall pick of the Cleveland Browns in 2001. Today, you know him as the journeyman with the yo-yo intensity level. Warren will work ahead of another underachieving first-round pick, William Joseph (formerly of the New York Giants). Both players are gifted, but don’t be surprised if both end up behind 11th-year veteran Greg Spires (a defensive end who is capable of lining up inside). Spires is playing in a one-year deal worth the veteran minimum.
None of these guys are slated to start alongside Sands, of course. That job is reserved for Tommy Kelly. Kelly almost seems destined to become the Chan Ho Park or Juwan Howard of pro football, as his mega contract creates unreasonably high expectations. But that’s not to say Kelly isn’t a good player. Rob Ryan’s talk of him being the best three-technique in the league is hyperbole (Tommie Harris is untouchable in this department), but when healthy, Kelly is an agile force who amplifies his strength with outstanding leverage.
Defensive end Jay Richardson is a phenomenal run defender who is being asked to contribute more against the pass. Richardson is only in his second season, so he should develop off the edge. But he’ll never be a first-rate pass-rusher. The Raiders know this––that’s why they signed light but fast Kalimba Edwards and drafted tight end-turned defensive end Trevor Scott. Don’t expect either to make a big splash in 2008.
Derrick Burgess has seen his sack totals drop the past two years, but having just turned 30 in August, it’s too soon to declare that the former Eagle is slowing down. Burgess will have to post double digit sacks before getting the long-term contract he desires.
You may have noticed that the Raiders enjoy placing big expectations on players. They must love having Nnamdi Asomugha and DeAngelo Hall working together. Ryan has said that these two form the best cornerbacking tandem in the league––and that it’s not even close. Let’s see how they perform first.
People get excited about one-two cornerback punches, but the fact of the matter is, 90 percent of them never materialize. What happens is offenses have to pass the ball one way or another, and usually both corners wind up getting challenged more than they’re accustomed to. This makes for more interception opportunities, but it also makes for more passes given up. Cornerbacks earn their living off of reputation as much as anything. When passes start getting by them, their reputation gets jolted. And so does their confidence.
With Hall’s arrival, Stanford Routt slides into a more fitting nickel back role. If Routt struggles (aside from mediocre tackling, there’s no reason to think he will), the Raiders may want to consider sliding free safety Michael Huff into the slot against three-receiver sets. Huff is a fine defender in a back pedal. It’s playing downhill that is key for him. Drafted seventh overall in 2006, he has not yet lived up to expectations. But increased weight (he’s up to 202) and better players around him should prompt a breakout year.
Gibril Wilson brings much-needed energy to the strong safety position. The depth behind both safeties is very good. Eugene Hiram is a hard hitter and veteran Greg Wesley is not bad in coverage.

Special Teams
Two of the strongest-legged men in America wear the silver and black: kicker Sebastian Janikowski and punter Shane Lechler. Janikowski is erratic from long distances (he was just 13/21 from over 40 yards last season), but he can at least attempt field goals from upwards of 60 yards. Lechler averaged an astonishing 49.1 yards per punt last year. His NFL-leading 41.1 net average sent him to his third Pro Bowl.
Return specialist Chris Carr was allowed to leave over the offseason, which means Johnnie Lee Higgins takes over. Lee Higgins must be on guard––he was too loose with the ball on punts last year and could be replaced by DeAngelo Hall. Darren McFadden can also return kicks.

Bottom Line
There is a lot of young talent on this team, but it’s compromised by chaotic leadership. The Raiders should be building for the future, but they have an owner whose management style forces coaches to win right away. Will it work? It hasn’t for five years.

Myth Buster
Kirk Morrison and Thomas Howard are rising star linebackers
Morrison and Howard might be the best pass-defending linebacker duo in football, combining for 10 interceptions last season. But a linebacker’s primary job is to stop the run. Morrison and Howard didn’t do that.
The two ranked first and second on the team in tackles, but that’s only because somebody had to make a stop. Oakland’s run defense ranked 31st overall, giving up a dreadful 4.8 yards per carry. All this despite having a front line that featured a still-vibrant Warren Sapp, backside containment master Derrick Burgess and young run-stopping ace Jay Richardson. (Defensive tackle Terdell Sands did not play up to par, but being 6’7”, 335, he still took up space.) In other words, where were Oakland’s linebackers?
Morrison and Howard both lack awareness against the run, and neither is great in traffic. If the Raiders want to get better defensively, their twentysomething-year-old linebackers must step up.

Open Thought
I know the “next-to-the-airport MacAfee Coliseum” isn’t the nicest venue, but can’t someone at least install brighter lights there? There have been complaints about the lighting on the outside of the stadium, but what about the inside? Compared to other stadiums, McAfee Coliseum looks dim on television. Don’t expect this problem to get fixed anytime soon. After all, the Athletics have no money, and the Raiders hardly play on primetime these days.

The––
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Team Report: San Diego Chargers

San Diego Chargers
By Andy Benoit, www.NFLTouchdown.com
Predicted: 1st
2007 Record: 11-5 (1st AFC West)
Head Coach: Norv Turner (2nd year)

Roster Quick View
*rookie
**new veteran
Offense
QB: Philip Rivers Only 6 months removed from reconstructive knee surgery, though appears to be good to go. Amazing.
RB: LaDainian Tomlinson Finally has some naysayers after a disappointing end to last season. At 29, he’s still in his prime, which means he’s still the best RB in football.
WR: Chris Chambers Inconsistent from game to game, though partly because defenses tend to focus on him. Can really stretch the field.
WR: Vincent Jackson Ideal frame (6’5’, 241) and skill set for a WR. Had 18 receptions for 300 yards in postseason coming out party last year. Could be a star.
TE: Antonio Gates Makes better adjustments to the ball than any TE in the game. Recovery from toe surgery has been slow though.
TE: Brandon Manumaleuna Essentially a sixth offensive lineman. Chargers plan to use more 2-TE, single back formations in 2008.
LT: Marcus McNeil Powerful two-time Pro Bowler entering his third season. Coaches are extremely pleased about his offseason improvements.
LG: Kris Dielman The best guard in the AFC not named Alan Faneca.
C: Nick Hardwick Likely to begin the season on PUP recovering from March foot surgery. A critical component to the O-line.
RG: Mike Goff In his 11th year and still going strong. Very strong, in fact. Chargers love to pull him to the left side in the run game.
RT: Jeromey Clary Adequate starter down the stretch last season. Must fend off 10th-year veteran L.J. Shelton for his job.
-------------------------------
QB: Billy Volek Could have pursued a starting job somewhere else but chose to re-sign for $9 million over three years. Good move for all parties.
RB: Darren Sproles Return specialist and third-down option. Will share the “replacing Michael Turner” duties with third-round rookie FB Jacob Hester.
FB: Andrew Pinnock No Lorenzo Neal, but he’ll do. That is, if his surgically repaired knee allows. So far, it hasn’t.
WR: Buster Davis Fantastic skills for a slot role, though he faded away as his rookie season wore on.
WR: Malcolm Floyd Can go long on occasion but isn’t going to push for anything more than a No. 4 job.
OL: Cory Withrow His nine years of experience should pay off when he fills in for an injured Nick Hardwick to start the season.

Defense
LDE: Igor Olshansky As brutish as his first name suggests. One of the better run-defending DE’s in football.
NT: Jamal Williams When he’s right, he’s the league’s most ravenous NT. But after surgery on both knees in spring, and 10 seasons under his belt, it may be time to limit his snaps.
RDE: Luis Castillo The preeminent 3-4 NFL defensive end. Great energy and efficacy against both the run and pass.
LOLB: Shaun Phillips Fifth-year player with Pro Bowl ability. Extremely fluid, particularly as a pass-rusher.
LILB: Stephen Cooper Stout as can be in taking on blocks; does an excellent job of holding down the middle. Will serve a 4-game suspension for banned substance to start the season.
RILB: Matt Wilhelm Second on the team in tackles last season, but the most overlooked member of the defense. The less he stands out, the better he’s doing his job.
ROLB: Shawne Merriman Attracts more attention than any pass-rushing linebacker in the game. Has 39.5 sacks through his first three seasons.
CB: Quentin Jammer Underrated. Doesn’t make a ton of big plays because receivers hardly get open against him.
SS: Clinton Hart Inconsistent, though certainly worthy of a starting position. Not lacking in confidence, which is a good thing.
FS: Eric Weddle Multifaceted weapon who could become a poor man’s Troy Polamalu. Chargers will ask him to focus on coverage in ’08.
CB: Antonio Cromartie Registered an astounding 12 interceptions and 20 passes defensed in 11 starts last season (including playoffs). Speed and length make him lethal.
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DL: Jacques Cesaire Nothing special, though someone you can feel comfortable plugging in.
LB: Derek Smith** Thirty-three-year-old veteran signed for his experience in a 3-4. Will start for the suspended Stephen Cooper in September.
NB: Antoine Cason* First-round pick whom the team hopes can handle the slot defending load. High character guy.

Key Players Acquired
C Jeremy Newberry (Oak)
OT L.J. Shelton (Mia)
LB Derek Smith (SF)

Key Players Lost
CB Drayton Florence (Jax)
S Marlon McCree (Den)
FB Lorenzo Neal
OT Shane Olivea (NYG)
WR Eric Parker
K Dave Rayner
RB Michael Turner (Atl)

Chargers GM A.J. Smith almost always eschews the free agent market. This year he signed three players, all of whom have a decade of experience. Newberry can’t play anymore, but he’s a good safety valve to have while Nick Hardwick’s foot mends. Shelton started 16 games for Miami last season and can stabilize the RT position in a moment’s notice. Smith will start the first four games while Stephen Cooper serves a suspension. Don’t be shocked if Smith winds up taking Matt Wilhelm’s job after that.
Florence was very good in the slot, though they like first-round pick Antoine Cason. McCree was sliding downhill. Olivea got a big contract and then stopped competing. Neal’s leadership will be sorely missed. Turner was valuable though they have the guys to replace him.

2008 - San Diego Chargers
Rd
Sel #
Player
Position
School
1
27
Antoine Cason
CB
Arizona
3
69
Jacob Hester
FB
Louisiana State
5
166
Marcus Thomas
RB
Texas-El Paso
6
192
DeJuan Tribble
CB
Boston College
7
234
Corey Clark
T
Texas A&M

Cason is expected to handle the nickel duties right away. San Diego admired his character. How many student athletes actually run their own charity in college? Hester brings big-game experience from LSU. He’s a lot like St. Louis’s Brian Leonard: an undersized FB with RB skills. He’ll become a very good backup to LT. Thomas will have a chance to earn that role as well, though it will take him a year or two. Tribble and Clark face fairly long odds.

San Diego Chargers 2008 Preview Report
The San Diego Chargers are like a Porsche with a donut tire. They look good. They are good. Really good, in fact. But you can’t help but notice the awkward apparatus cheapening the front passenger side.
It will be a shame if this team doesn’t hoist a Lombardi Trophy sometime during this era. The talent on this roster is immense. Simply put, the Chargers have a lot of the game’s best players.
LaDainian Tomlinson, even at 29, is the NFL’s best running back. Many believe that Antonio Gates is the best tight end. Some will tell you that Marcus McNeil is the league’s best young left tackle. Fewer will say––though it could be more accurate––that the man next to him, Kris Dielman, is the game’s best guard. (This is certainly true when Dielman is on the move.)
Dielman, center Nick Hardwick and right guard Mike Goff make up the game’s best interior blocking trio. Factor in McNeil and it’s plausible that this is football’s best offensive line.
There’s more. On the other side of the ball, Shawne Merriman could be the NFL’s best pass-rusher. And if not for Richard Seymour, Luis Castillo would be the best 3-4 defensive end. When healthy, Jamal Williams is widely considered the game’s best nose tackle. And, after recording 12 interceptions in 19 games last season (in just 11 starts), you’ll soon begin hearing that Antonio Cromartie is the league’s best cornerback. (Not yet though.)
By the way, the rest of San Diego’s roster forms what could be football’s best supporting cast. And the front office features perhaps the league’s best general manager (A.J. Smith).
Yes, the Chargers are a fine looking Porsche––the type that draws the ire of motorcycle cops, the lust of materialistic women and the jealousy of nine-to-five Joes.
But there’s that donut tire. You’re not supposed to drive on those things for more than 30 miles. And high speeds aren’t recommended.
Why does San Diego have it? Take a look at their training room. For every great player listed, there seems to be at least one key guy either on, or just coming off, the injured list.
Tomlinson finished last postseason on the bench with a sprained MCL. Though some critics ignorantly questioned his toughness, the sore knee was no minor ordeal. L.T. appears fine now after sitting out the early part of spring.
Gates was hurt in the postseason as well. He dislocated his toe in the Wild Card round. The injury required surgery, which kept him on the shelf throughout the offseason. Originally hoping to return for training camp, Gates is now targeting the regular season opener.
The offensive line will be missing Pro Bowl center Hardwick early in the year. He missed four games with a broken foot last season. San Diego’s medical staff erroneously decided that a month or two of offseason rest would be sufficient for healing Hardwick’s wheel. It wasn’t. The fifth-year veteran went under the knife in late March, which put him two months behind schedule as he recovers for the season. Oops.
Castillo is healthy….for now. He’s missed six games in each of the past two seasons, mainly with separate high ankle sprains. The man taking up all the blocks next to Castillo is not so healthy. Williams had arthroscopic surgery on both knees during the offseason––and it wasn’t his first operating experience. Complicating his recovery are his weight (348) and age (32). He’s expected to be a Go come Labor Day, but there’s a permanent caution light hanging over him from here on out.
Merriman missed workout time because of offseason knee surgery, though he appears healthy now. The Chargers need him––especially with linebacker leader Stephen Cooper suspended for the first month of the season (banned substance).
San Diego’s mash unit doesn’t include strictly their “best players.” Starting fullback Andrew Pinnock is still on the mend after knee surgery. Same goes for second-year linebacker Anthony Waters. Kicker Nate Kaeding was also banged up for awhile. Turns out, he played on a broken plant leg last January.
Oh, speaking of that, forgot to mention: the quarterback, Philip Rivers, is coming back from a torn ACL that he played on during the AFC championship. That’s kind of a big deal. The only thing more remarkable than his toughness down the stretch might be his speedy recovery from reconstructive surgery. Six months after his operation, Rivers is essentially practicing at full strength. What was that movie Bruce Willis was in with Samuel L. Jackson a few years ago? Unbreakable?
Rivers claims he sometimes doesn’t even remember which knee he had repaired (left). That might change once opponents start chasing him. The Chargers know this––that’s why they re-signed Billy Volek to be a $3 million a year backup through 2010.
Head coach Norv Turner is the man driving this donut-tired Porsche. A year ago, this was thought to be a recipe for disaster. Turner arrived in San Diego with a sub-.500 record and a reputation as a waffling doormat. The critics––including yours truly––were on him from the get-go. San Diego’s 1-3 start didn’t exactly assuage the tribulation. Even the Charger players themselves were more than a little distraught. Tomlinson’s weekly press conferences had the milieu of a funeral. Had it been December, you’d have sworn Tiny Tim had just died––and that the rest of humanity was next. Players were using phrases like “must win” and “before it’s too late.” And some were privately and publicly calling out teammates.
But through it all, Turner, frustrated yet focused, stayed the course. Sure enough, his Charges went 10-2 after that, reached the AFC title game (despite all the injuries) and established themselves as one of the leading favorites in 2008. Now, instead of being vilified by fans, Turner is simply overlooked. That may change if he can help this patched-up team fulfill its lofty promise.

Offense
It’s not unheard of for a quarterback to perform well coming off reconstructive knee surgery; Carson Palmer did it just two years ago. Unlike others who have struggled (Donovan McNabb or Daunte Culpepper, for example) Philip Rivers, like Palmer, is a genuine pocket passer. His 6’5” height allows him to see over linemen, further minimizing the amount of movement he asks his knee to endure.
Rivers, however, does not have Palmer’s picturesque throwing mechanics. Since hoisting a regulation-sized football at too young of age, Rivers has had a throwing motion more akin to a shot-put. It hasn’t been a problem through his first two seasons as a starter, but that could change if he’s unable to firmly plant his left knee.
The status of Antonio Gates will also be a critical factor to this offense. The Chargers have an excellent front line, though a big reason why Rivers took only 15 sacks last season was the presence of the All-Pro tight end. Defenses must be judicious in blitzing San Diego because often the blitzers are linebackers tasked with double-teaming Gates.
At 100 percent, Gates is a pass-catching dynamo over the middle and near the sidelines. At less than 100 percent, he’s liable to be a slow route runner who struggles with his cuts (see the playoff loss to New England).
Gates is Rivers’s go-to-guy and safety valve. If he’s unavailable or ineffective, San Diego’s other receivers will have a difficult time getting open, and Rivers will be forced to bide more time when dropping back (something his left knee may not appreciate).
With this in mind, the breakout of fourth-year wideout Vincent Jackson comes not a moment too soon. After three years of inexplicable mediocrity, the 6’5”, 241-pound Jackson emerged as a dangerous weapon last January. A lanky frame makes Jackson a long-strider, allotting him tremendous speed given his bulk. As long as he’s not dropping passes, Jackson can stretch the field and also make chains-moving catches in traffic.
Chris Chambers spent two years playing in Norv Turner’s system before arriving in San Diego last October. In 10 games with the Chargers, Chambers had 35 receptions for 555 yards. With his ability to go deep against man or zone, expect him to be somewhere around 900-1,100 yards receiving in 2008.
Chambers’s arrival relegated first-round pick Buster Davis to the slot––a role more commensurate with the former Bayou Bengal’s present ability. Davis has enticing quickness and change-of-direction speed, but he needs to be more assertive in executing his assignments. The Chargers believe that new receivers coach Charlie Joyner––one of the most respected route runners of all-time––will do wonders for him. Davis will have plenty of chances, as neither Malcolm Floyd nor Kassim Osgood figure to push for much playing time.
One potential pass-catching option, however, is second-year pro Legedu Naanee. A quarterback-turned-receiver at Boise State, Naanee was essentially a non-blocking H-back for the Chargers last year. He’s listed at wide receiver this year. If the fifth-round pick improves his awareness, he could find a meaningful place in this offense.
Naanee can line up at tight end, though if Gates is unable to start, Scott Chandler, who was drafted a round ahead of Naanee last year, will get the nod. Chandler offers the receiving abilities that 288-pound blocker Brandon Manumaleuna lacks. It’s unlikely that Chandler will explode in ’08. If he starts, Rivers will simply throw more passes to LaDainian Tomlinson.
A lot of people overlook L.T.’s receiving prowess. In addition to being arguably the best pure runner in the game, Tomlinson is the league’s second most prolific pass-catching tailback (he trails Philadelphia’s Brian Westbrook in all categories). Tomlinson has caught 458 passes over his eight-year career.
There are misguided whispers that the 29-year-old is slowing down. A general rule of thumb is, when a player leads the league in rushing and scores 15 touchdowns, he’s still at the top of his game. Technically, Tomlinson’s days are numbered, but only because he’s vowed to retire after 2011.
In 2008, L.T. will remain the most elusive and crafty ballcarrier in the AFC. Aided by his migraine-preventing visor, Tomlinson has near-perfect vision. He’ll need it more than ever now that veteran lead-blocker Lorenzo Neal is out of the league. The Chargers have an adequate replacement for Neal in Andrew Pinnock, though the sixth-year pro has struggled to bounce back from offseason knee surgery.
If Pinnock is unavailable, third-round rookie Jacob Hester will see time. Hester is a hearty player with an intriguing future, but at 224 pounds, he’s more of a true running back. For this reason, Turner will employ a bounty of two-tight end formations in ’08 and watch Hester compete with fifth-rounder Marcus Thomas for Michael Turner’s old backup job. Small yet shifty Darren Sproles will get a crack at the third down duties.
Despite the questionable status of center Nick Hardwick, don’t expect the San Diego front five to struggle early in the season like it did a year ago. Veteran Cory Withrow is capable of keeping the seat warm for Hardwick. The guys around Withrow––particularly the ones on his left––are poised for monstrous campaigns.
Third-year pro Marcus McNeil is already an upper echelon tackle. He is nimble for 6’7”, 336 pounds and, needless to say, plenty strong. He has well-developed footwork to accommodate his quick drop step, and he creates superb angles in the run game. The Chargers haven’t asked McNeil to get out in front much, but that could soon change, given the fullback’s reduced role in this offense.
Coaches were excited about McNeil’s offseason, and reports say that guard Kris Dielman also turned heads in the weight room. Dielman is exquisite at blocking on the move, mainly because his initial quickness makes him a force at the point of attack. He rarely gets pushed in pass protection.
Right guard Mike Goff also thrives in transit blocking––especially at or behind the line of scrimmage. The Chargers love to pull Goff to the overloaded left side on runs. Right tackle Jeromey Clary will have a chance to maintain the starting job given to him last year. The slightest screw up, however, could prompt San Diego to call on experienced veteran L.J. Shelton.

Defense
Though the Chargers led the NFL in forced turnovers last season, there are some who believe––and not unfoundedly––that coordinator Ted Cottrell could stand to be more aggressive. Being aggressive requires having a reliable secondary. The plethora of playmakers scattered in San Diego’s zone-covering backfield should be a suitable green light for Cottrell.
Cornerback Antonio Cromartie gives up a lot of space in coverage, but being überathletic and having a 6’2” frame, the third-year wonder is more than capable of decreasing that space in a hurry. In fact, Cromartie’s cushion is usually a trap for opposing quarterbacks.
Given his 12 picks last season (three of which came in the playoffs), and his playmaking abilities as an interception return artist, it seems almost suicidal for quarterbacks to challenge Cromartie. But, often times, left corner Quintin Jammer leaves them no choice. This play on words is worn out, but…Jammer really lives up to his last name. He doesn’t require a lot of safety help and, unlike his counterpart, he yields minimal room to receivers. His stifling approach is ripe for penalties, though Jammer has cut down on flags throughout his seven-year career.
Drayton Florence was allowed to leave over the offseason, which explains the selection of Arizona cornerback Antoine Cason in Round One. Cason is a high-character individual––he even ran his own charity in college. He was also a four-year starter in the Pac-10. Scouts believe Cason is physical enough to play safety, which tells you what kind of run defender he is.
The Chargers already have their young safety: last year’s second-round pick Eric Weddle. General Manager A.J. Smith traded a king’s ransom for the guy; fans will start to see why in 2008. Weddle is not oozing with any measurables, but he’s savvy and swift, which gives him good range in coverage. He has a knack for the ball and can thrive anywhere on the field.
Cottrell needs to let Weddle roam a bit. On the flip side, he needs to tell strong safety Clinton Hart to stay within the scheme. Hart has a mild tendency to play outside himself––something that, obviously, carries punishments and rewards. The Chargers have plenty of playmakers––they don’t need Hart to be one.
Depth is a major concern in the secondary. Currently, none of the backup safeties were drafted, and the only reserve cornerback worthy of playing time is Cletis Gordon. Paul Oliver could change that. After being academically ineligible at Georgia (his Wonderlic test score was fine, which suggests that his motivation in the classroom was insufficient), Oliver became a fourth-round pick in the supplemental draft last year. He is said to have decent speed and acceptable physicality.
If San Diego’s pass rush holds the keys to the defense, then outside linebackers Shawne Merriman and Shaun Phillips are two of the most athletic janitors you’ll ever find. Merriman is good for at least 12 sacks in ’08 (and 16-20 is not unreachable). His production is remarkable given how opposing offenses almost never forget about him. The attention Merriman draws is partly what enables Phillips to invade the pocket. This isn’t to say Phillips isn’t a beast himself.
Second-year pro Jyles Tucker is a name that will surface more in ’08. Undrafted out of Wake Forrest, Tucker flashes titillating tools as a blitzer. He’s limited in all other realms, which is why he’ll be specialist for the next few seasons.
Despite posting the most tackles, the inside linebackers are somewhat insignificant in this defense. Stephen Cooper is a rock in traffic and does a good job at getting everyone lined up. He’ll be missed when he serves his four-game suspension (banned substance), though Derek Smith is plenty capable of filling in. Matt Wilhelm is more of a special teams player, but he handles his starting responsibilities just fine.
It’s easy for the linebackers when 348-pound nose tackle Jamal Williams is in front of them. Because of his arthroscopic knee operations, Williams will have sat out for most of the seven months prior to the season, but the Chargers wisely believe this will make him more energized come fall. They’ll need him to be. There is a substantial drop when big but permeable Brandon McKinney (324) subs for the three-time Pro Bowler.
Luis Castillo is a rare impact player at right end. The first-round pick in 2005 plays with great strength and leverage to anchor against the run, and his best damage is done when his penetration fractures the blocking scheme. Castillo’s impact isn’t restricted to first and second down; the man had just 2.5 sacks last year but recorded seven in 2006.
Run-stopping end Igor Olshansky is a bit of a talker––but at least he backs it up. Behind Olshansky is Ryon Bingham, a decent player who could maybe start if not for the fact that he has to be on the move in order to make plays. Bingham may push Jacques Cesaire for playing time in ’08, though the sixth-year veteran has always been solid off the bench.

Special Teams
Nate Kaeding is healthy after kicking with a broken left leg last season. He’s somewhat shaky under pressure, but his distance is good. Punter Mike Scifres netted 40 yards per boot in 2007 and left 36 balls inside the 20. Such numbers are worthy of Pro Bowl consideration (too bad Shane Lechler is in his conference).
Darren Sproles can be a dangerous return man when he’s not fumbling. He averaged 27.2 yards per run back on kickoffs last year, and 9.5 on punts. Antonio Cromartie is also lethal in the return game, but he’s rarely used in this capacity.
San Diego has two of the game’s better special teamers. Gunner Kassim Osgood is a two-time Pro Bowler. He’s unhappy about not being a part of the offense, but the Chargers don’t care. Long snapper David Binn just received a four-year contract extension. According to the team, Binn has made only one bad snap in his 14-year career.

Bottom Line
The talent is considerable, but so are the caveats. Rivers, Gates, and Jamal Williams are the headliners coming back from injury. If just one of those guys drops off this season, the Chargers won’t go all the way. And this says nothing for the plethora of other banged-up contributors. Given the quality of the AFC this year, it makes little sense to put your money on San Diego.

Myth Buster
Antonio Gates it the best tight end in football
Close––he’s second best. Tony Gonzalez is still the best. Though Gonzalez is four years older, he has comparable speed and strength to San Diego’s three-time Pro Bowler. He also has more receptions and yards over the past four years (granted, Gates more than doubles Gonzalez in the touchdown department).
Both players have excellent hands, and both refer to their college basketball experience when it comes to establishing position on a jump ball. Both are smart and both run good routes. Given their similarities, the tie-breaker is their blocking. Gonzalez has long arms and has improved his technique in recent years. Gates––who often lines up in the slot––is good but not great at the point of attack.
Please understand that this Myth Buster is 100 percent praise for Gonzalez, and 0 percent criticism of Gates.

Open Thought
Strength of schedule is a ridiculous excuse that NFL teams love to make. The fact of the matter is, because your opponents lose when you win, your strength of schedule tends to lighten with your success. Obviously this isn’t the only factor. But generally speaking, if a team is good, they’ll win regardless of their schedule.
One scheduling element that is not insignificant, however, is west coast-to-east coast road games. The three-hour time-zone switch goes in the wrong direction, making 1:00 games tough.
This in mind, the Chargers have a fairly arduous road ahead of them in ’08. They must make four trips back east (Miami Week 4, Buffalo Week 6, Pittsburgh Week 10 and Tampa Bay Week 16). Plus, they’ll travel to London to face the Saints in Week 7.

Friday, August 08, 2008

Fighting Chance Fantasy 2008 Running Back Rankings

We've already given you the top 31 QB's, this list will cover the top 40 RB's, and soon we will rank the WR and TE. Here are the running backs:

LaDanian Tomlinson, San Diego Chargers
1,474 yards, 15 TDs, 60 rec, 475 rec yards, 3 rec TDs

LT is still the best in the game, even though his numbers were no where near his MVP season. He does it all, he gets the tough yards, he can break one all the way, and he is great catching passes out of the backfield. His offensive line is better than average, and the San Diego offense basically revolves around him. He's been saying that he probably has three years left before he starts thinking about retiring, so there's no reason to think that he won't be the best back in the NFL again in 2008.
Joseph Addai, Indianapolis Colts
1,072 yards, 12 TDs, 41 rec, 364 rec yards, 3 rec TDs

I'm using the term "man-crush" for my feelings about Addai. His stats don't jump up and slap you in the face to get your attention, but he is definitely one of the best. He is basically the only running back option that they have in Indy, so it isn't like he will lose 10 carries a game to his backup. He had a good statistical season even though the Colts basically rested him the last four weeks of the season to get him ready for the playoffs. He gets the goal line carries, he gets the short yardage carries, is better than average catching the ball out of the backfield, and I can easily see him rushing for 15 TDs this season.
Stephen Jackson, St. Louis Rams
1,002 yards, 5 TDs, 38 rec, 271 rec yards, 1 rec TD (12 games)

Before the start of the 2007 season Jackson was viewed as a guy who would rival Tomlinson for the top spot in fantasy. Well, between injuries to himself, his QB, and most of his offensive line, the season was a nightmare that rivaled Britney Spears' custody battle. Jackson still managed to run for 1,000 yards (just barely!), and remains the only show in town in the Rams' backfield. He is great as a pass receiver, as he caught 90 passes in 2006. Jackson is big, motivated, and will reestablish himself as one of the top options in fantasy football.
Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings
1,341 yards, 12 TDs, 19 rec, 268 rec yards, 1 rec TD

Ok, the guy had an amazing rookie season and was easily the best first year player in 2007. However, I think we might have been a little quick to anoint him as someone who could supplant LT as the best in football in just his second year. Peterson is explosive and can take any carry all the way, there's no doubt about that. But here's a few factors that have me ranking him behind Addai and Jackson. First, Chester Taylor is a very good backup and will get at least five to seven carries every game. Two, he has had some injury problems in the past. He broke his collarbone among other things when he was in college and missed two games due to a knee injury last year. It isn't a HUGE concern, but running backs are fragile due to the beating they take, and as the injuries mount up, it takes its toll. Three, his touchdown numbers were good, but ten of the twelve touchdowns he scored were in four games. That leaves 13 weeks of the fantasy season where he didn't score for you, and let's face it touchdowns are where you win and lose your matchups. Additionally, five different weeks he had 60 yards or less. The last thing that keeps him from the top for me is he doesn't catch the ball at all. 19 catches over a full season is terrible for a RB, and he doesn't get that added dynamic that the top few options get. All that being said, if you can grab "All Day" in the fourth spot, you should be quick to pick Peterson. This is not a knock on his talent, just the reasons he wasn't ranked higher.
Clinton Portis, Washington Redskins
1,262 yards, 11 TDs, 47 rec, 389 rec yards, 0 rec TDs

When the Redskins really needed him to step up as they made their playoff push, Portis responded in a big way. He rushed for 306 yards and 4 TDs in the last three weeks (read: fantasy playoff time), and had another successful campaign. When healthy, this guy is one of the more explosive backs in the league, and has never rushed for under 1,200 yards when he played the whole season, and he has had double digit touchdowns every year but one. Ladell Betts proved he could carry the load during 2006 when Portis missed half the year, but Betts was almost completely ignored last season while Clinton was healthy, proving who is the star of the show in DC. I am expecting even better stats in 2008, with 1,400+ yards and 14 TDs.
Marion Barber, Dallas Cowboys
975 yards, 10 TDs, 44 rec, 282 rec yards, 2 rec TDs

This guy runs like he is pissed off at the world, and when he hits someone in the open field, he usually falls forward or just keeps right on going. Barber has been the Cowboy worth owning in the Texas Twosome of he and Julius Jones, as Barber had been getting all the red zone carries and the majority of the scores. Well, Jones left town for the Great Northwest, so now Barber is sharing the backfield with a rookie and figures to get 20+ carries every game. Barber is a very physical runner, which could lend itself to injury, but so far in his career he has been quite durable. He has shown some talent with receptions out of the backfield and is dangerous once he gets a head of steam rolling. This is the first time he will be "the man" in Dallas, and I completely expect him to thrive under that situation. I'm looking for him to run for 1,300+ yards and 13 scores.
Brian Westbrook, Philadelphia Eagles
1,333 yards, 7 TDs, 90 rec, 771 yards, 5 rec TDs

This is a guy that I have never been high on, but after last season you can't ignore the stats. Westbrook's small frame has made his susceptible to injury over the past few years, but he never seems to miss entire games too often. He is one of the best with the ball in the open field, and the Eagles offense gives him a lot of opportunity to showcase this with swing passes and screen plays. Especially with the recent injuries to Donovan McNabb, the entire offense in Philly has revolved around Westbrook. He isn't a huge touchdown scorer, which hurts his value, but he makes up for it with the pass receptions (if your league gives points for that). Assuming McNabb comes back healthy, I expect his numbers to take a step back to right around 1,000 yards rushing, 5 TDs, and about 60 catches. Good numbers, but not his 2007 season.

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Thursday, August 07, 2008

Team Report: Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota Vikings
By Andy Benoit, www.NFLTouchdown.com
Predicted: 1st
2007 Record: 8-8 (2nd NFC North)
Head Coach: Brad Childress (3rd year)

Roster Quick View
*rookie
**new veteran
Offense
QB: Tarvaris Jackson Under considerable pressure in 2008. Remarkably athletic, but must improve his decision making and deep-ball accuracy.
RB: Adrian Peterson One of the best pure runners to ever enter the NFL. Needs a passing attack around him to mitigate the number of eight-and nine-man fronts he’ll face.
FB: Thomas Tapeh** Former Eagle who is well-schooled in Brad Childress’s West Coast system.
WR: Bernard Berrian** Not a No. 1 and not worth $16 million in guarantees. Still, the Vikings had to do something at this position.
WR: Sidney Rice Doesn’t have great timed-speed, but runs like a deer. Won’t turn 22 until September; potential is there but has a lot of growing to do.
TE: Visanthe Shiancoe Disappointing in his debut season as a Viking. That figures––he’s a backup.
LT: Bryant McKinnie Off-field issues are really testing the team’s patience. But at 6’8”, 335, his power is too great to give up.
LG: Steve Hutchinson The best LG in the NFC. Excellent contributor in a group, and masterful in the ground game.
C: Matt Birk Final year of his contract. One of the smartest players in the game. Can tailor his skills to fit each play, which is why he’s coming off his sixth Pro Bowl.
RG: Anthony Herrera Not a standout by any means, but Vikings like his reliability.
RT: Ryan Cook Some think he’s a budding star. Others, a dud. Has developed well since coming into the league as a center in ’06. Good power; must really improve his foot speed and output in space.
----------------------------
QB: Gus Frerotte** Journeyman backup aiming to play for every team in this league. So far, 7 down, 25 to go. This is his second stint in Minnesota.
RB: Chester Taylor Has seen his role diminish with the arrival of you know who, but still produced over 1,000 yards of total offense last season.
WR: Bobby Wade Led the team with 54 receptions last year, but that’s only because somebody had to catch the ball. Much better fit as a backup.
WR: Robert Ferguson Good blocker, and quickness allows him to make the occasional play with the ball in his hands.
TE: Jim Kleinsasser Not a significant element in Childress’s offense, but brings some value as an extra blocker from time to time.

Defense
LDE: Ray Edwards Moving back to his college position on the left side. Ascending player, though his claim to be pursuing Strahan’s single season sack record is a tad bold.
UT: Kevin Williams A monster shooting the gap. Combination of quickness and power makes him nearly unstoppable.
NT: Pat Williams The primary fountainhead of Minnesota’s voracious run defense. Impossible to move––even cut blocks don’t work against this guy.
RDE: Jared Allen** Led the NFL with 15.5 sacks last season (in just 14 games). Now has $31 million in guaranteed money to live up to.
SLB: Ben Leber Not the most trumpeted player, but is smart in coverage, adept in the open field and robust against blocks.
MLB: E.J. Henderson Exploded after moving back to the middle. Destructive in the backfield and crushing at the point of attack.
WLB: Chad Greenway An elite role player who is comfortable in traffic and space. Instincts are impressive and fundamentals are honed. Good speed makes him viable in coverage.
CB: Antoine Winfield Remains the best tackling cornerback in football. Excellent man-to-man defender as well.
SS: Darren Sharper Thirty-three years old and in the final year of his contract. Has lost half a step but is still a playmaker. Coming off his fourth Pro Bowl.
FS: Madieu Williams** Great addition for this Cover 2 scheme. Offers excellent range in coverage.
CB: Cedric Griffin Confident––almost cocky––player who improved precipitously as a fulltime starter last season. Stout against the run.
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DL: Brian Robison Intriguing speed, but needs to be well-coached in order to develop the moves and technique of a strapping NFL pass-rusher.
LB: Heath Farwell Won’t see a lot of action with the defense, but is one of the most productive special teams players in the league.
NB: Charles Gordon Undrafted FA in ’06 who has surprisingly developed into a nice NB. Plays the run well and gives very little breathing room in coverage.

Key Players Acquired
DE Jared Allen (KC)
WR Bernard Berrian (Chi)
S Michael Boulware (Hou)
QB Gus Frerotte (Stl)
RB Maurice Hicks (SF)
LB Derrick Pope (Mia)
CB Benny Sapp (KC)
FB Thomas Tapeh (Phi)
S Madieu Williams (Cin)
DL Ellis Wyms (Sea)

Key Players Lost
S Mike Doss
QB Kelly Holcomb
DE Erasmus James (Was)
DT Spencer Johnson (Buf)
RB Mewelde Moore (Pit)
FB Tony Richardson (NYJ)
DL Darrion Scott
S Dwight Smith (Det)
LB Dontarrious Thomas (SF)
CB Ronyell Whitaker (Det)
S Tank Williams (NE)
WR Troy Williamson (Jax)

To call this a busy offseason would be an understatement. Obviously, the arrival of Allen made the most headlines. He might be the best DE in football. He easily makes up for the losses of James, Johnson and Scott (none of whom were formidable starters). Replacing Dwight Smith with Madieu Williams is great. Williams has the character that Smith lacks, plus he’s more consistent in coverage. They paid too much for Berrian, though with Williamson’s failed development, they badly needed a receiver. The rest of the acquisitions give Minnesota good depth and special teams prowess.

2008 - Minnesota Vikings
Rd
Sel #
Player
Position
School
2
43
Tyrell Johnson
FS
Arkansas State
5
137
John David Booty
QB
USC
5
152
Letroy Guion
DT
Florida State
6
187
John Sullivan
C
Notre Dame
6
193
Jaymar Johnson
WR
Jackson State

The Vikings traded their first-round pick and a pair of third-rounders to Kansas City in exchange for Jared Allen. That may have been a steep price, but with the current feeble state of the NFC North, they felt it necessary to make a move for the present. Of the players they drafted, only Tyrell Johnson and Sullivan figure to become starters at some point. Both are likely to take over in 2009 when Darren Sharper and Matt Birk will be UFA’s. Minnesota rated Johnson as the top safety in the draft, which is why they traded up to get him. Sullivan is valued for his intelligence. David Booty is a recognizable name. He is familiar with the West Coast offense; the front office is raving about him.

Minnesota Vikings 2008 Preview Report
The Minnesota Vikings are taking a vacation in 2008. Their destination: the top of the NFL. It should be a lot of fun. It’s a place they used to travel to fairly often; they maybe even had family over there. But they haven’t been back since 2000 (the last time they posted a double-digit win total).
They’re just getting set to leave. It will be good for them to get away. In recent years, the Vikings have stayed busy at home, bickering with the local government about a new stadium (have you seen the Metrodome? It’s a dump), putting out PR fires (remember the Love Boat scandal? Or the way the Randy Moss/Daunte Culpepper era ended?), and changing coaching staffs (Brad Childress replaced Mike Tice three years ago).
The Vikings pondered the idea of taking a trip last season but ultimately decided that they couldn’t get away (they were 8-6 but lost their last two and missed the postseason). Things have not completely eased up at home––they’re still haggling with the Twin Cities about a new stadium, despite being the lowest revenue-producing franchise in the NFL. And they’ve had an off-the-field problem or two––mainly left tackle Bryant McKinnie. But they feel good enough to sojourn out in 2008.
Owner Zygi Wilf is funding the trip; Childress and front office execs Rick Spielman and Rob Brzezinski are planning it. They’re going all-out. Minnesota is bringing along new defensive end, Jared Allen, who they’ll need in order to get to where they’re going. The Vikings traded their first-round draft pick, as well as two third-rounders to Kansas City just to get the league’s reigning sack champion. They also spent a mind-boggling $31 million in guarantees to sign Allen (six-year, $73.26 million contract).
Talk about traveling first class. Minnesota already had the most vociferous defensive tackle tandem in the NFL. Kevin Williams is a one-gap atom bomb and Pat Williams (no relation) is a space-eating leviathan. Putting Allen on the outside of those two and book-ending him with rising youngsters Ray Edwards, Brian Robison and Jayme Mitchell makes this defensive line seemingly unstoppable.
With the Williams’s in the middle, Minnesota is a stone wall to run against. The Vikings gave up just 74.1 yards rushing per game last season––best in the NFL. In 2006, they surrendered just 61.6 rushing yards per game––second best since the 1970 merger. The Vikings’ underrated linebacking trio has helped the cause.
Still, the team will need to bring along more than just a great run defense if they want to reach their destination. They’ll have to pack defensive backs who can help improve the 32nd ranked pass defense. Minnesota went out and signed rangy free safety Madieu Williams in order to do this, though they’re counting on young corners Cedric Griffin, Charles Gordon and Marcus McCauley to continue their development.
It looks like the Vikings are loading up the vans right now. Forgot to mention, this is a road trip. The Vikings love to travel on the ground. You would too if you had their overpowering offensive line. Left-side tandem Bryant McKinnie (tackle) and guard Steve Hutchinson are absolute road-graders. McKinnie is 6’8”, 335; his strength in a phone booth is earth-moving. Hutchinson has been to the last four Pro Bowls, mainly because he’s as mobile and powerful as an RV. He’s a great fit in this zone-blocking scheme. Center Matt Birk is a genius as well––both on and off the field.
Yes, it makes perfect sense to travel via automobile. Especially if Adrian Peterson is driving. The guy just recently got his license, but already he’s more fun to ride with than Herbie The Love Bug. Peterson accelerates with authority, changes lanes at warp speed and barrels through traffic better than anyone on the highway. Granted, he doesn’t have a perfect driving record. In college he got in a few wrecks (high ankle sprain, broken collar bone), and as a rookie he had a fender-bender that involved his right lateral collateral ligament. But if Peterson can stay safe, he, as well as Chester Taylor, gives the Vikings a great transport on the ground.
It looks like Minnesota is all set. They’ve packed good special teams. The defensive line is loaded and ready to go. So is the offensive line. All of the young guys are sitting in the back––many of them have matured enough to where they don’t need anyone between them. Peterson’s behind the wheel. Childress is in the shot gun reviewing the itinerary and maps; he’s a great navigator, especially on the West Coast.
Lock the doors, buckle up and have a safe trip––oh wait!
Did anyone pack a passing game? The top of the NFL is a very remote place; the Vikings can drive most of the way, but they’ll only reach the top through the air. Where are Minnesota’s receivers?
Sidney Rice and Aundrae Allison are sitting in the back; they’re young, but maybe they can do. Who are the other receivers? Bernard Berrian? Okay….probably not worth $16 million in guaranteed money, but at least someone thought to bring him along. Anyone else? Bobby Wade and Robert Ferguson? That makes for an iffy group, but that might be enough. Depends who’s throwing them the ball.
Say, did anyone remember to bring a quarterback? You need one––you can’t reach the top of the NFL without it. Where is Minnesota’s quarterback? Surely they wouldn’t plan such an elaborate trip without one…would they?

Offense
Tarvaris Jackson, come on down. Minnesota’s seasons rests in the hands of this man. Pardon the third-year pro if he feels like Atlas.
When the Vikings drafted Jackson in the second round out of Alabama State, the plan was to groom him in a backup role the first few years and work out some of the kinks inherent with being a gifted but green quarterback form the Southwestern Athletic Conference.
However, when Minnesota’s ’06 season was lost after 14 games, Brad Childress couldn’t resist putting his callow passer on the field. And when Brad Johnson left in 2007, and Brooks Bollinger and Kelly Holcombe were the only other quarterbacks on the roster, Childress couldn’t resist anointing Jackson the starter.
Jackson went 8-4 last season, but he was the beneficiary of the league’s top-rated rushing attack. Minnesota’s passing game ranked 28th––which matched the rank of Jackson’s quarterback rating. Possessing a set of wheels and body comportment that makes him virtually a right-handed Michael Vick, Jackson is a dangerous scrambler. However, in Childress’s West Coast system, he must develop pocket presence and accuracy. Last year, he had neither.
Jackson impressed coaches by staying around Minnesota throughout most of the offseason and working closely with coordinator Darrell Bevell. The hope is that the quarterback’s recent growth can immediately allay some of the decision-making problems that have plagued him. Jackson’s elevated comfort in the system should naturally decrease his turnovers (he threw just 12 picks last season but his rate of four interceptions for every 100 passes was the fourth worst in the league). He should also improve his atrociously sporadic deep ball. To what extent remains to be seen.
With journeyman backup Gus Frerotte and fifth-round rookie John David Booty likely to be the only other quarterbacks on the roster in ’08, all of Minnesota’s eggs are in Jackson’s basket. The powers that be in Minnesota will say this is by design. But the fact of the matter is, the Vikings pursued a trade for Houston’s Sage Rosenfels, and it’s almost certain that they thought long and hard about Brett Favre. Jackson’s long-term future could be bright (if he matures and becomes a steadier leader), but it’s implausible that he’ll illuminate fully in 2008.
Minnesota just needs Jackson to be effective enough to prevent opponents from routinely stuffing eight or nine men in the box. Last season, defenses dialed in on Adrian Peterson down the stretch, and the NFL Rookie of the Year averaged just 36 yards rushing over the final four games (his sore right knee may have been partly to blame). As if his pair of 200-yard rushing performances––including the NFL single-game record 296 yards against San Diego––didn’t already make it clear, let the record show that Peterson is a very special player. He’s a beast to bring down, and, as Steve Sabol might say, he can change directions like a fish.
The serviceability of the Vikings passing attack will go a long ways in determining Peterson’s fate in ’08. Polishing Jackson is a chore; doing it with a shoddy core of receivers is a challenge. Minnesota ameliorated the situation by bringing in Chicago’s Bernard Berrian. They paid way too much for him, but at least they have a wideout they can call their No. 1 (even if such a label is exaggerated). Berrian’s greatest asset is his ability to stretch the field. However, given Jackson’s erratic deep ball, the fifth-year pro will have to evolve into a more viable intermediate weapon if he hopes to come anywhere near his 71-catch, 951-yard output of a year ago.
Second-year player Sidney Rice is a fluid athlete who has range that is better than his 40-time suggests. Like Jackson, Rice is raw and probably shouldn’t be in the starting lineup this early. But also like Jackson, he’s oozing with talent. The Vikings will ask Rice to run more sophisticated routes in 2008.
Bobby Wade and Robert Ferguson are the first backups off the bench. Both veterans are inconsistent, but both at least understand their assignments. What the Vikings would like, however, is a playmaker to fill the middle. Judging from some of the offseason activities, last year’s fifth-round pick Aundrae Allison might be that guy. He seems to have good chemistry with Jackson. The hope was that tight end Visanthe Shiancoe could be the inside receiving presence, but the sixth-year veteran caught just 27 balls in his first season as a Viking last year. That wasn’t too many more than the number he dropped.
Shiancoe will start in ’08, but only because Jim Kleinsasser and Garrett Mills are even more limited receivers. Longtime Eagles fullback Thomas Tapeh is an adept ballhandler who may wind up assuming a majority of the short-receiving responsibilities. Mills has seen some time at H-back in practice. Last season, the Vikings used Jeff Dugan in that role.
Keep a perspective here; with Peterson and Chester Taylor, Minnesota’s top priority is always to run the ball. Having Bryant McKinnie and Steve Hutchinson on the left side makes this a no-brainer. Last season, Peterson averaged 6.3 yards per carry when running left (Taylor averaged 5.3). There’s a chance the Vikings could be without McKinnie for a period of time. The seventh-year pro has been arrested four times in his career, including this past offseason after a nightclub brawl in Miami. Though charges have been dropped in two of McKinnie’s arrests, he could still face suspension from the NFL. If that happens, backup guard Artis Hicks would fill in at left tackle (this would be an enormous downgrade).
Center Matt Birk is in the final year of his contract and likely won’t be back in 2009. The Vikings already drafted his replacement, John Sullivan, in the sixth round. The Golden Domer worked with the first unit throughout much of the offseason (Birk did not partake in any of the voluntary team activities). Sullivan’s time won’t come this season, as the 32-year-old Birk is still amongst the best in the business.
Right guard Anthony Herrera is solid, and right tackle Ryan Cook could still become just that. Cook, a brawny second-round pick in ’06, has been more reliable than disappointing ’05 second-rounder Marcus Johnson, but he still has some progress to make in his footwork.

Defense
The 2007 rankings are pretty straightforward: Minnesota’s defense ranked first against the run and dead last against the pass. As long as nose tackle Pat Williams is on the field, a potent run defense will prevail in 2008. The 12th-year veteran is a rotund 6’3”, 317 (likely 340) and plays remarkably low to the ground. Williams may have more sheer power than any defensive lineman in football, and opponents marvel at his immovability in the trenches. Some go so far as to say that he’s impossible to cut block. The caveat with Williams is that he’s 36, which makes him available for no more than fifty percent of the defensive snaps.
Coordinator Leslie Frazier can live with that. Behind Williams is solid veteran Ellis Wyms (an inside-outside player), troubled but gifted Fred Evans, and 328-pound Kenderick Allen. And, of course, next to Williams is another Williams, in the form of a Kevin. Kevin Williams is one of the finest one-gap penetraters in football, and he’s extremely active against the run.
With the Williams tackles clogging the trenches, linebackers E.J. Henderson, Ben Leber and Chad Greenway can roam freely. Henderson has blossomed since moving back to the middle. He led the team with 119 tackles last season and led the entire NFL with 12.5 tackles for loss (he also had 4.5 sacks). Henderson is ferocious at the point attack. He doesn’t necessarily make a lot of sideline-to-sideline plays, but that’s more a product of Minnesota’s Cover 2 scheme.
The flats are the territory of Leber (strongside) and Greenway (weakside). Leber is a gritty player who shows strength and unexpected speed. Greenway displays more finesse but is still capable of making noise in traffic. Both guys are underrated.
The Vikings’ dominance against the run is partly to blame for their struggles defending the pass. Unable to move the ball on the ground, opponents attempted a league-high 646 passes against Minnesota last year. Simple math says, with more passes being attempted, more yards are liable to be given up.
Nevertheless, the Vikings made two key moves this past offseason to stop the bleeding through the air: they traded for defensive end Jared Allen and signed free safety Madieu Williams. In Allen they have one the league’s banner pass-rushers, joining a front four that already posted a respectable 38 sacks a year ago. With an incessant motor and knack for creating turnovers (13 forced fumbles over the past three years), Allen is easily one of the most destructive defenders in the game. His contract pays him $38.4 million over the first three years, which means he had better be toiling near Michael Strahan’s all-time single season sack record of 22.
Third-year defensive end Ray Edwards has officially declared that he is making a run at Strahan’s record in 2008. While rich in hyperbole, you have to admire the guy’s bravado. Edwards is a good player. Returning to his collegiate position of left defensive end, and being the tertiary concern of every opponent (Allen and Williams are the first two), Edwards should post double digit sack figures in ’08. He has an excellent spin move, which could go a long ways once he improves his balance. Also, at 6’5”, he has the length to disrupt throwing lanes.
Most people have never heard of backup defensive lineman Jayme Mitchell, but the fleet pass-rushing specialist could be a surprise factor this season. Mitchell is 6’6” but plays with good leverage. He has a unique ability to maintain separation and set up his second move. He’ll have to work behind intriguing second-year speedster Brian Robison though.
As for the other big move….Madieu Williams brings great range to centerfield, as well as refined coverage skills from his early days as a cornerback in Cincinnati. He’ll be stellar tag-teaming with 33-year-old strong safety Darren Sharper. Though a four-time Pro Bowler (including the past two years) and veritable ball hawk, Sharper’s days in Minnesota appear to be numbered. He is in the final year of his contract, and the team just drafted his heir, Tyrell Johnson, in the second round. Johnson was the 17th rater player overall on the front office’s draft board.
Part of the reason Minnesota’s run defense is so potent is that every cornerback can tackle. In fact, diminutive yet aggressive Antoine Winfield is the best tackling corner in the game. The Vikings need Winfield to stay healthy in ’08 (he missed six games with shoulder and hamstring injuries last season).
With Winfield 100 percent and No. 2 starter Cedric Griffin continuing his ascension, the pass defense is destined to improve. In fact, if Charles Gordon––an undrafted rookie in ’06––plays the nickel as well as he did down the stretch last year, and ’07 third-round pick Marcus McCauley grows after his up-and-down yet encouraging rookie season, the Vikings could end up having one of the league’s better secondaries.

Special Teams
Kicker Ryan Longwell has not missed from inside 45 yards since leaving Green Bay in 2006. At 34, he’s in his prime and one of the best in the league. Punter Chris Kluwe has improved his accuracy in recent years; last season, he downed 37 balls inside the 20.
With the departure of Mewelde Moore, the Vikings brought in 49ers running back Maurice Hicks to return kicks. There’s not a lot of lightning in Hicks, but he’s serviceable. Still, Minnesota may want to put Aundrae Allison back there. He returned 20 kickoffs last season, including one for 104 yards. Adrian Peterson returned some kicks in ’07, but he is far too valuable to play special teams. Minnesota is still looking for a punt returner––they’ll probably have to use jittery Bobby Wade.
A bright spot this season could be the team’s coverage units. Newly acquired safety Michael Boulware is a potentially nice special teamer, plus backup linebackers Heath Farwell, Vinny Ciurciu and Derrick Pope are all stellar. Farwell, in fact, is one of the most productive special teams tacklers in football.

Bottom Line
The Vikings roster has quietly materialized into one of the finest in the leagues. They may have the game’s best run offense and defense. Their season comes down to how well Tarvaris Jackson performs.

Myth Buster
Bernard Berrian is a No. 1 Receiver
Bernard Berrian is a good No. 2 receiver who is being paid like a No. 1. The fifth-year pro has never posted 1,000 yards. He had a respectable 951 yards (14th most in the NFC) on 71 receptions last season, and 775 yards the year before that.
Berrian is a fast player who can stretch the field, and he is to be commended for improving in his weak areas over the years. However, to be a bona fide No. 1, a wideout must be dangerous in short yardage as well as over the middle. And, he must be worthy of a double team on every third down.
Berrian is certainly Minnesota’s best receiver, thanks to shabbiness at the position. Perhaps this technically makes him a No. 1. But $16 million in guarantees?

Open Thought
My first inclination was to say that it is time to tone down the Metrodome Horn and make it simply a celebratory echo after a score (as opposed to after every first down). My thinking was that it hums far too often throughout the course of a game.
However, after reading up on the horn and taking in the opinion of Viking fans, I can’t help but lower my head, raise my hands and declare “never mind.” Annoying as it is after the eighth or ninth time, I have to admit, it’s a really cool idea. Sounding the horn after a touchdown is one thing; sounding it after a first down on a momentum-building drive is another. It’s like a battle cry. I imagine the Norsemen in the latter half of the first millennium probably sounded some sort of horn before alighting on an Arctic Island. Keep it up, Minnesota.

Team Report: Green Bay Packers

Green Bay Packers
By Andy Benoit, www.NFLTouchdown.com
Predicted: 2nd
2007 Record: 13-3 (1st NFC North)
Head Coach: Mike McCarthy (3rd year)

Roster Quick View
*rookie
**new veteran
Offense
QB: Aaron Rodgers No pressure.
RB: Ryan Grant Led the NFC in rushing over the second half of last season. Wants a long-term contract. Packers would be wise to give him one.
FB: Korey Hall College LB who has performed well at FB. Should be able to keep his job from challenger John Kuhn.
WR: Donald Driver Veteran leadership, toughness and mastery of the offensive scheme make him arguably the most valuable WR in the NFC.
WR: Greg Jennings Lightning in a bottle. Had 12 TD’s and averaged 17.4 ypc last season. Must become a greater possession target in order to take the next step.
TE: Donald Lee Dependable athlete who operates well in the West Coast system. But how much of his effectiveness had to do with Favre?
LT: Chad Clifton Experienced tactician who rises to the occasion in big moments. Not a dominant run-blocker, but very reliable in pass protection.
LG: Daryn Colledge Good fit in zone scheme, but inconsistency in second season puts his starting job in serious jeopardy. Must fend off the more naturally talented Allen Barbre.
C: Scott Wells Classic example of an unheralded cog up front.
RG: Jason Spitz Can play G or C. Excellent power and command when he’s able to get his hands on guys. Needs to show this more often though.
RT: Mark Tauscher Gritty mauler who shutdown Patrick Kerney in the playoffs last year. Sloppy technique, but invaluable veteran wisdom.
QB: Brian Brohm* Has first-round talent and enjoyed three successful years in a West Coast offense at Louisville. Are we sure he’s here to be a backup?
RB: Brandon Jackson Struggled as a rookie starter last year but proved to be serviceable in a third-down role.
WR: James Jones Must avoid another late-season drop-off. Excellent over-the-middle receiver who, when not fumbling, can do damage after the catch.
WR: Jordy Nelson* Will push for the slot receiver job that he manned so well at Kansas State.
TE: Jermichael Finley* Very raw, but has fantastic potential as a pass-catcher. Be patient with him––speed is not quite there and blocking needs work.

Defense
LDE: Aaron Kampman Has recorded an NFC-high 27.5 sacks over the past two seasons. Also a marvelous run-defender.
DT: Ryan Pickett Overwhelming power makes him a magnet for double teams against the run.
DT: Johnny Jolly Has opened some eyes, though must prove he can bounce back from a serious November shoulder injury that shelved him all offseason. Also facing felony drug charges.
RDE: Cullen Jenkins Can play inside or outside. Tailed off a bit last season though should continue to be an important piece up front.
SLB: Brady Poppinga Must improve in coverage if he wants to keep his job from newcomer Brandon Chillar. Reportedly talking new contract with team officials.
MLB: Nick Barnett Gets better each season. A tackling machine who has great speed and improved instincts. The leader of the front seven.
WLB: A.J. Hawk Somewhat of a ho-hum sophomore year, though he’s still a big, fast, strong first-round talent.
CB: Charles Woodson Turns 32 in October and has a mild history of injuries. Nevertheless, has not yet shown any signs of slowing down.
SS: Atari Bigby Could breakout into a Pro Bowler in 2008. Plays fast and fierce, and has a true knack for creating turnovers.
FS: Nick Collins Fourth-year pro who has not blossomed into an upper-echelon centerfielder. Still, is a very solid presence overall.
CB: Al Harris Renowned press-defender, but turns 34 in December. Plaxico Burress ate him alive in the NFC Championship.
DL: Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila Archetypal pass-rushing specialist who has a fabulous first step. Should post around 10 sacks again this season.
LB: Brandon Chillar** Great strength at the point of attack. Will push for the starting SLB job.
NB: Jarrett Bush Not physical enough to meet this scheme’s demands. Only a matter of time before second-round pick Patrick Lee beats him out.

Key Players Acquired
LB Brandon Chillar (Stl)

Key Players Lost
LS Rob Davis (retired)
QB Brett Favre (retired)
TE Bubba Franks (NYJ)
TE Ran Krause (Hou)
G Tony Palmer
WR Koren Robinson
CB Frank Walker (Bal)
DL Corey Williams (Cle)

Favre’s retirement has kind of been a big deal. Replacing him probably won’t be as easy as replacing Davis. Franks hit a wall a few years ago. Robinson revived his career here, though there was too much depth at WR to keep him around. They’ll miss Williams when they realize that their defensive line depth isn’t everything they thought it was. Chillar has a chance to earn a starting job at SLB.

2008 Draft
Rd
Sel #
Player
Position
School
2
36
Jordy Nelson
WR
Kansas State
2
56
Brian Brohm
QB
Louisville
2
60
Patrick Lee
CB
Auburn
3
91
Jermichael Finley
TE
Texas
4
102
Jeremy Thompson
DE
Wake Forest
4
135
Josh Sitton
T
Central Florida
5
150
Breno Giacomini
T
Louisville
7
209
Matt Flynn
QB
Louisiana State
7
217
Brett Swain
WR
San Diego State

Green Bay traded out of the first round and wound up with three crucial picks in Round Two. The headliner is Brohm. There’s no way they intended to snatch the QB when draft day began, but Ted Thompson couldn’t pass on him at No. 56. They didn’t need a WR, but then again, they didn’t need many things. Nelson was too enticing in the slot. Lee is a great fit for the scheme, but he comes in awfully raw. The Packers need him to develop because Al Harris’s tank is nearly empty. Finley is a project while Thompson brings some versatility. Sitton plays RT but could also compete for a job at G. Flynn won a national championship at LSU.

Green Bay Packers 2008 Preview Report
What is it they, say, careful what you wish for? You don’t need to tell Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers that. It has long been common knowledge that the former first-round pick would one day face arguably the toughest mission in all of sports: replacing a legend under center. In this case, the legend is the incomparable Brett Favre. Rodgers’s situation is not unlike an aspiring rock artist finally making it to the limelight, only to follow Jimi Hendrix on stage.
Brian Griese and Jake Plummer found out the hard way how arduous replacing a legend can be. But despite the fact that John Elway capped his Hall of Fame career with back-to-back Super Bowls, the uphill climb that Griese and Plummer faced was not as steep as what is in store for Rodgers.
For starters, Denver, CO is not Green Bay, WI. Denver isn’t Titletown, and it isn’t a community that centers entirely around its football team. Secondly, John Elway is not Brett Favre. Both were great, but only one was unconditionally beloved by all. What’s more, when you think of the Denver Broncos during the Elway era, you think not only of No. 7 but also of Terrell Davis, the famed zone-blocking offensive line and head coach Mike Shanahan. Think of the Green Bay Packers during the Favre era and you think only of No. 4.
No organization is as syncopated to its own history as the Packers. While Elway’s club has since moved into Invesco Field and has long forgotten the Mile High Salute, Favre’s club has only immortalized Lambeau Field and its patented Leap. The rich culture in Green Bay is part of what made (makes) Favre the NFL’s greatest star. He truly was (is) the Green Bay Packers.
Whether or not Favre plays in 2008 is anyone’s guess. He’s made it clear that he wants to, but the Packers have been reluctant to say the least. The discussion to be had on this subject is one that has ceaselessly played out on every media platform throughout the summer. The consensus is everyone would love to see Favre play. But not everyone wants to see him in a different uniform (especially not the Packers).
The Packers apparently do not even want to see Favre in the same uniform. This raises another debate: are GM Ted Thompson, head coach Mike McCarthy and the rest of the decision-making brass crazy? Green Bay’s supporters reason that the Packers have spent the past four months adjusting to life without Favre. Green Bay’s detractors argue that it’s freakin’ Brett Favre we’re talking about. And, this team is a freakin’ Super Bowl contender. You know it’s a great debate because both sides seem to be right.
Caught in the middle of it all is Rodgers. If Green Bay’s only concern was protecting the young passer’s psyche, Favre would be welcomed back with open arms. After all, with everything that’s gone on this summer, plenty of psychological damage has already been done. But the Packers’ trepidation about No. 4 isn’t just about protecting No….––what number is Rodgers? After all, Green Bay’s not even certain that Rodgers is their guy.
Back in April, GM Ted Thompson used a second-round draft choice on Louisville quarterback Brian Brohm. For his first three years with the Cardinals, Brohm was an ace in the type of West Coast offense that McCarthy employs. Before his senior season, many thought Brohm would be an early-first-round pick. He is not projected to be a backup in this league, which makes his presence in Green Bay officially the worst bode of confidence anyone could have given Rodgers. On a positive note, maybe the pressure of Brohm’s presence can offset the pressure of Favre’s absence. (Doubtful.)
If Favre is gone, Rodgers will still have to win over the fans. Even if the Green Bay faithful are supportive, what about the rest of the country? The Cowboys are America’s team, but Favre was (is) America’s player.
What happens between now and Monday, September 8 is anyone’s guess. The only certainty is that everyone will still be talking about Brett Favre.

Offense
There is more to this Packers team than the quarterback position, believe it or not. Running back Ryan Grant will be an integral element in 2008. With his No. 25 jersey, upright and downhill running style, and vision in setting up his blocks, the surprising star evokes memories of Dorsey Levens. Green Bay’s rushing attack was a cut below inept last season until Grant came along in early November. Over the final eight games, he rushed for 929 yards (second most in the NFL, behind L.T.). He had 201 yards in the playoff win over Seattle.
Grant is playing for the NFL minimum wage this season ($370,000). At 25 and having toiled around the New York Giants’ practice squad as an undrafted player out of Notre Dame the past few years, it is understandable that he’s seeking a long-term contract. The Packers need Grant here long-term. Last year’s second-round pick Brandon Jackson has proven to be more of a third-down back. The guys behind Jackson––Vernand Morency, DeShawn Wynn and Noah Herron––have all had their moments but are nothing more than teases.
Korey Hall has made a nice transition from Boise State linebacker to Green Bay fullback. Hall (236 pounds) is not vigorous at the point of attack, but he’s a very intelligent player who moves well enough to land every block. When the Packers need more of a pounder leading the way, they’ll call on 255-pound backup John Kuhn.
It is a priority for the Packers to improve their run-blocking in 2008. The front five is outstanding in pass protection (only 19 sacks allowed last year) but inconsistent with their zone scheme on the ground.
Heading into training camp, the spotlight is on the left guard position. Third-year pro Daryn Colledge has held down the job the past two years. Colledge is excellent on the back side and he’s a cut above adequate in pass protection. However, he is plagued by inconsistency (especially in ’07), which is why perennially unpolished but constantly intriguing Junius Coston has pushed for his starting job in recent years. This year, Colledge’s biggest challenger is second-year pro Allen Barbre who, like Colledge, played tackle at the NCAA level. Barbre is said to have more raw talent than any of Green Bay’s interior linemen.
Right guard Jason Spitz is serviceable, thanks to his power. If he hasn’t already cemented his starting job, landing firm blocks on a more consistent basis will do the trick. Spitz is actually better at center, but fifth-year veteran Scott Wells is far too solid to supplant there.
Tackles Chad Clifton (left) and Mark Tauscher (right) form one of the sturdiest bookend tandems in football. Both players excel no matter how many chips are stacked against them. It remains to be seen how effective they’ll be if Aaron Rodgers ends up behind them. Both players––Tauscher especially––have thrived in large part because of their fantastic chemistry with Favre.
Whoever is under center will be fortunate to have an outstanding crew of receivers to work with. And whoever it is will also benefit from a system that generates big gains off of short completions. Last season, the Packers led the league with 2,294 yards after the catch (51.5 percent of their total passing yards).
Tenth-year veteran Donald Driver is still the class of the group. Driver possesses the toughness and consistency that demands extra attention from opposing defenses. Given the stability he brings and timeliness of his big plays, it’s not inconceivable that Driver is the most valuable wide receiver in the NFC.
Third-year wonder Greg Jennings is fast becoming Green Bay’s most lethal weapon. Jennings has terrific speed and the quickness to get separation in the offense’s quick-hit routes. The next step for him is increasing his reception total (he had 12 touchdowns and nearly 1,000 yards in ’07, but caught just 53 balls).
James Jones has shown flashes of brilliance running in-routes from the slot. However, he’s negated many of them with costly mental gaffes. If Jones doesn’t settle down in a hurry, he’ll lose his job to second-round rookie Jordy Nelson. Tight end Donald Lee is an excellent outlet option who always seems to run faster than expected. He’ll have no trouble keeping his job from callow third-round rookie Jermichael Finley.

Defense
Validating Green Bay’s renaissance is a defensive unit that is solid yet ascending in all three sectors. The Packers’ greatest strength is a front line that, when fully functioning, is among the deepest in the league. The headliner is Aaron Kampman, who, unlikely as it sounds, could be the best defensive end in the NFL. Kampman plays with an unmatched motor that makes him a demon against both the run and pass. His 27.5 sacks over the past two years are the most in the NFC.
Opposite Kampman is auxiliary force Cullen Jenkins. Jenkins shows a great combination of agility and strength playing inside and out. He typically slides to defensive tackle in passing situations to make room for speed-rushing specialist Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila. Jenkins is also relieved by Mike Montgomery on occasion. Neither KGB nor Montgomery can start (the former gets overpowered in run defense and the latter lacks first-rate explosiveness), but both are crucial elements to the D.
The Packers are hoping that they won’t have to call on Jenkins to play inside fulltime in 2008. The possibility exists, though, after the trade of Corey Williams to Cleveland and the questions about the health of Johnny Jolly, Colin Cole and Justin Harrell.
Jolly was performing masterfully before his ’07 season ended in November with a shoulder injury. He missed the entire offseason recuperating from surgery. He also got arrested on felony drug charges. Cole is an upper-echelon backup who will likely rebound from the broken arm suffered one week after Jolly went down. Harrell was the team’s first-round pick a year ago. He, unfortunately, seems destined for an injury-riddled career. Harrell missed most of his rookie year offseason recovering from a torn biceps injury. This past April, he landed on the operating table after rupturing a disc in his lower back.
Whoever lines up at defensive tackle will enjoy facing one-on-one blocking as a result of playing next to 322-pound Ryan Pickett. No longer decried by critics who question his effort, the 27-year-old Pickett is regarded as one of the preeminent run-stuffers in football.
His services are appreciated by middle linebacker Nick Barnett. The team’s top tackler in four of the past five years has steadily matured into a leader and quasi-Pro Bowl force since being drafted in the first round back in 2003. Barnett has sideline-to-sideline speed, though he’s relying on it less and less, thanks to his progressing instincts. Most noteworthy about Barnett is that he’s mean as torture at the point of attack.
A somewhat lackluster sophomore season shouldn’t prompt people to sour on Barnett’s excellent cohort, A.J. Hawk. Hawk––6’1”, 247––is a custom-made linebacker who has top-level speed and a high football IQ. He just needs to make more big plays. Strongside linebacker Brady Poppinga is somewhat limited though still capable of starting. His consistency in coverage will determine his fate. Should Poppinga struggle, the Packers will call on free agent acquisition Brandon Chillar. Chillar is stronger and coming off his best season as a pro. However, having spent his first four years in St. Louis, he can’t match Poppinga’s familiarity with the system.
Defensive coordinator Bob Sanders puts a lot of stock in the man-to-man coverage abilities of his veteran cornerbacks, Charles Woodson and Al Harris. Few players can handle such mountainous responsibilities. Unfortunately, Harris may no longer be one of those few. Thirty-four in December, he is starting to lose what little speed he had to begin with. He was repeatedly kicked in the crotch by Plaxico Burress during the NFC Championship––and Burress doesn’t even have to the quickness to exploit Harris’s limited closing speed. Backup corners Jarrett Bush and Tramon Williams are not capable of starting, and second-round rookie Patrick Lee, while a great fit for this scheme, is said to be far too raw at this point (he might still be frozen). Thus, Green Bay will have to rely on Harris for at least one more season.
This shouldn’t be a problem because, not only is Harris a proud veteran, he’s also playing alongside two good young safeties. Free safety Nick Collins is establishing a reputation as a reliable centerpiece in the Packer pass defense. He doesn’t always take the best angles to the ball, but he’s fast enough to make up for it. Strong safety Atari Bigby is a burgeoning star with an uncanny knack for creating turnovers. Bigby can rattle bones when laying into guys, and he’s capable of disrupting passing lanes (five interceptions, nine passes defensed in 2007). Not to be overlooked is the fact that Bigby is playing for a new contract. As long as he continues to cut down on his mental blunders––such as missteps in coverage and foolish penalties––he’ll garner big money come spring.

Special Teams
Kicker Mason Crosby led the league in points (141) last season, though it’s silly to pretend that anyone cares about scoring statistics in football. What people care about is Crosby’s ability to kick under pressure and from long range. He’s decent in these areas (12/19 from beyond 40 yards as a rookie in ’07). Punter Jon Ryan has a strong leg, and he’s aided by a coverage unit that ranked fourth a year ago.
Charles Woodson is not as dangerous fielding punts as his reputation suggests. His longest return last season was just 34 yards. Backup safety Tramon Williams––the team’s primary kick returner––has more speed and could be a better option here. Williams returned six punts in 2007––one of them 94 yards for a touchdown.

Bottom Line
Not to put any additional pressure on the guy, but if Favre is indeed gone, then Green Bay’s season comes down to Aaron Rodgers. Very rarely does a Super Bowl contending team undergo such a dramatic change at such a dramatic position. If Rodgers doesn’t perform well right away, it will be almost impossible for the Packers to establish championship-caliber unity in 2008.

Myth Buster
Al Harris is a shutdown cornerback
Al Harris is a gritty man-to-man defender who has the demeanor of a shutdown cornerback. Few players are as physical and feisty as the 11th-year pro.
That said, Harris––who attended Texas A&M-Kingsville and began his career in Philadelphia––is not a stopper. Not even close. Unofficially, he was targeted 88 times by opposing quarterbacks last season. He gave up 45 completions and five touchdowns. And he practically matched these numbers in the NFC Championship loss against New York.
Harris lacks elite quickness and acceleration, which prevents him from being a playmaker. As his age rises, so do his limitations.
This is not to say that Harris hasn’t had a very stellar career. It’s not even to say that he’s not currently an above average defender. But his reputation as a shutdown corner is exaggerated. Also, the dreadlocks make him look more intimidating than he really is.

Open Thought
It’s too bad that so many stadiums have built low walls behind the end-zone, thus enabling players to mimic the Lambeau Leap outside of Wisconsin. One of the neatest traditions in all of sports has been watered down and cheaply regurgitated by players across the league.
It would never happen, but in a perfect world, players would be fined and flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct every time they leapt into the stands outside of Lambeau Field.

Wednesday, August 06, 2008

Team Report: Baltimore Ravens

Baltimore Ravens
By Andy Benoit, www.NFLTouchdown.com
Predicted: 4th
2008 Record: 5-11 (4th AFC North)
Head Coach: John Harbaugh (1st year)

Roster Quick View
*rookie
**new veteran
Offense
QB: Kyle Boller If he’s starting, then Joe Flacco is still too raw. Admirable character, but simply awful under duress. The Ravens can’t win with him.
RB: Willis McGahee Production is there––even with poor endurance and explosiveness. Uses his blocks well, but creates little on his own.
FB: LeRon McClain Very fine athlete who handles his lead-blocking assignments well.
WR: Derrick Mason Consummate possession receiver. Would you believe he caught 103 passes last season?
WR: Mark Clayton A quicker but less effective version of Mason.
TE: Todd Heap No longer an upper echelon TE––though that could quickly reverse. He just needs to stay healthy for once.
LT: Jared Gaither Athleticism and 6’9” frame give him enticing potential. Coaches must work closely with him.
LG: Ben Grubbs In his second season and already a Pro Bowl caliber blocker. Mobility is exquisite.
C: Jason Brown Ravens like his leadership, which is why they shifted him inside to the more burdening C position. Is playing for a long-term contract in ’08.
RG: Marshal Yanda Survived at RT last season. Not blessed with great natural ability, but you can tell he listens to instructors.
RT: Adam Terry Among the league leaders in second chances. Hasn’t lived up to expectations in previous 3 years. Why will anything change now?
--------------------
QB: Joe Flacco* First 1-AA QB to be drafted in Round One since Steve McNair. Baltimore may be wise to develop him from the sideline this year.
RB: Ray Rice* Offers pace-changing quickness and burst that the backfield desperately needs.
WR: Demetrius Williams Will have a chance to develop a niche as a slot receiver in Baltimore’s more frequent spread formations. Hasn’t produced in his first two years.
WR: Yamon Figurs Speedy return specialist who could become a tool in shotgun situations.
TE: Daniel Wilcox Serviceable reserve coming back from offseason toe surgery.

Defense
LDE: Trevor Pryce Two years removed from a 13-sack campaign, but at 33 (in August), must prove he can stay healthy and energized.
NT: Kelly Gregg Not a traditional NT. Plays more of an agility-oriented game where his lateral quickness makes him a terrific run stopper.
RDE: Haloti Ngata Excellent leverage and improvements in explosiveness have made him a standout blocker-eater. Not a playmaker, though his range is increasing.
LOLB: Jarrett Johnson The weak link of the linebacking core, but that doesn’t mean he’s not serviceable.
LILB: Ray Lewis In the final year of his contract. Has lost a step or two, but he’s always been a step or two ahead of everyone anyway.
RILB: Bart Scott Can thrive in any role. Last season, had to be conservative and play coverage. This year, will be unleashed more as a pass-rusher.
ROLB: Terrell Suggs Baltimore’s most voracious front seven force. Needs to make a few more impact plays in ’08.
CB: Chris McAlister Somewhere between the bottom of the league’s first tier or top of the second tier as a one-on-one corner.
SS: Dawan Landry One of the elite safeties in the game, but will never be fully appreciated because of the guy listed below him. Bob Sanders and Troy Polamalu also hog his spotlight.
FS: Ed Reed Baltimore’s improved cornerback play should enable him to be more aggressive in 2008. Excellent leader––a rock in every fashion.
CB: Samari Rolle Epilepsy has caused problems. Nearly 32 and coming off a rough season; must prove his career is not slipping away.
DL: Dwan Edwards Has finally started to show some relevance as a back-of-the-rotation sub.
LB: Nick Greisen High motor and solid instincts make him a great special teams option and reliable fill-in starter at ILB.
NB: Fabian Washington Faster than a drunk Paris Hilton, but must improve his tackling and put off-field distractions behind him.

Key Players Acquired
LB Brendon Ayanbadejo (Chi)
G Adrien Clarke (NYJ)
S Jim Leonhard (Buf)
CB Frank Walker (GB)
CB Lenny Walls (FA)
CB Fabian Washington (Oak)

Key Players Lost
RB Mike Anderson
WR Devard Darling (KC)
C Mike Flynn
DT Kenny King
QB Steve McNair (retired)
OT Jonathan Ogden (retired)
RS B.J. Sams (KC)
RB Musa Smith (NYJ)
CB Jamaine Winborn

The Ravens were strapped under the cap, but they were able to upgrade the secondary depth that killed them a year ago. They traded a fourth-round pick for Washington and signed Walker to a low-end deal. Walls is a journeyman who occasionally plays well. Ayanbadejo was given a $1.9 million signing bonus––a record for a special teams player. McNair’s time was up. Ogden’s wasn’t, but his passion for the game was waning. It’s impossible to fully replace him. They’ll miss Flynn. His body had betrayed him, but he was the leader of the front five.

2008 Draft
Rd
Sel #
Player
Position
School
1
18
Joe Flacco
QB
Delaware
2
55
Ray Rice
RB
Rutgers
3
71
Tavares Gooden
OLB
Miami (Fla.)
3
86
Tom Zbikowski
FS
Notre Dame
3
99
Oniel Cousins
G
Texas-El Paso
4
106
Marcus Smith
WR
New Mexico
4
133
David Hale
T
Weber State
6
206
Haruki Nakamura
FS
Cincinnati
7
215
Justin Harper
WR
Virginia Tech
7
240
Allen Patrick
RB
Oklahoma

They’re hoping the strong-armed Flacco can be the downfield pocket passer that Kyle Boller never became. Flacco comes from the 1-AA ranks and scouts believe his reads are slow and undeveloped. If this is true, then Baltimore has almost no choice but to groom him in a backup role his first season. Rice brings the pizzazz that has been missing from the backfield. Gooden can play inside or out but isn’t expected to be a big factor until next year. Zbikowski is a gambler who will provide depth and special teams prowess. Cousins projects as an OT. Every other draft pick is a developmental project at this point.

Baltimore Ravens 2008 Preview Report
The time had come for a change. On the surface, canning Brian Billick after a 5-11 season seemed impetuous. After all, the longtime head coach had gone 13-3 the year before. But it wasn’t just about Billick.
Baltimore Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti recognized that his franchise was in need of a cultural makeover. Although their record has mostly been strong, the Ravens haven’t been a surefire Super Bowl contender for several years. They’ve regularly toiled around nine and ten wins, sprinkling a clunky season in every so often. They live up to their potential some of the time. If the Ravens were a small market baseball team, this would be fine. But they’re an NFL franchise, and Bisciotti and company are in it for Lombardi Trophies.
Enter John Harbaugh. Forty-six, brother of Stanford head coach Jim and highly respected as a special teams mastermind the past 10 years in Philly. This is the man tasked with changing the culture in Baltimore. It’s a harder job than you think.
The Ravens have been under a distinct modus operandi since the turn of the century, making their culture as perdurable as the Middle East. No NFL organization in recent years has yielded as much power to its veteran players. The symbol of their democracy is the fervid, flamboyant linebacker wearing number 52. He is a locker room leader with Rasputin-like influence. His key acolytes include free safety Ed Reed, cornerback Chris McAlister, linebacker Bart Scott and hybrid end Terrell Suggs. All are stars, and all play defense. Ray Lewis and his followers have been granted a plangent voice in the locker room, through the press and on and between the sidelines.
Harbaugh––who, by the way, is being pushed to change the Baltimore culture overnight because, after all, this is the NFL––must connect with these guys. Specifically, Lewis. When all is well, the revered ex-Hurricane is a civic hero in the Ravens locker room. But when Lewis is frustrated––which is to say, when the team is losing or he’s injured––he can become a zealot leading a revolt. Many recall a few years ago when Lewis went on ESPN shortly before the draft and criticized defensive coordinator Rex Ryan’s 3-4 scheme. The voracious tackler griped––perhaps not unfoundedly––that he needed more blocker-eating defensive linemen in front of him. Read into this what you want, but shortly after that interview, GM Ozzie Newsome drafted 340-pound tackle/end Haloti Ngata 12th overall.
Lewis was never above criticizing Billick late in the head coach’s tenure. Most of the time, he was really venting about the tepid offense.
Fortunately for Harbaugh, Lewis is not amongst those holding the opinion that Billick should never have been fired. Indeed, Bisciotti’s move is open to criticism. After all, the Ravens were riddled by injury last season, which made it nearly impossible for them to defend their AFC North title. But rather than wait and see with Billick in 2008, Bisciotti sprung into action. Likely, he followed two trains of thought: One, like most things these days, change is better than the status quo (if you’re not changing, you’re falling behind). And two, change is like a fire alarm: better it come too early than too late.
Whether Lewis understands this line of reasoning or not is immaterial; the important thing is that the veteran is receptive to the new coaching regime. The changes that Harbaugh enacts won’t be subtle.
The Billick era was defined by its liberal policies. (The Ravens culture is deeply-rooted like football’s Middle East, but the culture itself is more Scandinavian.) Under Billick, training camps were short, and practices were light enough that, often times, players could theoretically have eschewed shoulder pads for flags. Veterans were not required to partake in every drill––which is fairly common in the NFL, but not on such an extreme level––and what little contact there was would usually involve the rookies and backups.
Camp Harbaugh won’t be so cushy. Hoping to build the team’s mental toughness through physical asperity, Harbaugh will order more violent drills and longer hours during the summer practices. And come autumn, a day off after a loss will be unlikely.
The veteran players will be receptive to this as long as they’re convinced it will help them win. Lewis and the defense remain stout under the guidance of coordinator Rex Ryan (who, despite the criticism a few years back, has done a marvelous job and has a great rapport with his crew). But the offense could be another story (or, the same old story).
Billick’s offensive brilliance never mustered any results (the coach didn’t have a Randy Moss-Cris Carter combination in Baltimore like he did in Minnesota). That’s why Harbaugh appointed coordinator Cam Cameron to remodel the whole structure.
Cameron’s offense is almost the antithesis of what has become familiar in Baltimore. The Ravens are reversing the playbook’s terminology, installing more three-receiver and shotgun formations and emphasizing individual stars like Todd Heap and Willis McGahee. Oh, and they’re also breaking in a rookie quarterback from the 1-AA ranks. Oh, and the offensive line holding it all together will feature a new starter at all five positions. Not helping matters is the fact that sagacious Hall of Fame left tackle Jonathan Ogden is gone, and so is emotional leader Mike Flynn and veteran field general Steve McNair.
This is why Harbaugh’s power must be firm. For years, Lewis and company have been waiting for the offense like it were Godot. Currently, they understand that a rebuilding project––another offensive rebuilding project––is taking place. But if offensive turnovers and three-and-outs are piling up come, say, October, do you really think they’ll remain patient?
It will be Harbaugh’s job to keep Baltimore’s easily-divided locker room united in 2008. He’ll need Lewis’s support in order to do so.
There is a very significant wrinkle to all this: Lewis’s contract situation. The team’s emotional centerpiece is one year away from becoming a free agent for the first time in his 13-year career. Coming off his ninth Pro Bowl appearance, Lewis undoubtedly wants to be compensated handsomely. Thus far, the Ravens have balked at reinvesting in the slowing 33-year-old. History has shown that when an official leader has one year left, his exertion of power usually allays. But when an unofficial leader has security for just one more year, his exertion of power tends to augment. Pride and urgency intensify emotions in both good and bad directions.
Harbaugh is in charge, and the Ravens know who they need on board in 2008. What happens from there will ultimately determine the fate of this organization for 2009 and beyond.

Offense
It’s one thing to throw the first-round quarterback from Boston College into the fire; it’s another to throw in the first-rounder from Delaware. Make no mistake––Joe Flacco is the future of this franchise. Standing 6’6” with a rocket arm and suitable athleticism, the 23-year-old has a chance to be the prototype passer that has never before come through this organization. But Baltimore must proceed with caution here. There’s always the risk that a disastrous start to a career can instill bad habits and damage the psyche (thus producing the type of passer that has come through this organization before).
One of those quarterbacks is Kyle Boller. A former first-round pick out of Cal, the sixth-year veteran has evolved into a disappointment––albeit a respected one. Boller works hard and is always prepared for action, whether as a starter or in a more fitting role off the bench. The problem is that he simply has too many defects. His accuracy and decision-making are sporadic at best (they can be downright awful when defenders get in his face).
These are unique circumstances in Baltimore. The Ravens run an enormous risk by starting Flacco too early. At the same time, they almost concede games by calling on Boller (who, by the way, is in the final year of his contract). What’s interesting is that Cam Cameron’s new offense is so foreign that both quarterbacks, as well as second-year scrambler Troy Smith, are on equal ground at this point.
Scouts have grumbled that Flacco takes too long to make his reads. This is a problem, considering the absence of speed at wide receiver. Don’t be surprised to see Boller––or even Smith––taking snaps in Week 1.
Whoever it is will be throwing to possession receivers Derrick Mason and Mark Clayton. Mason is prolific (103 receptions last season, 448 since 2002) and can make plays running after the catch. He doesn’t offer Clayton’s quickness or sharp change-of-direction, but he does a better job of getting open and exploiting his opportunities within the flow of the offense.
Baltimore will run more multi-receiver sets in ’08. But considering the unimpressive track record of third-year pro Demetrius Williams, the rawness of fourth-round rookie Marcus Smith and return specialist Yamon Figurs, and the near non-existent experience of Matt Willis, the Ravens’ 23rd-ranked passing game is going to improve at the resolve of tight end Todd Heap. Cameron plans to use the eighth-year veteran in the same manner that he used Antonio Gates in San Diego. This means splitting Heap out in the slot and putting him in motion. When healthy––which hasn’t been nearly often enough––Heap is capable of stretching the seams and elevating for circus catches. The Ravens just need him to be on the field; third-year pro Quinn Sypniewski is out with a blown knee, and backup tight end Daniel Wilcox is predominantly a blocker.
Cameron will not be able to use Willis McGahee in the same manner that he used LaDainian Tomlinson. McGahee simply isn’t quick or versatile enough. But the sixth-year pro is a solid enough runner to handle the power-rush load that is expected to define the ground game. What McGahee lacks in quickness and burst he makes up for in patience and vision. If he’s to be The Man, however, he must improve his endurance. McGahee has never been lauded for offseason conditioning, and critics quipped that he had to take himself out of games too often last year.
Second-round rookie Ray Rice can fill in when McGahee starts gasping for air. Rice gives the Ravens great speed and elusiveness in the open field, something they haven’t had from a running back since maybe Priest Holmes (if that).
Given McGahee’s running style, fullback LeRon McClain is an important piece to the puzzle. Backup fullback Justin Green is noted for his fluidity, but in fact, the 260-pound McClain––who is stronger as blocker––is fairly swift himself. Baltimore did not give McClain the ball much in ’07 (nine receptions, eight rushing attempts) but he could be capable of handling two or three touches a game.
McClain will primarily be an extension of a remade offensive line. All five spots feature a new starter. Most noteworthy is left tackle, where Hall of Famer Jonathan Ogden has been replaced by callow second-year man Jared Gaither. Picked up from nearby Maryland as a fifth-round supplemental draft prospect last season, the 6’9”, 350-pound Gaither has shown impressive flashes in practice and preseason activity. His skills are intrinsic, but he’s yet to learn how to channel them. And he’s yet to show true professionalism.
Considering he’s better on the left side than right, Adam Terry was thought to be Ogden’s replacement. Terry, however, does not show Gaither’s star potential. Given Terry’s mediocrity through three years, he’s not worth developing at football’s second most important offensive position. Terry instead will start again at right tackle. Marshal Yanda––the third-round rookie who stole Terry’s starting job last season––moves to his long-term position at right guard. Yanda is a little on the sloppy side, but he absorbs coach’s lessons and regularly finds ways to survive.
The Ravens would have loved for Chris Chester to become the starting center in ’08, but the former second-round pick has not developed the requisite strength to thrive inside. Offensive line coach Joe Matsko puts a lot of stock in leadership from the center, and the team was excited about awarding those duties to 25-year-old Jason Brown, a starting guard for much of his previous three years. Brown is great at nothing but acceptable at everything.
Saving the best for last, second-year guard Ben Grubbs moves from the right side to the left side in 2008. At the risk of over-building the hype, one can certainly say that Grubbs is already an elite lineman. He lands blocks at the second level on an everydown basis––an almost unheard of trait that requires mobility and intellectual fortitude. Some guards have been susceptible to the sophomore slump, so keep one eye open when watching how Grubbs handles his new position.
The Ravens are building a formidable line for the future. Three of their starters are in their second season, plus rookie mid-round backups Oniel Cousins and David Hale figure to get looks sometime down the road.

Defense
Even the finest ship in the Chesapeake Bay will eventually sink should a sharp enough object puncture through its keel and hull. The Ravens learned this last year when an injury-ravaged secondary destroyed their season. Baltimore’s pass defense was horrendous. There were six backups who saw significant action either as starters or elevated nickels. All six failed. The Ravens gave up a litany of big plays (a league-leading 15 over 40 yards), which explains why they ranked 20th in overall against the pass but 30th in yards allowed per pass play.
Rex Ryan was forced to use Ed Reed conservatively, as the game’s best free safety had to sit back in deep coverage and clean up everybody else’s mess. Consequently, Reed was a non-factor against the run (39 tackles). He did still manage to pick off seven passes (hey, the guy’s an All Pro).
The hope is that a healthy cornerbacking tandem of Chris McAllister and Samari Rolle will change Reed’s––and Baltimore’s––fortunes in 2008. McAllister is coming off knee surgery after missing eight games last season (including five of the final six). At 100 percent, he’s a physical cover corner who has a knack for getting his hands on the ball. Rolle has struggled with epilepsy as of late. At 32, he is out to prove that the disorder won’t derail his career. He restructured his contract and will make just $1.4 million in ’08, though his salary could escalate to as much as $3.9 million if he meets certain playing time milestones.
The Ravens place high value on their nickel back (GM Ozzie Smith once said he prioritizes the No. 3 cornerback position ahead of the starting strong safety position). This in mind, they were wise to trade for former Raider first-round pick Fabian Washington, a blazing-fast though shoddy-tackling fourth-year pro. Washington had a bad season in 2007 and a more miserable offseason shortly after (he was arrested for domestic battery and now must complete anger management classes). Saying all the right things, he’s eager to mature from his mistakes and rebound on the field (perhaps even as a No. 2 should Rolle struggle). Baltimore needs Washington to excel; their only other corner options are Frank Walker (underachiever) and Corey Ivy (one of the six liabilities from last year).
Strong safety Dawan Landry is the best player you’ve never heard of. Or at least never appreciated. Stuck in the shadow of Reed, the older brother of LaRon is a missile with a nose for the ball. Because of Reed’s deep coverage responsibilities, Landry is actually a more active down-to-down stopper for the Ravens.
Improved cornerbacks are expected to aid more than just the safeties. Linebackers Terrell Suggs and Bart Scott will be allowed to blitz more often in 2008, all but ensuring that they’ll improve on their measly six combined sacks from a year ago (the Ravens as a team had just 32 sacks). Both are terrific athletes who play with great pop at the point of attack. Suggs, who was slapped with the franchise tag over the offseason, will be playing for a new contract.
That would put him in the same boat as Ray Lewis. The Hurricane Godfather has lost a step, though his awareness and tenacity still enabled him to wrack up 121 tackles last season. Lewis will play next to converted defensive end Jarrett Johnson, an adept presence in open space. The energizing Nick Greisen is the only experienced backup. Third-round rookie Tavares Gooden can play all four positions, but not right away.
Although the Ravens use a three-man front, ends Trevor Pryce and Haloti Ngata, as well as nose tackle Kelly Gregg, are more than just blocker-gobblers. When he plays with strength, Pryce can be a punishing pass-rusher. He’ll work ahead of run-stopping backup Dwan Edwards in ’08. Ngata is becoming more of a playmaker. He already has enough power to anchor and disrupt on his right side of the line. Backing him up will be underrated Justin Bannan, a one-gap shooter who often lines up inside on the Ravens’ flexed four-man front. Gregg is one of the most active run-defending linemen in the game. His hard nose and unwavering energy allow him to break into the backfield on a regular basis.

Special Teams
The Ravens will have excellent coverage units in 2008. Over the offseason they signed perhaps the league’s best special teams player, Brendon Ayanbadejo. Rookie safeties Tom Zbikowski (third round) and Haruki Nakamura (sixth round) project as superb special teamers. And still on the roster are Gary Stills (a 10th-year kick and punt coverage aficionado), Corey Ivy and Antwan Barnes.
Kicker Matt Stover is 40 but still effective. His range is great and his accuracy is dependable––even under pressure. Punter Sam Koch averaged 43.6 yards per boot last season, but he must have fewer touchbacks and returns.
Second-year pro Yamon Figurs is the only player in franchise history to return a punt and a kickoff for a touchdown in the same season. Figurs has the speed and shiftiness to be elite –
He just needs to cut down on his mistakes.

Bottom Line
There is always plenty of talent in Baltimore, and having so many playmakers on defense makes the Ravens contenders on a weekly basis. That said, Jim Harbaugh and company are breaking in a new offensive system with a youthful line and––whether it’s Flacco, Smith or Boller––a sub-par quarterback (Flacco because of the learning curve, Smith because of the inexperience, Boller because he is Boller).

Myth Buster
Willis McGahee is a star
McGahee is an above average running back, but that’s about it. He needs too many factors to be properly aligned in order to thrive. He doesn’t have the creativity or quickness to make plays without blockers creating holes, and his acceleration only shows up on his second or third step (as opposed to the first).
McGahee’s effectiveness as a receiver is moderate (43 catches in ’07, but for only 231 yards). His conditioning has been called into question, which lends concerns about his stamina and durability. He’s never been accused of being a great team player.

Open Thought
I’m not so sure Ray Lewis doesn’t wear himself out just a bit with all the pregame hype and celebratory gyration. If you notice, Lewis goes nuts after every tackle he makes…in the first half. Late in the game, however, the flamboyance is not as common (though it’s still there).
He’s Ray Lewis, so he knows what he’s doing. His enthusiasm is somewhat self aggrandizing, but he’s done a good job of rubbing his energy off on teammates and fans. It’s Lewis’s M.O. In the book Next Man Up, author John Feinstein told a story about how the linebacker once went to the doctors office to have an injury looked at. In filling out the paper work, Lewis was asked to list his occupation. He wrote “entertainer.”

Tuesday, August 05, 2008

Josh Brown will be a Top Point Scoring Kicker in St. Louis

By The True Guru

If you haven't drafted yet, we highly recommend Josh Brown as your choice for a kicker. t only is he trending towards the middle of the pack for kickers, but he has moved to a dome, a offensive team, and frankly was already a great kicker. Look from him to have an excellent season kicking for the Rams and to put up top points for kickers. This guy will help your team win each week especially if you league gives points for longer kicks.

AFC North Predictions

By Andy Benoit, www.NFLTouchdown.com
Predictions
1. Pittsburgh Steelers
They return essentially the same defense that ranked No. 1 last year, plus they have several promising new weapons on offense.
2. Cleveland Browns
The trendiest pick in football this season. A division title is within reach, but what happens if Jamal Lewis or one of the defensive backs goes down?
3. Cincinnati Bengals
It’s nothing but chaos here. There’s enough talent for a playoff run, but that hasn’t seemed to matter the past two seasons.
4. Baltimore Ravens
Too much transition taking place for a team with this kind of quarterback situation.

Best Offseason Move
The Bengals calling Chad Johnson’s bluff. Perhaps they would have been better off trading the disenchanted star, but wasn’t it nice to see them not give any power to Ocho Cinco?

Worst Offseason Move
The Steelers letting Alan Faneca walk away.

Biggest Question
Are the Browns ready to capitalize on their ’07 success and finally take a quantum leap into the postseason?

Quick Hits
Team Bests
Passing Game 1 Bengals, 2 Browns, 3 Steelers, 4 Ravens
Running Game 1 Steelers, 2 Browns, 3 Ravens, 4 Bengals
Offensive Line 1 Browns, 2 Bengals, 3 Steelers, 4 Ravens
Pass Rush 1 Steelers, 2 Ravens, 3 Browns, 4 Bengals
Run Defense 1 Steelers, 2 Ravens, 3 Browns, 4 Bengals
Pass Defense 1 Ravens, 2 Steelers, 3 Browns, 4 Bengals
Special Teams 1 Browns, 2 Ravens, 3 Steelers, 4 Bengals
Coaching Staff 1 Steelers, 2 Browns, 3 Bengals, 4 Ravens
Front Office 1 Browns, 2 Ravens, 3 Steelers, 4 Bengals
Home Field Advantage 1 Steelers, 2 Browns, 3 Ravens, 4 Bengals

Player Bests
Pure Athlete Josh Cribbs, Browns
Big Play Threat Ed Reed, Ravens
Gets Most out of Talent Hank Fraley, Browns
Gets Least out of Talent Ahmad Brooks, Bengals
Breakout Prospects Santonio Holmes, Steelers
LaMarr Woodley, Steelers
Ben Grubbs, Ravens
Breakdown Prospects Willie Anderson, Bengals
Joe Jurevicius, Browns
Corey Ivy, Ravens
Best Leader Ray Lewis, Ravens
Unsung Hero Reggie Kelly, Bengals
Impact Veteran Acquisition Corey Williams, Browns
Impact Rookie Keith Rivers, Bengals

ALL-AFC NORTH TEAM
Offense
QB Carson Palmer, Bengals
RB Willie Parker, Steelers
FB LeRon McClain, Ravens
WR Chad Johnson, Bengals
WR Braylon Edwards, Browns
TE Kellen Winslow, Browns
LT Joe Thomas, Browns
LG Eric Steinbach, Browns
C Jason Brown, Ravens
RG Kendall Simmons, Steelers
RT Willie Colon, Steelers

Defense
DE Corey Williams, Browns
NT Casey Hampton, Steelers
DE Haloti Ngata, Ravens
OLB Terrell Suggs, Ravens
ILB Ray Lewis, Ravens
ILB Bart Scott, Ravens
OLB Kamerion Wimbley, Browns
CB Chris McAlister, Ravens
FS Ed Reed, Ravens
SS Troy Polamalu, Steelers
CB Leon Hall, Bengals

Specials
K Phil Dawson, Browns
P Daniel Sepulveda, Steelers
RS Joshua Cribbs, Browns
ST Brendon Ayanbadejo, Ravens

Monday, August 04, 2008

Canton Game Hi-Lites

After each week of games i will be giving a hi-lite package of the unknowns who might try to fight for a job.

Last night was the Hall of Fame Game and there were a few standouts.

Washington brought in Colt Brennan who was impressive has he was 9-10 for 123 yards and 2 TD's. The Redskin QB's as a whole were 19 of 22 for 216 yards and 3 touchdowns. Not bad. Sure against a lot of players who will never see game time in a season game, but some of Brennan's passes would have beat any defender, especially his first pass. His stock was never great coming out of college even with big numbers, but it was Hawaii. That's right Hawaii, and it is for that reason no-one thought he would be able to step up to the next level. Keep an eye for him throughout the pre-season as he is going to force Todd Collins to work hard to not hold a clipboard come September.

Also from the Redskins was Mike Hart. In his last two seasons in Michigan he busted Michigan records as he accumulated 2923 yards rushing and 28 TD's plus 1 receiving. Last night he carried the ball 4 times and this shifty Wolverine gained 53 yards. He looked good, but he has to go through Rock Cartwright, Ladell Betts and of course Portis to hit the field.

For the Colts, Gijon Robinson caught 4 passes for 49 yards and looks to start where Ben Utecht has in the past few years. Gijon showed good hands and pass route ability as well as a good blocker.

On a strange note, for the first time since watching a CFL game I witnessed a place kicker punt as well. Yes the Colts Adam Crossett punts and kick field goals. He might end up somewhere who needs both.

See you next week.

Sunday, August 03, 2008

Defense and Special Teams

First and foremost i must apologize about my lack of blogging and now that i am back i will continue where i left off with my fantasy outlooks for the 2008. I haven't touched Wide Receiver and Running Backs as these I wanted camps to open and a few pre-season games to be played before i give my report. Look for them in mid august, prior to your big fantasy leagues to start up.

Now for the Defense. Look for my Defense cheat sheets at
http://www.fantasyfootballsearch.com/playbook/playbook_55.asp.
Here is why and how i have ranked them.

Defenses score huge points in a lot of league so PLEASE KNOW YOUR SETTINGS. If they do score big, don't be afraid to take the best of the best in the 6-7 round. if they go before you wait till a little later as there is a big bunch in the middle who can all surprise. Remember, some league score points for defense on Kick Returns. Check and pick accordingly.

THE BUST:
DA BEARS - Could there be any other bust here other than the Chicago Bears. No qb. No rb. No wr. All of that equals lots of defense, which means lots of points against, and even if you are in a special team/defense league Hester's 6 (if that) touchdowns can't help them here.

THE SLEEPER:
RAIDERSSSSSSS - Yes the Raiders. The last two years they could stop the pass easy but were the worst at the run. Did they improve against the run; NO! So how can i have them as a sleeper? Fantasy points baby. Linebackers Morrison and Howard had 10 INT's alone last year with 2 TD's. Nnamdi Asomugha who had 8 INT's in 06' and 1 last year when no-one threw to him. Now enter DeAngelo Hall who after his rookie season has had an average of 5 INT's and World Champion safety Gibril Wilson who had 4 last year and averaged 3 every year of his career. Both Raiders safeties Wison and Huff were playing in off positions, Wilson played Free Safety and Raiders 1st round pick in 06 Micheal Huff was playing strong safety, when he was a Free safety at Texas. Now both are switching and are already comfortable. All of that coverage will allow the 7 others to focus on the run, making them better, not great at run stoppage. But again this is about points. If those six players average 3 int's each that is 18 and for how many touchdowns. Now insert what is to be the easiest schedule they have had in 6 years.

BEST OF THE BEST:
3. Jacksonville - Still improving on defense this year will allow them to keep the score down scoring fantasy owners points on few points against. Sacks will be huge there as well as they spread out that huge coverage and everyone gets a piece of the qb's butt there.

2. New England - All teams will once against be playing from behind, therefore throwing the ball everywhere and not scoring anything but dirty points in the late fourth quarter.

1. Minnesota - That Defense is stupid. What was already a great line got better with Jared Allen complimenting Ray Edwards who had 5 sacks in 12 games last year when being doubled. They picked up a new safety Madieu Williams to help with the pass defense which was weak, but mostly because they couldn't get to the qb. Plus please don't forget about that run defense who was #1 in the league and has only gotten better since those around them have more talent.

Others to lock in on.
Cowboys - They should win the division, but will need to do it with defense, especially since the Redskins improved with the Jason Taylor move.
Redskins - Jason Taylor will help against a qb heavy division.
Chargers - Always a great defense.
Green Bay - No one knows what will happen on offense so the defense will have to step up and will as they have 4 gimmes with the Lions and Bears.
Tennessee - Still getting better and if the offense can keep they off the field they will be even stronger.

Till Next week, enjoy the Canton Game tonight and lets all have a cheers to the official start of the NFL SEASON.
May all your players be studs and all your weeks be winners
Aj Pelletier of http://www.nflfantasyplaybook.com/