It was a tale of 2 halves at Jacksonville on Thursday so similar to the game, I will leave you with 2 thoughts regarding last nights preseason loss.
1. Jason Campbell looked good and the offense seemed to move the ball with him in command. The best part is the offense has had some success this preseason without Clinton Portis playing a single down. So add a healthy Portis to this group and hopefully we have a repeat of 2005. The starting defense has also played well all year and it is obvious that as long as this team is healthy it is a lot better than the 5 win team of last year.
2. Jacksonville's TD at the end of the 1st half really changed the flow of the game and in his only action this preseason Jordan Palmer proved he is no Carson. I don't know what the long term hopes are for him but I would have thought that it would have been better for his development if he actually played when the games don't count. He is destined for the practice squad but if the Skins have decided to get rid of Mark Brunell then there is a very raw No. 3 QB in the wings.
BONUS: Ok, after typing the first two thoughts I remembered I had 1 more - and it has nothing to do with QB's. This team in LOADED at LB. I watched most of the first half and part of the second but the play of guys like Anthony Trucks and HB Blades has really been impressive, which makes it hard to figure who will actually make the final roster. Depending on which LBs are cut you know they will bounce back with another team and it has really been fun watching the defense in general.
The games count starting next week so hopefully all of this will translate into a season opening win against Miami. Hail to the Redskins
Friday, August 31, 2007
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Preseason Game 4: Redskins vs. Jaguars
Washington (2-1) vs. Jacksonville (2-1)
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET at ALLTEL Stadium
ESPN game preview (once again not a whole lot of info because it is preseason)
The final preseason game is upon us, meaning the real stuff is right around the corner. But before we get to that the Skins will tune up for their season opener against Miami with another Florida-based team, the Jaguars. Jason Campbell has talked Joe Gibbs into letting him start this meaningless contest so let's hope Gibbs has the sense not to leave him in there too long.
Mark Brunell looks to get a long look at QB and considering his shot last week to impress the coaches was canceled because of lightning, he better do something pretty impressive this week if he wants to be the backup. Todd Collins has been awesome this preseason and should have the No. 2 job wrapped up.
The only other thing I personally am interested in is seeing how recent acquisitions Randall Godfrey and Pete Kendall look in Skins uniforms. Hopefully this game will give them enough of a chance to adjust to their teammates so they are ready to go next week.
Also, check out the Helmet Project, purveyors of the great helmets you see at the top of this post.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Preseason Game 3 recap
Because last night's game was abbreviated due to a lightning storm in the area (which, for those of you who don't live or weren't in DC last night was probably one of the most intense storms I've ever been in and I've lived in 10 different states), I decided to keep my recap of the game abbreviated as well.
1. Even if Todd Collins throws 3 interceptions in next week's preseason finale, he should be the backup to Jason Campbell. He has been the only QB - Campbell included - to get the offense to move up and down the field and last night he did it against a good defense in Baltimore. And as long as we are on the subject, the Skins should release Mark Brunell and keep Jesse Palmer as the No. 3 QB and give him some playing time in Thursday's game.
2. Not wanting to read too much into preseason play but if these games are a sign of things to come, last season's defensive struggles were an aberration. The finally gave up a TD to the Ravens at the end of the first half but they really made Baltimore pay for its mistakes early in the game.
3. With game left in the preseason - a Thursday night affair in Jacksonville - it would be nice to see Washington get out of the game with no injuries to the starters and for all of the guys fighting for the final spots on the team to have great games and make it difficult for the coaching staff to decide who to keep. Most of these guys will never see the field during the regular season but it would be nice if their hard work this summer was rewarded with a solid final game.
1. Even if Todd Collins throws 3 interceptions in next week's preseason finale, he should be the backup to Jason Campbell. He has been the only QB - Campbell included - to get the offense to move up and down the field and last night he did it against a good defense in Baltimore. And as long as we are on the subject, the Skins should release Mark Brunell and keep Jesse Palmer as the No. 3 QB and give him some playing time in Thursday's game.
2. Not wanting to read too much into preseason play but if these games are a sign of things to come, last season's defensive struggles were an aberration. The finally gave up a TD to the Ravens at the end of the first half but they really made Baltimore pay for its mistakes early in the game.
3. With game left in the preseason - a Thursday night affair in Jacksonville - it would be nice to see Washington get out of the game with no injuries to the starters and for all of the guys fighting for the final spots on the team to have great games and make it difficult for the coaching staff to decide who to keep. Most of these guys will never see the field during the regular season but it would be nice if their hard work this summer was rewarded with a solid final game.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Preseason Game 3: Redskins vs. Ravens
Washington (1-1) vs. Baltimore (1-1)
Time: 8 p.m. ET at FedEx Field
ESPN game preview (once again not a whole lot of info because it is preseason)
It's week 3 and while this would normally be the longest appearance for the starters this preseason, last week's injury to Jason Campbell means the Skins will be without their starting QB. Their may actually some benefit to this though as it will give Joe Gibbs a long look at the guys competing to become the backup with Todd Collins getting the start. Collins has looked pretty good in both of his appearances, leading the offense to both of its TD's. The Battle of the Beltway gets underway tonight with futures of players on both teams at stake.
Once again, here is the link to the Helmet Project.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Preseason Game 2 recap
Observations from Saturday's 12-10 loss to Pittsburgh:
1. How many times are we going to watch stars go down with injuries in meaningless games before a different approach is taken. Luckily it looks like the Jason Campbell injury isn't too serious but losing Marcus Washington could be almost as big. Washington's loss wasn't felt too bad last night but if he misses any regular season games, the defense may have a hard time trying to erase last season's struggles.
2. Speaking of the defense, it looks really good considering the competition at this point but anyone who thinks this defense will be like last year's is going to be sadly mistaken. London Fletcher seems to be a great addition in the middle and seems to be providing a much needed spark.
3. Again, it's only the preseason but Todd Collins looked good when he came in for Campbell and marched the offense down the field for a score while Mark Brunell again looked old. Brunell moved the offense somewhat in the final drive and it wasn't his fault that last pass was intercepted - he can't control his receiver tipping it to a defender - but where he threw the ball was what concerned me. With no timeouts and less than 20 seconds, a long pass down the middle of the field was probably not the right place to throw the ball in the first place. If that pass had been caught, I find it hard to see the offense getting set up and stopping the clock with a spike before time ran out. He should have gone to the sidelines in hopes of being able to get the field goal team on in time.
Despite the loss things seem to be encouraging but we won't have any idea how much impact this work in the preseason will have until the first games are played. The battle for I-95 is up next.
1. How many times are we going to watch stars go down with injuries in meaningless games before a different approach is taken. Luckily it looks like the Jason Campbell injury isn't too serious but losing Marcus Washington could be almost as big. Washington's loss wasn't felt too bad last night but if he misses any regular season games, the defense may have a hard time trying to erase last season's struggles.
2. Speaking of the defense, it looks really good considering the competition at this point but anyone who thinks this defense will be like last year's is going to be sadly mistaken. London Fletcher seems to be a great addition in the middle and seems to be providing a much needed spark.
3. Again, it's only the preseason but Todd Collins looked good when he came in for Campbell and marched the offense down the field for a score while Mark Brunell again looked old. Brunell moved the offense somewhat in the final drive and it wasn't his fault that last pass was intercepted - he can't control his receiver tipping it to a defender - but where he threw the ball was what concerned me. With no timeouts and less than 20 seconds, a long pass down the middle of the field was probably not the right place to throw the ball in the first place. If that pass had been caught, I find it hard to see the offense getting set up and stopping the clock with a spike before time ran out. He should have gone to the sidelines in hopes of being able to get the field goal team on in time.
Despite the loss things seem to be encouraging but we won't have any idea how much impact this work in the preseason will have until the first games are played. The battle for I-95 is up next.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Preseason Game 2: Redskins vs. Steelers
Washington (1-0) vs. Pittsburgh (1-1)
Time: 8 p.m. ET at FedEx Field
ESPN game preview (not a whole lot of info because it is preseason)
The second week of the preseason only usually differs from the first in that the starters usually play a little longer. However, Washington left most of their starters in for the entire first half last week so who knows how long anyone will play. The coaching staff is hoping the starting O will put points on the board and but Pittsburgh always has one of the toughest D's. No reason to get overexcited by a win or frustrated by a loss but let's hope we can keep key players healthy another week.
[UPDATE] I forgot to include the link to the Helmet Project again.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Preseason Game 1 recap
I realize that Saturday's game was the preseason opener but there were still a few things of note.
1. Jason Campbell still has a lot to learn. Campbell made some good plays and reads but he also made some mistakes, something that just about every young QB goes through. Hopefully these extra reps with the first team will count though and help him adjust to the role of a starter faster.
2. Mark Brunell is old and still holds the ball too long. Tennessee had five sacks in the game and a majority of them were because Brunell held onto the ball about 6 seconds longer than he needed too and pump-faked about 3 times a pass play. Mark, I've got an idea for you - try throwing the ball.
3. Vince Young is going to be way overexposed. Hey, did you hear that Young was suspended before the game for violating team rules? Yeah, I got that message too by the fourth time it was announced in the first quarter. I think the announcers only mentioned it after every other play.
4. If the season started tomorrow, Todd Collins would be the guy. He completed all 5 of his passes, led the offense to its only TD and got the team its first preseason win since 2005. If that isn't a recipe for jumping to conclusions and putting too much stock into a meaningless game I don't know what is.
5. One request for next week - instead of playing Brunell, let's see what Carson Palmer's kid brother Jordan can do. The Skins entered the week with 5 QB's and Palmer beat out Casey Bramlet for the fourth spot prompting Bramlet's release. But how do we know if Palmer could be better than Brunell and/or Collins if he doesn't play? Put him in coach.
Maybe next week there will be more to talk about other than the QB's.
1. Jason Campbell still has a lot to learn. Campbell made some good plays and reads but he also made some mistakes, something that just about every young QB goes through. Hopefully these extra reps with the first team will count though and help him adjust to the role of a starter faster.
2. Mark Brunell is old and still holds the ball too long. Tennessee had five sacks in the game and a majority of them were because Brunell held onto the ball about 6 seconds longer than he needed too and pump-faked about 3 times a pass play. Mark, I've got an idea for you - try throwing the ball.
3. Vince Young is going to be way overexposed. Hey, did you hear that Young was suspended before the game for violating team rules? Yeah, I got that message too by the fourth time it was announced in the first quarter. I think the announcers only mentioned it after every other play.
4. If the season started tomorrow, Todd Collins would be the guy. He completed all 5 of his passes, led the offense to its only TD and got the team its first preseason win since 2005. If that isn't a recipe for jumping to conclusions and putting too much stock into a meaningless game I don't know what is.
5. One request for next week - instead of playing Brunell, let's see what Carson Palmer's kid brother Jordan can do. The Skins entered the week with 5 QB's and Palmer beat out Casey Bramlet for the fourth spot prompting Bramlet's release. But how do we know if Palmer could be better than Brunell and/or Collins if he doesn't play? Put him in coach.
Maybe next week there will be more to talk about other than the QB's.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Preseason Game 1: Redskins at Titans
Washington at Tennessee
Time: 8 p.m. ET
TV: (Somewhat) nationally televised on NFL Network
ESPN game preview (not a whole lot of info because it is preseason)
No matter what the Washington coaching staff says, there are only two things that matter in this game and the outcome isn't one of them. What the Skins need to do is get through the game with all of their starters still healthy and at some point the offense needs to show it can move the ball effectively, despite the fact the offense may be pretty simple again.
The only thing that makes this game watchable is if you have an underdog you are rooting for to make the team, this will be the best chance to see them get some good playing time. But if you are looking for the starters, check back in game 3. Anyways, let's hope this one goes better than last year's preseason opener in Cincinnati. Hail to the Redskins!
[UPDATE] In order to jazz up the site a little, I have added these helmets from the site the Helmet Project. Check them out for art of just about every football helmet from the history of time (Ok maybe not THAT many helmets but its pretty close).
2007 Previews: Redskins defense
The second part of my two part series previewing the Redskins, here are 3 keys on the defensive side of the ball that will need to take place if Washington is going to head back the playoffs.
1. LaRon Landry needs to prove he was worth the pick. Washington set franchise lows in sacks and with fans clamoring for the addition of a(nother) pass rusher, the Skins used their first pick on Landry. Washington also had a tough time forcing turnovers and the thought process here has to be that adding Landry will help force more turnovers, which in turn will aid the pass rush. The normal thought process is usually the other way around but then again, when have the Skins gone with the traditional way of thinking? Gregg Williams always has a unique way to use his personnel and he should have a lot of fun adding Landry skills to a defensive backfield that already includes heavy-hitting Sean Taylor.
2. Speaking of a pass rush. With no major changes to the defensive line, Andre Carter and company have to prove that they can get to the QB this season. Carter was last year's high priced pickup and other than recording a sack in each of the last 3 games, he was mediocre at best. Aging vets Phillip Daniels and Renaldo Wynn probably don't have much left either and with the DT's used more as run stuffers, the DE's will need to give it everything they have left to help this defense get back to being one of the best in the league.
3. Please stay healthy. Losing pro bowlers Marcus Washington, Shawn Springs and Cornelius Griffin at different points last year obviously hurt the performance of this unit and Washington is hoping that the additions it made and the maturation of young players will compensate for the loss of any players to injury this year but the Skins cannot afford to lose its stars on defense again this year. Every team has certain losses it can overcome and certain losses it can't and obviously last year's losses were ones Washington couldn't absorb. If these guys go down again, it is quite possible the defense will stall again.
1. LaRon Landry needs to prove he was worth the pick. Washington set franchise lows in sacks and with fans clamoring for the addition of a(nother) pass rusher, the Skins used their first pick on Landry. Washington also had a tough time forcing turnovers and the thought process here has to be that adding Landry will help force more turnovers, which in turn will aid the pass rush. The normal thought process is usually the other way around but then again, when have the Skins gone with the traditional way of thinking? Gregg Williams always has a unique way to use his personnel and he should have a lot of fun adding Landry skills to a defensive backfield that already includes heavy-hitting Sean Taylor.
2. Speaking of a pass rush. With no major changes to the defensive line, Andre Carter and company have to prove that they can get to the QB this season. Carter was last year's high priced pickup and other than recording a sack in each of the last 3 games, he was mediocre at best. Aging vets Phillip Daniels and Renaldo Wynn probably don't have much left either and with the DT's used more as run stuffers, the DE's will need to give it everything they have left to help this defense get back to being one of the best in the league.
3. Please stay healthy. Losing pro bowlers Marcus Washington, Shawn Springs and Cornelius Griffin at different points last year obviously hurt the performance of this unit and Washington is hoping that the additions it made and the maturation of young players will compensate for the loss of any players to injury this year but the Skins cannot afford to lose its stars on defense again this year. Every team has certain losses it can overcome and certain losses it can't and obviously last year's losses were ones Washington couldn't absorb. If these guys go down again, it is quite possible the defense will stall again.
Friday, August 10, 2007
2007 Previews: Redskins offense
With the first preseason game fast approaching, I decided it was finally time to give my thoughts on Washington for the upcoming season. But because this is a Redskins blog I have decided to breakdown my Skins preview into 2 parts, an offensive preview and defensive preview.
So for my offensive preview, here are three keys to a successful season on offense.
1. Keep Jason Campbell in a position to play effectively. I know Campbell got quite a bit of experience at the end of last season but he still has a lot to learn and if the Skins are going to win games this year, they need to make sure Campbell only has to manage games and not win them. When the Skins were ahead Campbell proved effective and did a good job of controlling the game. But when they needed Campbell's arm to win, he played like every other first time NFL QB, he forced throws and had a tough time making big plays. Campbell will eventually need to make plays on his own to prove his worth but for right now, he just needs to not lose.
2. Play Redskins football - run the ball. Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts make a lethal 1-2 punch, especially with the way Betts performed as the No. 1 guy when Portis was injured last year. The problem though is Al Saunders' vaunted playbook didn't value the smash mouth football Washington has always played. Regardless of what personnel has been on the team or who has been the coach, Washington has only consistently won football games one way - by running it straight at their opponent. It will be no different this year, and if Saunders' system doesn't key in on this right away look for Joe Gibbs to take over playcalling duties again this season.
3. Will the No. 2 WR please stand up? Santana Moss and Chris Cooley have both proven to be capable receivers but Washington's quest for a solid No. 2 still has not produced a unanimous result. David Patten, Brandon Lloyd, Antwaan Randle El, James Thrash and Taylor Jacobs all have tried to fill the post but none ever had a solid claim to the position. If Moss and Cooley are to remain effective options a second WR will have to step up this season. Lloyd, Randle El and Thrash are all still on the squad and battling for the spot again this year but if none of them are up to the task they could easily find themselves following Patten and Jacobs out of town. A solid No. 2 WR will also greatly assist in the development of Campbell.
Again, defensive keys will be tomorrow night and a preview of the first preseason game against Tennessee will be posted Saturday. Football season is here so let's enjoy it before it's gone again.
So for my offensive preview, here are three keys to a successful season on offense.
1. Keep Jason Campbell in a position to play effectively. I know Campbell got quite a bit of experience at the end of last season but he still has a lot to learn and if the Skins are going to win games this year, they need to make sure Campbell only has to manage games and not win them. When the Skins were ahead Campbell proved effective and did a good job of controlling the game. But when they needed Campbell's arm to win, he played like every other first time NFL QB, he forced throws and had a tough time making big plays. Campbell will eventually need to make plays on his own to prove his worth but for right now, he just needs to not lose.
2. Play Redskins football - run the ball. Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts make a lethal 1-2 punch, especially with the way Betts performed as the No. 1 guy when Portis was injured last year. The problem though is Al Saunders' vaunted playbook didn't value the smash mouth football Washington has always played. Regardless of what personnel has been on the team or who has been the coach, Washington has only consistently won football games one way - by running it straight at their opponent. It will be no different this year, and if Saunders' system doesn't key in on this right away look for Joe Gibbs to take over playcalling duties again this season.
3. Will the No. 2 WR please stand up? Santana Moss and Chris Cooley have both proven to be capable receivers but Washington's quest for a solid No. 2 still has not produced a unanimous result. David Patten, Brandon Lloyd, Antwaan Randle El, James Thrash and Taylor Jacobs all have tried to fill the post but none ever had a solid claim to the position. If Moss and Cooley are to remain effective options a second WR will have to step up this season. Lloyd, Randle El and Thrash are all still on the squad and battling for the spot again this year but if none of them are up to the task they could easily find themselves following Patten and Jacobs out of town. A solid No. 2 WR will also greatly assist in the development of Campbell.
Again, defensive keys will be tomorrow night and a preview of the first preseason game against Tennessee will be posted Saturday. Football season is here so let's enjoy it before it's gone again.
Thursday, August 2, 2007
2007 Previews: Tennessee Titans
Note: This is a team-by-team look previewing the 2007 season. These are my official thoughts on how I think things will play out.
Last year: 8-8 (second in AFC South)
Best addition: Nick Harper (CB, Colts)
Key personnel loss: Travis Henry (RB, Broncos)
2007 outlook: Vince Young almost single handedly carried this team to the playoffs last year without a ton of help and with the additions the Titans made this offseason they may actually be able to make a playoff run. Young's biggest problem on offense may be finding a steady go-to receiver, but the running game could have some success as long as LenDale White doesn't eat himself out of job, Chris Brown stays healthy and Chris Henry proves to be an NFL-caliber RB after not doing much in college.
The Titans should be solid on defense as the addition of Harper should offset the loss of Pacman Jones. The multitude of defensive players drafted in 2004 are now entering their fourth seasons and should be ready to become the defense the Titans envisioned when they picked all of these players. If they don't it won't matter how much Young does on offense.
Key to success: The playmaking ability of Young will keep the Titans in games no matter how bad the offense is, but if Tennessee is going to take that next step, it will need its defense to stop opposing teams and keep deficits low so Young can work his magic.
Against Washington: Young picked up his first win as an NFL QB by victimizing the Skins last year in Washington 25-22. The two teams do not meet during the regular season but will actually open preseason play against each other in Tennessee next Saturday.
Fantasy sleeper: Chris Henry. Someone will win the starting RB role in Tennessee and with White's weight issues and Brown's injury history, the stage is set for the rookie Henry to excel. And with Young's playmaking ability, he could be the second straight Henry to have a career year in Tennessee (Travis Henry put a lot of concerns of his own with a stellar year last year). Keep Henry in mind as an extra bench player, ready to be used if needed, until he proves what type of rookie season he is going to have.
Last year: 8-8 (second in AFC South)
Best addition: Nick Harper (CB, Colts)
Key personnel loss: Travis Henry (RB, Broncos)
2007 outlook: Vince Young almost single handedly carried this team to the playoffs last year without a ton of help and with the additions the Titans made this offseason they may actually be able to make a playoff run. Young's biggest problem on offense may be finding a steady go-to receiver, but the running game could have some success as long as LenDale White doesn't eat himself out of job, Chris Brown stays healthy and Chris Henry proves to be an NFL-caliber RB after not doing much in college.
The Titans should be solid on defense as the addition of Harper should offset the loss of Pacman Jones. The multitude of defensive players drafted in 2004 are now entering their fourth seasons and should be ready to become the defense the Titans envisioned when they picked all of these players. If they don't it won't matter how much Young does on offense.
Key to success: The playmaking ability of Young will keep the Titans in games no matter how bad the offense is, but if Tennessee is going to take that next step, it will need its defense to stop opposing teams and keep deficits low so Young can work his magic.
Against Washington: Young picked up his first win as an NFL QB by victimizing the Skins last year in Washington 25-22. The two teams do not meet during the regular season but will actually open preseason play against each other in Tennessee next Saturday.
Fantasy sleeper: Chris Henry. Someone will win the starting RB role in Tennessee and with White's weight issues and Brown's injury history, the stage is set for the rookie Henry to excel. And with Young's playmaking ability, he could be the second straight Henry to have a career year in Tennessee (Travis Henry put a lot of concerns of his own with a stellar year last year). Keep Henry in mind as an extra bench player, ready to be used if needed, until he proves what type of rookie season he is going to have.
2007 Previews: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Note: This is a team-by-team look previewing the 2007 season. These are my official thoughts on how I think things will play out.
Last year: 4-12 (fourth in NFC South)
Best addition: Cato June (LB, Colts)
Key personnel loss: Kenyatta Walker (OL, FA)
2007 outlook: Last year the Bucs got really old really fast, so they are hoping an infusion of youth will help them get back to the Super Bowl. While they still have some major QB issues, Tampa Bay does have solid skill position players including Cadillac Williams and Joey Galloway but even they need to rebound from bad years.
Defensively the situation doesn't appear to be much better but adding to June to the LB corp should at least be a boost to that unit. The secondary is also in decent shape while rookie Gaines Adams is the lone guy with potential on an aging line that recently let go of Simeon Rice.
Key to success: The Bucs are going to need a lot of help, and a lot of career years from a lot of players, to even think about making the playoffs. Jon Gruden appears to be on a short leash and unless he gets some help, he may find himself looking for another job at the end of the year.
Against Washington: The Skins will make the trip to sunny Florida to face the Bucs on Nov. 25. Washington has had some success against the Bucs of late and hopefully they can continue that success this year as the Skins try to make the playoffs.
Fantasy sleeper: Maurice Stovall. Another young WR that will be relied on heavily to help out a sluggish offense, Stovall is built in the mold of Randy Moss and Terrell Owens. This would bode really well for Tampa Bay if it had a QB but Stovall should still flourish anyway. Anyone desperate for WR should look at Stovall on the waiver wire, if not in the last round or two.
Last year: 4-12 (fourth in NFC South)
Best addition: Cato June (LB, Colts)
Key personnel loss: Kenyatta Walker (OL, FA)
2007 outlook: Last year the Bucs got really old really fast, so they are hoping an infusion of youth will help them get back to the Super Bowl. While they still have some major QB issues, Tampa Bay does have solid skill position players including Cadillac Williams and Joey Galloway but even they need to rebound from bad years.
Defensively the situation doesn't appear to be much better but adding to June to the LB corp should at least be a boost to that unit. The secondary is also in decent shape while rookie Gaines Adams is the lone guy with potential on an aging line that recently let go of Simeon Rice.
Key to success: The Bucs are going to need a lot of help, and a lot of career years from a lot of players, to even think about making the playoffs. Jon Gruden appears to be on a short leash and unless he gets some help, he may find himself looking for another job at the end of the year.
Against Washington: The Skins will make the trip to sunny Florida to face the Bucs on Nov. 25. Washington has had some success against the Bucs of late and hopefully they can continue that success this year as the Skins try to make the playoffs.
Fantasy sleeper: Maurice Stovall. Another young WR that will be relied on heavily to help out a sluggish offense, Stovall is built in the mold of Randy Moss and Terrell Owens. This would bode really well for Tampa Bay if it had a QB but Stovall should still flourish anyway. Anyone desperate for WR should look at Stovall on the waiver wire, if not in the last round or two.
2007 Previews: Seattle Seahawks
I apologize for this update being late, I've been a little under the weather lately.
Note: This is a team-by-team look previewing the 2007 season. These are my official thoughts on how I think things will play out.
Last year: 9-7 (NFC West champs)
Best addition: Patrick Kerney (DE, Falcons)
Key personnel loss: Darrell Jackson (WR, 49ers)
2007 outlook: For the last couple of years, the Seahawks have been one of the teams to beat in the NFC, and this year should be no different. With an offense that boasts Shaun Alexander, Matt Hasselbeck and Deion Branch, this team should be able to put up points and as long as Alexander and Hasselbeck stay healthy this year, they should at least win the NFC West again.
The most changes to the team were made on defense where the Seahawks signed three potential new starters, including Kerney, in hopes of improving last year's record. If things go as planned, Seattle could surprisingly boast one of the NFC's best defenses to compliment its offense.
Key to success: The one chink in Seattle's armor could be its WR's. Besides Branch, Seattle is pinning its hopes on third-year player D.J. Hackett and aging veteran Bobby Engram. If Hackett and Engram can't perform consistently teams will be able to double team Branch and effectively shut down the Seahawks' passing game.
Against Washington: Few Skins fans will forget that it was Seattle who ended Washington's playoff run in 2005 after the Skins beat them during the regular season. Skins fans will have to wait a little longer for vindication as Seattle is not on this year's schedule.
Fantasy sleeper: D.J. Hackett. The key to Seattle's offense is Hackett and if he can deliver, he could be a surprising fantasy sleeper, making any owner that takes a chance on him a smart owner if he performs up to expectations. But don't pass up other, more consistent WR's if they are still on the board unless you want to take a chance.
Note: This is a team-by-team look previewing the 2007 season. These are my official thoughts on how I think things will play out.
Last year: 9-7 (NFC West champs)
Best addition: Patrick Kerney (DE, Falcons)
Key personnel loss: Darrell Jackson (WR, 49ers)
2007 outlook: For the last couple of years, the Seahawks have been one of the teams to beat in the NFC, and this year should be no different. With an offense that boasts Shaun Alexander, Matt Hasselbeck and Deion Branch, this team should be able to put up points and as long as Alexander and Hasselbeck stay healthy this year, they should at least win the NFC West again.
The most changes to the team were made on defense where the Seahawks signed three potential new starters, including Kerney, in hopes of improving last year's record. If things go as planned, Seattle could surprisingly boast one of the NFC's best defenses to compliment its offense.
Key to success: The one chink in Seattle's armor could be its WR's. Besides Branch, Seattle is pinning its hopes on third-year player D.J. Hackett and aging veteran Bobby Engram. If Hackett and Engram can't perform consistently teams will be able to double team Branch and effectively shut down the Seahawks' passing game.
Against Washington: Few Skins fans will forget that it was Seattle who ended Washington's playoff run in 2005 after the Skins beat them during the regular season. Skins fans will have to wait a little longer for vindication as Seattle is not on this year's schedule.
Fantasy sleeper: D.J. Hackett. The key to Seattle's offense is Hackett and if he can deliver, he could be a surprising fantasy sleeper, making any owner that takes a chance on him a smart owner if he performs up to expectations. But don't pass up other, more consistent WR's if they are still on the board unless you want to take a chance.
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
2007 Previews: San Francisco 49ers
Note: This is a team-by-team look previewing the 2007 season. These are my official thoughts on how I think things will play out.
Last year: 14-2 (AFC West champs)
Best addition: Nate Clements (CB, Bills)
Key personnel loss: Anthony Adams (DT, Bears)
2007 outlook: If anyone doubts how serious San Francisco is about becoming one of the top teams in the league again, just look at what the 49ers have done in the last three years - especially this offseason. The addition of Clements and Michael Lewis significantly upgrade the secondary while the offense also gets a boost from former Seahawks WR Darrell Jackson and hopefully Ashley Lelie.
But the biggest key here will be the maturation of QB Alex Smith and RB Frank Gore. Gore will have to overcome the setback of a broken hand that will force him to miss the entire preseason, but if he can keep close to last year's production, he will be an important piece once again.
Key to success: This team is going no where until Smith can lead them there - but after the large leaps he took last year, this could potentially be the year SF gets back to the playoffs. Smith has the smarts and the athletic ability to succeed - he just needs to make sure he takes advantage of his new weapons.
Against Washington: Washington has had a couple of lopsided wins against SF lately but fortunately for the 49ers, the Skins are not on the team's schedule this season.
Fantasy sleeper: Alex Smith. He is the future of this franchise but Gore and Jackson are both rated as higher fantasy prospects than Smith. And while getting a top flight RB needs to be a top priority, getting a good QB later in the draft is just as essential and Smith may fill that role as quickly as this season. Smith should be a pleasant surprise but make sure you have another proven QB if you are thinking about giving Smith a chance.
Last year: 14-2 (AFC West champs)
Best addition: Nate Clements (CB, Bills)
Key personnel loss: Anthony Adams (DT, Bears)
2007 outlook: If anyone doubts how serious San Francisco is about becoming one of the top teams in the league again, just look at what the 49ers have done in the last three years - especially this offseason. The addition of Clements and Michael Lewis significantly upgrade the secondary while the offense also gets a boost from former Seahawks WR Darrell Jackson and hopefully Ashley Lelie.
But the biggest key here will be the maturation of QB Alex Smith and RB Frank Gore. Gore will have to overcome the setback of a broken hand that will force him to miss the entire preseason, but if he can keep close to last year's production, he will be an important piece once again.
Key to success: This team is going no where until Smith can lead them there - but after the large leaps he took last year, this could potentially be the year SF gets back to the playoffs. Smith has the smarts and the athletic ability to succeed - he just needs to make sure he takes advantage of his new weapons.
Against Washington: Washington has had a couple of lopsided wins against SF lately but fortunately for the 49ers, the Skins are not on the team's schedule this season.
Fantasy sleeper: Alex Smith. He is the future of this franchise but Gore and Jackson are both rated as higher fantasy prospects than Smith. And while getting a top flight RB needs to be a top priority, getting a good QB later in the draft is just as essential and Smith may fill that role as quickly as this season. Smith should be a pleasant surprise but make sure you have another proven QB if you are thinking about giving Smith a chance.
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