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.
Showing posts with label Ashley Lelie. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ashley Lelie. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
2007 Previews: Atlanta Falcons
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: 7-9 (third in NFC South)
Best addition: Joe Horn (WR, Saints)
Key personnel loss: Matt Schaub (QB, Texans)
2007 outlook: Things would look a lot better if Michael Vick wasn't in the potential trouble he could be in. Already hearing the negativity because he hasn't quite become the QB people expected him too, Vick would really hurt the Falcons if he were to be suspended for part of the year. And with the NFL's recent crackdown on conduct, how do you trade away Schaub and enter the season with Joey Harrington as your No. 2 guy. No offense to Harrington - I was probably one of the few guys that wanted to see him succeed in the NFL - but he is not a good option to be a long term starter.
On the other hand, after trying to upgrade the receiver position with guys like Peerless Price, Ashley Lelie and Michael Jenkins, the Falcons may have finally picked up a winning receiver in Horn, who will only be more fueled by the fact New Orleans didn't want him back. And as long as the offense can find some way to jell and get past offseason distractions, the defense will be there to stop people.
Key to success: If Atlanta wants avoid the stigma of being a team in constant turmoil, the players will need to find a way to rally around each other and quickly learn new coach Bobby Petrino's system. It was obvious a change needed to be made with all of the negative publicity being caused by former coach Jim Mora Jr. (must be a family trait), but anytime you have to change systems it takes time. So even if the Falcons don't make the playoffs this season, fans should get excited even if the team just comes off as a cohesive group.
Against Washington: The Falcons beat the Skins 24-14 in Washington last year and are not on the team's schedule this season.
Fantasy sleeper: Michael Jenkins. Missing out on what should have been his breakout year last year (it seems most receivers break out in year three) Jenkins finally has a veteran to learn from that is not a complete mess. And with Horn lining up opposite him, he will have a No. 1 receiver teams will actually respect. This should create some opportunities for Jenkins and if he wants to remain gainfully employed, he will need to make the most of them. Look for Jenkins to finally become a solid fantasy option. Take a flier on him in the late rounds once you have most of your team set.
Last year: 7-9 (third in NFC South)
Best addition: Joe Horn (WR, Saints)
Key personnel loss: Matt Schaub (QB, Texans)
2007 outlook: Things would look a lot better if Michael Vick wasn't in the potential trouble he could be in. Already hearing the negativity because he hasn't quite become the QB people expected him too, Vick would really hurt the Falcons if he were to be suspended for part of the year. And with the NFL's recent crackdown on conduct, how do you trade away Schaub and enter the season with Joey Harrington as your No. 2 guy. No offense to Harrington - I was probably one of the few guys that wanted to see him succeed in the NFL - but he is not a good option to be a long term starter.
On the other hand, after trying to upgrade the receiver position with guys like Peerless Price, Ashley Lelie and Michael Jenkins, the Falcons may have finally picked up a winning receiver in Horn, who will only be more fueled by the fact New Orleans didn't want him back. And as long as the offense can find some way to jell and get past offseason distractions, the defense will be there to stop people.
Key to success: If Atlanta wants avoid the stigma of being a team in constant turmoil, the players will need to find a way to rally around each other and quickly learn new coach Bobby Petrino's system. It was obvious a change needed to be made with all of the negative publicity being caused by former coach Jim Mora Jr. (must be a family trait), but anytime you have to change systems it takes time. So even if the Falcons don't make the playoffs this season, fans should get excited even if the team just comes off as a cohesive group.
Against Washington: The Falcons beat the Skins 24-14 in Washington last year and are not on the team's schedule this season.
Fantasy sleeper: Michael Jenkins. Missing out on what should have been his breakout year last year (it seems most receivers break out in year three) Jenkins finally has a veteran to learn from that is not a complete mess. And with Horn lining up opposite him, he will have a No. 1 receiver teams will actually respect. This should create some opportunities for Jenkins and if he wants to remain gainfully employed, he will need to make the most of them. Look for Jenkins to finally become a solid fantasy option. Take a flier on him in the late rounds once you have most of your team set.
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