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.
Showing posts with label Darrell Jackson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Darrell Jackson. Show all posts
Thursday, August 2, 2007
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
