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: 3-13 (fourth in NFC North)
Best addition: Edwin Mulitalo (G, Ravens)
Key personnel loss: Dre' Bly (CB, Broncos)
2007 outlook: I hate to say a guard is the biggest addition when the Lions made dozens of moves this offseason but it seems Matt Millen has added another vice to his penchant for drafting WR's as this year he signed two more RB's to go along with Kevin Jones (who's potential is only matched by his lack of durability).
On defense even more questions remain as the Lions let 7 players go from last year's squad and didn't do much to replace them. Bly may not be the player he is hyped to be but was still better than any other option Detroit had - and to trade him for a RB they didn't necessarily need makes me question Millen even more. But that is another topic for another time.
The one positive this year is that many fans will actually be paying attention to Detroit to see how 1st round pick Calvin Johnson meshes with super WR Roy Williams. At least the Lions will have something worth paying attention too.
Key to success: Where to begin. Seeing what progress the Lions were actually making would be a lot easier if anyone actually knew what type of team and/or emphasis Millen was trying to build and work towards. Whether it's drafting WR after WR in the first round every year or picking up two starting caliber RB's to compete with the back they already have, it seems Detroit's money would be better spent elsewhere. There is no way this team has success until a clear vision is defined.
Against Washington: After having its bye week four weeks into the season, the Skins will host the Lions the following week on Oct. 7. The two teams last met in Detroit in 2004, a 17-10 win in which Mark Brunell threw for only 58 yards.
Fantasy sleeper: Johnson. While Williams will get all of the fantasy publicity, Johnson will probably get a lot as well and could compete to be the NFL's offensive rookie of the year which should translate into big TD numbers. While rookie WR's can often be a gamble, Johnson is 6'5" and should have no problem using that height to score multiple red zone TD's, provided the Lions can actually get into the red zone. Look to take a flier on Johnson in the middle rounds when other team's No. 2 receivers start to come off the board.
Showing posts with label Dre' Bly. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dre' Bly. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
2007 Previews: Denver Broncos
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 (third in AFC West)
Best addition: Brandon Stokley (WR, Colts)
Key personnel loss: Al Wilson (LB)
2007 outlook: With all of the moves Denver made in the offseason, Stokley is probably the most underrated acquisition. Even though the Broncos added big names on both offense and defense such as Travis Henry, Dre' Bly and Daniel Graham, the only WR's who have proven to have more big play potential are the aging Rod Smith and last year's key WR acquisition Javon Walker.
On defense, the Broncos let Wilson go because they think they have suitable replacements - which may be the case - but the defensive line could still use a lot of work. The Broncos first two picks in this year's draft were linemen but it remains unseen how much Jarvis Moss and Tim Crowder will contribute right away.
Key to success: How the newer pieces mesh with the old pieces will once again be the difference between making the playoffs and barely missing out like last season. Jay Cutler's development will also play a key part in how far the Broncos go this year. However, Mike Shanahan always seems to be able to get the best out of his players so a return to the playoffs is probably likely.
Against Washington: Denver last faced the Skins in 2005 with the Broncos winning 21-19. The two teams do not face each other this season.
Fantasy sleeper: Stokely. The key addition is the choice here as well as he will probably play a similar role in Denver to the one he had in Indy where he often had big games being the third guy along side Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne. While Smith and Walker may not quite be Harrison and Wayne, they are close enough that Stokley will often be able to exploit saftey's and nickel corner's 1-on-1, a dream matchup for any Stokley owner.
Last year: 9-7 (third in AFC West)
Best addition: Brandon Stokley (WR, Colts)
Key personnel loss: Al Wilson (LB)
2007 outlook: With all of the moves Denver made in the offseason, Stokley is probably the most underrated acquisition. Even though the Broncos added big names on both offense and defense such as Travis Henry, Dre' Bly and Daniel Graham, the only WR's who have proven to have more big play potential are the aging Rod Smith and last year's key WR acquisition Javon Walker.
On defense, the Broncos let Wilson go because they think they have suitable replacements - which may be the case - but the defensive line could still use a lot of work. The Broncos first two picks in this year's draft were linemen but it remains unseen how much Jarvis Moss and Tim Crowder will contribute right away.
Key to success: How the newer pieces mesh with the old pieces will once again be the difference between making the playoffs and barely missing out like last season. Jay Cutler's development will also play a key part in how far the Broncos go this year. However, Mike Shanahan always seems to be able to get the best out of his players so a return to the playoffs is probably likely.
Against Washington: Denver last faced the Skins in 2005 with the Broncos winning 21-19. The two teams do not face each other this season.
Fantasy sleeper: Stokely. The key addition is the choice here as well as he will probably play a similar role in Denver to the one he had in Indy where he often had big games being the third guy along side Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne. While Smith and Walker may not quite be Harrison and Wayne, they are close enough that Stokley will often be able to exploit saftey's and nickel corner's 1-on-1, a dream matchup for any Stokley owner.
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