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: 10-6 (NFC South champs)
Best addition: Brian Simmons (LB, Bengals)
Key personnel loss: Joe Horn (WR, Falcons)
2007 outlook: Last year's pleasant surprise after all New Orleans had been through, the Saints are out to prove that last year was no fluke and any offense that lines up Drew Brees, Reggie Bush and Deuce McAllister has a chance to put up big numbers. However, with the departure of Horn, the only proven (and I use the term loosely) WR entering the season is Marques Colston, who was a pleasant surprise himself last year.
On defense the addition of Williams should make a sturdy defense even more consistent but there is not necessarily anyone on this side of the ball that will blow you away. The line will put pressure on the QB, the LB corp should be able to stop the run and defend the pass and the DB's should be able to keep receivers in check but it will be done in a very workmanlike way. Flashy players need not apply to play D for the Saints.
Key to success: If the Saints can replicate what they did last year, they should be in the thick of it once again in an NFC that seems to have 8-8 teams on the verge of the playoffs almost every season as of late. Without many additions or subtractions on either side of the ball, the only real question mark this team has is at the receiving position. And if there are any Colston's in this year's bunch the Saints will be fine.
Against Washington: The last of the Skins 5 wins from last season came in New Orleans with three weeks left in the season. One of Jason Campbell's shining moments in his first campaign, the Skins won that game 16-10 and will not see the Saints this season.
Fantasy sleeper: Devery Henderson. Like many other WR's in the league this year, the time for Henderson to show what he has is now. With promising 1st round pick Robert Meachem also looking to fill the spot opposite Colston, Henderson's speed is his greatest asset. If he can get open downfield, look for him to score 6-8 TD's this year and become a valuable third WR in deep fantasy leagues.
Showing posts with label Joe Horn. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Joe Horn. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 25, 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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