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 AFC East)
Best addition: Derrick Dockery (G, Redskins)
Key personnel losses: Willis McGahee (RB, Ravens), Nate Clements (CB, 49ers)
2007 outlook: When 3 of 4 key, non-drafted additions to your roster are linemen, you'd better hope your running game gets better. The problem in Buffalo though is that they got rid of their stud running back (McGahee) and plan to replace him with Anthony Thomas and Marshawn Lynch. Not exactly what I would call threatening. And with Lee Evans showing he can and will take on any and all challengers and JP Losman finally heading in the right direction, the lack of a running game could really set the Bills back.
It also didn't help that Buffalo let Clements and LB London Fletcher go in free agency but the drafting of Penn State LB Paul Posluszny should soften the loss of Fletcher. Now the defense just needs to see how it can get along without Clements.
Key to success: Obviously it rests in two places: the Thomas/Lynch RB tandem and the secondary. If the Bills can't run or the secondary gets torched regularly, fans in Buffalo will be longing for last year, which really wasn't that great. There are a lot of unknowns for Buffalo heading into this season and if I were a Bills fan I would be worried.
Against Washington: The Bills will come to Washington to take on the Redskins on Dec. 2, the 12th game of the season. It could be a critical one for the Skins as they will have just finished up a two-game road trip against Dallas and Tampa Bay and the following week the defending NFC champion Bears come to town.
Fantasy sleeper: Anthony Thomas. As much as I just criticized him and his production, Thomas will probably be the goal line back in this offense - and as any fantasy owner knows, yards per carry don't count but touchdowns sure will. With Lynch being more of a slasher, look for the Bills to call on Thomas in short-yardage situations. He may not be the answer for Buffalo at RB but he could be your answer as a TD scorer. Look at picking him in the late rounds as a guy who will be starting for his team early and scoring often.
Friday, July 13, 2007
2007 Previews: Baltimore Ravens
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: 13-3 (AFC North champs, lost to Colts in AFC Divisional round)
Best addition: Willis McGahee (RB, Bills)
Key personnel loss: Adalius Thomas (LB, Patriots)
2007 outlook: The lone addition in the offseason took a rapidly aging offense and injected it with a fresh set of legs in McGahee. And unlike in Buffalo, McGahee will have a solid offensive line to run behind in Baltimore (which got even better with the pickup of former Maryland tackle Jared Gaither in the Supplemental Draft on Thursday) and should be able to consistently show the league why he was a first-round pick despite a bad knee injury five years ago.
With Steve McNair at the helm once again, expect this offense to keep its mistakes down and win a lot of low scoring contests the defense will keep them in. This may be the best Ravens squad in team history.
Key to success: Can Derrick Mason remain a No. 1 for one more year? Mark Clayton has the Ravens looking like draft day genius's with all of the contributing players that have excelled from the last three or four draft classes and Clayton is entering his third season, meaning breakout year for him. But in order to have that success, Mason needs to command enough attention for one more year so the passing game doesn't stall out like it has a tendency to.
Against Washington: The "Battle of the Beltway" is once again relegated to preseason play. Baltimore won the last meeting between the geographic rivals 17-10 at Washington in 2004.
Fantasy sleeper: The defense. I realize that may come across as a cop out but it doesn't seem to matter what player the Ravens have to replace, they continue to be one of the top five in the league. Now I don't condone drafting a defense early by any means, but Baltimore bailed my bacon out a couple of times last year and they should do the same this season. Definitely use a late round pick on them once you have filled a majority of your roster.
Last year: 13-3 (AFC North champs, lost to Colts in AFC Divisional round)
Best addition: Willis McGahee (RB, Bills)
Key personnel loss: Adalius Thomas (LB, Patriots)
2007 outlook: The lone addition in the offseason took a rapidly aging offense and injected it with a fresh set of legs in McGahee. And unlike in Buffalo, McGahee will have a solid offensive line to run behind in Baltimore (which got even better with the pickup of former Maryland tackle Jared Gaither in the Supplemental Draft on Thursday) and should be able to consistently show the league why he was a first-round pick despite a bad knee injury five years ago.
With Steve McNair at the helm once again, expect this offense to keep its mistakes down and win a lot of low scoring contests the defense will keep them in. This may be the best Ravens squad in team history.
Key to success: Can Derrick Mason remain a No. 1 for one more year? Mark Clayton has the Ravens looking like draft day genius's with all of the contributing players that have excelled from the last three or four draft classes and Clayton is entering his third season, meaning breakout year for him. But in order to have that success, Mason needs to command enough attention for one more year so the passing game doesn't stall out like it has a tendency to.
Against Washington: The "Battle of the Beltway" is once again relegated to preseason play. Baltimore won the last meeting between the geographic rivals 17-10 at Washington in 2004.
Fantasy sleeper: The defense. I realize that may come across as a cop out but it doesn't seem to matter what player the Ravens have to replace, they continue to be one of the top five in the league. Now I don't condone drafting a defense early by any means, but Baltimore bailed my bacon out a couple of times last year and they should do the same this season. Definitely use a late round pick on them once you have filled a majority of your roster.
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.
2007 Preview: Arizona Cardinals
Last year: 5-11 (fourth in NFC West)
Best additions: Ken Wisenhunt (head coach) and Russ Grimm (offensive line coach)
Key personnel loss: Leonard Davis (OT, Cowboys)
2007 outlook: A classic group of underachievers, if Wisenhunt and Grimm can't get this offensive group to live up to its potential I doubt any one could. The tools are, and have been, in place and this has to be the year the group steps up. The last time Arizona went to the playoffs Jake "The Snake" Plummer was the QB so you can bet fans are eager to see another winning squad especially with all of the young talent this group has.
On defense, there should be enough talent there now that the Cardinals can win close games but the development of the younger players will be key. Neil Rackers and Scott Player provide a solid kicking game and rookie Steve Breaston should excel in the return game.
Key to success: If the Cardinals want to make it to the playoffs, the offensive line needs to step up. Arizona had one of the worst rushing offenses last year and running back Edgerrin James was not the problem. If the line can move people off the ball, Arizona should win more than five games. The development of first round pick Levi Brown will also be key as he will probably break camp as the guy protecting QB Matt Leinart's blind side.
Against Washington: Arizona comes to town October 21, the Skins' sixth game of the season. This could be a tricky game for Washington though as they could potentially be looking ahead to week seven's game at New England. Last year Arizona couldn't run the ball and Washington couldn't rush the passer so this could be interesting. The two teams last faced each other in 2005, a 17-13 road victory for the Skins.
Fantasy sleeper: Matt Leinart. Arizona has the receivers that are annual fantasy studs and since someone has to throw them the ball, Leinart could benefit from the stellar play of Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald. It doesn't help Leinart will be learning his second offense in two years but despite all of Arizona's under achieving, Boldin and Fitzgerald continually rank among the top receivers meaning Leinart will should get a boost from their production. He is at least worth taking a look as your No. 2 QB.
Best additions: Ken Wisenhunt (head coach) and Russ Grimm (offensive line coach)
Key personnel loss: Leonard Davis (OT, Cowboys)
2007 outlook: A classic group of underachievers, if Wisenhunt and Grimm can't get this offensive group to live up to its potential I doubt any one could. The tools are, and have been, in place and this has to be the year the group steps up. The last time Arizona went to the playoffs Jake "The Snake" Plummer was the QB so you can bet fans are eager to see another winning squad especially with all of the young talent this group has.
On defense, there should be enough talent there now that the Cardinals can win close games but the development of the younger players will be key. Neil Rackers and Scott Player provide a solid kicking game and rookie Steve Breaston should excel in the return game.
Key to success: If the Cardinals want to make it to the playoffs, the offensive line needs to step up. Arizona had one of the worst rushing offenses last year and running back Edgerrin James was not the problem. If the line can move people off the ball, Arizona should win more than five games. The development of first round pick Levi Brown will also be key as he will probably break camp as the guy protecting QB Matt Leinart's blind side.
Against Washington: Arizona comes to town October 21, the Skins' sixth game of the season. This could be a tricky game for Washington though as they could potentially be looking ahead to week seven's game at New England. Last year Arizona couldn't run the ball and Washington couldn't rush the passer so this could be interesting. The two teams last faced each other in 2005, a 17-13 road victory for the Skins.
Fantasy sleeper: Matt Leinart. Arizona has the receivers that are annual fantasy studs and since someone has to throw them the ball, Leinart could benefit from the stellar play of Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald. It doesn't help Leinart will be learning his second offense in two years but despite all of Arizona's under achieving, Boldin and Fitzgerald continually rank among the top receivers meaning Leinart will should get a boost from their production. He is at least worth taking a look as your No. 2 QB.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Getting back to relevancy
Ok, so I have left this blog alone for over a month now but I wanted to let everyone know that I am back. With training camps opening in a couple of weeks, it's time to preview the 2007 season so starting later today, I will begin my breakdown of every team in the league, what their keys to a successful 2007 are and even give some fantasy football advice.
The long part of the offseason is almost over so let's get ready for some football.
The long part of the offseason is almost over so let's get ready for some football.
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Irony of Ironies
Does anyone else remember when we signed Jerametrius Butler to a six-year offer sheet back in 2004? Well now he is a Redskin after signing with them Thursday.
The best part of the story though is the fact that the Rams tried to trade him and no one would go for it because of his contract, the one the Skins put together in 2004. So the Rams finally cut him and he signed with the Skins.
Obviously Butler is not the player the Skins thought he would be when they signed him to that offer sheet but is anyone else glad we actually didn't get our guy then and have to be stuck with that contract?
Now Washington still has an opportunity to have Butler on their team, and this time at a fraction of the cost. If he can resurrect his career and stay healthy, this is a great signing but if not, at least we aren't stuck with that six-year deal.
Sometimes, timing is really everything.
The best part of the story though is the fact that the Rams tried to trade him and no one would go for it because of his contract, the one the Skins put together in 2004. So the Rams finally cut him and he signed with the Skins.
Obviously Butler is not the player the Skins thought he would be when they signed him to that offer sheet but is anyone else glad we actually didn't get our guy then and have to be stuck with that contract?
Now Washington still has an opportunity to have Butler on their team, and this time at a fraction of the cost. If he can resurrect his career and stay healthy, this is a great signing but if not, at least we aren't stuck with that six-year deal.
Sometimes, timing is really everything.
Saturday, June 2, 2007
Quick update
I haven't stopped blogging on the Skins, I just have been super busy and really haven't found much to comment on pertaining to the Skins. And with the way things are going this offseason, I am scared to see what this season will bring.
Hopefully once training camp starts I will be in a better mood but for now, I am going to hibernate until something worthwhile draws me away from my slumber.
Hopefully once training camp starts I will be in a better mood but for now, I am going to hibernate until something worthwhile draws me away from my slumber.
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