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There’s a new QB in town… actually, not new, but never really used… and he’s ready to prove that his draft stock was justified. Philip Rivers gets his chance to earn his big bucks of a contract with the departure of Drew Brees to the New Orleans Saints. Rivers will have a tough time of it as the WR corp is either old (Keenan McCardell) or average (Eric Parker).
Luckily for Rivers, he’ll have two strong weapons at his disposal in RB LaDanian Tomlinson and TE Antonio Gates. It was only three seasons ago when Tomlinson had himself 100 receptions for the Chargers, and while it’s decreased since then thanks to the surprise arrival and effectiveness of Gates, it’s not out of the question for Tomlinson to become double trouble for defenses once again. Last season, Gates proved that his first year wasn’t a fluke and even though Brees is gone, Gates has the ability to jibe with anyone, so I wouldn’t doubt him again. Even with a new QB.
Click to continue reading AFC West Preview: San Diego Chargers
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When you think of the Denver Broncos offense, you think run, run, run. Sure, when you think of their great players, you think of a QB named John Elway, but the most amazing part is how they’ve gotten anyone and everyone able to take the handoff from the QB to rush for over 1,000 yards for the season. Mike Anderson came out of nowhere his rookie year. So did Olandis Gary and Terrell Davis. Clinton Portis had a rep from Miami, but he well exceeded expectations his rookie year. With the veteran, Anderson going to split carries with Jamal Lewis in Baltimore, who rushes for a grand+ yards this season?
Well, you can forget about former Heisman winner, Ron Dayne as he was just cut by the team. Tatum Bell seemed like a logical choice before training camps started, but HC Mike Shanahan had to go and mess with everyone’s heads by naming rookie Mike Bell at the top of the depth chart (and considering preseason performance, it was well-deserved). If the Bell of the Tatum kind can keep the ball in his hands, arms, just anywhere on his person and not fumble the ball, he would have the starting job. Keep a watch on this as someone will emerge and stick for the season. Who knows? It might even be free agent Cedric Cobbs who last played 3 games for the New England Patriots… in 2004! Stranger things have happened.
Click to continue reading AFC West Preview: Denver Broncos
Predicted Order of Finish
1. Indianapolis Colts
2. Jacksonville Jaguars
3. Tennessee Titans
4. Houston Texans
Best Offensive Player: Peyton Manning, QB, Indianapolis Colts
Best Defensive Player: Dwight Freeney, DE, Indianapolis Colts
Best Offensive Rookie: LenDale White, RB, Tennessee Titans
Best Defensive Rookie: Mario Williams, DE, Houston Texans
Comeback Player: Donovin Darius, S, Jacksonville Jaguars
Breakout Player: David Carr, QB, Houston Texans
Will Be A Bust Player: Chris Brown, RB, Tennessee Titans
Part of the reason why I thought it was prudent of the Texans to pass on RB Reggie Bush was because of the presence of RB Domanick Davis, a back who could get the all-purpose yards as he was adept in running the ball and catching it. And, he was young, so its not like Bush would have been replacing someone like the New York Jets RB Curtis Martin. But, with Davis’ health questions getting to the point where there were rumors of him being cut (instead, he’ll probably just be put on Injured Reserve), not taking Bush is looking like a really bad deal. Almost as bad as Mel Gibson being revealed as a bigot towards sugary breasts.
But, have no fear, here comes RB Wali Lundy… who? Don’t worry if you don’t know who he is as he’s a rookie that was drafted in the sixth round out of the University of Virginia. Lundy ran away from the competition this preseason… get it? Ran away… nevermnd. In any case, the powerhouse duo of Vernand Morency and Antowain Smith could not keep pace with Lundy and are now headed during the bench.
Click to continue reading AFC South Preview: Houston Texans
How do you replace a former MVP, however brittle the bones? This season, the Titans will find out as former QB Steve McNair left town to join the Baltimore Ravens. In his ten starts with the Titans, QB Billy Volek did very well, passing for 2,789 yards and forming a strong rapport with WR Drew Bennett. However, despite performing at a high level when needed to start, the Titans did two things this offseason that didn’t show much faith in Volek.
The Titans drafted QB Vince Young in the draft with plans of him becoming the QB of the future. Okay, fine, so that leaves Volek at the very least as the QB of the present, right? Umm, maybe not so much. At least not after the Titans signed free agent veteran, QB Kerry Collins, who played well for the Oakland Raiders last season. So, I think that we can pretty much assume that the doorknob will be hitting Volek’s backside at some point this season.
Click to continue reading AFC South Preview: Tennessee Titans
First, Jimmy Smith, one of the most consistent WRs ever retires. Then RB Greg Jones, who was expected by most to have a breakout season is lost for the year. And you have to know that eventually RB Fred Taylor is probably going to be banged up because that just seems the way of the world and things always happens in threes, right?
But, who’s going to tote the rock IF Taylor does in fact get hurt. Perhaps rookie Maurice Jones-Drew, who is versatile and explosive, but short at only 5’7”. Alvin Pearman? Maybe, but he doesn’t really have the speed to take it to the house. Or will it be LaBrandon Toefield? Jags fans better hope that Taylor can stay healthy if the aforementioned are your choices. Although, I do have to acknowledge Jones-Drew’s upside.
Click to continue reading AFC South Preview: Jacksonville Jaguars
After starting the 2005 season 13-0, the Colts lost two of their last three regular season games and was “one and done” in the postseason, losing to the eventual Super Bowl champion, Pittsburgh Steelers. Disappointing, for sure. And the results of this past offseason MIGHT NOT be all that great either.
RB Edgerrin James left the Colts for the Arizona Cardinals, making the trio of offensive supremacy in James, QB Peyton Manning, and WR Marvin Harrison into a duo. The Colts didn’t want to pony up the dollars to keep James and they are hoping RB Dominic Rhodes, the veteran, can step up his game. However, rookie RB Joseph Addai is right there with Rhodes and is similar to James in size and versatility. Even if Rhodes does start to begin the season, there is a huge question about his durability, so Addai should get his shot. If either one can keep the running game going, losing James won’t hurt so much. However, looking at the preseason, I don’t know if either can. BUT, it was only preseason.
Click to continue reading AFC South Preview: Indianapolis Colts
American League Fantasy Notes: A.L. West
Posted by Tom Massimo Categories: Editorial, Fantasy, MLB,
TEXAS RANGERS
Robinson Tejada’s 4 ER in 3 innings performance on Wednesday against the Orioles shows why the fly ball pitcher should never be active when he is pitching in the bandbox called Ameriquest Field. In three home starts this year, he is sporting an absurd 14.46 ERA.
In his first 8 starts with the Rangers, Adam Eaton has been unable to recapture the groundball approach that brought him success in the first-half of last year. A right-handed pitcher with a .70 G/F ratio pitching in Ameriquest Field is a dangerous combination.
Kip Wells is done for the season with a right foot injury. John Koronka should reclaim the fifth starting pitcher spot.
Click to continue reading American League Fantasy Notes: A.L. West
Order Of Finish:
1. Cincinnatti Bengals
2. Pittsburgh Steelers
3. Baltimore Ravens
4. Cleveland Browns
Best Offensive Player: Carson Palmer, QB, Cincinnati Bengals
Best Defensive Player: Ed Reed, SS, Baltimore Ravens
Best Offensive Rookie: Santonio Holmes, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers
Best Defensive Rookie: Kamerion Wimbley, LB, Cleveland Browns
Comeback Player: Madieu Williams, FS, Cincinnati Bengals
Breakout Player: Braylon Edwards, WR, Cleveland Browns
Will Be A Bust Player: Jamal Lewis, RB, Baltimore Ravens
You win a Super Bowl with Trent Dilfer, and decide that if that guy could get you to the big game, your quarterback in the waiting… well, shouldn’t be waiting any longer. So, you dump the play-caller that got you there, and bring in Kyle Boller. Your defense has won you several games, you even bring in a Pro-Bowl wide receiver in Derrick Mason, and you have a 2000 yard running back. What could go wrong?
Eight in the box, is what can go wrong. A commentator once said that Kyle Boller had the body of Mr. Universe, and the arm of an accountant. I think accountants all over the world have a beef with that statement.
Enter Steve McNair.
Click to continue reading AFC North Preview: Baltimore Ravens
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