It is true. ESPN.com is reporting that the Chargers have fired Marty Schottenheimer from the head coaching position.
What is most surprising to me about this is that they waited this long to do it. Every other head coaching spot has been filled. To do this now is just makes no sense. Perhaps there was an agruement between the Chargers GM and Marty, two guys that don't exactly see eye to eye.
Do the Chargers really think they are going to get a better coach? I mean, before Marty came there the Chargers were horrible, and he turned them into a contender. They went 14-2 this year. 14-2!!! Marty had tough luck in the playoffs, but anyone with half a brain wouldn't fire a 14-2 coach.
Maybe they were just waiting for Bill Parcells to resign so they can get him? Parcells and Cowher are the only guys I can think of who could possibly be a upgrade from Marty. They already lost both coordinators, as Phillips took the Dallas job, and Cameron took the Miami job.
According to Yahoo, the Chargers president sited a "dysfunctional situation" between Marty and GM A.J. Smith, two guys who have never seen eye to eye.
Apprently, the loss of the core of the coaching staff is a big part of this. As you likely know, Wade Phillips, the former defensive coordinator, is now the Cowboys' head coach. Meanwhile, the former offensive coordinator, Cam Cameron, is the head coach of the Dolphins.
Not only that, but the Chargers tight ends coach and linebackers coach both took better jobs at different teams. Apprently, the debate over who the new members pf the staff cause more dysfunction between Smith and Marty.
So obviously in this feud, the owner thought that he had to get rid of one. Marty, I suppose is easier to make the scapegoat. He can't get a head coaching job now that the other spots are filled.
14-2, and you lose your job. It doesn't get tougher then that.
Seeing this, a lot of scenarios have aroze. First, seeing how Marty was treated even after great success, many coaches may not want to coach there just because of lack of job secruity. But of course, this team is good enough to win it all, and what coach wouldn't want a Super Bowl ring?
A lot of names have already been thrown around here at FanIQ for the next head coach. Here are some of them.
Bill Parcells. At the end of the season, Parcells looked very tired and seemed serious about retirement. But Parcells came to Dallas in the first place because he was hungry for the ring. Maybe that hunger will lead him to San Diego?
Bill Cowher. Cowher seems very content about taking this year off. However I highly doubt Cowher thought an opportunity this huge would ever come up. If the Chargers give him the offer you can't refuse...
Pete Carroll. USC is in the midst of a lot of scandals. The Reggie Bush ordeal, as well as the recent recuiting controversy. Plus, San Diego isn't very far away from SoCal where he is now. He didn't want to leave a great college job for a bad pro job, but the Chargers team is great. Maybe he will be tempted?
Nick Saban. This is mainly meant as a joke, but who knows from the King of Flip Flop.
Ron Rivera. He did a great job with the Bears defense, but just couldn't get a job as a head coach. I'm sure he wants it, but do they want HIM?
Considering this move, I highly doubt they will take someone without serious credientials. You really can't just hire some no name to take over after what just happened.
Well, now we at least have something to talk about in this useless month. Schottenheimer gone...wow.
It is time for the last division preview on "MrNFL's NFL Preview Extravaganza!" Today, we look at the teams of the AFC West, a division considered by many the toughest in football. We will look at the Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, San Diego Chargers, and Oakland Raiders.
Tommorow on Maddenoliday, I will put all of the stats I have created together with the actual schedules and with that, we will have the predictions for each division, and the playoffs.
LAST YEAR: Was a lot like the two years before last year, bad. They had a 4-12 record in 2003, and a 5-11 record in 2004. So they followed it up with a 4-12 record in 2005.
Quarterbacks: Aaron Brooks, Marques Tuiasosopo, Andrew Walter. Aaron Brooks is a decent QB, who has had a few years where the touchdowns were higher than the interceptions. However, he has never completed 60% of his passes. Andrew Walter is stil unproven as a backup, and Tuiasosopo has been terrible when he has played.
QB Score 2/5
Running Backs: Lamont Jordan, Justin Fargas, Zack Crockett, Rod Smart, Zach Tuiasosopo, ReShard Lee, John Paul Foschi. Jordan's rushing numbers last year were alright, but an under-rated part of his game is the recieving game, as he had more catches than Randy Moss. Zach Crockett is a solid fullback, and Fargas is a decent backup.
RB Score 8/10
Recieving Targets: Randy Moss, Jerry Porter, Ronald Curry, Carlos Francis, Doug Gabirel, Alvis Whitted, Johnnie Morant, Courtney Anderson, Marcellus Rivers, O.J. Santiago, Randal Williams, Randy Moss had injury problems last year, however when healthy, he is among the top recievers in football. Porter is upset, and wants a trade. It is very likely that he will not be a Raider and the end of the year. Doug Gabriel had decent numbers last year, however he is still young. Curry showed promise in 2004, however he missed almost all of 2005 with injury. Anderson is a solid recieving tight end.
WR Score 7/10
Offensive Line: Robert Gallery, Langston Walker, Kelvin Garmon, Barry Sims, Brad Badger, Paul McQuistan, Roderick Green, Chris Morris, Adam Treu, Jake Grove, Chad Slaughter, Kevin Boothe. Gallery and Walker are both solid tackles. Garmon and Sims are solid guards. No one spectactular on this line, but a decent group.
OL Score 7/10
Defensive Line: Derrick Burgess, Warren Sapp, Bobby Hamilton, Tyler Brayton, Lance Johnstone, Michael Quarshie, Terdell Sands, Rashad Moore, Anttaj Hawthorne, Kevin Huntley, Bryant McNeal Burgess is a great defensive end. Sapp is aging, and not the force he once was, but he is still solid. Hamilton and Johnstone bring veteran leadership to the group.
DL Score 7/10
Linebackers: Robert Thomas, Thomas Howard, Darnell Bing, Danny Clark, Grant Irons, Isaiah Ekejibua, Kirk Morrison, Ryan Riddle, Sam Williams. Kirk Morrison and Danny Clark put up decent numbers last year. However, this entire group is very young, and very inexperienced. They added Thomas from the Rams, who have under-achieved big time. The rest of these guys have yet to prove a thing.
LB Score 6/10
Defensive backs: Tyrone Poole, Duane Starks, Michael Huff, Stuart Schweigart, Derrick Gibson, Chris Carr, Fabian Washington, Stanford Routt, Nnamdi Asomugha, Jarrod Cooper, Keyon Nash. They signed two veterans, Poole and Starks, who are both no longer nearly what they used to be in their age. They hope that these vets can help the youngsters Carr and Washington develop. They drafted Huff to play safety, and have two decent yet inconsistant other safeties in Schweigart and Gibson.
DB Score 6/10
Special Teams: Sebastian Janikowski, Shane Lechler, Chris Carr Janikowski had a terrible year last year, missing 1/3 of his kicks, prompting the Raiders to have two other kickers on the roster. Carr is a decent kick returner.
ST Score 6/10
Coach: Art Shell When Shell coached the Raiders from 1989 to 1994, he only had one losing season. Altough they never had much success in the postseason. He had success, but this is a new league, so it is almost a new start.
Coach 7/10
FINAL THOUGHTS: This team looks better than last year, but that's not hard to do. If they can develop the young stars, they may be good down the road.
Next...
San Diego Chargers
LAST YEAR: They had a respectable 9-7 season, just falling short of the playoffs.
Quarterbacks: Phillip Rivers, A.J. Feeley, Charlie Whitehurst Rivers was drafted high, but has yet to prove his NFL skill, as he had been behind Drew Brees for two years. In the 30 passes he has thrown, he has been average. Feeley is not the greatest backup to have, as he is inconsistant, and Whitehurst is a rookie.
QB Score 2/5
Running Backs: LaDainian Tomlinson, Lorenzo Neal, Michael Turner, Darren Sproles, Andrew Pinnock, Ray Perkins, Larry Croom LDT is easily the most talented running back in football. In his 5 seasons, he has had spectactular numbers each year rushing and recieving. It also doesn't hurt having a great blocking fullback in Neal. Turner did solid while spelling LDT last year, showing his ability.
RB Score 10/10
Recieving Targets: Antonio Gates, Keenan McCardell, Eric Parker, Vincent Jackson, Kassim Osgood, Greg Carmillo, Malcom Floyd, Brandon Manumaleuna, Aaron Shea, Ryan Krause Gates is an amazing recieving tight end, and they helped him out by adding another solid catching tight end in Manumaleuna, and a good blocking tight end in Shea. At reciever, they have the veteran McCardell, who still can put up solid numbers, however after him is a question. Parker has shown signs of greatness, but is a bit inconsistant. The rest of the guys are unproven.
WR Score 8/10
Offensive Line: Roman Oben, Shane Olieva, Mike Goff, Leander Jordan, Marcus McNeill, Cory Withrow, Jeromey Clark, Cory Lekkerkerker, Kris Dielman, Wes Sims, Jimmy Martin, David Binn They have three solid veterans with Oben, Goff and Withrow. Olieva is a solid player as well. They drafted McNeill in the 2nd round also to fill roles.
OL Score 8/10
Defensive Line: Jamal Williams, Igor Olshansky, Luis Castillo, Chase Page, Derreck Robinson, Jacques Cesaire. Jamal Williams is a great defensive tackle. Olshansky and Castillo are both young and have shown promise, however are a bit inconsistant.
DL Score 7/10
Linebackers: Donnie Edwards, Shawne Merriman, Randall Godfrey, Steve Foley, Akbar Gbaja-Biamila, Carlos Polk, Matt Wilhelm, Shaun Phillips, Marques Harris, Tim Dobbins, Stephen Cooper, Phil Archer. Godfrey and Edwards are both solid veteran middle linebackers. Merriman had a great rookie season, and looks to have a great future ahead. Steve Foley is a decent veteran linebacker as well. But the rest of the group is very young.
LB Score 8/10
Defensive Backs: Drayton Florence, Quentin Jammer, Antonio Cromarte, Markus Curry, Hanik Milligan, Bhawoh Jue, Terrence Kiel, Andre Lott, Marlon McCree, Jerrell Pippens, Clinton Hart. They took Cromarte with their first round pick to help out the secondary, along with Jammer and Florence, who are full of potenial, yet a bit inconsistant. At safety they have McCree, who is decent, along with a bunch of guys competing for the other spot. Kiel was alright last year.
DB Score 7/10
Special Teams: Nate Kaeding, Mike Scifres, Kaeding had a solid year kicking last year, missing only 3 of 24. However, they do not have a proven kick returner, as the usual guy Sproles is on the IR.
ST Score 7/10
Coach: Marty Schottenheimer. In 20 years as a head coach, Schottenheimer has only had 2 losing seasons. Marty took a bad franchise with the Chargers, and has had success with them in 3 of his 4 years. However, in the postseason, he has failed to have a lot of success.
Coach 9/10
FINAL THOUGHTS: The team has the same good offensive weapons, and an improved defense, and they have a chance for the playoffs.
NEXT...
Kansas City Chiefs
LAST YEAR: They had a good season, finishing 10-6, but however it was not enough to earn a playoff berth.
Quarterbacks: Trent Green, Damon Huard, Jeff Smoker, Brodie Croyle Trent Green each year seems to put up 4000 yards and solid numbers. He is a smart veteran who won't make many stupid mistakes. They signed veteran Huard as the backup, and he is decent. They also have younsters Smoker and Croyle.
QB Score 3/5
Running backs: Larry Johnson, Priest Holmes (?) Michael Bennett, Quentin Griffin, Ronnie Cruz, Dee Brown, J.R. Niklos, McKenzi Smith. Johnson had a great season last year, proving that he is a talented running back. However, losing fullback Richardson will hurt this group a lot. Holmes may be forced to retire, but that is in question right now. The backups are two inconsistant guys in Bennett and Griffin.
RB Score 8/10
Receiving Targets: Dante Hall, Eddie Kennison, Tony Gonzalez, Samie Parker, Craphonso Thorpe, Jeff Webb, Jeris McIntyre, Darrell Hill, Jason Dunn, Kris Wilson Tony Gonzalez is a great recieving tight end, and he has a solid backup in Dunn. Kennison is a solid veteran who typically puts up good numbers each year. However, Hall and Parker have both shown flashes of greatness, but are inconsistant and have yet to constantly put up good numbers.
WR Score 8/10
Offensive Line: Casey Wiegmann, Brian Waters, Will Shields, Jordan Black, Chris Bober, Kyle Turley, Kevin Sampson, Tre Stallings, Will Stivek, Jeremy Parquet, Johnathan Ingram, Altough they lost Roaf and another starter, they still have a solid line. Wiegmann is a good center, and Waters and Shields are both great guards. However the open tackle spots are a concern between the inconsistant Jordan Black, and the often injured Kyle Turley. The rest of the backups are unproven guys.
OL Score 8/10
Defensive Line: Jared Allen, Tamba Hali, Ryan Sims, Lionel Dalton, Carlos Hall, Eric Hicks, Junior Siavii, John Browning, Shane Burton, James Reed, Ron Edwards, Zach Vile, Clint Mitchell. Jared Allen had a great breakout year last year. They also added the rookie Hali to have a 1-2 punch at defensive end. They have some solid veterans at defensive tackle as well.
DL Score 8/10
Linebackers: Kendrell Bell, Kris Griffin, Kawika Mitchell, Keyaron Fox, Derrick Johnson, Boomer Grigsby, Rich Scanlon. Kendrell Bell has under-achieved, and has failed to do in KC what he did in Pittsburgh. Johnson had a good rookie year, but he is still very young and inexperienced, as well as the rest of this group.
LB Score 6/10
Defensive Backs: Ty Law, Patrick Surtain, Lenny Walls, Chris Johnson, Alphonso Hodge, Marcus Maxey, Benny Sapp, William Bartee, Sammy Knight, Greg Wesley, Bernard Pollard, Jarrad Page. They added Ty Law, who had a great season last year with the Jets. Along with a solid Surtain, and a young Walls, they have a good group of corners. At safety they have 3 solid guys in Sammy Knight, Greg Wesley, and William Bartee. This is a very good secondary.
DB Score 9/10
Special Teams: Lawrence Tynes, Dustin Colquitt, Dante Hall. Tynes had a solid season last year and looks to be a good kicker. Dante Hall is a great kick returner, and is always a threat to return one long.
ST Score 9/10
Coach: Herm Edwards Edwards' 5 years with the Jets were very up and down. They had 3 winning seasons and 3 playoff years, and they also had 2 horrible years.
Coach 7/10
FINAL THOUGHTS: This team looks to be improved on defense, however weakness at linebacker may hold them down. And will the loss of Roaf and Richardson destroy a great running game?
Finally...
Denver Broncos
LAST YEAR: They had a great regular season, finishing 13-3 and with the division title. They got to the AFC Championship game only to fall just short of the Super Bowl as they were defeated by the Steelers.
Quarterbacks: Jake Plummer, Bradlee Van Pelt, Jay Cutler, Preston Parsons Plummer since coming to the Broncos has had a lot of success, cutting down the interception problem in 2 of 3 years, by only having 7 in both of those years. He has turned into a great QB. However, his backups are two unproven youngsters in Van Pelt and Cutler
QB Score 3/5
Running backs: Tatum Bell, Mike Bell, Ron Dayne, Kyle Johnson, Damien Nash, Cecil Sapp, Brandon Miree, Cedric Cobbs. Tatum Bell had great success in limited time last year, averaging over 5 yards a carry. The forgotten power back Dayne also had some success. Altough the starter is listed as the undrafted rookie Mike Bell. Kyle Johnson is a solid fullback. Whoever has the job will probably do well, they always do with the Broncos.
RB Score 8/10
Recieving Targets: Rod Smith, Javon Walker, Ashley Leile, David Terrell, Brandon Marshall, Darius Watts, Charlie Adams, David Kircus, Stephen Alexander, Tony Scheffler, Domenik Hixon. Rod Smith is a forgotten player, but he always puts up good numbers each year. Javon Walker had success for one year in Green Bay, but is coming off of a major injury. Lelie wants to be traded. They also now have a bit of a question at tight end, as the average Alexander looks to start, but compete with the rookie Scheffler.
WR Score 8/10
Offensive Line: Tom Nalen, Matt Lepsis, Cooper Carlisle, Ben Hamilton, Dwayne Carswell, George Foster, Adam Meadows, Cornell Green, Greg Eslinger, Martin Bibla, Chris Kuper. Nalen is a great center, and Carlisle and Hamilton are solid guards. Lepsis is a good tackle, and the same goes for Foster. They now have Meadows, who was once good, but injury caused him to sit the last few years.
OL Score 9/10
Defensive Line: Gerrard Warren,Kenard Lang, Courtney Brown, Ebenzer Ekuban, Elvis Dumervil, John Engelberger,Amon Gordon,Corey Jackson, Chukie Nwokorie, Michael Myers, Demtrian Veal Losing Pryce will hurt his line, comprised of many inconsistant guys. Warren is a solid tackle, and they drafted Dumervil. Lang is alright, and Brown is always injured. Engleberger, Gordon, and Myers are all inconsistant guys.
DL Score 7/10
Linebackers: Al Wilson, D.J. Williams, Nate Webster, Ian Gold, Keith Burns, Patrick Chukwurah, Ray Williams, Louis Green, T.J. Holowell. Al Wilson is one of the best linebackers in football in the middle, and they also have two good speedy outside backers in Williams and Gold. Webster and Burns are both solid veteran backups.
LB Score 9/10
Defensive backs: Champ Bailey, Willie Middlebrooks, Dominique Foxworth, Roc Alexander, John ####, Nick Ferguson, Sam Brandon, Darrent Williams, Karl Paymah, Jeff Shoate, Curome Cox. Champ Bailey is possibly the best cornerback in all of football. They also have a great group of safeties with the veterans #### and Ferguson, along with Brandon. However, the rest of the cornerbacks are younger, unproven guys.
DB Score 9/10
Special Teams: Jason Elam, Micah Knorr, Mike Bell Elam struggled a bit last year, missing 1/4th of his kick. They also have a suspended punter, which is hilarious. They also don't have a proven returner.
ST Score 6/10
Coach: Mike Shanahan In all of Shanahans time in Denver, they have only one losing season. He has two Super Bowl rings also to his credit.
Coach 10/10
FINAL THOUGHTS: The Broncos look to be one of the better teams in the AFC, and could be a contender. However, will the defensive line and special team weaknesses ultimately cost them?
I would like to thank everyone who has read, commented, and enjoyed these previews. Tommorow on Maddenoliday, I will put all of these stats together with my system and the schedules, and we will determine who will finish where.
THATS ALL I GOT.
And remember, join the Bloggers Pro Pick'em Group on Yahoo. 37 bloggers and going for 50. Pro pick'em is where you select who you think will win each week's games. To Join go here first, then pick join Private Group. Then the ID
Well age has caught up to another all time great. This time, its linebacker Junior Seau. Seau has had a great career at linebacker. He's been around so long, that you forget that it was 1990 that was drafted out of Southern Cal to go to the San Diego Chargers with the 5th overall pick.
Everyone knew he was going to be good when in his rookie season, he piled up 85 tackles. From 91 to 96, he had at least 100 tackles in each of those seasons, as well as some sacks to go along with all of those tackles. From 1990 to 2002, Seau became the face of a franchise. Unfortunatly, success did not come there way often in Seau's tenure. In 1994, The Chargers advanced to the Super Bowl, and were beaten by the 49ers. But that Super Bowl appearance was only one of 3 playoff appearances in Seau's entire time in San Diego. At the end of the 2004 season, Seau, who was 34 at the time, ended up going somewhere new, that place was Miami, and with the Dolphins. In the 2003 season, Seau had his typical solid numbers, but the next two years in Miami would be injury filled, as he would miss half of the games in the 2004 and 2005 seasons.
Now, at age 37, Seau has decided to call it quits after the Dolphins cut him in March to make some cap room. Still, Seau has had a fantastic career at linebacker. In his career, not only did he make 12 concecutive Pro Bowls, but he also had 1,666 tackles, 90 passes defended, 52 sacks, 11 fumbles forced, and 15 interceptions. It certainly looks like Canton, Ohio is in the future for this great linebacker.
Have fun in retirement.
THATS ALL I GOT
AND IF YOU HAVEN'T JOINED THE BLOGGERS PRO'PICK'EM GROUP ON YAHOO YET, DO IT NOW
It has been a very slow sports news day the last few days. So
I had to go out and find a topic to write a blog about, and I got
it. Even though the NFL season is 2 months away, fantasy football
mania has already started. (I have 3 leagues.) So I decided
to do a little fantasy football preview guide, today, the running back.
Now
in fantasy football, the running back is the key to successful teams,
running backs score the most points, and a low tier back is often
better to have then a good wide reciever. Without further adu,
here is the top 50 running backs in the NFL. .
50. Kevan Barlow. Plays with a weak offense, probably won't put up very good numbers.
49. Mike Alstott. Won't get you many yards, but will get touchdowns.
48. Verron Haynes. May fit into the Jerome Bettis role for the Steelers and take up those short yard situations.
47. Marion Barber. Will probably get some short yardage for the Cowboys. And Julius Jones is injury prone..
46. Cedric Benson. The Bears will run a lot, and this guy will probably get at least some carries.
45. Cedric Houston. The Jets lack passing, and will run a lot. Houston will get a lot of short yardage, and other carries to spell the flimsy Curtis Martin.
44. Ron Dayne. Might become the power, short yard back for the Broncos. And everyone gets yards in Denver.
43. Dominic Rhodes. Will get some carries in Indy, and probably some receptions as well. The question is, will the Colts run?
42. Greg Jones. Likely to split some time with Fred Taylor, and get the short yardage touchdowns.
41. DeAngelo Williams. If Foster gets hurt as normal, he will probably take up a lot of yardage for the Panthers.
40. Frank Gore. Will probably get the running job for the 49ers, and without a passing game, will get a lot of carries.
39. Brandon Jacobs. He won't get you many yards, but will fill the Jerome Bettis role for the Giants, and get a lot of short yardage touchdowns.
38. Mewelde Moore. Will likely share time with Taylor in Minnesota to figure out that running game. Plus, Moore can catch some passes for extra numbers.
37. T.J. Duckett. Will probably take the short yardage and touchdowns for the Falcons.
36. Lawrence Maroney. He will likely split some carries with Dillon to get some yardage. Plus, if Dillon gets hurt like normal, the chances will soar for this guy.
35. Chester Taylor. He's been waiting to break out for a while, and the Vikings running job is up for the taking. A new coach may start running with the bad passing, and Taylor could be a sleeper.
34. Priest Holmes. If he retires, he's useless. But if he's healthy, he'll split some carries with LJ and put up decent numbers, and probably get some touchdowns.
33. Joseph Addai. If the Colts actually run the ball, Addai would be better then Rhodes. The passing game should free up the run.
32. LenDale White. If Chris Brown gets hurt as usual, he could get a lot of carries. Plus, even if Brown is healthy, White should get short yardage.
31. Jamal Lewis. The Ravens passing should improve because of McNair coming in. Jamal Lewis may get some short yardage, but I expect him to be the backup quickly.
30. DeShaun Foster. Also injury problems. If he could stay healthy, he could put up great numbers, but with Goings and Williams waiting, the starter spot could be lost quickly.
29. Chris Brown. Could be very good, but he is injured always. When healthy, can put up good yardage.
28. Fred Taylor. Always seems to be injured, but can put up decent numbers if he can stay healthy.
27. Mike Anderson. Should eventually take over Jamal Lewis's starting job and make solid production. The Ravens offensive should be able to pass, and should help the running numbers.
26. Corey Dillon. Lots of injuries lately, so questions on
if he can still go. Plus Maroney drafted to take away some of
Dillon's carries.
25. Deuce McAllister. Coming
off of injury, and now likely to split carries with Reggie Bush.
Take Deuce with caution, If he stays healthy, he will likely have
more short yardage runs, and get some touchdowns.
24.
Curtis Martin. Had injury problems last year and was
unimpressive. With a lackluster set of QBs, expect the Jets to
run often, but Martin to lose close carries to Cedric Houston.
23. Reggie Bush. Deuce is coming off injury, so is in question a bit. Bush should give you a lot of yards, as well as solid recieving numbers
22. Tatum Bell. Everybody gets yards in Denver, and
this speedster will probably have a lot of yards this year. But
Ron Dayne may take touchdowns in the short-yardage situations.
21. Warrick Dunn. Will get you lots of yards and
recpetions, but will likely lose touchdowns to T.J. Duckett if Duckett
remains in Atlanta. Also, Vick will take away from Dunn's
numbers, but he will get lots of yards.
20. Rueben Droughns. Off-field problems have been getting
to him, but if he can shake it off, he could have solid yardage.
He had trouble with touchdowns last year, and probably much the same
this year. But with a weak passing game, the Browns will probably
try to run.
19. Ahman Green. Injuries made the Packers offensive look worse then it was. Before injury, Ahman had very good numbers, and if healthy could be great.
18. Thomas Jones. Da
Bears, have a lackluster passing game outside of Muhammad. But
Thomas Jones quietly puts up solid yardage each year. And if
Grossman gets hurt as usual, expect more running.
17. Willie Parker. Bettis is gone, so that means
more carries, and probably more chances at touchdowns. But after
losing Randle El and Ben's injury, they may decide to run EVEN MORE.
16. Brian Westbrook. He'll get you touchdowns, and a
lot of receptions, but I'm not sure how much I trust the Eagles to run
the ball. If they do run the ball, he could have solid
numbers. Injury is a small concern here.
15. Kevin Jones. The Lions really don't have a lot
from the passing game, so they will need the run to have success.
Plus, with Martz in Detroit, expect Jones to become a large part of the
passing game as well.
14. Willis McGahee. The passing game in Buffalo is
still pretty questionable. How the passing goes will affect
Willis, but either way, expect a lot of carries, and solid
production. Probably will get a solid amount of TDs.
13. Cadillac Williams. Chris Simms is still young, and the passing game is young, so a lot of carries will be due. But can he hold up through an entire season?
12.
Domanick Davis. He is the best running back you have never heard
of. He has put up solid numbers each year in Houston. If
that offensive line can improve, he will have more productions not only
because of blocking for him, but for blocking Carr, so that the passing
game stretches D's out.
11. Julius Jones. T.O. should
stretch offenses out so that Jones can have more success running the
ball. However, he's been injured both years he's played. If
healthy, he could put up scary numbers.
10. Ronnie
Brown. Ricky the Pothead is gone, so Brown will get the most of
the carries. Plus, questions about Culpeppers health will lead to
more running. I think that Ronnie could be a sleeper that might
surprise everyone.
9. LaMont Jordan. Aaron Brooks is
the new quarterback in Oakland, for whats that worth. Either way,
Jordan should get more carries this year, and have more yards if Randy
Moss can stay healthy. Plus Jordan can also catch passes.
8.
Steven Jackson. Marshall Faulk looks to be retiring, so thats
more carries. Plus a new coach will likely remove the "Pass
always" offensive system in St Louis. Jackson could put up big
numbers if given carries.
7. Edgerrin James. The Cardinals Offensive line is still
questionable, but Edge still puts up solid numbers every year.
The passing game could be successful to free him up, and it looks like
injury issues are a thing of the past.
6. Rudi
Johnson. Solid powerhouse back who's been forgotten by many
people. He consistantly puts up solid yardage and
touchdowns. And with Carson Palmer possibly still injured come
season start, that will add more carries.
5. Tiki
Barber. The Giants offense looks like it could be a complete
juggernaut, if Eli develops, and if Burress/Shockey/Toomer can be
successful. Even aging, Tiki has gotten better almost every
year. However, with big tank Brandon Jacobs on that team, Tiki
may lose a few touchdown points, but expect lots of yards.
4.
Larry Johnson. I know I ranking him low compared to everyone
else, but I'm not sold on Priest Holmes retiring, and I think they will
likely split some carries. LJ had crazy stats last year, but
still a lot of questions with me, maybe it was a fluke? But they
have a great O-Line.
3. Clinton Portis. The Redskins
offense looks like it is improved on all fronts, which should lead to a
great year out of Clinton Portis. Last year, lack of a passing
game caused D's to crack down on the running, but he should have a lot
more good carries this year.
2. Shaun
Alexander. Alexander has been one of the most consistant backs
for a couple years, and also a touchdown machine, with a record
breaking 28 last year. The Seahawks have a decent passing game,
so it should free him up, and he usually gets the short-yardage
carries. He has yet to face injury problems, but be warned of the
Madden Curse.
1, LaDainian Tomlinson. LDT is the number one back
not only for his running. Tomlinson also catches a lot of passes
during a season, giving an added boost to his already high point
totals. Not to mention the occasionally thrown touchdown.
His production may go down just a little bit this year, because if
Phillip Rivers struggles, the D's will start cracking down on the
running game. Also, he's stayed injury free his entire career, so
he's not supposed to be a risk on that front.
I think that the Chiefs got a huge steal when they got Alabama QB Brodie Croyle in the 3rd round. Very few probably notice this pick, but with Trent Green getting up there in years, Croyle will be soon called upon. With Green there to teach him, and the talent of Larry Johnson, Croyle may be the QB for the Chiefs in 3 years.
I also noticed that the Chargers went QB in the 3rd and picked Charlie Whitehurst. I'm making a prediction, that Whitehurst will start at some time during this season for the Chargers. Getting rid of Brees will be the dumbest thing they ever did.
Which makes me think of Drew Brees, what a great situation he has. The Saints have now two great backs, with Reggie Bush and Deuce McAllister, as well as Joe Horn and Donte Stallworth. Next year, they could have one of the leagues top offensives.
Another thing I saw was the Rams 2nd round pick of TE Joe Klopfenstein. They have always had a great power offense, but they always lacked a TE. Now they have one that can make a huge impact.
The Vikings with the last pick in the 2nd picked QB Tarvaris Jackson. From what I hear, he's a scrambling type QB. I wonder if he will be the guy to inhiert the Vikings QB job?
Big news today as Daunte Culpepper became a Dolphin and Drew Brees became a Saint
Daunte Culpepper Impact on Vikings
Culpepper had given them many solid years including a MVP worthy 2004 season. However last year, his numbers stunk, he tore his knee, he was on the "Love Boat" and when he left the team went on a winning streak. The Vikings do not really get hurt in this one. However they do need to get a young QB to bulid for the future, because Brad Johnson is old. Brad has only a few years left in him, and he wasn't mobile to begin with. Maybe get a young free agent or draft a 3rd rounder. They do need a running game, and a Line to make the offense click. Troy Williamson and Koren Robinson have potenial. Plus they did get a 2nd round pick, to help out that D.
Daunte Culpepper Impact on Dolphins
You can at least bring Culpepper in for competition. We don't know if Culpepper can play at a good lever because of these factors.
1) The Injury
2 The Pressure of doing it without Moss
The Dolphins don't really have anyone else at QB to rely on. Gus Frerotte isn't really a good solution, neither is Cleo Lemon. They have weapons, Chris Chambers, Ronnie Brown, and Randy McMichael. If Culpepper can play like he did in 04, then the Dolphins are serious title contenders.
On to Drew Brees
Drew Brees Impact on Chargers
They brought Brees into a crappy team a few years ago when he was drafted. His first 2 years stunk, then in year 3 (2004) with the help of LT and Antonio Gates, he excelled, got the Chargers to the playoffs for the first time in a while, and won comeback player of the year. Last year Brees had another really good game, and the Chargers just fell short partially because of the toughness of that divison. (Broncos, Chiefs) Tossing Brees is incredibly stupid. Phillip Rivers hasn't proven anything. Then again he hasn't gotten the chance. In the end, Rivers could end up being a great QB, but he has little playing experience, and there is no way that he will be better then Brees this year. Next year maybe. Then again, Antonio Gates and LaDainian Tomlinson are pretty good, they just need a regular wide-out.
Drew Brees Impact on Saints
The Saints didn't even get to play in New Orleans last year. And while they played in San Antonio, the fans had to watch Aaron Brooks and Todd Bauman suck it up. Brees is a great move, as he is much better then the prevously mentioned two. His talent not only will make the team better, but it will help them sell some tickets. Deuce McAllister is a talented RB, and Joe Horn and Donte Stallworth are a solid 1-2 punch at WR. The one worry is if that Brees' shoulder problem could turn him into Chad Pennington
Impact on the Draft
The Culpepper deal shouldn't change much. However the Brees deal makes the draft situation look complicated. Most people were saying that the Saints were picking Leinart, Young, or Cutler. With Brees now, It doesn't seem likely that they will use that pick on a QB. I think the best player they could get is D'Brickashaw Ferguson. But with the holes in that D, they may trade the pick and get many lower picks to get more players. Because there always could be a diamond in the rough, many good players have come late in the draft.
Also this just in. The Cowboys have released Keyshawn Johnson, which makes you wonder, Terrell Owens??? Terry Glenn is really the only other reciever they have although Witten is a good tight end. I somehow don't see this working, TO would be working with a hardass coach like Parcells. And if Garcia and McNabb weren't good enough, wait until he sees the man with no legs, Drew Bledsoe.
