Preseason Watchlist
Transcription
Preseason Watchlist
by Jason Wood, Senior Writer 2009 Preseason 2009 Watch List 2009 J ICON SMI ust because games aren’t being played doesn’t mean there isn’t a tremendous amount of football activity afoot. Between scouting, the draft, free agency, mini-camps, training camp, preseason games and the occasional holdout or trade demand, there’s almost always something worth discussing or analyzing regardless of the time of year. At Footballguys.com we strive to provide fantasy leaguers with all the relevant information in a timely manner, and we’ll give you our honest assessments every step of the way. Below you’ll find a compilation of some of the situations we’re watching as the preseason turns into training camp. With new developments arising daily, remember that this is merely a STARTING POINT. To find up-to-date information and analysis that looks at these situations and hundreds more, be sure to visit www.footballguys.com and take advantage of our Daily Email Updates, industry-best News Blogger, best-in-class message boards and our thousands of pages of analysis and statistical data. Matthew Stafford Quarterback Situations to Watch • How good can Trent Edwards be (Buffalo)? — Edwards completed almost 66 percent of his passes last year and now gets Terrell Owens added to his arsenal. With the promise of a no huddle offense, can Edwards become a reliable fantasy starter? • Was Delhomme’s contract extension a good idea (Carolina)? — Jake Delhomme had one of the worst playoff games in league history and was then rewarded with a hefty new extension. Does the 34-year old justify his new deal? • Is Jay Cutler the missing piece (Chicago)? — Bears fans have long believed they were a QB short of a Super Bowl. Jay Cutler is the best QB they’ve had in a long time, if not ever, will he really be the missing piece? Kyle Orton will start, but Chris Simms is healthy and will give him a run for his money. • Can Palmer stay healthy (Cincinnati)? — Carson Palmer missed the majority of last season with a torn elbow ligament but avoided Tommy John surgery. Will that decision come back to haunt him? • When does Stafford play (Detroit)? — Matthew Stafford will start sooner rather than later, but will he get the green light in Week 1? • Is Romo as good without Owens (Dallas)? — The Cowboys believe waiving Terrell Owens was addition by subtraction, but the fact is QBs enjoy their career seasons with him in the lineup. Can Romo find new weapons and remain a top fantasy passer? • Kyle Orton or Chris Simms (Denver)? — The consensus believes • Will Tom Moore’s retirement affect Manning? (Indianapolis)? — Peyton Manning lost the only OC he’s known in the NFL to retirement. Will there be a period of adjustment to worry about? • Will we see the Garrard of 2007 or 2008? (Jacksonville)? — Garrard’s TD rate was cut in half last year and his sack total doubled, with the additions of WR Torry Holt and two new bookend rookie tackles put him back on track? FREE 32 PAGE CAMP UPDATE: http://freeupdate.footballguys.com 26 26 watch list.indd 26 FOOTBALLGUYS.COM 5/27/09 12:55:43 PM • Is Matt Cassel a franchise QB (Kansas City)? — The Chiefs traded for Matt Cassel and plan to rebuild around him. Is he really a special QB or a byproduct of the Patriots way? • What do the Dolphins have planned for Pat White (Miami)? — Chad Pennington has security after a stellar 2008 season, but the Fins have plans for Pat White. How many reps do they plan on giving him? • Favre or Rosenfels or Jackson (Minnesota)? — The Brett Favre soap opera continues, but even if he doesn’t suit up, Rosenfels and Jackson will wage an intense battle for the job. • Is Brady healthy (New England)? — About all we know of Tom Brady’s offseason is that he married the world’s most famous supermodel. But far more important is to know whether he’s fully recovered from last season’s injury. Would the Pats have traded Matt Cassel if there were lingering concerns? the Eagles pass-happy WCO to St. Louis, will that make Bulger relevant again? • The QB pecking order (Tampa Bay)? — Josh Freeman, Byron Leftwich, Luke McCown and Josh Johnson all think they should start, which one is right? • Can Vince Young dig himself out of the dog house (Tennessee)? — The Titans re-signed Kerry Collins to start, but he’s still a short-term option. Can Vince Young do enough to at least resume his QB2 role? • Can Jason Campbell look past this offseason (Washington)? — Jason Campbell has to wonder what he ever did to Daniel Snyder. With overtures about trading for Jay Cutler and drafting Mark Sanchez, can Campbell maintain his confidence and prove he should be the team’s starter beyond 2009? Running Back Situations to Watch comparison to DeAngelo Williams. Will the Panthers maintain their roughly 60/40 split or is Stewart in line for a different workload? • Will Matt Forte get as many touches (Chicago)? — Forte was impressive as a rookie but wore down at the end of the season. With Jay Cutler in town, will the Bears run less as a team, and will they follow through on their promise to use Kevin Jones more? • Cedric Benson: Franchise Back (Cincinnati)? — The Bengals released Chris Perry, signed Benson to a new deal and didn’t draft anyone until the sixth round. Is Benson really their answer at tailback? • Is Jamal Lewis entrenched (Cleveland)? — Jamal Lewis disappointed last season and the new coaches owe him nothing, but is there a RB on the roster that poses a credible threat? • Will the Boys use a three-headed monster (Dallas)? — Tashard Choice ran hard last year, Felix Jones is healthy and a home run threat on every play, and Marion Barber is the starter with a megacontract. Will Dallas go back to Barber being the main man, or will they use all three talented runners liberally? • Can Manning find his new Plax (New York Giants)? — Manning isn’t the same without Plaxico Burress, and he has to build rapport with a collection of young receivers this year or risk further regression. • Will Beanie have to share carries (Arizona)? — The Cardinals drafted Beanie Wells in the first round, and he should be the starter from day one. But will they make him share carries with Tim Hightower or the other backups? • Does Sanchez play immediately (New York Jets)? — Mark Sanchez is the future of the New York Jets, but is he the present? Kellen Clemens doesn’t think so. • What can Michael Turner do for an encore (Atlanta)? — Michael Turner ran for 1,699 yards in his first season in Atlanta on a league high 376 carries. Can he do more with less this year? Can any back handle that kind of workload repeatedly? • Will Knowshon Moreno be the workhorse (Denver)? — The Broncos stockpiled RBs this offseason and appeared ready to mimic New England’s committee approach, but then they used the 12th overall pick on Moreno. Will they give him 20 touches a game or make him share time? • Who’s going to get the carries (Baltimore)? — The Ravens have worked out Le’Ron McClain at fullback this offseason, which would suggest the Ravens plan on spreading out the carries again between him, Ray Rice and Willis McGahee. Will the picture become clearer as camp progresses? • Do the Lions believe in Kevin Smith (Detroit)? — Kevin Smith was one of the few bright spots last year, but the Lions reportedly wanted Beanie Wells in the April draft. They also signed Maurice Morris. Do they think Smith can be a full-time workhorse? • Was JaMarcus Russell worth the first pick (Oakland)? — JaMarcus Russell quietly played good football at the end of the season, but overall his book remains unwritten. Will he finally emerge this year as a true franchise cornerstone? • Shaun Hill vs. Alex Smith (San Francisco)? — New OC Jimmy Raye has to figure out the QB pecking order quickly. Alex Smith took a pay cut to stay in the fight, but will it matter? • Is Hasselbeck’s back okay (Seattle)? — A bulging disc robbed Matt Hasselbeck of more than half the season, yet he opted against surgery to repair it. Is there a risk of recurrence, and if so, do the Seahawks have a backup plan? • Will Marshawn Lynch come back to a committee (Buffalo)? — Lynch faces suspension for a gun possession charge, and Fred Jackson and Dominic Rhodes will do everything in their power to earn significant playing time in his stead. When Lynch returns, will the job be his or will he have to share? • Will Bulger flourish in the WCO? — Mark Bulger needs a bounce back year. New OC Pat Shurmur is bringing • How much time will Jonathan Stewart get (Carolina)? – Stewart was impressive last year but paled in • Can Ryan Grant put it all together (Green Bay)? — Grant ran for more than 1,200 yards last year but averaged less than four yards and only scored five TDs. Can he match his 2007 TD and YPC numbers with his 2008 workload? • Will Steve Slaton handle the monster workload (Houston)? — Steve Slaton had an amazing rookie season, but some wonder if he can handle a heavier workload. Yet the Texans have no one on the roster worthy of sharing touches. FREE DAILY EMAIL: http://footballguys.com/email FOOTBALLGUYS.COM 26 watch list.indd 27 27 5/27/09 12:55:57 PM 2 0 0 9 P R E S E AS O N WAT C H L I S T • How much work will Donald Brown take from Joseph Addai (Indianapolis)? — The Colts drafted Donald Brown in the first round, and he’ll definitely play a large role. The question is how will he eat into Joseph Addai’s workload? • Will the Jets appease Thomas Jones and Leon Washington (New York Jets)? — Thomas Jones wants a new deal. Leon Washington wants a new deal. Rookie Shonn Greene wants to take their jobs. Will NY get their vet tandem signed and sealed? • Is Maurice Jones-Drew ready to be THE man (Jacksonville)? — MJD has been an all-purpose weapon for years, but this year he’s in line for a dramatic increase in his workload following the release of Fred Taylor. Is he up to the task or will the Jags need to find someone to pair him with? • Is Darren McFadden a go-to weapon (Oakland)? — McFadden ran for less than 50 yards in all but one game last year, but he should be healthy and ready for a larger role this season. Is he a major weapon or a fantasy tease? • Has Larry Johnson mended fences (Kansas City)? — With a new regime aboard, Larry Johnson seemed a good bet to be cut or traded. Yet his quiet offseason appears to have appeased the new brass, and LJ now looks to be a focal point of the offense. • Does Ronnie Brown have to share the load with Ricky Williams (Miami)? — Ronnie Brown is ultra-productive as both a runner and receiver when he’s healthy. But he’s always nicked up it seems, and Ricky Williams played hard in 2008. Will the Fins make them share the role again? • Is 2,000 yards within reach for Peterson (Minnesota)? — When you run for 1,760 yards as a second-year player, is 2,000 yards really out of the question? If anyone can do it, it’s Peterson especially if the Vikings can get the QB situation settled. • Is Fred Taylor the new Corey Dillon (New England)? — The Patriots have a trove of RBs on the roster, but none have Fred Taylor’s career numbers. Will the Pats give Taylor a major role as they did with Corey Dillon? • Will Pierre Thomas build off his strong second half (New Orleans)? — The Saints cut Deuce McAllister and ignored RB in the draft; which bodes well for Pierre Thomas. Can he build off his late season heroics or will we look back on them as a fluke? • Can Ahmad Bradshaw replace Derrick Ward (New York Giants)? — Derrick Ward ran for 1,000 yards as a backup, can Ahmad Bradshaw step in and provide the necessary complement to bruising Brandon Jacobs? • Is Brian Westbrook still an elite RB (Philadelphia)? — Brian Westbrook saw his YPR and YPC drop last season, and his ability to stay on the field is always a worry. Is Brian Westbrook nearing the end of his time as one of the NFL’s most explosive runners? • Does Rashard Mendenhall play a big role (Pittsburgh)? — Rashard Mendenhall was supposed to be a short yardage bell cow last year before getting hurt. Will he lock down an important role this year or can Fast Willie Parker eek out another solid season? • Will LaDainian Tomlinson have to share carries (San Diego)? — Tomlinson had to redo his deal to stay in San Diego and has plenty of competition for touches. Will LT have the chance to regain his 20-carry form? • Is Glen Coffee going to spell Frank Gore from time to time (San Francisco)? — Frank Gore is the centerpiece but third round rookie Glen Coffee needs to contribute, as well. Will the 49ers integrate Coffee immediately? • Can Steven Jackson stay on the field (St. Louis) — Jackson has missed eight games in the last two seasons, keeping him from a spot atop the fantasy elite. Is this the year he regains his premiere form? • How will Earnest Graham and Derrick Ward split the touches (Tampa Bay)? — The Bucs wasted little time this offseason signing Derrick Ward to a long-term deal following his 1,000-yard season in New York. Is Ward the clear cut starter or will the Bucs find a role for Earnest Graham, too? • Are Chris Johnson and LenDale White satisfied with their two-headed approach (Tennessee)? — White was the short yardage hammer last year while Chris Johnson did everything else. Are those roles constant? • Will Clinton Portis outperform his ADP again (Washington)? — Every year it’s the same old story. Teams bet Clinton Portis will wear down and then he goes out and puts up another monster season. Is it possible to be drafted too low nearly every year of your career? Wide Receiver Situations to Watch • Can the Cardinals bring Anquan Boldin back into the fold (Arizona)? — The trade rumors were rampant this offseason, but it appears the Cardinals want to keep Boldin for another run at the title. Can they make peace in the absence of a new long-term contract? • How will Roddy White adjust to Tony Gonzalez (Atlanta)? — Roddy White was Matt Ryan’s top option in 2008. Will the addition of a HOF tight end make things easier for him, or will he need to adjust to fewer targets? • Are the Ravens happy going to war with this WR corps (Baltimore)? — The Ravens were rumored to be pursuing Anquan Boldin, yet they ignored the position in the draft. Are they confident in the guys behind Derrick Mason? • Will Terrell Owens presence help Lee Evans (Buffalo)? — We know Owens will get his, and that he’ll help Trent Edwards. But will T.O.’s presence help or hurt Evans? • Can Muhsin Muhammad keep fighting father time (Carolina)? — Muhsin Muhammad had 923 yards receiving last year at 35 years old. Is there any reason to worry he can’t maintain that level as a 36-year old? • Defining the WR pecking order (Chicago) — The Bears have a gunslinger now, but Jay Cutler needs people to throw to. Will Devin Hester start? Is Earl Bennett ready to emerge? Will the rookies contribute? • Integrating Laveranues Coles (Cincinnati) — The Bengals lost T.J. Houshmandzadeh in free agency but signed Laveranues Coles to a multi-year deal. Will he quickly integrate into the fold, and how will Chad Ochocinco handle his new running mate? FREE 32 PAGE CAMP UPDATE: http://freeupdate.footballguys.com 28 26 watch list.indd 28 FOOTBALLGUYS.COM 5/27/09 12:56:08 PM 2 0 0 9 P R E S E AS O N WAT C H L I S T • Do the Browns intend to keep Braylon Edwards (Cleveland)? — The new Browns regime wasted little time trading away Kellen Winslow but haven’t accepted any of the offers for Braylon Edwards. Are they content to keep him, and if so, will he be the focal point of the new offense? • Do the Cowboys have someone worthy to start (Dallas)? — Roy Williams will be asked to replace T.O., but beyond that there are lots of question marks. Patrick Crayton is better suited for the slot, but that means Miles Austin or someone else needs to clearly establish himself in camp. • Who starts alongside Calvin Johnson (Detroit)? — Calvin Johnson proved last year he’ll produce in any situation. But who starts opposite CJ this year is very much in question. Bryant Johnson, Ron Curry, Adam Jennings and Derrick Williams all have designs on the job. • Will Donald Driver have to share more time (Green Bay)? — GM Ted Thompson believes Driver remains an elite talent, but the Packers have a number of talented young receivers who deserve playing time, too. Will Driver remain a full-time starter? TJ Houshmandzadeh • Who starts opposite Dwayne Bowe (Kansas City)? — The rebuilding Chiefs lost Tony Gonzalez and they need a number of receivers to emerge as complements to Dwayne Bowe. Does Bobby Engram have gas left in the tank? Is Mark Bradley an NFL starter? ICON SMI • Adjusting to a new offense (Denver) — Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal have major adjustments to make, including a new coaching staff, new playbook and most importantly a new quarterback. How will they handle the transition? • How long will Lance Moore be out (New Orleans)? — Lance Moore was set to test the free agent waters after a breakout season, but he tore his labrum lifting weights and now must play under a one-year deal in New Orleans. How long will his rehab take? • Replacing Plaxico and Toomer (New York Giants) — The Giants need to replace both Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer - no small feat. Will Steve Smith and Domenik Hixon hold down the jobs or will rookies Hakeem Nicks and Ramses Barden push for time immediately? • Does Kevin Walter have a higher ceiling (Houston)? — Kevin Walter delivered a Top 20 season last year, but many believe he’s capable or more than 60 catches and 899 yards. Does he have more upside or was 2008 a career year? • Sorting out the pecking order (Miami) — The Dolphins drafted two receivers and have Ted Ginn, Davone Bess, Greg Camarillo and Brandon London all vying for roles. No one’s job should be considered secure entering camp. • Can Anthony Gonzalez replace Marvin Harrison (Indianapolis)? — Anthony Gonzalez regressed in his second season, yet he will be counted on to replace Marvin Harrison in the starting lineup. Is Gonzalez up to the task? • Will Percy Harvin start immediately (Minnesota)? — The Vikings need Percy Harvin to provide offensive versatility, and he will be on the field quickly. But is he a polished enough receiver to start in Week 1? • Who is going to catch the ball besides Jerricho Cotchery (New York Jets)? — Jerricho Cotchery is the clear cut WR1, but the Jets have major question marks beyond him. Is David Clowney or Chansi Stuckey ready to start full-time? • Is Torry Holt still an impact receiver (Jacksonville)? — Torry Holt was cut by the Rams and signed with Jacksonville – filling a desperate need for the Jaguars. But is Holt still an impact receiver or have age and injury caught up to him? • Who fills Jabar Gaffney’s spot (New England)? — Jabar Gaffney played a lot more offensive snaps than the typical WR3 but left for Denver in the offseason. Is Joey Galloway a lock to fill that role or will a younger receiver surprise? • Who starts in Oaktown (Oakland)? — Javon Walker had another knee operation and seems unlikely to start. Is rookie first rounder Darrius Heyward-Bey polished enough to start immediately, and can Chaz Schilens hold off Johnnie Lee Higgins? FREE DAILY EMAIL: http://footballguys.com/email FOOTBALLGUYS.COM 26 watch list.indd 29 29 5/27/09 12:56:18 PM 2 0 0 9 P R E S E AS O N WAT C H L I S T • What do the Eagles have planned for Jeremy Maclin (Philadelphia)? — The Eagles didn’t draft Jeremy Maclin 19th overall to sit him on the bench, but where does he fit? Is he a starter opposite DeSean Jackson or better suited for the slot? • Does Limas Sweed earn a role (Pittsburgh)? — Ward and Holmes are the starters, but there’s an opportunity for Limas Sweed to step into the role vacated by Nate Washington. Can he win the coaches over, or will veteran Shaun McDonald fill the slot? • What does Vincent Jackson do for an encore (San Diego)? — Vincent Jackson broke out last year with 1,098 yards and seven TDs. Was that the start of great things, or will we look back on that as his career best? • How good can Michael Crabtree be (San Francisco)? — The 49ers resigned Isaac Bruce and signed Brandon Jones, but then Michael Crabtree fell into their laps on draft day. Crabtree should start immediately; will he live up to the mountainous expectations? • Can T.J. Houshmandzadeh be the top Hawk (Seattle)? — T.J. Houshmandzadeh has lived in Chad Ochocinco’s shadow for a long time but is now set to be the Seahawks new top receiver. Is he ready for the attention that brings from opposing defenses? • Who starts opposite Donnie Avery (St. Louis)? — Donnie Avery is an emerging star, but someone needs to start alongside him. Will it be Laurent Robinson, Keenan Burton or Derek Stanley? • Will Bryant and Clayton earn their new paydays (Tampa Bay)? — Antonio Bryant resurrected his career last season and was franchised, and Michael Clayton was given a monster new contract in spite of pedestrian numbers. Can they live up to their new contracts or will these deals be ridiculed this time next year? • Have the Titans done enough at WR (Tennessee)? — The Titans signed Nate Washington in the offseason and then drafted Kenny Britt in the first round. Are those additions enough to improve the Titans weak link on offense? • Is Devin Thomas or Malcolm Kelly ready to contribute (Washington)? — Antwaan Randle El shouldn’t be starting, but the Redskins need at least one of last year’s rookie WRs to emerge in their second season. • How do you replace Tony Gonzalez (Kansas City)? — You simply can’t replace a HOF tight end, but the Chiefs will need to start someone in his old spot. Will Brad Cottam, Sean Ryan, Tony Curtis or Jake O’Connell get the nod? Tight End Situations to Watch • Is Visanthe Shiancoe legit (Minnesota)? — Visanthe Shiancoe came out of nowhere to post a Top 5 fantasy finish in 2008, was that a sign of things to come or a fluke born out of his seven TDs in 42 catches? • Will Tony Gonzalez adjust to his new surroundings (Atlanta)? — Tony Gonzalez finds himself starting anew in his 13th season. Will he be able to step into the same kind of go-to role as an Atlanta Falcon? • Defining Todd Heap and L.J. Smith’s roles (Baltimore) — Todd Heap is great when healthy, and L.J. Smith started for most of his career in Philadelphia, where John Harbaugh coached before Baltimore. How will the Ravens divide the touches between these two talented but inconsistent players? • Does Greg Olsen emerge as an elite playmaker (Chicago)? — Greg Olsen was a Top 10 fantasy TE last year despite starting only seven games. This year, he’ll start right away and have Jay Cutler throwing him passes. Watch out. • Replacing Kellen Winslow (Cleveland) — The Browns cut ties with Kellen Winslow and can’t possibly replace him with any one player. Will the combination of Robert Royal, Steve Heiden and Martin Rucker be enough? • Defining roles for the new additions (New England)? — The Patriots never sit idly by, and this year they targeted upgrading the TE position by signing Chris Baker and trading for Alex Smith. How will they fit into the rotation, and does this mean Ben Watson’s days are numbered? • Can Jeremy Shockey re-establish himself (New Orleans)? — Jeremy Shockey missed four games and was hobbled for most of last season. Will full health and a training camp to work with the offense allow him to reestablish himself as an elite TE? • Finding depth beyond Dustin Keller (New York Jets) — Dustin Keller is going to catch a lot of passes this year, but the Jets are woefully undermanned at the position. Right now Bubba Franks and undrafted free agent J’Nathan Bullock are the most likely backups. • Can Jason Witten lead the league in receptions (Dallas)? — With Terrell Owens gone, Jason Witten is almost assured of being the most targeted TE in the league. Might he lead the NFL in receptions? • Can the veterans hold off Cornelius Ingram (Philadelphia)? — Matt Schobel and Brent Celek wouldn’t start for many teams and are the weak links in a stellar offensive cast. Can rookie Cornelius Ingram overtake them this season? • Does Tony Scheffler have a future with the Broncos (Denver)? — Tony Scheffler has allegedly been on the trading block ever since Josh McDaniels took over. If they don’t trade him, will they make use of his receiving prowess or has the sun set on his time as a Bronco? • How is Antonio Gates’ ankle (San Diego)? — Antonio Gates wasn’t himself last year rehabbing a bum toe, and then hurt his ankle come playoff time. He admitted to lingering pain in the ankle at mini-camp. Is that an ominous sign for the league’s most explosive TE? • Are expectations too high for Brandon Pettigrew (Detroit)? — Brandon Pettigrew was the cream of the rookie TE crop, and his future is bright. But are expectations too big for the rookie on a team desperate to erase the memories of an 0-16 season? • Kellen Winslow gets a new lease on life (Tampa Bay) — Winslow was traded to Tampa Bay and then signed to a monster new deal. Will the fire still burn bright in his new digs, and how good can he be now that he’s back in Florida? FREE 32 PAGE CAMP UPDATE: http://freeupdate.footballguys.com 30 26 watch list.indd 30 FOOTBALLGUYS.COM 5/27/09 12:56:29 PM