Monthly Archives: August 2010

Studs: RB Chris Johnson, WR Kenny Britt, CB Cortland Finnegan

Duds: DE Derrick Morgan (rookie who missed most of preseason/calf)

Sleepers: QB Vince Young, RB LeGarrette Blount (undrafted rookie FA)

X-Factor: Doe QB Vince Young have what it takes to lead team to the promise-land?

Synopsis: The Super Bowl has eluded the longest tenured head coach in the league, Jeff Fisher, who took over in 1994. It is a make-or-break season for QB Vince Young. No more excuses, its time to put up and shut up. RB Chris Johnson became just the sixth player in NFL history to rush for over 2,000 yards in one season. He will carry the load once again. The Titans also need players like WR Kenny Britt and TE Jared Cook to step up and be the players who

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Studs: QB Matt Schaub, WR Andre Johnson, DE Mario Williams, LB Brian Cushing

Duds: DT Amobi Okeye

Sleepers: RB Arian Foster, WR/KR Jacoby Jones, CB Kareem Jackson (rookie)

X-Factor: Still searching for its first ever playoff birth…what will it take?

Synopsis: The Texans are still searching for their first ever playoff appearance since they entered the league in 1999. They seem to be on the cusp every season and once again this season. The biggest news of the offseason was the defection of CB Dunta Robinson, who fled to Atlanta in free agency. Houston quickly found a replacement in the first round of the draft in CB Kareem Jackson of the National Champion Alabama Crimson Tide. The next task involves finding a replacement for OLB Brian Cushing who will open the season with

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Studs: QB Peyton Manning, WR Reggie Wayne, DE Dwight Freeney, FS Bob Sanders

Duds: WR Anthony Gonzalez (injuries)

Sleepers: RB Donald Brown

X-Factor: How concerned should the Colts be about Joseph Addai’s concussion?

Synopsis: Had QB Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts added another Super Bowl or two, their streak of seven consecutive seasons of winning at least 12 games would be considered a great feat, they have just one ring to show for it though. The team was dealt a little bit of bad news just prior to the season, as RB Joseph Addai suffered a concussion during the third preseason game, paving the way for what could be a monster season for last year’s first round pick RB Donald Brown. One thing for sure is the Colts have no shortage of

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Special League Meeting News Conference
Atlanta, GA – August 25, 2010

Good afternoon. You obviously know about the Rams transaction which we completed this morning.  We had a number of other reports. The most significant discussion of the day that we had was the enhanced season and restructuring our season from 16 and 4 to 18 and 2. There was overwhelming support for the concept and that we want to continue to address a variety of issues. We are putting together a specific proposal, which the negotiating team will provide to the union’s negotiating team. There is tremendous support for it.  All of the questions and almost all of the discussions are focused on how do we do it in a way that’s fan friendly?  How does it make sense for our fans? As we’ve all said and the clubs have gotten the same reaction, the fans

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Studs: WR/KR Joshua Cribbs, OT Joe Thomas, LB Scott Fujita (FA signing)

Duds: QB Colt McCoy (unimpressive preseason)

Sleepers: RB Montario Hardesty (rookie), WR Carlton Mitchell (rookie)

X-Factor: Head coach Eric Mangini (pawn) an out-clause for new Pres. Mike Holmgren?

Synopsis: When your special teams standout (KR/PR Joshua Cribbs) is your best player, it means you have a long way to go to rebuilding a team. That’s exactly what new president Mike Holmgren was brought in to do. Cleveland won their final four games but don’t be fooled, all four of their opponents (PIT, KC, OAK, JAX) failed to make the playoffs. Gone are QB Derek Anderson, QB Brady Quinn and RB Jamal Lewis. QB Jake Delhomme was brought in to help steer the ship but he could eventually lose his starting job

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Studs: RB Rashard Mendenhall, WR Hines Ward, LB LaMarr Woodley, FS T. Polamalu

Duds: QB Ben Roethlisberger

Sleepers: QB Dennis Dixon, Mewelde Moore

X-Factor: Who will quarterback the team in Big Ben’s absence…Leftwich or Dixon?

Synopsis: Things can change pretty quickly in today’s NFL, just ask the Pittsburgh Steelers. After winning the Super Bowl the previous year, the team failed to make the playoffs last season. They could have difficulty again due to QB Ben Rothelisberger’s suspension (4 – 6 games). The team brought in QB Byron Leftwich to hold the fort in the meantime but it has been QB Dennis Dixon who has impressed during the preseason, leaving head coach Mike Tomlin to keep us guessing who will open the season as the Steelers quarterback. When Big Ben does come back, he will

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Studs: RB Ray Rice, WR Anquan Boldin, LB Ray Lewis

Duds: LB Tavares Gooden

Sleepers: RB Le’Ron McClain

X-Factor: Is this the year that QB Joe Flacco elevates his game to take it the next level?

Synopsis: The Ravens showed their metal last season, going into New England in January and knocking off the Patriots in the playoffs. The team returns its core players and added a marquee name in WR Anquan Boldin. The addition of Boldin and WR Donte’ Stallworth to team with WR Derrick Mason has aligned the moon and the stars, as everyone is banking on a bustout season from QB Joe Flacco. Stud RB Ray Rice took the league by storm last season and Baltimore just may have the deepest RB depth in the league with veteran RBs

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Studs: WR Chad Ochocinco, WR Terrell Owens

Duds: WR Antonio Bryant

Sleepers: RB Bernard Scott

X-Factor: Can QB Carson Palmer regain his old form to create an explosive offensive?

Synopsis: Getcha popcorn ready, Cincinnati is going to be providing a show this season. After taking the division last year in a triumph return to NFL contention, the Bengals added the flashy Terrell Owens, to go along with the spectacular Chad Ochocinco. The team watched RB Cedric Benson rejuvenate his career with 1,251 rushing yards a year ago and hope that Carson Palmer can finally reach his old potential, now that his injury problems appear to be behind him. Adding rookies WR Jordan Shipley and TE Jermaine Gresham provide the Bengals with even more weaponry. The defense is expecting to get to the quarterback

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According to ESPN’s Chris Mortensen, the Cardinals see some “Kurt Warner qualities” in undrafted rookie QB Max Hall. Mort joins NFL Network’s Mike Lombardi in speculating that Matt Leinart won’t be on the final roster because the Cardinals don’t want to lose one of the rookies on waivers.

Buffalo Bills rookie RB C.J. Spiller shined again Saturday, Aug. 28, when he rushed for 52 yards and caught two passes for 33 yards, reports The Associated Press. Spiller started the game and also took one snap out of a Wildcat formation.

Lions coach Jim Schwartz explained that Jahvid Best only played one series against the Browns Saturday because he was a little tight. “He could’ve continued to play,” assured Schwartz. “He didn’t get hurt or anything like that, he just said he didn’t feel loose. I didn’t feel like stretching that for the preseason.”

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Studs: RB CJ Spiller, WR Lee Evans

Duds: RB Marshawn Lynch

Sleepers: LB Aaron Maybin

X-Factor: Will the Bills makeshift offensive line be able to keep players healthy?

Synopsis: The Bills have not made the playoffs in over decade and for a very good reason, lack of talent. Enter new GM Buddy Nix and new head coach Chan Gailey. The fresh start has gone sour before the season has even begun. The Bills face the danger of starting the season without their two leading rushers in RBs Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch, catapulting rookie RB CJ Spiller into the immediate spotlight. Gone is Terrell Owens but Buffalo does retain receiving threat Lee Evans. Who will be throwing him the ball is another story, as Gailey has failed to disclose who the team’s starting quarterback

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