Under Fire: Oakland Raiders

That’s right the Raiders are now under fire.

This once prestigious franchise has become the irrelevant team of the league. It has all started from the top of the organization in Al Davis. 

Al Davis better be going senile to have as an excuse, or his idiotic personnel moves between coaches and players will make him be viewed as the worst GM in NFL history.

Ever since the Super Bowl defeat in 2002 the Raiders have experienced horrible football. Davis has been the key to their struggles to say the least.

An example would be the mass number of coaches he has hired and fired for different reasons in a short period of time.

The hiring of Lane Kiffin, most think it was a good move. Wrong! As a GM you should have a floor plan of how you want to win. As we all know Al Davis likes to win with speed and a deep passing attack.

Well guess what, the coach he hired does not believe in that philosophy to win, which was what lead Kiffin to an early dismissal when he didn’t want JaMarcus Russell.

So in the interview process did Al Davis have his headphones in his ears while Kiffin talked about how he believed was the way to win. It’s just plain stupidity to hire a coach who doesn’t share the same idea of how to go about winning as you.

This is not the only time this decade that Al Davis has hired a coach with a completely different view on how to structure a team. Art Shall was another mistake to say the least.

Maybe Davis wanted to match his counter part Dan Snyder when he brought back Gibbs. Whatever the reason, Shall was from the era where they played defense and ran the ball all the time.

What did Davis think he was going to do?

Those two short years Shall coached were some of the worst football I’ve seen in my life.

Now Davis has Tom Cable who may not always abide by the deep throw, but does it enough to keep Davis entertained. Cable has started to improve the team where he can especially with the o-line.

The Raiders may look to have one of the best rushing teams in the league this season. We will see if the Davis disease kicks in after next season and fires Cable just to set the Raiders back another decade.

Now hold up Raiders, the rain of fire is still upon you.

JaMarcus Russell is flirting with the line of bust. His incredible physical features kinda make you root for this chump in a hopeless situation in Oakland.

Now for those people out there who think that Russell has to have a good season or be gone after next are ridiculous. How good of season can you be expected to have when your number one wide receiver is a raw skilled set rookie.

However there are areas in which Russell does have to show improvement quickly if he wants to stick around as the franchise QB. Those would be mechanics and knowledge of the game.

JaMarcus, this is not back yard football anymore. Even with the big arm, it’s hard in the NFL to just heave a bomb up there and hope your receiver is the only one under the ball. 

In fact it never happens that way and that’s where brains come in to play.

Now I know Russell went to college in Louisiana, who still think they are in the civil war and meet their spouses at family reunions. Still, this does not excuse the fact that it appears in his two years of playing experience he has not shown improvement on the understanding of the game.

Show us you are smarter than a fifth grader and learn the game Russell. It may be the only way to have some success in a bad situation.

Under Fire: Terrell Owens

Many players will be feeling the heat in the upcoming NFL season, but no one is more under fire than Terrell Owens.

Is he mentally insane? Is he just a plain moron? Or is it just about face time? Who knows? Only TO can answer that. 

There is only one thing that is certain about TO. He will always be remembered as one of the most loud-mouthed, obnoxious, unsportsmanlike players to ever play the game.

Whether be in the NFL or any other sport, no one player has caused as much team chemistry destruction as TO.

Yet, no matter what he does he always seems to find work because of his star status.

Owens is a talented player, not a great player. A great player has the entire package of not just being talented, but will put the team ahead of themselves for the betterment of the team rather than making sure their voice is heard.

Now, if TO is smart, and I realize that’s a stretch, he will realize his voice has to be kept quiet this year if he cares about his future as well as his stardom.

Terrel signed a one-year deal with the Buffalo, which was the smartest move the Bills could’ve done. This signing gives the Bills leverage, where, if TO does TO things, then they can get rid of him at the end of the season.

If he does play to his potential without causing a scene the Bills may have one of the best offenses heading in to this season.

For TO this may be his last shot to keep teams interested in him. He is 35 years old and still hasn’t grown up.

Be a veteran!

Share knowledge and help build your teammates up to be better. Don’t tear apart your quarterback because he doesn’t throw you the ball in triple coverage.

As a General Manager, when you sign a 35-year-old, you are signing a guy who will hopefully be a tutor for your young players and show how to be a good teammate, not just give you production on the field.

TO in his vast experience doesn’t necessarily bring role model capabilities to the table. I’m not saying he doesn’t teach the young kids anything, but as far as being a good teammate, well that one makes me chuckle. 

If he does anything in the locker room or toward young Trent Edwards in a negative pretense, no team will give TO a chance next year, except maybe the senile AL Davis.

TO has one year left to prove he is still worth something more than a migraine combined with hemorrhoids. TO has great production but it may take that and more for teams to think about giving him a longer term contract one last time.

The pressure is all on him and the media will be right there waiting, watching, and listening.

TO is under fire.

Under Fire: Five NFL Coaches

Under Fire is a series that I will continue to do all season long. This series will place a variety of players, coaches, and teams under severe scrutiny for their inability to prove their worth in the league and will suggest that changes should be made.

The idea of this series is to provide great debates and insight on the wrong doings in the NFL. So, without further delay, I bring this article’s topic.

What coaches are under fire with questionable job security leading into this season?

Coaching in the NFL is one of the most stressful jobs. Whether this country has a good or bad economy, head coaching jobs are always at risk for layoffs.

It’s all about what have you done for me lately in this league, as was proven this past off season when Mike Shanahan was fired from the Denver Broncos. Shanahan won two Super Bowls for the Broncos, but it was not recent enough for management to keep him around.

I will give you my list of the coaching jobs that should be under fire this season.

 

1. Marvin Lewis—Cincinnati Bengals

I expected this guy to be fired last year or even the year before for that matter. Then I took a step back and realized what franchise I was talking about here. 

In the texting world, the Bengals are the lmao (laugh my a** off) team of the NFL. This was shortly forgotten since the Lions did them one better by having a goose egg in the win column. As bad as the Bengals have been in their franchise history over the past two decades, they have still managed to win a game or two.

Still, in Marvin Lewis’ reign with the Bengals, which was more like falling pieces of ruble, Lewis is 46-49-1 in six years with a 0-1 playoff record to boot.

Any other franchise would have fired Lewis after six years and one dismal playoff appearance. This is an example of the Bengals’ stupidity and the lack of desire to do whatever it takes to win.

Heck, even Al Davis, who manages his team as if he was playing Madden, would have had enough sense to give Lewis the boot.

In Lewis’ defense, it was not completely his fault for the lack of talent the Bengals have had even with so many top draft picks. Top to bottom, the Bengals organization needs to be washed out like a biblical flood.

Though, not many of those draft picks flourished through good coaching either.

The lackluster commitment to competing in the NFL is disgusting and needs to be changed. A good starting point would be firing Lewis and then work their way up.

 

2. Wade Phillips—Dallas Cowboys

Having Jerry Jones as a boss is like that die-hard fan who always thinks he knows best but doesn’t really have a clue.

Wade Phillips, in retrospect, has had control of a decently talented team, who extremely underachieved last season. Phillips is 22-10 in his two years with the Cowboys.

Those numbers are not bad, but because of the failure to meet expectations last season, this season becomes critical. The trigger-happy Jerry Jones will not hesitate to fire him if the team fails to meet expectations again.

The Cowboys’s biggest problem last season was their chemistry.

I’m not just talking about TO and his mission to have the spotlight at all times. Everyone from both sides of the ball seemed to quit on each other at times when the games weren’t going the way the Cowgirls wanted.

For me, this is direct reflection on the leadership qualities of Phillips. The locker room is to be controlled by the coach, not the players. If the players can dictate the morale of the locker room, then the coach cannot lead his team and, therefore, needs to be shown the door.

The way Phillips handled his locker room last year would leave me safe to say a pee wee coach has more leadership ability than Phillips, and they are constantly reminding their players to tie their shoes.

I don’t want to hear that TO’s personality can’t be tamed or controlled. A great coach with great leadership abilities would never allow the theatrics of TO to take place on their team.

For example, Randy Moss became a Patriot with Bill Belichick as the head coach. Now, all of a sudden, the always-disgruntled receiver, who usually gave lackadaisical effort, is all about the team and its ultimate goal.

Is TO mentally insane? Probably. Still, I have lost respect for those teams who rid themselves of TO with an excuse of him being a distraction off the field.

Steve Mariucci, Andy Reid, and now Phillips have been revealed to not be good enough to lead teams to the promise land. They may have had successful records in the regular season and may have found some success in the playoffs, but none of them have a Super Bowl ring as head coaches.

Phillips better hope for a successful season; otherwise, he can pull a number for the unemployment line.

 

3. Dick Jauron—Buffalo Bills

Jauron has been fired before which already leaves room for concern.

Why coaches who get canned always seem to find work as a head coach for another team baffles me. If you’re an owner and still ready to give him a shot, you better be confident in your ability to provide him with superstar players.

The Bills have gone 7-9 every year Jauron has been the coach. It’s the best losing record you can have in football, but it is a losing record nonetheless.

For Buffalo, TO brings a small glimmer of hope for their fans. But, with it, Jauron may have set himself up in a do-or-die scenario.

His firing would be fine by me, since he has done nothing special in the NFL. He is as unique as a piece of sand on the beach.

Jauron will not be able to bring this team over the hump this season by using his schemes. Jauron’s only hope for job security is that his team finds a way to win in spite of him, and Tom Brady has another season-ending injury.

Jauron’s job is under fire if this season results in a 7-9 record yet again.

 

4. Gary Kubiak—Houston Texans

Kubiak is in a similar situation as Jauron. Kubiak is entering is fourth year with the Texans, none of which has produced a winning season. Also, like Jauron, Kubiak has to show a competitive push forward in order to keep his job, making him under fire.

The difference between Kubiak and the others I have listed so far is that I actually like this coach.

Kubiak brings that Shanahan-style of offense with the one-cut-and-done running game along with a prolific passing game.

He actually makes the Texans exciting to watch. However, being exciting to watch and coming away with a championship are two very different things.

Kubiak needs to get his staff ready to develop that young defense quickly if he expects better results.

If Kubiak lets his team take a step back this season from their forward progress, he should be shown the door.

 

5. Josh McDaniels—Denver Broncos

McDaniels probably won’t lose his job this year regardless of positioning, but this is my list of who should be under fire this season.

McDaniels better prove he knows what he is doing and prove it this year. His immediate response to receiving the new job was to trade away the franchise’s star quarterback—idiot.

The only reason he would do this is that he would rather have players that fit his system than have the best players and fit his system around them.

These coaches who are all about their system better find a way to start getting creative because sometimes you have to abandon your system in order to win games.

Then, if trading away the star quarterback wasn’t enough, he has his star receiver wanting out as well.

Whether or not Marshall’s request for a trade has anything to do with McDaniels or not, he should be the one to take the fall when the Broncos fail to meet expectations.

I think it’s a bunch of bull when people try to say McDaniels inherited a team in disarray. The reason for the disarray was first generated by McDaniels when he shopped Cutler around.

If Cutler is still on that team, I would bet all the money in Fort Knox that Marshall does not request out of Denver. The entire team would be coming together and looking forward to a season that once showed promise.

I know Kyle Orton fits the mold McDaniels wants to create in his offense, but as coach, you should want the best players on your team, and Orton is not that player.

I understand the whole wanting to establish your order as the new head coach, but you can do that without turning the team upside down.

If Broncos don’t make a playoff appearance (which they would have accomplished with Cutler), then I hope the Denver fans run McDaniels out of town for his stupidity.

2009 NFL Preview: AFC North

Let’s take a trip up to the AFC North, where the Super Bowl champions preside. The Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens have created one of the most prolific rivalries in football. Last season these two teams proved to be some of the best in the AFC.

On the other hand, those Browns and Bengals can’t seem to make it out of the cellar.

Once in a blue moon, one of these teams actually make a competitive push and own a winning record. The Bengals haven’t been able to produce a winning season since 2005, while the Browns were a little more recent, producing a winning season in 2007.

This season doesn’t seem to be showing any change in results, as the Steelers and Ravens are expected to be one and two once again. 

1. Pittsburgh Steelers

The Super Bowl champs are looking strong again this season, and will be on a quest to not only defend their world title, but also defend their second consecutive division crown as well.

Big Ben (assuming no more motorcycle crashes) will be the anchor for this offense. Ben was stellar throughout the 2008 season in clutch situations that continued all through the playoffs.

The weapons around Roethlisberger continue to grow and improve, as well. Hines Ward will be the solid go-to guy for Ben that he has been throughout his career ,and has no signs of slowing down his hard, aggressive, and passionate play. Santonio Holmes is developing into something special, and has proven that he has big play ability, especially in the clutch. 

Don’t forget about the youngster in Limas Sweed who will look to make a contribution to the team’s production. His big and tall frame may give Ben the closest target he has had to Plaxico Burress since his departure.

The running game is what it’s all about in the tough football town of Pittsburgh. The fans are hoping for their man Willie back, but only time will tell how long Parker will manage to hold up during the season. Certainly being ranked 23rd in rushing is not something the Steelers or their fans are used to, nor they do they want the action to be repeated.

If Parker can hold up and split time with Mewelde Moore, then I expect their 23rd rank to rise in the 2009 season.

Defense wins championships! That was the philosophy the Steelers abided by last season to secure their record sixth Super Bowl trophy as a franchise.

James Harrison was the Defensive Player of the Year in the NFL and now has the contract to show for his accomplishments. Between James and Troy Polamalu anchoring this very talented defense, the Steelers could find themselves on top again up in the north this season.

2. Baltimore Ravens

The big story of the year for Baltimore was Flacco at the helm, marching all the way to the conference championship to fall just short to who else but the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Flacco will improve from the quality of experience he received, being able to play all the way into January. He did his job, which was simply to not lose the game for the Ravens. This season he will look to open up his game a little more. He could be more of a reason why the Ravens win, rather than why they “don’t lose”.

The Ravens didn’t improve the talent surrounding the second-year QB. Derrick Mason will be the main guy in the passing game from the start, but the Ravens have hopes that Mark Clayton will prove to be a very reliable option.

The run game for the Ravens is the bread-and-butter in the offense. Even with the constant questions of who was going to be the starter week in and week out, the rushing game for the Ravens ranked 4th overall in the league.

Ray Rice and Willis McGahee are rumored to be battling it out for the starting slot at the position for when the season kicks off. As for McClain, he was returned to his full time job as a fullback. 

The defense will be the force that carries the Ravens once again. The best thing the front office did for their defense was re-signing Ray Lewis. His leadership and ability are as close to irreplaceable as they come. Without Ray Lewis in black and purple, the Ravens defense just wouldn’t be the same.

The Ravens did, however, lose a long-time player and leader for their defense in Chris McAllister when they cut him back in February. He came off IR to find himself out of work. The Ravens felt his contribution was no longer enough to keep a spot on the team.

Even with a very good defense and a developing offense, the Pittsburgh Steelers are still more solid on both sides of the ball, making the Ravens just short once again this year.

3. Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals ownership somehow found it in their good graces to keep Marvin Lewis employed. I don’t know why or how they could just let their team sink like the Titanic after hitting the iceberg (of course referring to Lewis) and do nothing to help.

Even with the stupidity of the front office and coaching staff, however, the Bengals will not be the last place team this season. A healthy Carson Palmer and a refocused Chad Johnson could result in some shootout victories for the Bengals.

Laveraneus Coles is not one to be written off this season, either. Most of the attention  from the defensive backs is diverted towards Johnson. This can give Coles those extra one-one-one match ups that he couldn’t get in the Big Apple.

If the Bengals can get decent production out of former first round selection Cedric Benson, their offense will be very tough to stop this season. The offense may be able to at least make the Bengals competitive this season, in spite of iceberg Lewis.

The defense, though maybe just as much of a force as a pack of poodles, they have a young linebacker core forming. Keith Rivers, David Pollack, and Rey Maualuga could be the first building blocks this team has seen since the “defensive-minded” Marvin Lewis took over. 

Still, the Bengals are a laughable franchise, even with a third-place finish.

4. Cleveland Browns

This team just doesn’t seem to have any daylight around the corner for them.

Kellen Winslow is gone, leaving Edwards to fend for himself against secondaries that will lock on to his whereabouts on the field.

Neither Quinn nor Anderson really stand a chance with the blind side of the line being less than stellar.

As far as the running game, Jamal Lewis is not only aging, but will have a tough time running through eight or nine guys in the box since no defense will respect the Browns’ aerial attack.

Don’t even get me started on the the defense that was ranked 26th in total yards allowed last season.

Other than the usual array of problems the Browns always seem to have (pee wee talent), their new head coach brings his own issues. Eric Mangini has bigger things to worry about than the Patriots getting a sneak peek at practice.

Mangini was just recently fired from the Jets after only three seasons, where he failed to make the playoffs while having a future Hall of Fame QB on the roster.

In Mangini’s three seasons as Jets head coach, he had only one playoff appearance, where they were knocked out in the first round.

Another measure of the lack of success he has had is the fact that, as a defensive mind, he led the Jets to an 18th overall ranking in points allowed last season.

Another red flag for Mangini is the fact that Marvin Lewis wasn’t even fired!

Why teams love to hire recently-fired coaches who leave a pile of rubble for their previous employers will always be a concept that I will never understand.

2009 NFL Preview: AFC South

The AFC South is usually consistent with the end of season results.

The Colts, Titans, and Jaguars are the ones battling out for position while the Texans hang around as the bottom dweller.

But it’s a new season and it may bring some changes.

Could there be a change in role out in Houston this year? Can Maurice Jones Drew carry the Jacksonville offense? How will the Colts cope without their head coach? Will the Titans’ defense be as good without Haynesworth this season?

 

1. Indianapolis Colts

The Colts’ biggest obstacle adjusting to the new coaching staff as Tony Dungy’s calm approach will no longer grace the sideline.

Jim Caldwell is now calling the shots. Even though Caldwell has been with the team as an assistant for years, he was never a head coach until now.

Things have started out rough. Some players, particularly Peyton Manning, have been frustrated with the new staff.

Though I don’t expect the frustrations between the players and coaches to continue, it will be interesting to see how much they will miss Dungy.

The defense will most certainly miss Dungy. Seemingly plagued by injuries every year, the Colts defense, has always been able to create havoc in the backfield.

Caldwell is an offensive-minded coach. He played four years as defensive back in college but has not dealt with that side of the ball since. Dungy was defensive minded and knew how to use the amazing speed the Colts’ defense possessed.

Indianapolis did not really make any big moves in the off-season. They drafted Fili Moala, who is expected to progress into a force up the middle.

The Colts spent another draft choice on Jerrod Powers, who was a great cover corner in college.

Neither rookie is expected to produce a whole lot this year. Can the Colts’ D get better with virtually the same personnel as last year?

I expect the defense to take a bit of a drop with the absence of Dungy. The offense, with Manning back at the helm, will be one of the top units again.

Bottom line; the Colts have a lot of veterans who will adjust to new coaching and have more talent than the rest of the teams in their division.

 

2. Tennessee Titans

The Titans improved their offense with some key acquisitions this off-season. The signing of Nate Washington and the drafting of Kenny Brit and Jared Cook opens up the field for Collins.

These acquisitions weren’t superb, but they serve the purpose of improving the 27th ranked passing offense in the NFL.

Luckily for the Titans, the passing game doesn’t need to drastically improve due to the potent running game the offense is built around.

If the Titans ever want to get Vince Young on the field in a successful manner, they will have to continue to improve the offense. Young will probably not be running the huddle this season.

The loss of Albert Haynesworth is something the Titans will have to persevere. Tennessee’s defense won games for the team last season.They won 13 games despite being only 15th in points scored.

Haynesworth was a big reason for this success. His numbers were not the only dimension he brought to the defense and his ability to take on double teams and penetrate the backfield freed his teammates to make plays.

Keith Bullock can attest to the advantage of being able to roam free when a guy like Haynesworth is taking up blockers. The whole defense clicks better when a guy in the middle can penetrate and take down double teams.

Those abilities are getting Haynesworth his $100+ million contract.

The Titans did nothing to compensate on the defensive side of the ball for Haynesworth’s loss. The defense will be solid, but I expect the unit to take a hit.

Tennessee may be forced to score more in games in order to win. This leads me to believe they will lose a few extra games. Despite this, they will do enough on both sides of the ball to take second. 

 

3. Houston Texans

This team will finally move from the bottom position they have seen themselves in all too often. Though I have them third in the division, don’t be surprised if they make a competitive push for second and a wild card spot this season.

The offense, with a healthy Matt Schaub, could prove to be one of the the best offenses this season. They have elite weapons in every aspect of the offense. Andre Johnson, Kevin Walter, and Owen Daniels are great passing options, and Steve Slaton not only runs the ball but provides a receiving threat out of the backfield.

The offense is not what may hold the Texans back from their first playoff experience.

Houston’s defense is talented, but the unit is young and still developing. They have plenty of guys that rush the passer but still need help in the secondary and linebacker groups.

Cato June was a good signing to help bolster this spot. Draft choices Brian Cushing and and Connor Barwin will also help bolster a defense that ranked 17th in points allowed.

If the defense can realize it’s potential,  the Texans may have a chance to surprise people this season.

4. Jacksonville Jaguars

Jacksonville will no longer have  Fred Taylor at running back for the first time in twelve years. However, Maurice Jones Drew is ready to take over as the premier back.

Jacksonville added Tory Holt to give David Garrard a passing option after cutting Matt Jones.

The Jaguars’ offensive line rebuilt and is looking strong after the team drafted Eugen Monroe and Eben Britton. Jacksonville’s offense may have the ability to click if Garrard can get the job done.

Garrard signed an extension that made him the man at the helm for the Jaguars for years to come.

However, he needs to prove he is worth the extension. Garrard has never thrown more than 15 touchdowns in a season but has always been a dual threat, willing to take off at any given time.

While the offense is on it’s way to being, rebuilt the defense is a different story.

The defense was ranked 24th in points allowed and the Jaguars’ front office did not make a serious signing or draft pick to improve that weakness. If the defense puts out the same kind of effort, the offense will have all the pressure.

Jacksonville’s offense may be improved, but it won’t be enough in a division that consists of high scoring offenses such. Jacksonville find itself as the bottom dweller this season.

Fantasy Value: Brandon Marshall

How does the recent reports of a trade request affect Brandon Marshall’s draft status?

Well, plain and simple, it doesn’t!

Whether it’s Baltimore, Chicago, or Canadian football, Marshall should be taken within the first three rounds.

Luckily, fantasy football has an advantage over the NFL. We as owners don’t have to worry about off the field issues and locker room chemistry a player has. We have the amazing ability to sit back and appreciate what players bring to the game of football.

I don’t care if his court case results in his suspension of four games.

Take a look at the first game Marshall played after his suspension last season. He caught 18 passes for 166 yards and had one touchdown that game.

Marshall did not have one game (besides the game he was suspended) that did not consist of at least two catches. That is what I call consistency from a position that rarely has that attribute.

Marshall has compiled 226 receptions, 2,899 yards, and 15 touchdowns as a starter—not bad at all.

Marshall’s total number of catches and yards over the last two years are more than Andre Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald, and Reggie Wayne have produced.

This puts Marshall among and above the elite receivers in the league.

As for fantasy status, nothing should hold you back from this guy. No matter the team he is on or the trouble he may get himself into, the guy can produce.

In fantasy football there is nothing more important than production.

Fantasy Value: Ray Rice

Seeing how the fantasy mock drafts have been panning out, it seems as though everybody will have to steal a running back late to add depth in that position.

Ray Rice may be a way to go to ensure production out of a second or third running back spot on your team.

Rice played predominantly the third down back role on the team last year. In this role he was able to produce more than 400 yards, but no touchdowns. However he had a 4.2 yards per carry average indicating he will be able to produce well if given more opportunities. 

Rice’s fantasy stock should be rising on your boards due to the recent reports of McClain returning to be a blocking fullback since the team did not resign Lorenzo Neal.

However, the reports of McGahee possibly being the backup is what may have Rice’s stock soaring.

McGahee was plagued with injuries last season and ultimately lost his job to McClain. The once prominent rookie running back, has never really been able to put the package together because of injuries throughout his career. 

The Ravens really like Rice’s ability to get low and push piles even for his small frame. He has a quick burst through holes and never stops his legs from moving. He is a typical physical Raven running back that now has a great possibility of starting.

Let’s say for argument sake he just ultimately splits carries with McGahee. 

The goose egg for touchdowns Rice had will not continue with McClain as the fullback. Rice would probably get the majority of the carries at the goaline over McGahee as well.

Another factor is the Ravens will rely heavy on their running game in which they ranked fourth in the league last season.

Flacco is only heading into his second year and still needs the running game to slow down the game in front of him due to his young experience.

In a addition to Flacco, the Ravens failed to improve the receiving core around their young QB. This makes their running game their best offensive weapon to use.

As training camp and preseason roll on we will get a better idea of Rice’s role in Baltimore this season. Rice is only projected as a 13th round pick.

There is nothing to lose drafting Rice in this spot, in fact there is only everything to gain. Whether he is a starter or just splitting carries, Rice could prove to be a great sleeper and may be in your starting lineup sooner than you would expect.

2009 Sleeper NFL Teams In Fantasy

Which team or player will have the “surprise” fantasy year?

This is the question I ask myself before I go to sleep at night (not making that up). The thought of making sure no one player, or team of players has been overlooked. 

They are the sleeper picks.

The picks that make fantasy football owners so passionate, confident, and downright obnoxious. These picks can make us look like geniuses and at the same time can make us look like morons.

They are what separates the great owners from the owners who think this is just a hobby (they are sadly mistaken).

It’s easy to pick one player that you think will have a breakout season. It’s more difficult however to pick out teams that will have breakout “fantasy” seasons. Drafting a team full of just sleeper picks takes courage and quite frankly you would have to be somewhat insane.

Though if you were to try and draft this way these are the teams that you may think about.

Here are the top five fantasy sleeper teams of 2009.

 

1. Cincinnati Bengals

All the injuries and off-the-field issues have plagued this team in the past, but not this year.

Carson Palmer is 100-percent heading into camp and looking to reestablish himself as an elite QB in the league. When Palmer is healthy he is as good as anybody, and being surrounded with good talent should help him achieve this feat.

Palmer will be drafted late at about the eighth or ninth round making him a great pick at this point.

Chad Ocho Cinco plans to rebound this year after an average season for him. Ocho Cinco undertook a new offseason workout that has him feeling good and ready this season. 

TJ’s departure makes Ocho Cinco the undisputed No. 1 target for Palmer. The increase in  opportunities should make him motivated and dangerous.

Ocho Cinco is expected to go around the sixth round maybe later this year. A possible elite talent available that late should not be passed up.

Laveranues Coles should not be forgotten either. Coles has been a primary target for most of his career. Since better days are behind Coles his value drops a little, but should not drop much this season.

Now having the benefit of being on a pass first team, and not having the full attention of the opponents’ defenses should help Coles. Coles will make his living in Cincinnati by running underneath routes, where at his age is the best fit for him.

Coles, projected at the ninth round, is a gem at the bottom of the barrel.

Let’s not forget Chris Henry and his ability to stretch the field. As long as this guy can stay out of trouble he can become the big play guy on the team making it easier on everyone else.

Those long touchdowns for extra points could have Henry becoming a fantasy prospect sooner than most expected.

Though not known for their rushing ability, Cedric Benson could prove beneficial in certain matchups. Benson is the teams primary back, who does not split carries with another back.

If the Bengals produce any kind of rushing numbers it would be through Benson.

The biggest thing I see at the possibility of drafting this team is how late everybody will go. You could draft two elite RBs in the first two rounds before even considering to draft someone from the Bengals.

This offense, no joke, could very well prove to become the best in “reality” and “fantasy.”

Fun to think about, isn’t it?

 

2. Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs could prove to be the surprise team of the year, not just in fantasy but in reality as well.

Matt Cassel is coming off a season in which he started for the first time since his high school days. He finished with almost 3,700 yards and 21 touchdowns. Expect the Chiefs to use more of a spread type offense this year as well, making it comfortable for Cassel. 

Cassel has young rising stars around him to help the new adjustment as well. Projected to be a seventh round pick, Cassel will prove last year was no fluke.

Dwayne Bowe will be a big part in the “fantasy” success the Chiefs will have this season. A rising star, with a new QB, and offensive scheme will look to assert himself among the top in the NFL.  

The potential is there for Bowe to be unleashed at any moment. This year should be the year.

Bowe is projected at the third round the highest for anyone on the team.

The absence of Tony Gonzalez could prove to make Larry Johnson a dynamic weapon. Johnson, who will look to prove his worth again this season will now be the main underneath option for Cassel.

Johnson, though not as durable as he used to be, still has the skill set to be an effective back in the league. The indicator being the fact that he had a 4.5 yards per carry average last season.

If Larry can stay healthy while getting the bulk of the workload then it could be a return to fantasy greatness.

Johnson is projected at about the fifth round.

 

3. Seattle Seahawks

Arizona dethroned the Seahawks last season. Seattle is usually the team to beat in the NFC West, but because of key injuries the Seahawks could not continue to dominate the division.

Matt Hasselbeck was injured, missing half the season. Now he has been in camp and, according to reports, has been looking sharp.

Hasselbeck should be thrilled that he will have Deion Branch and TJ Houshmandzadeh to throw the ball to. The West Coast Offense will still be in place even under the new coaching staff.

Hasselbeck has an opportunity to the surprise fantasy player of the year since he is projected to only the 11th round.

Houshmandzadeh will now be the No. 1 target with his new team and not have to be in the shadow of Ocho Cinco.

It can be argued that he was the primary target anyway, since he led in yards and receptions last year. Though the general consensus was that Ocho Cinco was the go-to man.

Houshmandzadeh was never a huge red zone threat, having said that if Hasselbeck stays healthy you can look for an increase in this category. Accompanied with Hasselbeck the Seahawks have three teams in their division with mediocre secondaries. This should give TJ six games that he should have very good numbers.

Houshmandzadeh is projected at the fourth round.

Branch will fly under the radar with TJ on the other side of the field. Branch will be expected to stretch the field in this offense, giving him the opportunities to make the big play.

Injuries, Wallace as the starting QB, and not having another weapon around him all contributed to a dismal season for Branch. Hopefully with all those wrongs corrected, Branch will show why Seattle brought him over from New England.

Branch is great value being taken off waivers since he is not even projected to be drafted.

Julius Jones isn’t looked upon as being a top fantasy running back, however he is the sole running back in Seattle. By not splitting carries, Jones will have any run production that Seattle produces.

Jones could also prove to be dynamic since he will be expected to catch out of the backfield in this offense as well. Jones is projected in the tenth round.

Seahawks have a rising star in Carlson, who as a tight end was the leading receiver on the Seahawks team. Hasselbeck will find his new target delightful especially in the red zone.

When drafting this team you could have your first three picks to try and draft those elite players along with a team poised to breakout.

 

4. Baltimore Ravens

Baltimore is not known for its offense, but could be on the verge of changing that memo.

Joe Flacco is coming in with another season under his belt and he has built chemistry with his team. For the most part, he is surrounded by the same personnel. He will still have the benefit of a good offensive line and running game, which helps any young QB.

Flacco is projected at the 14th round or to not being drafted at all.

Derrick Mason has been the solid veteran starter for the Ravens for years. He has always proven to have some sort of fantasy value to his game depending on matchups.

Once again, he will be expected to lead the way for the receiving core on this team.

Mason is to be taken off the board at about the10th round, giving his consistent performance some real value.

Todd Heap has to step up and reassert himself as one of the top tight ends in the league. Young QBs love their big tight ends. If Heap can stay healthy, Flacco could be better than people think.

Whether it’s McGahee or Rice, when have the Ravens ever had a bad run game? This makes both these backs wild cards in the fantasy draft as well as in reality.

 

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

All of these teams are very hit or miss, but Tampa could be the most hit or miss team.

Byron Leftwich, with the label of bust will get his chance to start. Leftwich still has the cannon the question is can he succeed when needed to be accurate.

Two credentials struggling  quarterbacks really need surrounding them is a good run game and a good tight end. Tampa Bay has both a run game and a tight end. Leftwich won’t be expected to do to much so he may be able to thrive under less pressure.

Antonio Bryant is a very underrated wide receiver in the NFL who hasn’t had the chance to play on a very good team. Though Bryant’s last season was good for over 1,200 yards and 7 touchdowns with Garcia at the helm.

Not to mention Bryant was being double-covered most of the time because he was the only real aerial threat. Now that wont be able to happen because Winslow will draw the attention of opponent’s safeties.

Bryant is projected at the fifth round and is really a third round talent to have.

Winslow receives a new change in scenery. Leaving the Browns may have been the best thing for his career. Though not to say Tampa is really on the high rise or anything, but better there than Cleveland.

What makes Winslow so dangerous is the fact that he has the ability to be a wide receiver yet gets the match up of a tight end. As long as he stays healthy, Winslow is an elite tight end in the league.

Tampa’s running game looks to improve this year with the addition of Ward. Earnest Graham will be the the touchdown specialist. While Ward has the ability to break big runs chalking up those extra points for fantasy owners.

All of these teams, though real stretches to draft from, can prove their worth. These teams wouldn’t have to be drafted from until the third or fourth rounds.

This gives you the beginning of the draft to build the core of your team and then try and maximize your points with these teams’ rosters taken later.

Just a thought, not a suggestion.

Fantasy Value: Jerricho Cotchery

There is always that hidden gem that you are trying to find late into the fantasy draft. Most of the time though those gems are not clear cut sleepers.

Many questions swarm into your head for those two minutes that you have to choose a player, wondering what the realistic production from them might be.

One player that you may not be sure about this season is Jerricho Cotchery.

Coles was signed by the Bengals this off season leaving Cotchery as the clear cut number one option. Their numbers were very close last season for the two wideouts. Cotchery had 71 receptions, 858 yards, and five touchdowns. Coles was also able to acrew 70 receptions, 850 yards, and seven touchdowns.

Cotchery now doesn’t have that competition and will be the favorite target no matter who the quarterback for the Jets making him a great value pick later in the draft.

There are questions though about just how much value he even really has. The fact that no matter who the quarterback is (Sanchez or Clemons) neither have extensive experience starting in the NFL.

Brett Favre, even being on the downslide of his career would have been more beneficial for Cotchery’s fantasy status.

A new question about Cotchery’s value is the new rumor of the Jets wanting to sign Plaxico Burress after hearing how his legal issues go. If this is to happen though, I’m sure Plax would wind up serving a suspension still leaving Cotchery as the No. 1 target for awhile.

Then there is the obvious of the Jets being a run-first team. However they were run first last year and Cotchery managed to produce solid numbers, on top of sharing the load with Coles.

End result for this writer is Cotchery does have late-round draft value as a third receiver on your team.

Young quarterbacks lock on to their first targets creating more opportunities for Cotchery. The Plax rumor is nothing to be concerned about as of right now, and the run game will only help give Cotchery better matchups.

2009 Standings: AFC East

It’s never too early to think about who will be the best team of their division this year. Die hard fans have been talking up or down their teams throughout the free agency, the draft, and will continue through training camp.

AFC East is year in and year out one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL. The division had only one team under .500 and that was the Bills who started the season in first place.

The AFC East brings up some interesting questions leading in to the 2009 season.

How will T.O. fare in Buffalo? Who will be the Jets starting QB? Can the Dolphins repeat their surprise season last year? Of course the famous question, will Tom Brady be ready?

 

1. New England Patriots

Patriots will rise back to the top to regain there rightful place at the head of the the division this season. The leader, the man, and the backbone of the team has shown he is fully recovered to take the helm at QB.

Brady has been reported to be far ahead of the doctor’s schedule for him. In fact, there was bad weather in New England during practice and Patriots did not limit his wok in the least.

These are all good signs to me (especially for fantasy). Brady has some new weapons to play with as well this year making this offense further explosive and stacked.

Joey Galloway, though on the latter part of his career, will fit in perfectly as the third receiver for the Patriots. Fred Taylor also is a very nice piece to fit in with the platoon of running backs the Pats will use this season.

Expect this offense to be in the top three this season.

The offense isn’t the only thing the Patriots have going for them. Their defense has also been rebuilt with new additions from free agency and the draft.

 Shawn Springs and Leigh Bodden were signed in free agency to give the Patriots two new starting corners right away. Then the Patriots went on to draft SS Patrick Chung,  a hard hitting safety expected to compete to start this season. Another key pick up on defense would be Darius Butler expected to produce in nickel packages.

The rest of the defense is younger now for the Patriots and developing quickly under Belichick.

 

2. Buffalo Bills

Now the Bills get to have their turn in the saga that is T.O. This guys is like a hot potato, (toss him before he burns you) he gets passed around the league burning hands and fingers as he goes by.

Ultimately, when it’s all said and done, the man can still play football. Having a dual threat at WR with Lee Evans (the most underrated WR in the game) on the other side of T.O will give the Bills another competitive edge. This should help especially in the beginning of the season when Lynch is out because of suspension.

The weight of the entire offense now falls on to the shoulders of Trent Edwards.  Edwards is now going to be in his third year. It’s the year that he must prove he is the future of the Buffalo Bills especially with the highly talented weapons surrounding him.

If he does not perform to expectations this season with this personnel then the Bills may decide to go another way.

The Bills defense will be what hinders them against opponents this season. In order to improve their invisible pass rush last season they drafted Aaron Maybin out of Penn State.

However, the Bills did not really improve their secondary in which they ranked 22nd last season.

 

3. New York Jets

Sanchez their first round draft pick is supposed to start and be the future of the Jets. It’s hard to accomplish these goals when he looks like a chicken with his head cut off in OTAs.

Training Camp has not started yet so I will give him the benefit of the doubt that he will pick up the Jets scheme by then. However because of his under performance and Clemens reportedly doing well, it becomes more of a question of who exactly will start.  

Thankfully for the Jets the rushing attack is what they will lean on the most. They have a very good offensive line blocking the way for Thomas Jones who had a breakout season last year.

Leon Washington should start to take a bigger role as well, especially in the flat out of the backfield.

Should not forget that Rex Ryan is the Head Coach now coming from a team that always has a good running game. The defense should benefit from Ryan the most this season.

The defense did not make major improvements on the roster. Outside of Lito Sheppard there wasn’t any big name acquisitions for them this year ,but I’m sure Ryan has a few tricks up his sleeve.  

In the end even if Ryan improves the defense there will still have to have an adjustment made on both sides of the ball taking third place in this division.

 

4. Miami Dolphins

There worst to first season last year was a great feat for the Dolphins. The help of having one of the easiest schedules in the NFL, and no Tom Brady to play against benefited the Dolphins a great deal.

Running game for the Dolphins should be effective, but the passing game may produce next to nothing.

Pennington is solid and maybe Pat White running the Wildcat will add another dimension to the formation. The Dolphins though did not have a standout wide receiver. Anthony Fasano was probably there most dependable aerial threat.

The defense will will be solid building off the success of last season. The return home for Jason Taylor will provide some what of a pass rush for this team, the Dolphins hope.

Ultimately the Dolphins did not improve enough during the off season to stay as competitive as they were. The schedule is tougher and the wildcat formation is no longer a surprise for teams.

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