Bleacher Report - Articles by Tyler Horner

Why Knowshon Moreno Is an Obvious Choice for the Preseason All-Rookie Team

Tyler Horner — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 10:10:13 -0400

Over the past few years, running backs have truly been booms or busts.

Think about backs like Reggie Bush, who is an exception. The jury is still out for Bush as is for the 2009 rookie backs.

Most running backs have turned out well, even after slow starts. DeAngelo Williams is a great example of this type of young running back. Some, though, have turned out to be decent NFL running backs, but haven't lived up to expectations.

In recent years, Cedric Benson and Carnell Williams fit into that mold. There is only one other type of running back: a second-day gem. Second-day picks Kevin Smith, Steve Slaton, and Tashard Choice have already produced good numbers in their first NFL season.

Knowshon Moreno was the first running back drafted in the 2009 draft. He is easily the most balanced running back among the rookies, with great speed and strength.

Moreno's best skill may be his vision. He finds the hole quick and doesn't second-guess himself. Once he picks a hole, he doesn't dance around in the backfield, he bursts through the hole and finds his way into the open field.

Moreno produced well at Georgia, even as a redshirt freshman. Not only did he rack up big numbers running the ball, but also catching it. He is a talented receiver out of the backfield. Being a receiving weapon allows him to get into the open field where he is at his best.

Moreno contains the ability to make any defender miss in the open field. I get flashes of Gale Sayers when he is operating in the open field. Moreno displays excellent peripheral vision and can stop on a dime. He also gets started very quickly and eludes defenders using all of his tools.

The only problem facing Moreno is a very crowded Denver backfield. He is undoubtedly the No. 1 back, but with eight running backs on the roster, chances are that Moreno's numbers will get dipped into a little bit.

Moreno will soon become the franchise running back.

He is a leader on and off the field. He leads not by yelling, but by showing how his unbelievable work ethic translates to the field.

Denver is in a desperate search for motivation and Knowshon Moreno will prove to be a reason for optimism within the Broncos' organization.

Mark Sanchez At QB Headines 2009 Preseason All-Rookie Team

Tyler Horner — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 20:20:59 -0400

Every year, it seems that sportswriters/analysts around the NFL offer their advice to franchises who draft quarterbacks. They plead for them to not start the inexperienced rookies.

After teams around the league watched Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco turn their franchises around in 2008, coaches will not be so hesitant so start their rookie quarterbacks for a good period of time.

Mark Sanchez earns the No. 1 spot on the 2009 rookie team. Although the Jets' starting quarterback job was supposedly up for grabs, it seems there is a front runner.

Sanchez, while coming into the league with limited starting experience, played in an offense which assists players in making the transition to the NFL.

I don't believe that Sanchez' experience will be a problem with coach Rex Ryan, who had first-hand experience with successful rookie Joe Flacco last year. This is a similar situation, as Flacco beat out the more experienced Kyle Boller.

Sanchez will also beat out the more experienced quarterback. Kellen Clemens is still unproven and blew his chance at a starting job in 2007. Sanchez needs to screw up bad this off-season in order for Clemens to steal the starting job.

Sanchez contains the poise to be an NFL quarterback. He is extremely competitive, but does not contain the arm strength of Matthew Stafford. He will struggle early on with deep throws, mainly routes outside the numbers. He has a tremendous work ethic, though, and he and his receivers will eventually get their timing right.

With great accuracy, a quick release, and good surrounding talent, Sanchez is poised to succeed in 2009.

2009 NFC South Preview

Tyler Horner — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:06:49 -0400

The NFC South will be one of the most crowded divisions come 2009. There are 3 teams which all seem to be pretty even. Mike Smith is hoping for the continued success of his young Falcons team. Sean Payton is hoping for his revamped defense to hold up in this tough division. John Fox is hoping to ride his running game once again into the playoffs. Raheem Morris is hoping for Josh Freeman to step up and lead this young team. Who will come out on top? It will be a race until the last game of the season. I feel I have an idea on who has the edge and why.

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The Top Five NFL Running Back Tandems of 2009

Tyler Horner — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 19:22:29 -0400

I will go through the Top 5 backfields in the National Football League. These do not have to be running back duos, because as the Giants proved last year, 3 is better than 2. Some backfields will take a step back from 2008 and some will take a step forward. Let's take a look at this young group of talented running backs.

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