Bleacher Report - Articles by Tanner Kluth

The NFL's Top Ten Fantasy Players of 2009

Tanner Kluth — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 11:58:16 -0400

The 2009 Fantasy Football season is rapidly approaching, and I don't know about you but I can feel the anticipation already. As you can see next the left is a photo of LaDainian Tomlinson, nicknamed LT. LT is the former Fantasy king of the NFL. Who has taken his place? Who will emerge as the top Fantasy players of 2009? For some reason, experts like to think that the previous year's production is best for determining a player's upcoming success. Although this can be true, it isn't always. May we see some used-to-be Fantasy monsters reemerge in 2009? Not to mention that, every year, there are surprises. Some unexpected player comes from nowhere and tears your Fantasy league. Meanwhile, that buddy of yours is rubbing it in your face that you, like some fool who can't predict injuries, picked Joseph Addai instead. Keep in mind that these predictions in no way resemble the rankings NFL.com or ESPN.com will have. I don't care what those say. Note that these rankings are according to the standard Fantasy Football scoring system: http://sports.espn.go.com/fantasy/football/ffl/story?page=fflrulesstandardscoring Okay...Enough prologue. Let's cut to the chase.

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The NFL's Best & Worst of 2009

Tanner Kluth — Sat, 30 May 2009 20:05:03 -0400

The 2009 NFL season is coming up. Every year, we expect the same teams to appear at the top and at the bottom, and everyone ends up being dead wrong. It gets to the point that predictions are utterly pointless I've decided not to go with my initial instincts this year, throwing in a few surprises in my top five best and worst teams for 2009. Let the bashing begin!

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NFC East: Pre-Preseason Record Predictions

Tanner Kluth — Mon, 04 May 2009 16:42:38 -0400

I am bound to be dead wrong in the following predictions for the NFC East for the upcoming 2009 season, especially since it's only May. But hey, fans always thoroughly enjoy observing analysts and experts and writers fail at being prophets.

I find this season for the Birds, 'Boys, 'Skins, and Giants—who, unlike the other three teams, don't have an abbreviated nickname (I suppose you could call them the 'Ants, but that's just stupid.)—particularly difficult to anticipate.

Predictions for Washington and Dallas are particularly challenging. Was Dallas' disappointing 9-7 record last year a fluke? Has Washington's West Coast Offense made enough strides to push them over the edge?

Regardless, I believe there is going to be fierce competition for the division title.

But, then again, I predicted this last year and I was nothing short of completely wrong. My forecast division winner, I believe, will not win by any long shot.

But, who does win the division? As a Redskins fan, you might be thinking I'm just a biased and irrational dolt living in Fantasy (no pun intended) Land.

Well, the truth is, I am such a person, but I haven't picked Washington to win the division.

Philadelphia Eagles: 10-6 or 11-5

DEFENSE: 2008 rankings: OVERALL: 3; PASSING: 3; RUSHING: 4

I expect these numbers to remain relatively the same.

The losses of safety Brian Dawkins and cornerback Lito Sheppard might hurt, so, fine, we'll say their passing defense is ranked at six or seven rather than three.

Big whoop.

OFFENSE: 2008 rankings: OVERALL: 9; PASSING: 6; RUSHING: 22

The offensive line is good with the addition of tackle Jason Peters, so that is not a problem. Then again, didn't they lose two linemen as well this offseason?

So, the success of this offense trickles down to rookies making impacts. With Brian Westbrook turning thirty in September, second round pick LeSean McCoy is going to have to provide some support.

I really wish Philadelphia took a power back instead of a Westbrook-like back in McCoy. Sure, they are probably looking to the future, but with a one-two punch of versatile and explosive Westbrook plus a third-down, punch-it-in-the-endzone back, the Eagles would be a force to reckon with.

Instead, defenses now get to face two of the same type of runner, which really doesn't force them to make an extra effort to contain Philly's ground game.

The Eagles' passing game could take a big step up this year.

DeSean Jackson had a successful rookie campaign, and now Jeremy Maclin is added to the mix. If Maclin can have a similar rookie performance to what Jackson had, this offense is going to do some serious damage.

Unfortunately, I'm sure fans really wish their team had the opportunity for Michael Crabtree. At 6'0", Maclin is taller than DeSean Jackson (5'10"), but he's not the 6'3" that Terrell Owens was for them.

Two speedy receivers is nice, but we all know quarterback Donovan McNabb wants someone who can reach out and make the acrobatic grab.

New York Giants: 10-6, maybe 11-5

DEFENSE: 2008 rankings: OVERALL: 5; PASSING: 8; RUSHING: 9

I don't really have much to say about the Giants' defense. It should improve with the return of Osi Umenyiora. Safety Kenny Phillips should see significantly more time.

Should be top five once again.

OFFENSE: 2008 rankings: OVERALL: 7; PASSING: 18; RUSHING: 1

The offense is the reason I have the Giants dropping to 10-6. Their offensive line is still fantastic, but the questions lie in the skill positions.

Derrick Ward is gone. He had over one thousand yards last year.

Brandon Jacobs should have even more this year, but he isn't going to get two thousand. That number one ranking up there in the rushing category likely will be filled by another team.

And, of course, the horse in the room (Or should I say the dumb*** in the room?): Plaxico Burress.

We all saw what the loss of Burress did to the Giants at the conclusion of the season and into the postseason. New York did address wide receiver in the draft, but not high enough. Manning is going to wish he had Burress back.

I was tempted to say they go 11-5, but, without Burress, defenses can put more focus on stopping the run. Without Derrick Ward, doing so is going to be much easier.

Washington Redskins: 10-6

The Redskins with a winning record? Noooo!

Whatever. I'm always optimistic, but never ridiculous.

See, what sucks about record predictions is all the variables. "Well, if this rookie does this or if this offseason addition does this..."

But, the truth is, that's how it works in the National Football League, and that's why almost everyone is dead wrong when making predictions.

DEFENSE: 2008 rankings: OVERALL: 4; PASSING: 7; RUSHING: 8

For most, I assume, it would be very difficult to predict this defense gets worse after this offseason.

Sure, linebacker Marcus Washington was released (like he did anything for them in '08). Sure, defensive end Jason Taylor was released (like he did anything for them in '08 either). Sure, cornerback Shawn Springs was released (Okay, he contributed amply, but he was out nearly half the season.)

BUT...

Albert Haynesworth.

You see, the Redskins had the fourth best defense last year while putting up an NFC-low 24 sacks.

Yes, 24.

Now, add the best defensive tackle in the league to the mix, and the pass rush, and therefore the secondary, get an instant boost.

The variable, as I mentioned earlier, is rookie defensive end Brian Orakpo.

Is he this year's version of Dwight Freeney (who posted 13.0 sacks his rookie year), or will it be a year or two before the sacks start piling up?

IF Orakpo does start off with a bang, Pittsburgh's defense may be the only one in front of Washington's.

If Orakpo doesn't have such a start, I can't see why number four isn't feasible once again.

The thing about Orakpo is that he fills two needs at once—defensive end and outside linebacker. Even if he doesn't play at an elite level at either position in 2009, he still fills a void.

OFFENSE: 2008 rankings: OVERALL: 19; PASSING: 23; RUSHING: 8

It seems the question every year for the Redskins is offense. Aging line, questions at quarterback, no true number one receiver, yada yada yada...

I certainly can't argue, but the optimism is coming out in me again. Jason Campbell has a year of the West Coast Offense under his belt, Devin Thomas understands the offense now, and some new linemen have been signed recently.

So, the offense is a variable—A big one.

Really, though, it could go either way. It depends on the performance of last year's second round picks and the growth of Jason Campbell.

Frankly, if the defense is as good as I expect it to be, the offense won't need to be superb.

Dallas Cowboys: 9-7

Forget the mountains of Pro-Bowlers and all that. I see a team that had it's chance two years ago and couldn't seize it. Now, I feel, the Superbowl is out of reach.

DEFENSE: 2008 rankings: OVERALL: 8; PASSING: 5; RUSHING: 12

Safety Roy Williams is gone, Chris Canty is gone, Tank Johnson is gone, Adam Jones is gone, and Zach Thomas is gone. None of these guys made huge contributions, but that is certainly a lot of losses.

I'm not up to date on all the additions the Cowboys have made on defense, but I expect at least some drop-off from last year.

And, of course, who thinks DeMarcus Ware is going to put up 20.0 sacks again?

I don't.

OFFENSE: 2008 rankings: OVERALL: 13; PASSING: 9; RUSHING: 21

Face it: Roy Williams is overrated.

I'm sure most Cowboys fans are optimistic about Williams but know he isn't going to be what Owens was for them.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but the Cowboys did not address the wide receiver position (at least not efficiently) in the draft or in free agency, so I see trouble here.

As for the ground game, I see no problems.

Marion Barber III + Felix Jones is as good as it gets.

Washington Redskins: What to Do with Pick No. 13?

Tanner Kluth — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 19:02:05 -0400

It is almost pointless for me to write this article. We all know of Mr. Snyder's and Mr. Cerrato's harsh unpredictability. For all we know, they may select a punter with the 13th overall pick.

But what should the Washington Redskins do, and what should they not do, with the 13th overall pick?

First off, do not trade up. The Pittsburgh Steelers have an NFL-record six Superbowl victories, and they are known for relying heavily on the Draft. Every team in the NFL should use the same method to have success.

If the Redskins trade up, I fully expect Dan Snyder to give up his 2010 first-round pick. I am, as I'm sure most people are, sick and tired of Snyder and Cerrato throwing away draft picks. They can grab a perfectly legitimate starter with the 13th pick.

If the Redskins choose to select a defensive player:

1.) If available (and if defensive end/linebacker Brian Orakpo isn't available), draft defensive end Aaron Maybin or Everette Brown. Right now, the Redskins have no standout starter at left end with the loss of Jason Taylor and Demetric Evans.

Albert Haynesworth is going to need some help from the outside. With a pass-rushing end in Maybin or Brown, we're looking at a defensive line that can reek some serious havoc.

The defensive line is getting very old, so adding a talented rookie end to the roster will keep the line from falling apart come 2010.

Washington's defense was ranked fourth overall in 2008. This was while ranked 28th in sacks and 17th in interceptions.

With the addition of Haynesworth, and with the addition of Maybin or Brown, the Redskins' pass rushing ability takes a big leap.

That means more turnovers, too, especially since safeties LaRon Landry and Chris Horton have another year under their belts. Do I see the the NFL's best defense in 2009?

2.) Do not draft defensive end Tyson Jackson. There is no doubt Jackson has great talent, but look at him: he weighs 295 pounds. He's practically a 4-3 defensive tackle.

The Redskins are spending $100 million on defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth. The more support he has rushing the quarterback, the less likely it is we're all ticked off that we signed him. Stopping the run is not our priority.

3.) If Maybin and Brown are not available, draft linebacker Brian Cushing. The next two best pass-rushing ends are Larry English and Michael Johnson, both of which are probably not worth being picked so early.

Cushing is an excellent pass rusher, and he can fill the void left by the loss of Marcus Washington.

4.) If the Redskins trade down, they should trade down to the latter part of the first round, and there select the best pass-rushing end or outside linebacker available.

If the Redskins choose to select an offensive player:

1.) Draft the best offensive tackle available. Andre Smith or Michael Oher might still be there at No. 13.

2.) Do not draft a wide receiver. Yes, wide receiver is technically a need, but two second round picks were just spent on receivers in 2008. Let's give Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly a chance to develop. If a receiver is chosen, I will consider both this year's pick and last year's second round picks to be wasted.

3.) As for quarterback Mark Sanchez, I'm a little iffy.

On the one hand, if Jason Campbell has a breakout year having had a year under the West Coast Offense, he may decline to re-sign with the team if Sanchez is chosen. Campbell may find himself completely unappreciated by the team.

On the other hand, Sanchez is expected to do well in a West Coast Offense. If Campbell has another average year in 2009 and does not re-sign with the team, Sanchez may save the Redskins from being terrible in 2010.

I will say that if they want Sanchez, pick him only if he's available at No. 13. Seriously, if the Redskins give up their 2010 first-round pick to select a quarterback this year, there will be some serious concerns at linebacker and defensive end for the 2010 season.

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Overall, I feel the most pressing need is defensive end. The roster consists of Alex Buzbee, Andre Carter, Phillip Daniels, Rob Jackson, Chris Wilson, and Renaldo Wynn.

Buzbee hasn't played a down in the NFL, Carter plays at right end, Daniels is 36 years old, Jackson was a rookie last year, Wilson is only useful in pass-rushing situations, and Wynn hasn't been a starter since 2005.

With Curtis Out, What Does It Mean For The Eagles?

Tanner Kluth — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 08:54:23 -0400

The Philadelphia Eagles are in a tough situation right now. Really tough.

Fans were already aware the Eagles lacked a true number one receiver despite Curtis' rather successful 2007 season (1,110 yards, six TD's).

I think many of us have begun to feel that head coach Andy Reid lacks the initiative to fill vital needs, and when he does fill needs, it seems he lacks much incentive to hold on to them. An example would include Donté Stallworth, who was on the team for just one season.

Personally, I see a Super Bowl contending team here if Reid would just buckle down and pick up a true number one guy.

Their defense is more than solid, especially with the addition of cornerback Asante Samuel. Offensive line? Great. Running Back? Elite. Quarterback? Well, we're not sure about him, but he's healthy at least.

Everything seems in place if one asks me, except a wide receiver, of course. And this is coming from a Redskins fan.

But now, things just don't look good for Philly. Kevin Curtis is out with a sports hernia, something the Eagles have familiarity with.

So...Now what? It doesn't look like Reid is pursuing a replacement (Gasp!). It looks to me that the team's receiving corps have dropped from decent to, well, just plain bad. No other receiver on the Eagles' roster has amounted to more than 816 yards in his career.

So, looks like two things will happen for the Eagles:

1.) Brian Westbrook gets even more of the load. He'll get more receptions, more carries... more everything. That means more Fantasy points, too. He might just be worth the first overall pick now.

2.) DeSean Jackson now becomes one of the top Fantasy sleepers this year.

Now, what about the rest of the division? What effect will Curtis' injury have on the Redskins, Giants, and Cowboys?

I'll be frank here. I think the Eagles are swept by all three teams in their division. That's right. 0-6. Even if Curtis comes back mid-way through the season, he won't be one hundred percent healthy.

The focus is now solely on Brian Westbrook. Teams need not pay much attention to wide receivers anymore.

This is great for the Redskins. Their pass defense (16th in the league in 2007) was the downside of their defense.

This is great for the Giants. Now they can blitz more. Uh oh. I certainly wouldn't want Osi Umenyiora, Justin Tuck, and maybe a couple linebackers, maybe safeties even, coming toward my injury-prone quarterback.

The Cowboys? Well, I don't know how great it is for the Cowboys, but the Cowboys are the team to beat anyway.

If the Eagles do win a division game, it will be because of their defense.

Fantasy Football: Top Five Players You Don't Want to Draft in Round One

Tanner Kluth — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 03:31:23 -0400

I am here to give you the best advice of your life to insure that you have the best No. 1 pick of all your league members. I will tell you who not to go for with your first round pick.

Shall we begin?

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5. *Gasp* LaDainian Tomlinson

How could I say this? Tomlinson is No. 5 on the list because the issue isn't a big deal.

LT has recently sprained his groin, causing him to miss last week's preseason game. It doesn't appear to be serious, but I wouldn't risk having to watch LT have his worst season while others laugh at you for wasting your first round (likely first overall) pick.

But, this could be a good thing for all of you out there playing with a few rookies in fantasy football.

Hope one of them gets the No. 1 pick and takes LT. He or she doesn't know about the groin injury, so after three or so weeks of the regular season, he trades, or better yet, drops LT for not getting the job done. Then he'd be free right off the market.

You should still be okay taking LT with your pick, but I certainly won't take him.

4. Joseph Addai

Once again, the issue here isn't a huge deal. I'm just not a big fan of taking risks with my fantasy teams.

Backup running back Dominic Rhodes is back. Sure, Addai will still take the load of carries, but I don't want anyone chopping down on my No. 1 pick's points.

If you want Addai, and if you're in a league with a large number of players, perhaps you should draft Rhodes as a backup running back.

3. Steven Jackson

Great running, no doubt. He'll rack up those fantasy points for you...if he gets a new contract.

I know, I know. Big name players usually get their contract issues sorted out before the season. However, if he doesn't have a new contract before the start of my fantasy drafts, I'm not picking him.

Hey, maybe those rookies will do the same thing they'll do with LT. You could find a free Steven Jackson waiting for you on the free agency list.

2. Peyton Manning

Most of you know Manning had surgery at the end of July (early August?) to clear an infection in his knee. The recovery is meant to take about four weeks.

Unfortunately, four weeks from the start of August is right around the start of the regular season.

Now, we all know Peyton has never missed a start, and I don't expect him to miss one. But don't be surprised if he plays like an improved version of Rex Grossman in his first few regular season games.

If your other league members know of his injury, he could very well be a steal in later rounds.

1. Adrian Peterson

Everyone knows his issue: injury prone.

I was having an absolute ball last year when Peterson racked up 296 yards against the Chargers while Clinton Portis had 196 against the Jets in the same week. Randy Moss had a 100-yard game, too.

You'll be more than happy with your pick if AP can stay healthy all season, but I refuse to take such a big risk with my first round pick. He could very well go down early in the season, and, at that point, you're screwed.

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While others are taking these risky players, I'll be taking Brian Westbrook. And I have a good chance of getting him, too. I'll likely be able to get him if I have pick in the top five. In a league with 10 teams, that means there's a 50-50 chance I get him.

Stay tuned. Soon I'll be giving you insight on who you absolutely shouldn't take at any point in your fantasy drafts.

Washington Redskins Fan Appreciation Day Recap

Tanner Kluth — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 09:58:56 -0400

Today—Saturday, July 26—was the Redskins' Fan Appreciation Day in Ashburn, Virginia.

The event featured a performance by the marching band and some of the cheerleaders. The above photograph is my view of the practice field. There were 28,000 fans attending, breaking the 2004 record of 25,000.

By the way, this was my first time at the Redskins' Training Camp.

All the usual stars came out to warm up, and everyone of course screamed out names. Clinton Portis has a certain aura about him, even when he stands still.

The crowd really went crazy when Jason Taylor came out. He put his hand up in the air and got an even bigger roar. Fortunately for me, Taylor came out right near me. So did Portis, Betts, Randle El, and Cartwright.

There were a few women behind me screaming, "Marcus!" out loud. It wasn't to linebacker Marcus Washington, but instead to second-year running back Marcus Mason.

Oh, and Mike Sellers is massive. I would hate to try to tackle him.

Jason Campbell looks really tall. I guess I forget he is six-foot-five. Colt Brennan is really short for a quarterback.

Rookie receivers Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly were both sidelined with hamstring injuries, but they also stood briefly very close to where I was. Thomas had a towel over his head. I must say, he looks shorter than six-foot-two.

Rookie punter Durant Brooks can really kick the ball—farther than Derrick Frost can; that's for sure.

In the scrimmage, quite a few players didn't participate. Safety LaRon Landry has a minor hamstring injury. Portis, as one would expect, didn't play. Receivers Santana Moss and Antwaan Randle El played briefly. Jason Taylor didn't play a down, either.

In the end, this makes sense. The veterans know how to play. They need not risk injury.

Frankly, Colt Brennan's release is really weird. It is a combination of a sidearm throw and a push. The ball flies really low to the ground when he throws, so I'm afraid many of his passes will be batted down.

Both he and Derek Devine were unimpressive.

I was, however, very impressed with Jason Campbell. I was a little far from the end zone the offense was moving towards, but he definitely got the job done. There was one overthrown ball I remember. He completed fifteen of twenty-two passes for 122 yards. Not bad.

Todd Collins had a great throw. Billy McMullen caught it and ran a good distance for a touchdown.

Strangely enough, there were very few run plays called. I suppose this is because the passing offense is what really needs to develop.

It was a fun day. I was in the shade, so the heat didn't get to me.

Coach Zorn ended the scrimmage at three o'clock instead of the scheduled 3:30. Instead of staying for autographs, I booked it to the car and successfully avoided traffic.

I wish I had stayed back to get photographs of players up close, but oh well.

Washington Redskins' LaRon Landry Will Stay at Free Safety

Tanner Kluth — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 03:36:11 -0400

Former LSU safety LaRon Landry, the sixth overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft, is naturally a strong safety. He began his NFL career last year at strong safety, while the late Sean Taylor dominated receivers at free safety.

For the record, the free safety is more involved with defending against the pass, while the strong safety is closer to the line of scrimmage and is more involved in defending against the run.

When Taylor lost his life in late November, Landry just HAD to move to free safety. Allowing deep balls to fly freely down the field could not happen if the Redskins planned on being successful without Taylor.

So Landry was moved, and that's when he really started to shine. That was when Landry became my favorite player and is probably where he got the nickname, "Dirty Thirty."

But, for some reason, even though backup Reed Doughty was solid at strong safety, defensive coordinator Greg Blache was unsure whether he would put Landry back at free safety in 2008.

And, with addition of free safety Stuart Schweigert from Oakland, it even seemed likely that Landry would play strong safety.

In the eyes of most fans, this would be a bad move. Landry really showed his range and speed at free safety.

Fortunately, Greg Blache now seems to agree. Yesterday, after the Redskins' second day of Training Camp, Blache was interviewed by the media.

When asked if he likes Landry at free safety, Blache responded: "I just think he brings so much to the table for us at the free safety spot. He's such a force back there, being able to play the ball from sideline to sideline that I like...to have him back there, and until I can come up with something better or different, we're not fooling with it."

Full interview on Redskins.com

Football: 2008 NFC East Predictions

Tanner Kluth — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 13:50:43 -0400

An article predicting the records of the four NFC East NFL teams was just recently published, but I thought I would toss out one of my own to see what others think.

Let me first preface this by saying I believe the 2008 NFC East will have massive competition for wild card spots. Dallas remains far ahead, but New York, Washington, and Philly will have their hands full.

DALLAS COWBOYS

All over the place, I see people predicting the last year's NFC East winner falling short of its franchise record tying 13-3 season. Perhaps this is because of choking issues.

As much as the Cowboys make my blood boil (although their uniforms are nice), I don't see them dropping a level or two in 2008. Actually, I don't see any reason for such a thing to happen. I believe the team has learned a bit since losing last year in the Playoffs.

Defense:

Well, looks like their backfield may be the one of the best in the NFL. Their collection of cornerbacks is ridiculous. Terrence Newman is already fabulous, and with first-round pick Mike Jenkins, fifth-round pick Orlando Scandrick, and a friendly trade for Adam "Pacman" Jones, it will be difficult to throw the ball against this team.

I also look for linebacker DeMarcus Ware to potentially take the crown of Defensive Player of the Year. He may be overstepped by defensive end Jared Allen, however.

I see a top ten or top fifteen defense for the Cowboys in 2008.

Offense:

This team doesn't go wrong much on offense, either. Tony Romo, despite having a poor performance in the playoffs, proved to be an elite quarterback. If Tom Brady didn't exist, he would have led the league in Fantasy points in 2007.

Now, sure, Marion Barber III doesn't look to be the best man to be a premier back, but Felix Jones may have an opportunity to step in if he must. Regardless, I see Barber pushing beyond the 1,000-yard mark in total yards in 2008.

As for receivers, there is a little confusion, but it's nitpicky. Sure, Owens and Glenn are aging, but, at least for this year, they're solid. I would be surprised, however, if Dallas doesn't spend their 2009 first round pick on a wideout.

Prediction: 13-3 once again

WASHINGTON REDSKINS

Wow! Going out and giving the DEADSKINS second place in the elite NFC East??? What could he possibly be thinking? Well, I'll tell ya...

It's not so much that the Redskins are going to be fabulous; it's more that the other two teams in the division are going to be a little worse.

Defense:

The front four did a fantastic job in 2007 stopping the run. The team held running back Adrian Peterson, who had an NFL-high 296 yards in a single game, to a mere twenty-seven at Vikings Stadium. I will, of course, remind everyone of the microscopic one yard allowed from Julius Jones and Marion Barber III in week seventeen.

The defensive line just needs to up its ability to rush the pass. They weren't horrible last year...just average. Hopefully the rising Chris Wilson and the question mark called Erasmus James (both defensive ends) will help things a bit.

NEW: Well, with the addition of Jason Taylor, that pass rushing problem may be fixed...

The linebacker corp, led by London Fletcher, is still great. No changes were made to this unit, and I expect another solid performance from them. Not to mention that Rocky McIntosh, who was put on IR midway through the season, will return.

A little depth may be needed at cornerback, but the group is still solid. Despite Shawn Springs' age, he is still a more-than-worthy corner, and Fred Smoot, while lacking fabulous tackling skills, is a great pass defender. Carlos Rogers, who was also put on IR, will be returning, as well.

The safety position is more than solid, even without Sean Taylor. LaRon Landry is looking to be a multi-Pro Bowl player, and Reed Doughty was solid after taking Taylor's place in late November.

Offense:

The offensive line was largely filled by backups in 2007 due to serious injuries. The line is fully intact for this season. Expect excellent pass protection for quarterback Jason Campbell, and expect career numbers for running back Clinton Portis.

Tight end Chris Cooley has finished as a top eight tight end two seasons in a row. Jim Zorn's offense will be friendly to tight ends, so expect another great season from Cooley, who also happens to be Jason Campbell's favorite target.

Wide receivers Moss and Randle El had mediocre years last year. But hamstring and heel injuries plagued both of them. With addition of rookies Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly, Campbell will have more targets, and Randle El will be able to move back to his more natural position as a slot receiver.

A brand new head coach and West Coast Offense limits the team. Prediction: 9-7

NEW YORK GIANTS

As many others think, the Super Bowl run for this team was a fluke. They aren't THAT good.

Defense:

Still a good bunch, but I predict less success this year.

For one, Michael Strahan has retired. He was clearly the leader of the defense, if not the team.

Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck will still have huge impacts, but they lost three defensive starters and one solid backup in the offseason, including linebacker Kawika Mitchell and safety Gibril Wilson.

They're average on defense this year. A slightly weaker pass rush puts more pressure on an okay backfield.

Offense:

Many have forgotten that Eli Manning had problems with interceptions during the season, and he completed a dreadful eighteen of fifty-four passes against the Redskins late in the season.

He has obviously earned the respect from his players, but I don't see why he should have elite statistics in 2008.

The running game, however, is just fine. Brandon Jacobs has shown that linebackers do indeed have the ability to be running backs (joke). Those skinnier defenders out there need to watch their backs.

Plus, with Ahmad Bradshaw showing how incredible he could turn out to be, this is one ultimate offensive backfield.

As for the receiving corps, things could be good or things could be bad. Burress, although he played in almost every game, dealt with injuries all season. So, his numbers should improve a bit.

But, with Toomer getting older and Shockey having problems with the team in general (I'd be pissed, too, if my team won a Super Bowl when my leg was broken), Burress may be the only pass catcher to shine. Prediction: 9-7

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

For consecutive years, the Birds get to endure a last-place finish in the NFC East. I don't really see much improvement over the off-season.

Defense:

They were good last year. Asante Samuel is a great addition at cornerback, and Brian Dawkins is still solid despite sprouting a few gray hairs and losing his ability to reproduce.

I expect a top ten defense in 2008.

Offense:

The offense is the reason why I have the Eagles remaining at the bottom in the East.

Once again, Brian Westbrook will carry seventy-five percent of the offensive load. That's this team's major problem. If he's put on IR, they're done.

Donovan McNabb is a big question mark. He should be completely healed from his knee surgery two years ago (?). Now is his big test.

It's almost like he's a young quarterback competing for his first start, except now it's a matter of whether he is washed up. Is he? Who knows? I expect a decent year from him, regardless.

Rookie receiver DeSean Jackson looks to be promising, but an immediate impact in the passing game looks to be unlikely. Perhaps Brian Westbrook's load will be dropped to about sixty-eight percent if Jackson takes over in kick returning.

Either way, the receiving corps of this team is a little mediocre. Kevin Curtis was a surprise, but his year may easily have been a fluke. Reggie Brown was nothing short of a disappointment. Prediction: 9-7 or 8-8

Washington Redskins Sign Wide-Receiver Devin Thomas

Tanner Kluth — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 06:15:34 -0400

At last, two days before the start of the Washington Redskins' 2008 Training Camp, wide receiver Devin Thomas out of Michigan State has agreed to terms. He has agreed to a four-year, five million-dollar contract.

Thomas, twenty-one, was the thirty-fourth overall selection in this year's draft, and one of the first wide receivers taken, second only to Donnie Avery who was drafted thirty-third overall by the St. Louis Rams.

At Michigan State, Devin Thomas was rather quiet until his Junior year, where he exploded both as a receiver and as a kick returner. In his final year (that being his Junior year) at Michigan State, Thomas yielded seventy-nine receptions for 1,260 yards in twenty-three games, making him the Big Ten leader in receiving yards. Eight touchdowns were under his belt, as well.

In addition, Thomas set a conference record in return yards, yielding a whopping 1,135 in his Junior year. That left him with 2,590 total yards, second in league history only to Larry Johnson (now a member of the Kansas City Chiefs).

It comes as a bit of a surprise to many that Thomas was not drafted in the first round. Nearly all mock drafts had both him and wide receiver Malcolm Kelly (also with the Redskins) going within the first twenty picks, with Thomas being the first receiver selected.

With those monster statistics and an excellent 4.4-second forty-yard dash, one might question why he fell to the second round.

Perhaps it was the fact that he was a "one-hit wonder" in a sense. Thomas had very little productivity in his earlier college years, therefore some may think his Junior year was a mere fluke.

Regardless, the Redskins made a smart (or perhaps lucky?) move by trading their first round pick to the Atlanta Falcons for two additional second rounders.

By doing so, as Executive Vice President Vinny Cerrato has said, the organization believed they would be giving up Devin Thomas or Malcolm Kelly. Apparently it was a risk they were willing to take.

In the end, Devin Thomas, Malcolm Kelly, and tight end Fred Davis, first-round grade athletes according to Cerrato, were still available.

Washington Redskins: 2008 Predictions

Tanner Kluth — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 03:49:23 -0400

Predicting the outcome of the Redskins' 2008 season is a bit of a challenge. It would seem obvious that the team should have a record below .500, considering that three coaching changes were made.

Jim Zorn is the new head coach, Sherman Smith was hired from the Tennessee Titans to be Offensive Coordinator, and former Defensive Line Coach Greg Blache was promoted to Defensive Coordinator.

However, I'm not convinced 2008 will be a lost year for the Burgundy and Gold. Let us break down why:

Last year, their defense was great. They ended the year fourth in the NFL in rushing defense and eighth in points allowed. This includes the outlier known as the 52-7 loss to the Patriots (I won't go into this, but I believe the blowout was due to coaching strategy, not talent). Not to mention that linebacker Rocky McIntosh and cornerback Carlos Rogers were put on IR early in the season.

Why the team's defense will be elite in 2008:

1. Greg Blache has a similar coaching style to Gregg Williams, and he already knows the players. This means continuity from last year.

2. McIntosh will be back for the start of the season, and Rogers will be back around mid-September.

3. Safety LaRon Landry will be more mature. Sorry to use this word, but PWNAGE!

4. Chris Wilson (DE) is a very fast pass-rusher, and he only saw limited playing time last year. He will be more prominent in pass-rushing situations.

On offense, more questions exist. Well, sort of. The offensive line terminology will be identical to last season. As will the running back terminology. So, yes, there is even continuity on offense.

Last year, offensive linemen Jon Jansen and Randy Thomas both were put on IR in the first two games. The whole right side of the line was filled by backups for the whole rest of the season. Therefore, the coaches kept Clinton Portis from running on the right side of the line.

With Jansen and Thomas back in the lineup, I expect Portis' numbers to be similar to, if not better than, his 2005 numbers (<1,500 yards). In addition, quarterback Jason Campbell should have significantly more time in the pocket

The real question comes down to the passing offense. If the passing game does not run smoothly, I expect another frustrating and mediocre year for the Redskins. Perhaps 8-8 at best. However, don't be so sure this will be the case.

Jason Campbell had four different Offensive Coordinators at Auburn, and he has had three as a Redskin, so he is used to the constant change. Rookie receivers Malcolm Kelly and Devin Thomas will provide Campbell with larger targets.

Kelly should see significant action in 2008 in scoring situations because of his height (6'4"). Plus, tight end Fred Davis should be very in valuable for two-tight end sets. The Redskins have done good things for their future by picking up the top two WR's and the top TE in the draft.

If the passing game turns out smoothly, and if Jim Zorn turns out to be a good coach, I see an 11-5 season. But, if neither of those things happen, I can see a 7-9 or possibly even a 6-10 season. Splitting the difference somewhat, my final prediction for the year is a 9-7 record.