The Scores Report - The National Sports Blog » Marc Bulger

Five breakout wide receiver candidates for the 2010 NFL season

Anthony Stalter — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 19:10:18 +0000

I hate writing intros and I don’t think many people read them anyway. There’s a good chance you’re not even reading this write now, so let’s just get on with it.

(Side Note: This list isn’t directed at fantasy football readers. If owners want to apply this information for fantasy purposes, please, be my guest. But I encourage you to check out my TSR partner John Paulsen’s work if you’re looking specifically for fantasy-related content. Just do so after you read this piece………..you’re not even reading this, are you?)

1. Dwayne Bowe, Chiefs
I’m going to start off with a somewhat obvious candidate in Bowe based on offseason reports (he’s also already shown that he can be productive). But make a mental note (seriously, write it down) that I’ve been high on the former LSU product ever since his performance in the 2007 Sugar Bowl against Note Dame (even though he was arguably outperformed by Early Doucet). After spending a grueling offseason participating in Larry Fitzgerald’s football camp, Bowe is reportedly down to 210 pounds after showing up to camp last year at 240. After spending most of preseason in Todd Haley’s doghouse last year, Bowe is now running with the Chiefs’ first-team offense this summer. At 6’2 and 210 pounds, the problem with Bowe has never been about size or physical tools. His issues have always lied within his work ethic, or lack thereof. But if he’s focused, he could have a tremendous year in Haley’s offense and could go from a promising player to a Pro Bowler in one season.

2. Johnny Knox, Bears
As John wrote in his breakdown of sleeper fantasy receivers last week, it’s hard to pick out just one Bear receiver that could break out this season. That’s because in Mike Martz’s offense, they all could break out. But I’m going with Knox over returner-turned-receiver Devin Hester, whom some believe will be Chicago’s biggest breakout player. Knox has reportedly been targeted more than any receiver in Bears’ camp so far this offseason and he’s the perfect fit for Martz’s up-temp offense. That’s because he not only has elite speed, but he’s also a sound route-runner and he’s already drawing comparisons to Torry Holt in terms of how his game translates in Martz’s offense. Assuming Jay Cutler targets him in the regular season as much as he has so far in training camp, a 1,000-yard season is well within Knox’s reach.

3. Harry Douglas, Falcons
Had I written this piece last year, Douglas would have made that list, too. But after suffering an ACL injury early in camp, the third-year receiver missed the entire 2009 season after showing flashes of playmaking ability as a rookie. This year, he’s healthy again and has already drawn rave reviews from his coaching staff and quarterback Matt Ryan. While Michael Jenkins’ injury might open the door for more opportunities in the passing game, the Falcons want to keep him in the slot so his speed will be a mismatch for nickelbacks, linebackers and safeties. He’ll still be overshadowed by Roddy White in the offense, but assuming his knee doesn’t give him any more problems Douglas could turn some heads this season.

4. Laurent Robinson, Rams
I’ve been high on Robinson for a couple of seasons now and I even dropped a decent veteran last year (I won’t reveal the name so I can save myself some embarrassment) to pick up the St. Louis wideout off the waiver wire in my fantasy league last year. But just as he proved in 2009, he can’t stay healthy. He has good size at 6’2” and 194 pounds, but the key is whether or not the fibula and ankle injuries that derailed his ’09 season will return. The Rams say he’s healthy now and if he stays that way, he could emerge as St. Louis’ best weapon in the passing game. While his production might stay down due to the Rams’ quarterback situation, it’s worth noting that Robinson did catch 11 passes for 141 yards and a touchdown in his first two games last year with a bad Marc Bulger. Health remains is his biggest concern.

5. Brian Robiskie, Browns
Many people are high on Mohamed Massaquoi – and for good reason. He’s being counted on as the No. 1 receiver in Cleveland’s offense (not that that’s saying much) and is more of a deep threat than his teammate Robiskie. However, the former Ohio State product is arguably more polished at this point in his career because of his excellent route-running. He’s not an elite player by any means and Jake Delhomme could seriously hinder his production in 2010, but Robiskie has been impressive thus far during camp and that could translate into a solid regular season. He certainly has the ability to be underrated if he can put everything together this year.

Does Bulger’s release mean Rams are taking Bradford No. 1?

Anthony Stalter — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 21:30:29 +0000

The Rams released quarterback Marc Bulger on Monday – on his 33rd birthday, no less. (I’m surprised they didn’t set a burning pile of dog crap on his doorstep too, just to ensure that he really had a bad day.)

It’s unclear at this point whether or not Bulger will choose to retire or try to catch on with another team. The Jets have already said they’re not interested in the veteran QB and Bulger refuses to sign with the Lions because of his strenuous relationship with OC Jim Schwartz. ESPN’s Adam Schefter seems to think that Bulger will wind up in Pittsburgh or Arizona but really, who cares? Not to be rude, but the guy mailed it in a couple of years ago after signing that big contract.

The more interesting topic that arises from this news is whether or not the Rams are now poised to take Sam Bradford with the No. 1 pick. Without a starting-caliber quarterback on the roster, I would say the answer to that question is emphatically “yes.”

Releasing Bulger cleared up $8.5 million in salary, which could go a long way in helping the Rams sign Bradford. Nebraska’s Ndamukong Suh may be the best prospect in the draft, but NFL teams have a hard time justifying paying a defensive tackle No. 1 overall money. Quarterback is an obvious need for the Rams and considering Bradford dazzled scouts at a recent workout, there should be no concerns about his shoulder.

If it wasn’t clear before that the Rams were set on Bradford at No. 1, it should be now after Bulger’s release.

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Will Ndamukong Suh drop in the top 5?

Anthony Stalter — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 16:27:43 +0000

It didn’t seem that long ago that Nebraska defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh was a near lock to be taken with the No. 1 overall pick in the April’s NFL draft. But now it appears that his stock is falling, even though he is still highly regarded as the top prospect in this year’s draft.

The Tampa Tribune is reporting that Suh is scheduled to visit the Buccaneers on April 13, which may mean something – could mean nothing. But when you look at the dynamics surrounding the first two picks in the draft, there is reason to believe that Tampa Bay could have Suh fall into their laps at No. 3.

While the Rams have plenty of holes to fill on both sides of the ball, defensive tackle isn’t a pressing need. There are several pundits that believe they’ll select Oklahoma product Sam Bradford at No. 1 because 1) they need someone to replace Marc Bulger and 2) if they’re spending No. 1-overall money, then they want to spend it on a position such as quarterback. There is also growing sentiment that the Lions (who pick second) will take Oklahoma State offensive tackle Russell Okung, meaning Suh will slide to the Bucs (who are desperate for defensive tackle help) at No. 3.

In my latest mock draft, I have the Rams taking Bradford at No. 1, but the Lions drafting Suh at No. 2. My opinion could change leading up to the draft, but given how Jim Schwartz built his defensive around Albert Haynesworth in Tennessee, I can’t foresee him passing on a player of Suh’s caliber. That said, the Lions recently traded for Corey Williams and he plays the same position as Suh in Schwartz’s defense, so read into that situation how you want.

Either way, if Suh is still available at No. 3 then Roger Goodell might as well just stand up at the podium and read the Lions and Bucs’ picks back to back. Because there’s no way Raheem Morris would allow Suh to get past Tampa at No. 3.

Photo from fOTOGLIF

St. Louis Rams 2010 Team Needs

Anthony Stalter — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 22:40:43 +0000

As part of our 2010 NFL Draft coverage, I will be breaking down positional needs for all 32 teams, starting in reverse alphabetical order. Next up is the St. Louis Rams. Check out other team needs by clicking here.

1. Quarterback
A team doesn’t land the first overall pick in the draft without having a ton of holes that need to be addressed before the start of a new season. But even with all the areas of need that the Rams have, it all starts with the quarterback, which should be the Rams’ top priority this offseason. Marc Bulger turns 33 in July and ever since he signed a six-year, $65 million contract extension in 2007 he’s been worthless. Whether it comes in free agency or the draft, the Rams must upgrade the quarterback position this offseason and close the book on the Bulger era in St. Louis. They can’t possibly head into 2010 with Bulger at the top of the quarterback depth chart, especially considering they select at the top of each round in April and seeing as how Michael Vick could probably be had via trade. Rams GM Billy Devaney is familiar with Vick from their time together in Atlanta and Steve Spagnuolo has had nothing but positive things to say about the troubled quarterback so far this offseason. Vick could be acquired for cheap and while he certainly wouldn’t be a long-term answer, he would bring some excitement to the position and give the Rams more playmakers on offense. If not, the Rams could look at drafting a signal caller in one of the first two rounds.

2 & 3. Defense
The Rams need help on all three levels of their defense, so I might as well make defense all one category. Leonard Little and James Hall are both free agents and neither is a viable option anymore as a full-time starter. The Rams might bring one of them back as a situational pass-rusher, but the bottom line is that the defensive end position opposite Chris Long needs to be addressed. St. Louis also needs to add depth to the interior of its defensive line after Adam Carriker missed the entire 2009 season after tearing a muscle in his right shoulder during the preseason. Many pundits believe that the Rams will select either Ndamukong Suh or Gerald McCoy with the first overall pick in April, which certainly makes sense.

Outside linebacker is also a significant need for the Rams. 2009 second round pick James Laurinaitis was outstanding as a rookie last year, finishing with the team lead in tackles and emerging as the defensive quarterback. But after the team released Chris Draft and traded Will Witherspoon to the Eagles in October, it was left ultra-thin at both outside linebacker positions. David Vobora played well after serving a four-game suspension last season and Larry Grant will get an opportunity to compete for a starting job next year in training camp, but both players are unspectacular options, as is Paris Lenon. Whether it’s through free agency or the draft, the outside linebacker position will be an area that Devaney will address.

Cornerback is another position that the Rams will look hard at this offseason. Bradley Fletcher could be a long-term answer at the cornerback position opposite Ron Bartell, but there’s concern that he may not be ready for the start of the 2010 season after the tore his LCL and ACL in October last year. Even if Fletcher is ready, the Rams still need depth at the position.

Receiver, tight end, right guard and tackle (if the Rams don’t bring back Alex Barron, then tackle would definitely be a top 3 priority) and are all needs for St. Louis as well.

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NFL Week 12 Injury Updates: Turner, Bulger, Cooley & Megatron

Anthony Stalter — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 19:30:24 +0000

Turner likely to sit vs. Bucs
Falcons running back Michael Turner is still nursing an ankle injury and is unlikely to practice or face the Buccaneers on Sunday. Jason Snelling will continue to get the bulk of the rushing load, although Jerious Norwood might be active after practicing some last week.

Cooley probably heading for the IR
Redskins tight end Chris Cooley said on Tuesday that he’ll probably wind up on injured reserve at some point this season. He had hoped to come back at some point this year, but his ankle injury is too severe. With Washington out of playoff contention, it makes sense that Cooley would call it a season.

Johnson could miss Thanksgiving Day game
The Lions could be without their two star players when they host the Packers on Thanksgiving Day. Calvin Johnson is dealing with hand and knee injuries and is doubtful to play. Matthew Stafford is also unlikely to play after suffering a shoulder injury in a win over the Browns last Sunday.

Bulger out 3-6 weeks
Rams quarterback Marc Bulger is out 3-6 weeks with a broken tibia. He suffered the injury in a loss to the Cardinals last Sunday and might miss the remainder of the season. Kyle Boller will probably start in his place, although rookie Keith Null might get a shot as well.

Photo from fOTOGLIF

Is the end near for Bulger in St. Louis?

Anthony Stalter — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 23:27:06 +0000

The Packers got a free win on Sunday compliments of the Rams, or better known as the worst team in the NFL.

But that’s not really a shock. The Packers should have won, they did – end of story.

The question I have surrounding this game is whether or not Marc Bulger should remain the Rams’ starting quarterback after suffering a right shoulder injury in the first quarter of the Packers’ 36-17 win. Kyle Boller replaced Bulger and threw for 164 yards with two touchdowns and an interception.

While Boller’s performance was hardly earth shattering, he moved the offense more efficiently than Bulger did the past two games and might have earned the right to start next week. (Even if Bulger’s shoulder is healthy enough for him to play.)

Since signing a six-year, $65 million contract extension in 2007, Bulger has been highly ineffective. While he deserves an opportunity to learn the team’s new offense under coordinator Pat Shurmur, the bottom line is that St. Louis had just seven points in two games under Bulger, while Boller came off the bench and managed to throw for two touchdown passes.

I realize that no matter who starts for the Rams, this is still going to be a bad football team. But considering Bulger was supposed to be St. Louis’s quarterback for at least another 3-4 years, it’s interesting that he might have played himself out of a job since signing his big extension.

Steve Spagnuolo’s squad is 0-3 to start the season and a change might be in order. Usually the quarterback is the first person to lose his job when the head coach wants to mix things up. Will Bulger soon be replaced?

So far, the Rams’ offense is pathetic under Shurmur

Anthony Stalter — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 20:06:42 +0000

Remember the days when the “mad scientist” Mike Martz called the plays in St. Louis and the Rams scored at will against opponents? Well, they’re light years from resembling that offense again.

When Steve Spagnuolo was hired in January to be the Rams’ next head coach, he appointed former Eagles’ QB coach Pat Shurmur to run his offense. And if the first two games of the ’09 season are any indication of how St. Louis will fair offensively this season, then this team will be lucky to average 10 points a game this year.

I realize it’s early, but the Rams’ offense already looks pathetic. A week after being shut out in Seattle, St. Louis mustered only a touchdown in a 9-7 loss to the Redskins on Sunday.

The Rams had a golden opportunity to move the chains through the air against a Washington team that inactivated cornerbacks Fred Smoot and Kevin Barnes before the game and therefore, the Skins only had four active cornerbacks. Washington was sold out to stop Steven Jackson in the running game and despite facing a passive Washington defensive backfield, Marc Bulger threw for only 123 yards and a 4.4 YPA average. That’s brutal – rookies post those kinds of numbers in their first games.

Granted, neither Shurmur nor Bulger can do anything about receiver Donnie Avery fumbling in the red zone, and they couldn’t help that center Jason Brown and left tackle Jason Smith left the game at various times with injuries. Plus, it always takes players two to three years to learn the West Coast Offense.

But the bottom line is that the Rams have seven points in eight quarters and that’s just not going to cut it, especially for a team that expected to play harder under Spagnuolo.