Month: September 2009 (Page 60 of 66)

Check out all of our 2009 NFL team previews.

Offseason Additions: Albert Haynesworth (DT); Derrick Dockery (G); Jeremy Bridges (G).

Offseason Losses: Jason Taylor (DE); Pete Kendall (G); Demetric Evans (DE); Ethan Albright (C).

Player to Watch: Albert Haynesworth, DT.
The Redskins paid a hefty price ($100 million over seven years, including $41 million in guarantees to be exact) for Haynesworth, who was the biggest catch on the free agent market this offseason. Haynesworth is a massive (figuratively and literally) upgrade over Kedric Golston and Anthony Montgomery, who split time last year next to Cornelius Griffin. Haynesworth is a ferocious pass-rusher who constantly demands double-teams and who is a beast against the run. He’ll free up fellow Griffin and Andre Carter to make plays because they’ll see a significant amount of one-on-one matchups. The former Titan might take the Skins’ defense to another level this season.

Team Strength: Washington’s secondary stands to be a strength in 2009. While the team overpaid for his services, corner DeAngelo Hall is solid when he’s not in man-to-man. He’s at his best when he plays in space and can react to the ball, which is what Washington will allow him to do. As long as he stays motivated, the Redskins will cash in on Hall’s terrific athleticism. On the other side, Carlos Rogers continues to battle a calf injury and was benched after the team rushed him back from ACL surgery last season, but he’s an instinctive player when healthy. At safety, Landry is a flat out playmaker and while he still is learning how to read offenses, he’s always going at full tilt and is a missile against the run and in coverage. While some expected Horton to be pushed by Reed Doughty, head coach Jim Zorn anointed Horton the starter at strong safety back in OTAs. He might not be the most athletic player on the field, but he’s incredibly smart and always gets the most out of his abilities.

Continue reading »

Check out all of our 2009 NFL team previews.

Offseason Additions: T.J. Houshmandzadeh (WR); Egerrin James (RB); Ken Lucas (CB); Bryan Pittman (C); Justin Griffith (FB); Colin Cole (DT).

Offseason Losses: Julian Peterson (LB); Leonard Weaver (FB); Bobby Engram (WR); Rocky Bernard (DT); Maurice Morris (RB).

Player to Watch: Aaron Curry, LB.
Curry was the most talented defensive player in the 2009 draft and the Hawks were fortunate that he slipped to them with the fourth pick because he could have gone No. 1 overall. Curry will start at strong-side linebacker and will also see action at defensive end. He’s a gifted, versatile athlete that can play multiple positions and once he learns the nuances of the pro game, he could excel as a pass rusher. He will also have an impact in pass coverage while blanketing tight ends with his excellent speed.

Team Strength: While their pass defense is a concern entering the season, the Seahawks’ run defense is not. Veteran middle linebacker Lofa Tatupu has excellent sideline-to-sideline speed, is tenacious and excels at shedding blocks. Tatupu will be aided by the re-signing of Leroy Hill, who is undersized but also a gifted playmaker. Julian Peterson won’t be easy to replace, but Curry is certainly up to the task – even as a rookie. What Curry brings to the field in terms of pass rushing ability and athleticism should more than make up for the trade of Peterson. As long as Curry doesn’t turn out to be a bust, this is an outstanding linebacker trio.

Continue reading »