Author: Anthony Stalter (Page 726 of 1503)

Check out all of our 2009 NFL team previews.

Offseason Additions: Kevin Kaesviharn (S/cut in preseason).

Offseason Losses: D.J. Hackett (WR); Ken Lucas (CB); Jeremy Bridges (G); Geoff Hangartner (C).

Player to Watch: Julius Peppers, DE.
Peppers had a rather tumultuous offseason. In March, he stated that he wouldn’t re-sign with the Panthers and was seeking a team that would employ him as an outside linebacker. But Carolina put a stop to that notion by placing the franchise tag on the former first round pick and then proceeded (and failed) to sign him to a long-term extension. Now Peppers is playing on a one-year deal despite not wanting to be in Carolina, although he insists that there’s no bad blood between him and the organization. It’ll be interesting to see if Peppers’ attitude changes if the Panthers take a nosedive after winning the division last year.

Team Strength: The Panthers finished third in the league in rushing last year and will once again feature one of the best ground attacks in football this season. Led by DeAngelo Williams, who had a breakout campaign in 2008 while totaling 20 touchdowns, and former first round pick Jonathan Stewart, Carolina will rely on the run to open things up for quarterback Jake Delhomme and the passing game. Williams is an outstanding downhill runner and when healthy, Stewart can tire out a defense with his bruising running style. Both runners are perfect fits for the zone-blocking scheme that Carolina uses. Left tackle Jordan Gross is one of the best run-blockers in the league, while left guard Travelle Wharton is technically sound and benefits from playing alongside Gross. Center Ryan Kalil and right tackle Jeff Otah continue to develop on what is quickly becoming one of the better offensive lines in the NFL. Stewart and right guard Keydrick Vincent’s health are the only question marks.

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Check out all of our 2009 NFL team previews.

Offseason Additions: Bryant McFadden (CB); Anthony Becht (TE); Jason Wright (RB).

Offseason Losses: Edgerrin James (RB); Eric Green (CB); Terrelle Smith (FB); J.J. Arrington (RB).

Player to Watch: Chris “Beanie” Wells, RB.
The Cardinals hope that Wells, who was the team’s first round pick this year, can solve their running woes. Despite their Super Bowl appearance last year, Arizona finished dead last in rushing and are leaning on Wells to stabilize the running back position. After stating that Tim Hightower would be his starter for most of the summer, head coach Ken Whisenhunt has since softened his stance and is now open to Wells being his No. 1 back. But the Ohio State product has to stay healthy, which is one thing he’s had trouble with. Wells sprained his ankle in preseason and admits that he still isn’t completely healthy yet. When he is 100%, “Beanie” is a 240-pound bulldozer with 4.5 speed. He’s athletic, tough and dangerous when he gains some momentum. But again, he must stay healthy.

Team Strength: The Cards will once again have one of the more explosive passing attacks in the league, assuming of course that quarterback Kurt Warner has protection and can avoid turnovers. Arizona’s passing attack relies heavily on its wideouts, Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin and Steve Breaston. The trio comprises the best receiving corps in the NFL and will keep defensive coordinators sleepless come Saturday night. The Cards will again rely on the shotgun formation to help Warner read defenses and get the ball out of his hands quickly. The Cardinals promoted receivers coach Mike Miller to passing game coordinator and hope that he can fill the shoes of Todd Haley, who was hired as head coach of the Chiefs this offseason.

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Check out all of our 2009 NFL team previews.

Offseason Additions: Gibril Wilson (S); Jason Taylor (DE); Jake Grove (C).

Offseason Losses: Andre’ Goodman (CB); Vonnie Holliday (DE); Renaldo Hill (CB); John Beck (QB).

Player to Watch: Ted Ginn Jr., WR.
Ginn will be under the microscope this season as he enters his third year. Many receivers don’t blossom until their third season and the Dolphins are hoping the same can be said for Ginn, who has looked rather subpar in his first two years after being selected with the ninth overall pick in the 2007 draft. Ginn has incredible speed and was a playmaker at Ohio State, but he’s had trouble getting off the line in the pros as defensive backs have had success jamming him and not allowing him to get into his routes. This has made him invisible on the field at times and has limited his production. Once he gets the ball in his hands he’s a threat to take it to the house. But getting the ball in his hands is the problem. After a lackluster preseason, the pressure is on Ginn to produce in ’09.

Team Strength: Thanks to a plethora of capable backs and the addition of the Wildcat formation, the Dolphins will once again have solid running game in 2009. Ronnie Brown has completely recovered from his 2007 ACL surgery and should rack up plenty of yards as he enters a contract year. Although there are concerns that he’s losing a step after an unimpressive preseason, backup Ricky Williams gained 659 yards last season and is serviceable. The same thing can be said for third stringer Patrick Cobbs, who should see more touches this season. Throw in playmaking rookie Pat White (who will cut his teeth in different offensive packages, including the Wildcat) and the Dolphins’ running game can burn opponents in a variety of ways.

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Check out all of our 2009 NFL team previews.

Offseason Additions: Antonio Smith (DE); Eugene Wilson (S); Cato June (LB/out for the season); Deltha O’Neal (CB); Shaun Cody (DT); Rex Grossman (QB).

Offseason Losses: Sage Rosenfels (QB); Bryan Pittman (C); C.C. Brown (S); Will Demps (DB); Anthony Weaver (DT); Ephraim Salaam (OT).

Player to Watch: Steve Slaton, RB.
After amassing 1,282 rushing yards on 268 carries, 377 passing yards on 50 receptions and 10 total touchdowns as a rookie, all eyes are on Slaton this season. He’ll give up short-yardage and goal line carries to Chris Brown, but Slaton is going to be on the field plenty for the Texans this year. The shifty sophomore gives Houston something it has been missing from its backfield since the team entered the league: An explosive playmaker that can score every time he gets his hands on the ball. As long as the extra weight he put on in the offseason doesn’t slow him down, Slaton should avoid a sophomore slump and help open things up for Matt Schaub and the passing game.

Team Strength: Thanks to ends Mario Williams and Antonio Smith, as well as tackle Amobi Okoye and 17-year coaching vet Bill Kollar, defensive line should be a strength this season for the Texans. But it’s hard to talk about this team without focusing on its offensive skill position players. Schaub could shine in head coach Gary Kubiak’s offense, but he has to stay healthy. If he can, he has a plethora of weapons at his disposal, most notably Slaton, Pro Bowl receiver Andre Johnson and tight end Owen Daniels. Slaton is a home run threat every time he gets his hands on the ball and Johnson is one of the best playmakers in the game. When they’re both healthy, Schaub and Johnson make an excellent pair and have developed good chemistry with one another. Daniels is upset about his contract, but he hasn’t let the situation become a distraction and he could once again post Pro Bowl numbers this season. As long as the line continues to improve, the offense has enough weapons to get the Texans to the playoffs.

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