Author: Anthony Stalter (Page 729 of 1503)

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.

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Check out all of our 2009 NFL team previews.

Offseason Additions: Torry Holt (WR); Tra Thomas (OT); Marlon McCree (S); Sean Considine (S).

Offseason Losses: Paul Spicer (DE); Mike Peterson (LB); Khalif Barnes (OT); Reggie Williams (WR); Matt Jones (WR); Chris Naeole (G); Fred Taylor (RB); Gerald Sensabaugh (S); Jerry Proter (WR); Drayton Florence (CB).

Player to Watch: Maurice Jones-Drew, RB.
Now that Fred Taylor is in New England, the spotlight is solely on the highly talented MJD this season. The Jaguars figure to rely on MJD in the same fashion as the Eagles have relied on Brian Westbrook throughout the years, which can be viewed as both a positive and a negative. While giving MJD more opportunities to make plays in the offense is a plus, he’s never had over 300 touches and he’s expected to get 330-350 touches this season. Nobody doubts his ability to succeed, but can he carry Jacksonville’s offense or will he wear down?

Team Strength: Injuries ravaged the offensive line last year and sunk the Jaguars’ entire season. Now healthy and bolstered by the selections of Eugene Monroe and Eben Britton in the draft, Jacksonville’s strength should once again be the running game. The Jags did a nice job building depth along the offensive line in the offseason so if injuries do strike again, the team will be better prepared this time around. Jones-Drew is a budding star and as long as everyone stays healthy, Jacksonville will once again have one of the better rushing attacks in the AFC.

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Check out all of our 2009 NFL team previews.

Offseason Additions: Lito Sheppard (CB); Bart Scott (LB); Jim Leonhard (S); Jay Feely (K).

Offseason Losses: Chris Baker (TE); Laveranues Coles (WR); Eric Barton (LB); Mike Nugent (K); David Barrett (LB); Abram Elam (S); Kenyon Coleman (DE); Brett Ratliff (QB); Tony Richardson (RB).

Player to Watch: Mark Sanchez, QB.
The Jets paid a hefty price to acquire the fifth overall pick in April’s draft, trading their first and second round picks to the Browns, along with defensive end Kenyon Coleman, quarterback Brett Ratliff and underrated safety Abram Elam. After batting Kellen Clemens throughout the summer, Sanchez earned the starting quarterback job in preseason and hopes to follow in the footsteps of Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco and led his team to the playoffs as a rookie. While he’s been a tad inconsistent numbers-wise (which is common for a rookie QB), Sanchez has been impressive so far. He looks comfortable in the pocket, has showed good technique on his throws and has been able to make plays under pressure. If his performance in preseason is any indication of whether or not he’ll succeed in the NFL, then the Jets finally have a quarterback they can build around for the first time since Joe Namath.

Team Strength: There’s no doubt that the Jets will be able to run the football this year. They have a trio of capable backs in Thomas Jones, Leon Washington and rookie Shonn Greene, assuming of course that Jones doesn’t get traded at some point. The offensive line is outstanding, especially on the left side with athletic pass-blocker D’Brickashaw Ferguson at left tackle and outstanding run-blocker Alan Faneca at left guard. Nick Mangold anchors the line from his center position and Brandon Moore doesn’t get enough credit for being a powerful run-blocker. Veteran right tackle Damien Woody is a mauler and his skills fit nicely on a line that will once again open plenty of holes for its running backs this season.

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