Brett Favre: Looked Better in Green

I still can’t get over seeing Brett Favre in purple.  It’s almost surreal.  The very sight of Favre in purple brings a whole array of feelings that my body can’t quite process at the same time. 

I grew up a Vikings fan living in the St. Louis area.  I didn’t have a team when I was young; too young to for the St. Louis (football) Cardinals and already too into the Vikings to jump ship when the Rams came to town.

Growing up a Vikings fan instills a certain feeling towards all things Green Bay.  Including their ex-quarterback.  I grew up despising Brett Favre.  The kind of disdain you reserve for only a select few in all of sports.  Now he’s on the Vikings…and I’m not sure what to think.

My initial reaction, especially after seeing the numbers he put up for the Jets in 2008 was, “there goes the season.”  He’s short step away from 40, he just came off surgery on his throwing arm, he still has a torn rotator cuff, and I’m not sure I mentioned this, but he’s almost 40! 

Favre still was a Vikings, and like it or not, I’ll have to accept that.  I’ve been trying to see what the positives could be; I mean, I may not like the guy, but there’s a reason he’s on top of all the record books.  He’s experienced, he’s creative, and most importantly, defenses may have to respect him. 

I’m still on the anti-Favre faction of Vikings fans.  I’ve gotten over all those years that he was wearing Packer green and yellow.  I’ve gotten over all of the heartbreaks he caused for the Vikings and its fans, too.  I’m still against this move. 

I’m also against Tarvaris Jackson. 

Earlier in the offseason the Vikings signed a 30-something career backup in Sage Rosenfels.  Look, I don’t think he’s going to be the next Kurt Warner who gets pulled from the depths of football irrelevance to become a Hall of Fame quarterback, but looking back at some of his games, especially from last year, I can’t help but think that there’s something there.

If you look back at Rosenfels’ 2008 season, undoubtedly there’s one moment that jumps out.  The week four Indianapolis Colts game.  The Texans blow a 17 point fourth quarter lead partially to Rosenfels running the ball and getting spun into a helicopter spin by Raheem Brock.  Rosenfels fumbled and the ball gets returned 60-plus yards for a defensive touchdown. 

That’s a moment that sticks in my head, like most people who watched the game.  This is also the moment that make me think Rosenfels is the Vikings best choice to take the helm on offense. 

The difference between Favre from 2008 and Rosenfels from 2008 is that with the week four play from Sage Rosenfels, I can see what he was doing.  He put his body on the line to get a first down to ice the game.  I had an idea of what he was trying to do, however poorly it was executed.  The 2008 Brett Favre was making decisions that to this day, I’m unable to figure out.  His last five games in 2008, he threw nine interceptions.

To me, that’s not having a plan, even if you have to put your body on the line, it’s being careless with the ball.  It’s running out of gas with roughly one-third of the season left. 

Rosenfels theatrics in week four may not be what you want on your highlight real, but it does look like the actions of a guy who will put his body on the line if it means it’ll get the win.  It reminds me of this one quarterback that wore the number four in Green Bay. 

He used to deviate from the play and put his heart into getting that next first down.  Unfortunately the No. 4 the Vikings have is just the shell of that player.  I’m not sure where the heart went, but it’s not there anymore.

Week One Pivotal For The Chicago Bears Receiving Core

Much (some might even say endless) debate has been sparked about whether or not  Jay Cutler has enough weapons to power the Bears passing game to the necessary heights needed to get this team back into the postseason. Many skeptics (myself included) are reluctant to take players and coaches at their word that the current core of wideouts is enough to take the team to the next level.

And while buzz from camp has been predictably favorable, and there have been some impressive moments by new talent such as Earl Bennett and Devin Aromashod this preseason, there’s never really anyway to fully gauge how well players will perform until they take the field in regular season action. I won’t be convinced I am wrong to doubt this group until they show me something in a meaningful game.

Well, if they want to shut me, and their countless doubters up, they have the perfect opportunity to do so right out of the gate.

The Bears open ’09 against Green Bay, noted for having one of the better Cornerback tandems in the NFL in Al Harris and Charles Woodson. Both brutally physical combatants, Harris and Woodson have proven capable of taking opposing receivers entirely out of the mix.

How dominant are the Packers cornerbacks? In four contests since 2007, Chicago receivers have pulled in 13 receptions for 157 yards and no scores against Green Bay. Startling as that stat is, it gets worse when you take into consideration 36 of those yards came on one reception by Rashied Davis during the final meaningless moments of the Packers’ 37-3 beating  of the Bears last November at Lambeau.

If you take out the Davis catch, that’s 12 catches for 121 yards, or roughly four catches for slightly over 30 yards per game! That’s an underwhelming output from an individual. From an entire unit, it’s flat-out unacceptable.

Now yes, the Bears are likely going to see most of their passing yards come from the Tight End position this season, and Greg Olsen and Desmond Clark have performed rather well in the same four contests (24 catches, 277 yards and four scores). And the anemic receiver output hasn’t stopped the Bears from winning three of the four games. And yes, there is of course the great Matt Forte, and the significant upgrade at Quarterback. One could argue maybe they don’t necessarily need to see big numbers from the receivers in week one.

But dammit, I want them to.

Remember how fantastic a tone the Bears set with a Grossman to Berrian 49-yard bomb on the opening possession of the 2006 season? If anyone of the current crop of receivers (possibly one by the name of Devin Hester) could light such an early spark, who knows what effect it could have on the outcome of the season. I’d hardly say Berrian’s TD was the primary factor to the ’06 Super Bowl run, but it sure as hell wasn’t a detriment.

The receivers aren’t the only big concern this team has (pass defense comes quickly to mind) but I am very reluctant to say I see this as a genuine NFC front-runner, and they are the primary reason as to why my skepticism exists.

If they can put up at least respectable numbers against a secondary that has owned them in recent years, it will go a long way in building my belief that they are good enough to help formulate a long playoff run. If not, then plans to upgrade the unit next offseason will likely have to begin much earlier than anyone had hoped.

Good luck, fellas. Feel free to prove me wrong for doubting you.

Will Mark Sanchez’ Christening Have an Influence on Detroit’s QB Battle?

First off, let me preface this article by stating that this in no way an endorsement of whether Matt Stafford should open the season as the starting QB for the Detroit Lions or begin it in a backup role.

If it was my decision, which it isn’t, I would lean towards setting him up for his debut after the Lions bye week. It’s what I’ve felt since they drafted him and I’m sticking to it.

Living in Connecticut as a Lions fan, whether you like it or not, it’s hard not to get overwhelmed by the media juggernauts that are Boston and New York sports radio.

With four kids and all the car trips that are necessary to being a parent, my tastes tend to lean towards WFAN in NYC.

When I first heard over the airwaves that the New York Jets were planning to bypass veteran quarter back Kellen Clemens in favor of their hot-shot, No. 1 pick Mark Sanchez, my thoughts quickly turned to Detroit’s situation.

Quarterbacks drafted in the first round, in the same draft, will always be measured with each other in the context of success and who was the better selection.

Whether it be reflecting on the class of ’83 with Manning-Leaf, or the ’04 class with Manning-Rivers, and so on…Sanchez and Stafford will be no different.

Despite the levels of where their two teams stand right now talent-wise and how they are projected to perform for the season, there are a few similarities in both of the teams’ battles.

The rookies have both been less effective than their veteran counterparts, in Stafford’s case even No. 3 Drew Stanton has performed better.

Also, both players will be forever linked to their current rookie head coaches, whose job security may ultimately be riding on the decision they make and how it plays out.

While Jets coach Rex Ryan went with his gut in naming Sanchez, hoping he will progress through the “trial-by-fire” approach, Lions coach Jim Schwartz is staying tight lipped on his decision.

The Jets have better personnel on both sides of the ball to ease the transition from Sanchez’ days at USC to the NFL, the rebuilding Lions don’t have an overabundance of talent, not counting wide-out Calvin Johnson.

The question to me, from an outsiders viewpoint is, will pressure from the front office and owner William Clay Ford, now that Sanchez was crowned King of Jets nation, override Schwartz’ final say?

In my own opinion, I’ve felt Ford is an owner more concerned with the bottom line from the business end and more laid back in his approach to the team, as long as Ford Field is full.

Will the decision to field a more competitive team with Daunte Culpepper at the helm and a few upgrades elsewhere on the roster, overcome the desire to generate some buzz by throwing the upstart No. 1 overall pick to the wolves, even though at the end of the day it might put a few more butts in the seats.

I’m sure no one whose jobs may be directly tied to the success of a rookie head coach, could care less what the Jets are doing.

I just wonder if the decision is entirely Schwartz’ or if he has an 84-year-old monkey, and it’s offspring, on his back, telling him who the choice is really going to be.

I’d love to know your opinion and if I’m due for a nice, quiet rest at an asylum!

NFC East Odds Preview 2009

Let’s take a look at the 2009 NFC East Division and check the odds to win it. 

Philadelphia Eagles

It seems the NFC East has become more difficult with emergence of Philly in early 2000s.

Andy Reid has changed the Eagles losing ways along with Donovan McNabb and the late Jim Johnson.

This year’s team might have had its best possible offseason in its history, but injuries might not see it play out.

Middle LB Stewart Bradley is gone for the year as is 3rd round draft pick TE Cornelius Ingram. QBs Kevin Kolb and Todd Herremans are also injured. Add the fact that Pro Bowler Shawn Andrews has not played since September 2008, Jason Peters, Stacy Andrews and Brian Westbrook are coming back from injuries, and you get a lot of unwanted stress if you’re Andy Reid.

To be honest, the Eagles were very lucky last year getting into the playoffs.

The Eagles have the play makers and soldiers to make something happen, but how far will they go is anyone’s guess.  +130 at Lines2bet.com

Dallas Cowboys

With no more Terrell Owens and Jessica Simpson TMZ drama, the Cowboys might have a shot this year.

Jason Witten and Marion Barber are stable go-to guys, but it will take Patrick Crayton and Roy Williams to reach down and help Tony Romo move forward this year.

The Cowboys still have a solid defense and made a nice pick up getting DE Igor Olshansky out of San Diego.

The defense will need to match its beginning intensity all the way through the year for the Cowboys to be successful.  +220 at Lines2bet

New York Giants

The Giants start with defense and end up handing the ball over to Eli Manning hoping he won’t make mistakes.

No Plaxico Burress or Amani Toomer will make Eli’s job more difficult, but lets see how rookie WR Hakeem Hicks picks up the NFL.

As long as LB Antonio Pierce gets back on the field the Giants are in good shape.

The Giants are well coached and have the tools to take the NFC East. 

+130 at Lines2bet

Washington Redskins

The Redskins are a mystery.

Every year Dan Snyder spends, spends and spends more to create a another losing team.

What gives?

This year might change because they have a nasty front-four defensive line that includes newly acquired DT Albert Haynesworth. They have a solid LB crew and DB crew that includes young studs DeAngelo Hall and LaRon Landry.

Offensively they have good players as well and if there is weakness it might be on the offensive line.

Snyder’s expensive fantasy teams can’t lose forever can they?

Their odds make me want to back them for a penny at +400 at lines2bet.

Who do you think wins the NFC East in 2009?

NFL betting at www.lines2bet.com.

Giants Football Reporter Becomes Latest Casualty Of Media Convergence

Ernie Palladino Is Without A Home After 33 Years

Those of us who have joined the sports reporting arena in the last decade saw the writing on the wall.  Others, who worked in the print media were slow to adapt to the transition of media forms from hard copy to electronic.

I’m not saying Ernie was one of them. He did have a blog and he did use Twitter. His employer, The Journal News – a fixture in the Lower Hudson Valley, is experiencing what many print-centric news providers (newspapers) are these days: dwindling circulation, reduced advertising revenue and massive layoffs.

Ernie was let go by the Journal News this week. That means he won’t be at Giants Stadium this year and he won’t be providing that veteran insight that we have all come to know and love.

Perhaps he will catch on somewhere else.  Maybe some of these excessed sportswriters can work for Bleacher Report in some capacity.  Then again, maybe its time for sports journalism to keep moving forward.

That’s too bad  – for everyone.

As one of the internet’s senior blog/writers, I find that the old-school reporters are still the best.  They know how to get the story, get it straight, frame it and produce it in a matter of minutes.  

Most web ‘journalists’ simply don’t have the background. Everything is done remotely and the stories are usually second-hand accounts.  Sure there are reporters who work strictly for the web, but there are few readers who have the ability to separate the  seasoned reporters from the 13-year-old bloggers anymore.

You can thank social media and open-source for that. It has its positives but its negatives are far worse.

The internet reader is more likely to read a piece based on conjecture then they are to read one based in fact.  Its the just the lay of the land.

I would like to see more veterans on sites like Bleacher Report to help raise the bar on web reporting.

John Fennelly is the founder/publisher of blogNYG.com, New York’s fastest-growing fan-based blog.

Burress’ Jail Sentence Is Unfair When Compared To Stallworth and Vick

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What’s bugging me this week? How about the latest jail sentence for former New York Giants WR Plaxico Burress?

In February 2008, Burress was on top of the world as he caught the game-winning touchdown from QB Eli Manning to help the Giants defeat the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII. Now, he may never be able to step foot in the NFL again.

Last week, Burress accepted a settlement to spend two years in prison after pleading guilty for criminal possession of a weapon last season. Burress accidentally shot himself in the thigh last November when he was walking up the stairs in a nightclub located in Manhattan, NY.

Burress claims he brought the gun to the Manhattan nightclub because he felt “unsafe” and wanted to protect himself.

For the record, I can understand why it’s hard for some people to feel sorry for Burress when he made the decision to hang out at a place where he felt unsafe. However, his punishment for his actions on that night back in November is ridiculous when you compare them to the punishments received by Philadelphia Eagles QB Michael Vick and Cleveland Browns WR Donte Stallworth.

The way I see it, Burress’ sentence was harsh because it was seen as firing a gun in a public place since the shooting took place at a nightclub. However, is it really fair for him to be sentenced for two years when Vick and Stallworth’s actions appear to be far worse?

Vick spent 18 months in prison because of his involvement with a dogfighting operation at one of his Virginia homes. He was responsible for killing dogs in such ways that will make a body cringe just from thinking about it.

Stallworth spent 24 days of a 30-day sentence in jail after pleading guilty to a DUI manslaughter that took the life of 59-year-old Mario Reyes last March. He was driving under the influence early one morning after drinking at a club in Miami and struck Reyes as he was crossing the street, who was leaving from his job as a crane operator.

Vick and Stallworth have both taken full responsibility for their actions. They have both served their time in prison and have to live with their bad judgments for the rest of their lives. However, both of their sentences were less harsh than Burress, despite the fact what they did was much worse.

We’re talking about two guys that were responsible for taking away the lives of a humans and animals for their actions. All Burress did was accidentally shoot himself in the leg, which only harmed him, and he is the one receiving the longer jail sentence.

I understand the fact that a law is a law. Burress illegally possessed a weapon in a nightclub and should be punished for what he did.

However, his punishment should not be longer than Vick’s or Stallworth’s. He harmed no one but himself and has to live with that for the rest of his life.

The man regrets what he did and has learned from his mistake. He knows bringing a weapon to nightclub was a bad judgment call on his part. Not to mention that he shouldn’t have been there in the first place.

Vick took the lives of harmless animals. Stallworth took the life of an innocent man. Yet, Burress is still the one who has to spend a longer period in jail for shooting himself in the leg on accident.

If you ask me, the fact that Burress’ sentence is longer than the other guys just doesn’t seem fair at all.

He should be faced with some jail time, but at least make the sentence shorter than the other NFL players who committed crimes far worse than what Burress did.

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This article was originally published on FantasyPros911.com

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Browns RB Jerome Harrison Was Hyped Before Camp, But Is He On the Bubble Now?

Coming into the Cleveland Browns 2009 Training Camp, there were many experts and fans who thought that Eric Mangini was going to be the guy who would finally take advantage of running back Jerome Harrison’s talents.

 

There were even comparisons of Harrison and the New York Jets running back Leon Washington, who Mangini used extensively while he was the Jets coach.

 

After almost a month of practices and two preseason games in the books, Harrison has suffered a two week long injury which has only given the other running backs more reps.

Rookie James Davis has made the most of his opportunities and so has backup Noah Herron.

 

So, what about Harrison?

 

With the kind of coach that Mangini is, there is no guarantee that he will put up with Harrison’s continuing mystery injury.

 

There are only two preseason games left and if Harrison wants to make this team, then he needs to heal quickly, get into the final games to prove himself, and claim a roster spot.

 

Harrison has shown signs of flash in his short NFL career, the most memorable being against the Buffalo Bills when he broke through the line and took off for a 72 yard touchdown back in November of 2008.

 

That is all in the past, and Mangini wants to see what he has right now.

 

It looks like Jamal Lewis and Davis will be making the roster, and if Harrison does not play in any of the remaining preseason games, Herron could take Harrison’s roster spot as the third and final back on the Browns opening day roster, but at least there is still time for Harrison.

 

If Harrison does not make the roster, hopefully Mangini will place him on the practice squad so that no other NFL team can pick him up.

 

 

(Article originally posted on Dawg Scooper: An Unofficial Cleveland Browns News Source)

What To Watch for in the Seattle Seahawks’ Final Two Preseason Games

In the NFL Networks “preseason power rankings” the Seattle Seahawks were ranked 25th. But when analysts began talking about the team, and the talent on it,they made it sound as if the Seahawks were ranked fifth.

It’s not hard to see how a discussion involving the Seattle Seahawks could follow these same lines. It’s very hard as a writer, let alone a television personality to rank a team that won just four games last season above anyone that has a winning record. 

On the other side of the coin, the Seahawks return a lineup that from 2002 to 2008 had the best record in the NFC. Justifiable judgments about the competitiveness of their division aside, the Seahawks have a team loaded with talent.

After a couple of preseason games, what questions plague the Seahawks and their fans? 

Can the offensive line stay healthy? If they do, can they be successful? 

Though most casual NFL fans can’t even name the offensive lineman on their favorite team, Seahawks fans are still quick to anger over the name Steve Hutchinson.

Since Hutch left to become the highest-paid guard in NFL history in Minnesota, the Seahawks have been plagued by both injuries (at one point near the end of the ’08 season, all five starters from opening day were injured) and age. 

Through the first two preseason games, the Seahawks have allowed just three sacks, all of which came against the Denver Broncos. Also, the Hawks have outrushed their opponents in the first two games (164 to 136). 

All of these point to the success of brand new offensive coordinator Greg Knapp, a zone-blocking aficionado who could be the biggest signee in the offseason. 

When watching the next two preseason games: Watch how the line works together. If they can stay healthy and learn the new zone-blocking scheme quickly, Knapp could yet again have a top running team in the NFL. 

Are the defensive backs as good as we keep hearing they could be? 

This question, as so many coaches and scouts will tell you, is in direct correlation with the defensive line play. Pressure on the quarterback causes mistakes which makes the defensive backs jobs that much easier. 

A healthy Patrick Kearney, plus the addition of defensive tackles Cory Redding and Colin Cole, have produced eight sacks this preseason. They have also forced three interceptions. 

Also, Seahawks fans should love the relatively quiet offseason reacquisition of Ken Lucas. 

Lucas, who left Seattle for Carolina in 2005, adds size and depth at CB. Hometown favorite (Wilson High school/Washington State University graduate) Marcus Trufant is having trouble getting over a back problem, and has yet to participate fully in training camp activities. 

When watching the next couple of preseason games: Watch to see how the ‘Hawks play in passing downs. Last year, Seattle was 30th in the league in passing yards allowed (265 P/Y per game). If they are going to improve, they must shut down the passing game and increase their takeaways. 

What will be the ‘Hawks offensive identity?

After a decade of Mike Holmgren and the most watered-down of west coast offenses, what will brand-new head coach Jim Mora Jr. and offensive coordinator Greg Knapp bring to the table?

When the pair were together in Atlanta, they led the league in rushing. No offense to Matt Hasselbeck (or EAS), but I don’t think he is going to be rushing all over the field like Michael Vick did, or rolling out of the pocket nearly as often. 

Interestingly, the Seahawks have passed much more (70 plays) than they have rushed (56) so far this preseason. They have still been running the west coast, but they have been spreading out receivers much more often. This allows a third and fourth wide receiver to create matchup problems for opposing safeties and linebackers in coverage. 

The recent addition of Edgerrin James, and subsequent release of TJ Duckett, means more of a traditional two-back system. “Edge” may not be the back he was early in his career with Indianapolis, but still has plenty of rubber left on the tread and runs “Greg Knapp style”; find the hole, and hit it hard. 

When watching the next two preseason games: Watch to see if the blocking schemes hold up against the first-string defenses. If the Seahawks are going to spread the field, they will need to give Hasselback enough time get rid of the ball. 

Though they kept his jersey clean in the first game, he was sacked three times in the second. On one, tackle Sean Locklear was bull-rushed into the Seahawks veteran QB, knocking him over. If they can give Hasselbeck time, it will pay dividends.

So far, he has a 111.9 QB rating this preseason and is completing 67.9 percent of his passes. 

Fantasy Football Preseason Heroes: Wide Receivers/Tight Ends

Jonathan Stupar, Buffalo Bills—Stupar leads the NFL with 15 preseason receptions for 155 yards and a TD. He’s third on the Bills’ tight end depth chart, so don’t get any thoughts of fantasy worth.

Jared Cook, Tennessee Titans—Cook is a TE with some fantasy value. The rookie out of South Carolina has 12 catches for 120 yards in the preseason. With Tennessee’s limited options in the passing game, Cook could become one of their more reliable targets. He’s worth taking as a TE2.

Chris Henry, Cincinnati Bengals—As long as he can stay out of Roger Goodell’s office, Henry has a chance to really break out this year. He has 11 catches for 155 yards and two TDs. Now that he seems to have put his troubles behind him, he could put up huge numbers in a full season. He’s going in the later rounds of fantasy drafts, and could end up putting up WR2 or WR3 numbers. 

Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City Chiefs—For all the talk of Bowe not fitting into the Chiefs’ system or being at odds with Todd Haley, he has looked good in the preseason with eight catches for 107 yards and a TD. If you moved him down in your WR rankings, you may want to move him back up.

Troy Williamson, Jacksonville Jaguars—The former No. 1 bust leads the NFL with 221 preseason receiving yards on seven caches. He caught a pair of deep balls for the bulk of the yardage. It’s great to see him make some plays, but I wouldn’t trust him to continue to produce. His hands have long been a question mark.

Chad Ochocinco, Cincinnati Bengals—Ocho has 142 yards on 5 catches.  He even added a PAT. More importantly, he has kept relatively quiet. If he can avoid being a distraction, he should be a real nice WR2 this year.

David Clowney, New York Jets—Clowney is hoping to be the next third-year WR to break out. He has five receptions for 135 yards and two TDs this preseason. He is fighting with Chansi Stuckey to start opposite Jerricho Cotchery.

Justin Harper, Baltimore Ravens—Harper has been productive in the preseason, with six catches for 119 yards, but has dropped too many passes in practice. For a team with a limited passing game, dropping passes is a good way to be buried on the depth chart.

Laurent Robinson, St. Louis Rams—Laurent has taken advantage of Donnie Avery’s foot injury by catching seven passes for 117 yards. He is going to start for the Rams, so he’s worth grabbing in deep leagues, but he likely won’t be a viable fantasy option this year.

Robert Meachem, New Orleans Saints—Meachem has been a sleeper candidate the past two years now. He has five catches for 106 yards, including a 64-yard TD. If he can get on the field, he has a great chance to be productive in that offense. Draft him as a fantasy reserve and hope for the best.

Legedu Naanee, San Diego Chargers—This list is littered with third-year WRs.  Legedu has five catches for 84 yards and two TDs. He is buried as the Chargers No. 4 WR behind Vincent Jackson, Chris Chambers, and Malcom Floyd. 

It’s also an offense that throws heavily to TE Antonio Gates and RBs LaDainian Tomlionson and Darren Sproles. Don’t expect much from a fantasy perspective from Naanee this year.

Originally published at LestersLegends.com.

Rookie Report: Who’s Hot, Who’s Not?

Oh Michael Crabtree. How I wonder who in the world continues to take you in fantasy drafts?

Seriously. Who is doing this? And why on Earth? The guy has not played a snap this preseason. He has not even smelled the turf and man sweat at the San Francisco 49ers practice yet.

I would not draft him in any redraft league right now. Rookie receivers are generally slower to develop and, at this pace, Crabtree will be in the womb for a while.

We are two weeks into the preseason and some rookies are already impressing, some rookies are looking like rookies and another elite rookie remains unsigned. That other rookie is, obviously, Michael Crabtree.

The talent of Crabtree is undeniable, but I may have overlooked his then-undeserved diva status when making my rookie predictions earlier this offseason.

So which rookies have been impressive and which ones are just rookies?

 

Mark Sanchez, QB, New York Jets

Mark Sanchez impressed the brass in the first preseason game enough to earn the start in the second preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens.  e rewarded the decision makers with a 3-for-8 performance with one touchdown and one interception. Those numbers are not that impressive for a starting quarterback in the NFL, but good enough for Rex Ryan to name him the starter for week one.

 

Matt Stafford, QB, Detroit Lions

Matt Stafford was also given the starting nod over Daunte Culpepper in his second preseason game. His numbers were even worse as he finished 5-for-13 with a pick. Stafford needs to improve greatly in the remaining two preseason games if he wants to win the starting job.

 

Josh Freeman, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Josh Freeman has not received an opportunity to start like the two previously mentioned quarterbacks, but he has been just as unimpressive. Freeman has no touchdown passes mixed with an interception. The quarterbacks of this year’s class are failing to impress me thus far.

 

LeSean McCoy, RB, Philadelphia Eagles

In his first preseason game LeSean McCoy looked real good running the football and in his second preaseason game McCoy was effective in the passing game. McCoy is a must handcuff for all Brian Westbrook owners just in case an injury befalls Westbrook.

 

Chris ‘Beanie’ Wells, RB, Arizona Cardinals

In the meantime, Chris Wells is falling further behind Arizona incumbent running back Tim Hightower due to his injuries. Wells has not seen any playing time this preseason. His ankle is supposedly improving, but he has durability questions that are not being answered so far this preseason.

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