NFL Team Previews: Atlanta Falcons

Pigskin Heaven’s Sascha Bartels is breaking down every single team in the NFL prior to the season. Here is his analysis and forecast for the Atlanta Falcons. Click on a team to read its preview.

AFC East: BUF | MIA | NE | NYJ

AFC North: BAL | CIN | CLE | PIT

AFC South: IND | HOU | JAX | TEN

AFC West: DEN | KAN | OAK | SDG

NFC East: DAL | NYG | PHI | WAS

NFC North: CHI | DET | GBA | MIN

NFC South: ATL | CAR | NOL | TBA

NFC West: ARI | STL | SFO | SEA

 

What’s New?

Of course, most of the news came last year, in the form of a new coach, new quarterback, new running back, and so on. This year, they added tight end to the list, and brought in the ageless wonder Tony Gonzales.

Keith Brooking has left town and set up camp in Dallas, and Atlanta has brought in the effective, but oft-injured Mike Peterson. Beyond that, the rest of Atlanta’s acquisitions came in the draft.

With Grady Jackson off in Detroit now, Atlanta chose the consensus second best defensive tackle on the board in Peria Jerry.

They also added William Moore, Lawrence Sidbury, Chris Owens and William Middleton, in a draft that focused completely on bolstering the defense.

 

Three Burning Questions

Will the new additions improve and solidify the defense?

Last season, the Falcons were 24th in the NFL in defense, 22nd in scoring defense, which explains the focus on defense in the draft.

The team allowed 127 yards rushing per game, an area they hope will be helped by Jerry and Peterson manning the middle.

Against the pass, they weren’t much better, hence the drafting of three Secondary players.

The team did have 34 sacks last season, but half of those came from John Abraham. Sidbury should be able to add to that number.

Add in the players already in place like Abraham, and the defense should be better. But, it still won’t be great, and I would be surprised to see them enter the top 16 this year. Maybe next year.

 

Will the offense be able to keep everybody happy?

Last season Atlanta featured one of the game’s best runners, and, despite a rookie at quarterback, one of the league’s best receivers.

Add to that Tony Gonzales and Ryan in his second year, and something may have to give. Matt Ryan threw for 3,400 yards last season, and I’m sure he would love to take that number to the 4,000 yard mark.

Does that mean less carries and yards for Turner, still the teams’ biggest weapon? Will Jerious Norwood become a forgotten man and seek an exit from Atlanta soon? Will Roddy White still play as well as he did last season now that he’s been paid?

The offense has to carry this team again, let’s hope their unified.

 

Will Matt Ryan find enough people to throw to?

The passing game at the moment has two main weapons, White and Gonzales.

With Harry Douglas out for the year, it will be up to Michael Jenkins to keep the defenses from focusing on the two stars.

The Falcons also added veterans Marty Booker and Robert Ferguson, but who knows what impact they can bring at this point in their careers.

 

Fantasy Forecast

Good plays: The Falcons want to reduce Turner’s workload. Don’t worry, he’s still a top three pick. Matt Ryan will enter the starting QB’s group, and Roddy White is one of the best receivers in the game.

Avoid: As far as TE’s go, don’t pick Gonzales too early. He’ll be a good choice, but expect the numbers to fall a bit. Stay away from the defense.

Sleeper: The sleeper has to be Jenkins. He lost his main competitor to his job when Douglas went down, and Jenkins should see a lot of single coverage. His numbers could improve quite a bit.

 

Prognosis

For the prognosis and final record, read the originally posted article here.

This is an original article by Pigskin Heaven Staffer, Sascha Bartels. You can read it, more of Sascha’s articles, and more from the Pigskin Heaven staff here.

NFL Team Previews: Jacksonville Jaguars

Pigskin Heaven’s Sascha Bartels is breaking down every single team in the NFL prior to the season. Here is his analysis and forecast for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Click on a team to read its preview.

AFC East: BUF | MIA | NE | NYJ

AFC North: BAL | CIN | CLE | PIT

AFC South: IND | HOU | JAX | TEN

AFC West: DEN | KAN | OAK | SDG

NFC East: DAL | NYG | PHI | WAS

NFC North: CHI | DET | GBA | MIN

NFC South: ATL | CAR | NOL | TBA

NFC West: ARI | STL | SFO | SEA

 

What’s New?

The Jaguars underwent a bit of a house cleaning after last years’ disappointing 5-11 campaign.

Gone are receivers Matt Jones, Reggie Williams, and Jerry Porter. In are Torry Holt and several rookies.

Also out are Paul Spicer, Mike Peterson, Gerald Sensabaugh, Khalif Barnes, and Cleo Lemon. Jacksonville did bring in some veteran talent, like offensive tackle Tra Thomas and quarterback Todd Bauman, but most of the new talent was brought in on draft day.

There, the Jags started by finding a couple of future bookends for the offensive line in Eugene Monroe and Eben Britton. They also drafted help for John Henderson in Terrence Knighton, and help for Rashean Mathis in Derek Cox.

Then Jacksonville finally went after receiving help, finding a couple of good ones in Mike Thomas and Jarrett Dillard.

Three Burning Questions:

Can David Garrard improve on a sub-par 2008?

Garrard struggled last year, but I think most of that can be contributed to the lack of help at receiver and a thin, depleted offensive line.

That line has most certainly been re-inflated. Tra Thomas could likely keep Monroe out of the starting lineup for a while, or he could be moved to play guard. Britton is likely to take the right side away from Tony Pashos, and Brad Meester is healthy again.

With the improvement on the line, expect Maurice Jones-Drew to have a great year, which will in turn make Garrard’s play a lot better.

I’m sure he will use a lot of Holt early, while working up chemistry with the younger guys. Garrard should have a nice rebound in 2009.

 

Will the interior of the Jags defense play better?

John Henderson has the talent to be one of the best defensive tackles in the league, but his play seems to have regressed a bit recently. Mike Peterson is gone to Atlanta, and in his place is Daryl Smith, or perhaps Brian Iwuh.

The Jags used to have a feared defense, but last year they certainly did not resemble one, and this year it is still a work in progress. Derek Cox has been impressive enough, and could move Brian Williams to the nickel spot.

At this point Quentin Groves and Reggie Hayward don’t really scare anybody at end, but Groves is a good talent who can emerge if his running mates aren’t up to par.

It could be a fairly long year for the defense overall.

 

Is Troy Williamson merely a training camp sensation, or is he ready to be a first round receiver?

Williamson was finally tossed from the Vikings in 2007, but did not find life much easier in Jacksonville last year.

Then came 2009 training camp, and rumors of his emergence were quickly shrugged off. Then he had a nice four receptions for 74 yards against the Dolphins, and people started to pay a little bit of attention.

He matched that 74 yards on one play against the Bucs, and totaled 147 yards on three catches in that game.

All of a sudden, Williamson is becoming the talk of Jacksonville and the league. Is all of this merely one of those nice summer stories, or will he finally take that speed and talent and translate it to the regular season?

With Torry Holt on the other side, it’s probably the best chance Williamson ever had.

 

Fantasy Forecast

Top players: That probably shouldn’t be a plural, the Jags only have one top player right now, and that is Jones-Drew. He should be picked anywhere in the top-five.

Avoid: Avoid Garrard unless he is your third QB, and don’t pay too big a price for Holt either. The Jags defense is not to be touched.

Sleeper: In three seasons, Tight End Marcedes Lewis has steadily improved his numbers, and he could be ready for a 60 reception, 650 yard, five TD type of season, certainly good for a non top-tier Tight End.

 

Prognosis

For the prognosis and final record, read the originally posted article here.

This is an original article by Pigskin Heaven Staffer, Sascha Bartels. You can read it, more of Sascha’s articles, and more from the Pigskin Heaven staff here.

NFL Team Previews: Minnesota Vikings

Pigskin Heaven’s Sascha Bartels is breaking down every single team in the NFL prior to the season. Here is his analysis and forecast for the Minnesota Vikings. Click on a team to read its preview.

AFC East: BUF | MIA | NE | NYJ

AFC North: BAL | CIN | CLE | PIT

AFC South: IND | HOU | JAX | TEN

AFC West: DEN | KAN | OAK | SDG

NFC East: DAL | NYG | PHI | WAS

NFC North: CHI | DET | GBA | MIN

NFC South: ATL | CAR | NOL | TBA

NFC West: ARI | STL | SFO | SEA

 

What’s New?

Let’s just say I will continue to listen whenever Jay Glazer has a hunch.

His report on August 19th that Favre may be close to signing with the Vikings left me waiting one more day to write this preview, as to not make it as obsolete as last year’s Jets preview, written hours before Favre arrived.

But what, other than Favre, is new in Minnesota?

Well, they also signed what now looks like second fiddle Sage Rosenfels, and they re-signed most of their own important free agents.

The draft brought with it playmaker Percy Harvin, and 6’8” offensive tackle Philip Loadholt.  Except for on the quarterback front, this team is largely unchanged from last year.

Three Burning Questions

Will Favre really lead the Vikings to the promised land?

Two years ago at this time, most of us were saying that Brett may be overstaying his welcome.

Then came a stellar 2007 season that ended in a Lambeau blizzard loss against the Giants.  That season made it difficult for the Packers to move on with Rodgers, but Favre’s retirement smoothed the process.

Or so we thought.  Favre also played well with the Jets last year until a December swoon did him and the Jets in.

Now he’s in Minnesota, and why a lifelong Green Bay Packer had such an urge to play for the Vikings is beyond me.

What he does bring with him is leadership and respect.  No matter his age or his skills, not many teams want to face a Favre led Viking team in January.

 

Will there be more to the defense than just the front four?

In 2008, the Vikings led the league in rushing defense for the third straight season, thanks in large part to Pat and Kevin Williams.

But the Vikings only ranked 18th in pass defense, and the team mustered only 12 Interceptions last year.

With one of the game’s premier rush ends in Jared Allen providing the pressure, and the likes of Antoine Winfield and Cedric Griffin in the secondary, the rest of the defense should be better than it played last year.

 

Do the Vikings have a true receiving threat?

Sure, Bernard Berrian is nice, and Favre should really like him, but what else is there?

Percy Harvin could be an elite playmaker, but he is a rookie, let’s see how he does before we anoint him.  Sidney Rice has been a chronic underachiever, and Bobby Wade is, well, he’s Bobby Wade, a solid contributor, but I can’t foresee a spike in his performance.

Brett certainly likes tight ends, but is Visanthe Shiancoe enough of a weapon for other teams to start accounting for him?

Will Favre be able to whip these receivers into shape, or will the Vikings ultimately be doomed by the passing game?

 

Fantasy Forecast

Good plays: Adrian Peterson is likely the top pick in the draft, and certainly shouldn’t see any lower than number three.  Bernard Berrian’s stock probably rose quite a bit since the Favre signing as well.  The Vikings defense should force more turnovers this year, and with Jared Allen are already adept at putting quarterbacks on the turf.

Avoid: It may be trendy to pick more offensive players now that Favre is in town, but do not take Harvin or Shiancoe too high.

Sleeper: Favre himself may be a bit of a sleeper, but another one to go for is Chester Taylor.  In his three seasons with the Vikings, he has always been good for at least six touchdowns.  He should also figure very nicely in the passing game.  If you’re lucky enough to have “AP”, you may want to get Taylor for insurance in the later rounds.

 

Prognosis

For the prognosis and final record, read the originally posted article here.

This is an original article by Pigskin Heaven Staffer, Sascha Bartels. You can read it, more of Sascha’s articles, and more from the Pigskin Heaven staff here.

NFL Team Previews: New York Jets

Pigskin Heaven’s Sascha Bartels is breaking down every single team in the NFL prior to the season. Here is his analysis and forecast for the New York Jets. Click on a team to read its preview.

Editors Note: The following article was written prior to the news of Mark Sanchez being named Jets’ starting quarterback.

AFC East: BUF | MIA | NE | NYJ

AFC North: BAL | CIN | CLE | PIT

AFC South: IND | HOU | JAX | TEN

AFC West: DEN | KAN | OAK | SDG

NFC East: DAL | NYG | PHI | WAS

NFC North: CHI | DET | GBA | MIN

NFC South: ATL | CAR | NOL | TBA

NFC West: ARI | STL | SFO | SEA

 

What’s New?

Obviously, what’s new in New York starts right at the top.

Mangini is out, and for the first time in a long time, the Jets don’t look slightly north for a coach, gazing their eyes the other direction and nabbing Rex Ryan from Baltimore. He brings with him the Ryan family attitude, just ask Channing Crowder.

Gone also is Brett Favre, but yet again the team is not handed to Kellen Clemens, instead they pay a big price, move up 12 spots in the draft and get USC pretty boy Mark Sanchez.

Linebacker Bart Scott follows his coach up to New York, where he is joined by newcomer Larry Izzo, however, they’ll have to wait until mid-October before they can be joined by Calvin Pace, who is suspended for four games.

Among the players gone are Laveranues Coles and Mike Nugent.

After the drafting of Sanchez, and the aforementioned price paid to move up, there wasn’t much left for the Jets to do on draft weekend, but somehow they did luck into Shonn Greene to help tote the rock in the third round, a player I expect to push Thomas Jones to the pine sooner rather than later.

 

Three Burning Questions

 

How Long before Mark Sanchez Gets the Nod at QB?

The Jets do have Clemens on the roster, and he has started games to fairly decent results, so it may not be necessary to throw the rookie in the fire right away.

But last season taught me one thing, whether they acquire him by trade, free agency, or in the draft, a new head coach seems to be very quick in establishing his new quarterback.

So unless he flames out during the preseason, expect Sanchez to start week one.

 

Will the Secondary Be up to Tall Task?

The Jets feature one of the best secondaries in the NFL.

Darrelle Revis is a very underrated corner, probably top five in the league, and maybe better than that. Add to that Dwight Lowery and newly acquired Lito Sheppard, and the corners are in good shape.

They’re all backed up by one of the leagues best in Kerry Rhodes at safety.

But, will the defensive line be able to help them out by providing pressure on opponents, which include Randy Moss and the Patriots, Terrell Owens and the Bills, Andre Johnson and the Texans, as well as New Orleans, Cincinnati, Indy, and Atlanta?

Perhaps there will be a Vernon Gholston sighting this year.

 

Will the Jets Find a Capable Replacement to Coles?

Jerricho Cotchery will likely be thrust into the No. 1 receiver role, a role many previous two receivers have failed in.

It seems like the rest of the wideout core is an unproven bunch, as Chansi Stuckey and David Clowney are also going to see more attention this season.

Brad Smith is certainly a wild card and could emerge, but beyond him there’s not really much. The Jets will likely scour the waiver wire for help, as guys like Mario Urrutia, Paul Raymond, and Huey Whittaker (even if he did go to my high school) are not likely to cut it.

 

Prognosis

For the prognosis and final record, read the originally posted article here.

This is an original article by Pigskin Heaven Staffer, Sascha Bartels. You can read it, more of Sascha’s articles, and more from the Pigskin Heaven staff here.

NFL Team Previews: Detroit Lions

Pigskin Heaven’s Sascha Bartels is breaking down every single team in the NFL prior to the season. Here is his analysis and forecast for the Detroit Lions. Click on a team to read its preview.

AFC East: BUF | MIA | NE | NYJ

AFC North: BAL | CIN | CLE | PIT

AFC South: IND | HOU | JAX | TEN

AFC West: DEN | KAN | OAK | SDG

NFC East: DAL | NYG | PHI | WAS

NFC North: CHI | DET | GBA | MIN

NFC South: ATL | CAR | NOL | TBA

NFC West: ARI | STL | SFO | SEA

 

What’s New?

Well, after last year’s stellar season, there just wasn’t much need for change.

However, change there was. Millen and Marinelli have given way to Mayhew and Schwartz.

Also gone with Marinelli are receivers Mike Furrey and Shaun McDonald, as well as linebacker Paris Lenon, cornerback Leigh Bodden, and signal caller Dan Orlovsky.

Newcomers to Detroit include several receivers, led by Bryant Johnson and Dennis Northcutt. The secondary gets a few new players in Anthony Henry and Philip Buchanon.

The biggest additions for the Lions before draft day came at linebacker. They traded Cory Redding to the Seahawks for Julian Peterson, and also signed Steelers starter Larry Foote.

Then came the draft. Coming to terms just before draft day, the first pick was Matthew Stafford. He was joined in the first round by tight end Brandon Pettigrew, and then in the second round by Louis Delmas.

 

They then added yet another linebacker in DeAndre Levy, and another weapon for Stafford in Derrick Williams. The only offensive lineman drafted by Detroit came in the seventh round. At least, in my opinion, it was a good one, in Nebraska’s Lydon Murtha.

Three Burning Questions

1. Will Stafford be thrown to the lions (no pun intended) right away?

Sure, there is the success of Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco last year.

But there are also recent examples of players who had an opportunity to wait, and that seems to have worked out for the likes of Philip Rivers, Jay Cutler, and Aaron Rogers.

I’m sure the Lions won’t wait two or three seasons to play Stafford, the way San Diego and Green Bay did, but they could be wise to let Stafford stay on the sideline for at least a good part of this season.

2. Is the offensive line improved at all?

This answer is a definite maybe, and it relies on the play and the health of Jon Jansen.

If he can resemble anything close to his prime, then the line automatically improves. Gosder Cherilus played well down the stretch last season, but Jansen could push him to guard for a while.

Dominic Raiola is one of the best centers in football, and if Jeff Backus is ever given just one job to do, he’ll do it fine.

Pettigrew should actually a bigger addition to the offensive line than the receiving core, at least during the early part of his career.

3. Will the new faces of the Lions’ defense make a difference?

You have to start somewhere, right? The Lions already have a few youngsters in place, like linebackers Ernie Sims and Jordan Dizon, defensive end Cliff Avril and safety Daniel Bullocks. Delmas is likely to join that group quickly.

Now, Detroit has added a few experienced leaders in Peterson and Foote. The Lions are slowly building a competent roster. Next up for them is to find better defensive tackles.

 

Fantasy Forecast

Good plays: It’s surprising that he hasn’t been mentioned yet, but the only true great fantasy play for the Lions is Calvin Johnson.

If Daunte Culpepper is as healthy and as revived as reports say he is, he should have a field day throwing to Calvin, who’s as good a deep threat as Randy Moss, and an even better short to intermediate threat than he was at this point in his career.

Kevin Smith played very well near the end of last year, scoring three TD’s and gaining 291 yards in his last three games. He’ll be a good mid-round pick around the fourth or fifth round.

Avoid: Avoid the defense, it won’t be that good yet.

Avoid Jason Hansen too. He’s one of the game’s best and most consistent, but the Lions may not give him enough chances to score. If the Lions’ offense does show signs of life, he could be a very nice free agent addition. He simply doesn’t miss.

Sleeper: If you’re in a keeper league, you may want to consider a late round flier on rookie Derrick Williams, especially if you’re in a league that includes Special Teams stats.

 

 

Prognosis

 

For the prognosis and final record, read the originally posted article here.

This is an original article by Pigskin Heaven Staffer, Sascha Bartels. You can read it, more of Sascha’s articles, and more from the Pigskin Heaven staff here.

NFL Team Previews: Buffalo Bills

Pigskin Heaven’s Sascha Bartels is breaking down every single team in the NFL prior to the season. Here is his analysis and forecast for the Buffalo Bills. Click on a team to read its preview.

AFC East: BUF | MIA | NE | NYJ

AFC North: BAL | CIN | CLE | PIT

AFC South: IND | HOU | JAX | TEN

AFC West: DEN | KAN | OAK | SDG

NFC East: DAL | NYG | PHI | WAS

NFC North: CHI | DET | GBA | MIN

NFC South: ATL | CAR | NOL | TBA

NFC West: ARI | STL | SFO | SEA

 

What’s New?

You have to look no farther than “No. 81” to find an answer to that question.

It’s safe to say that Buffalo stunned the NFL community with the signing of oft-troubled wideout Terrell Owens, though you can’t deny being enticed by what he can bring to an offense.

Slightly less publicized are the signings of Dominic Rhodes and Drayton Florence.

Angelo Crowell was the only Bills’ free agent of not to not stay in Buffalo, and the J.P. Losman era has officially run into an iceberg, as Losman is out of Buffalo, and out of the NFL.

The Bills were movers in the draft, and helped themselves early, picking up Penn State defensive end Aaron Maybin and Louisville center Eric Wood in the first round, the former of which may have been picked too high, and the latter cost them former franchise tackle Jason Peters.

 

Three Burning Questions

Can Terrell Owens co-exist with a fairly young, fairly inexperienced Quarterback?

Owens found Romo in Dallas at a point when Tony had about as much NFL experience as Trent Edwards does now.

While he didn’t finish off Romo, it certainly wasn’t for a lack of effort. Edwards is a smart guy, but will he be head-strong enough to deflect any attacks that may come from his receiver?

Is the offensive line ready to leap towards the front of the pack?

Last year, the one area I criticized the most while doing the Buffalo preview was the offensive line.

This year, the cornerstone of that line is missing. Yet, this year, I say the Bills are both better and better off without Peters.

They addressed the line early in the draft, in somewhat unconventional ways, drafting  Wood in the first round, and then nabbing a guard, Andy Levitre, in the second. They also added Geof Hangartner and Seth McKinney.

This line is not likely to be in the league’s top 10 this season, but they’re on the right track.

Is the defense ready to step up against the likes of New England?

Last year, they added run-stuffing tackle John Henderson. This year, they drafted a pass-rusher in Maybin.

The have the likes of Paul Posluzny and Keith Ellison roaming the middle and a solid secondary that includes Terrence McGee, Donte Whitner and Leodis McKelvin.

Last season Buffalo ranked 14th in total defense and scoring defense, and I think they can improve on that this year, threatening to make the top 10 in either category.

With New England on the schedule twice, as well as the likes of New Orleans, Cleveland, Houston and Indianapolis, the defense better be ready for the challenge.

 

Prognosis

For the prognosis and final record, read the originally posted article here.

 

This is an original article by Pigskin Heaven Staffer, Sascha Bartels. You can read it, more of Sascha’s articles, and more from the Pigskin Heaven staff here.

NFL Team Previews: Washington Redskins

Pigskin Heaven’s Sascha Bartels is breaking down every single team in the NFL prior to the season. Here is his analysis and forecast for the Washington Redskins. Click on a team to read its preview.

AFC East: BUF | MIA | NE | NYJ

AFC North: BAL | CIN | CLE | PIT

AFC South: IND | HOU | JAX | TEN

AFC West: DEN | KAN | OAK | SDG

NFC East: DAL | NYG | PHI | WAS

NFC North: CHI | DET | GBA | MIN

NFC South: ATL | CAR | NOL | TBA

NFC West: ARI | STL | SFO | SEA

 

What’s New?

It’s year two of the Jim Zorn era, and there weren’t quite as many changes, especially on offense, as there were last year.

Defensively, there were only a few moves made too, as this seems to be a rather quiet, uncharacteristic offseason for Dan Snyder.

He did ink Albert Haynesworth to a $100 million deal and kept DeAngelo Hall around while cutting ties with Shawn Springs and Jason Taylor.

This season, the Redskins had two draft picks in the first three rounds and six overall—both of those numbers could be records during the Snyder era. They made the early picks count, picking up perhaps the best defender in the draft in Brian Orakpo and later picking cornerback Kevin Barnes.

 

Three Burning Questions

 

Is Jason Campbell going to prove that he deserves to be this team’s QB?

In 36 games as the Redskins’ starter, Campbell has thrown 35 TDs. Considering the weapons given to him on offense, that’s just not enough.

Last year, while playing his first 16-game season, Campbell had respectable numbers in completion percentage (62.3), yards (3,245), and quarterback rating (84.3) and he only threw six interceptions. The glaring weaknesses along the stat line were 13 touchdowns he threw.

With Portis and Betts continuing to carry the running game and Santana Moss, Chris Cooley, and second-year pros Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly receiving, Campbell has to get his TD total to at least around 22 or the Redskins could soon be looking elsewhere.

 

Will Albert Haynesworth stay motivated now that he’s been paid?

That was the main concern expressed by many—that once Haynesworth earns his contract, he will slump into mediocrity and carelessness.

I would assume that Haynesworth heard these comments enough to be motivated by them at least for the first season.

He’s joined on the line by the likes of Andre Carter and Cornelius Griffin, and if those components all stay healthy it could mean a huge rookie season for Orakpo.

 

Will somebody establish themselves opposite Moss?

I mentioned Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly earlier. Both were second round picks last year, but neither had particularly good years.

They combined for 18 catches and 138 yards, and Thomas was responsible for most of that.

The smart money would be on Thomas to eclipse Kelly’s performance, but will he be good enough this year to provide Campbell with that added receiving weapon?

 

Prognosis

For the prognosis and final record, read the originally posted article here.

 

This is an original article by Pigskin Heaven Staffer, Sascha Bartels. You can read it, more of Sascha’s articles, and more from the Pigskin Heaven staff here.

NFL Team Previews: Houston Texans

Pigskin Heaven’s Sascha Bartels is breaking down every single team in the NFL prior to the season. Here is his analysis and forecast for the Houston Texans. Click on a team to read their preview.

AFC East: BUF | MIA | NE | NYJ

AFC North: BAL | CIN | CLE | PIT

AFC South: IND | HOU | JAX | TEN

AFC West: DEN | KAN | OAK | SDG

NFC East: DAL | NYG | PHI | WAS

NFC North: CHI | DET | GBA | MIN

NFC South: ATL | CAR | NOL | TBA

NFC West: ARI | STL | SFO | SEA

 

What’s new?

The Texans had a busy off-season this year, picking up several free agents in an attempt to both bolster the defense and add depth to the offense.

On defense, they added linebackers Cato June and Buster Davis and tackle Shaun Cody, while on offense they signed quarterbacks Dan Orlovsky and Rex Grossman.

The draft continued to concentrate on the same issues. This was probably the first draft in franchise history where the Texans were simply looking to add pieces to the puzzle instead of franchise players.

They again bolstered the defense, most notably the linebacker unit, with Brian Cushing, and later added DE Connor Barwin. In the third round they were able to draft Antoine Caldwell, who can play both center and guard.

 

Three burning questions

Will Matt Schaub take the next step towards the upper echelon of NFL QB’s?

Matt Schaub seems to have everything he needs to have in place in order to have a 4000+ yard, 25+ TD season.

With Caldwell added to an offensive line that already features Duane Brown and Chester Pitts, the Texans will likely feature the best offensive line they’ve ever had, so protection should be in place.

Schaub certainly has help from the running game and Steve Slaton, and he certainly has the play-makers to throw to, Andre Johnson, Owen Daniels, and Kevin Walter.

Consider Schaub to be the AFC’s version of Jason Campbell, a guy who finally has to get it done.

 

How good can the front seven really be?

Last season, the defense was a disappointing 22nd in the league, and an even more disappointing 27th in scoring defense.

But, this is a team that features some of the best young defenders in the league, including Mario Williams and DeMeco Ryans.

Throw in Cushing and June to the LB’s, add Barwin to a line already featuring Williams and Amobi Okoye, and the Texans front seven should be vastly improved.

Will the secondary keep the Texans out of the playoffs?

The biggest news in Houston is really the news nobody seems to want to talk about, the unsigned franchise tender of Dunta Robinson. Without him, this secondary is suspect at best, and flat out bad at worst.

Antwaun Molden is okay, and they recently signed veteran Deltha O’Neal, and Jacques Reeves is out for two months. There will be pressure quickly on Fred Bennett and safety Eugene Wilson.

It is not an understatement to say that the success of the Texans’ season rests solely on the play of the secondary.

 

Fantasy Forecast

Good play: Obviously the two guys who will be drafted the earliest, Slaton and Andre Johnson. Slaton has made himself a first round draft pick, and the Texans may concentrate on him quite a bit to keep a Time of Possession edge. Andre Johnson will be one of the first receivers off the board. Owen Daniels should be a fairly highly selected TE as well.

Avoid: Do not play the Texans defense, in spite of Mario Williams. Even with Williams, the defense only totaled 25 sacks in 2008, and they also only had 12 Interceptions, a total that likely won’t increase unless Robinson decides to play.

Sleeper: A bit of a sleeper, since he certainly isn’t among the top group of fantasy QB’s at the moment, is Schaub. This should be the year he sees a spike in stats, and he may be a great play for you around the fourth or fifth round of the draft.

 

Prognosis

For the prognosis and final record, read the originally posted article here.

 

This is an original article by Pigskin Heaven Staffer, Sascha Bartels. You can read it, more of Sascha’s articles, and more from the Pigskin Heaven staff here.

NFL Team Previews: New York Giants

Pigskin Heaven’s Sascha Bartels is breaking down every single team in the NFL prior to the season. Here is his analysis and forecast for the New York Giants. Click on a team to read their preview.

AFC East: BUF | MIA | NE | NYJ

AFC North: BAL | CIN | CLE | PIT

AFC South: IND | HOU | JAX | TEN

AFC West: DEN | KAN | OAK | SDG

NFC East: DAL | NYG | PHI | WAS

NFC North: CHI | DET | GBA | MIN

NFC South: ATL | CAR | NOL | TBA

NFC West: ARI | STL | SFO | SEA

 

What’s new?

Perhaps most importantly, Antonio Pierce avoids indictment and any NFL penalty, and he will now be able to concentrate on the season.

The Giants struck quickly in free agency to find help for Pierce’s defense, signing Michael Boley, Chris Canty, C.C. Bernard and C.C. Brown within the first week of free agency.

All of the additions bolstered a defense that already possessed one of the finest pass rushes in the league—and one that will be bolstered even more by the return of Osi Umenyiora.

Plaxico Burress is gone, meaning the Giants are looking for help at the receiver position, and they added Hakeem Nicks and Ramses Barden in the draft.

The Giants also added Clint Sintim, William Beatty, Travis Beckum, Andre Brown, and Rhett Bomar in the draft, making it one of the more fruitful draft classes this season.

 

Three burning questions

 

Will the new additions on the defense bolster the unit?

The Giants already sported the fifth-best defense in the league last year, but they should take another step forward this season.

With Umenyiora’s return bolstering the rest of the pass rush, and Boley and Sintim improving the linebackers, the Giants could very well feature the best front seven in the league.

Only question is: Will the secondary be good enough to take advantage of that front seven?

 

Will Eli Manning take a jump forward towards the league elite quarterbacks?

Last season included several firsts for Manning: The first time he passed at a better than 60 percent clip, the first time his quarterback rating was over 80, and the first time his touchdown-to-interception ratio was better than two-to-one.

With the loss of Burress and Toomer, as well as Derrick Ward, will the current crop of receivers be able to help Manning take another step forward?

The Giants’ season likely depends on it.

 

Will December treat the Giants better than last year?

In 2008, the Giants were rolling with an 11-1 record and stumbled to a 1-3 finish, which was then culminated in the playoff loss to Philadelphia.

New York can’t afford another drop in production like that this season, since they have to be considered one of the early favorites for a Super Bowl run.

 

Prognosis

For the prognosis and final record, read the originally posted article here.

 

This is an original article by Pigskin Heaven Staffer, Sascha Bartels. You can read it, more of Sascha’s articles, and more from the Pigskin Heaven staff here.

NFL Team Previews: New England Patriots

Pigskin Heaven’s Sascha Bartels is breaking down every single team in the NFL prior to the season. Here is his analysis and forecast for the New England Patriots. Click on a team to read their preview.

AFC East: BUF | MIA | NE | NYJ

AFC North: BAL | CIN | CLE | PIT

AFC South: IND | HOU | JAX | TEN

AFC West: DEN | KAN | OAK | SDG

NFC East: DAL | NYG | PHI | WAS

NFC North: CHI | DET | GBA | MIN

NFC South: ATL | CAR | NOL | TBA

NFC West: ARI | STL | SFO | SEA

 

What’s new?

New England comes into 2009 with a handful of changes, namely, a healthy Tom Brady and no Matt Cassell. But there was other news as well.

They added receivers Greg Lewis and Joey Galloway to the mix to replace the likes of Donte Stallworth and Jabar Gaffney.

They lose a lot of veteran leadership, including Rodney Harrison, but they do find some young talent elsewhere, picking up guys like Leigh Bodden and Alex Smith, the tight end.

The Patriots ended up finding themselves outside of the first round on draft day, but did pick four times in round twp and twice more in round three, stocking up on secondary help and hoping for some help in the trenches.

The hard hitting Patrick Chung quickly has to try to fill Harrison’s shoes. Darius Butler was a very good pick, and Ron Brace can learn from some of the best in the game, but I found much of the Patriots draft quite questionable.

 

Three burning questions

Can the offense resemble anything close to 2007?

Brady’s back, as is Moss, Welker, and Maroney.

On top of that, they added Galloway and Lewis. Seems like a repeat performance, right?

Probably not. Moss is 32 now, and while that’s certainly not a death sentence, he isn’t exactly a spring chicken anymore.

Galloway? Even worse. He’ll be 38 in November and is coming off an injury plagued season. But most important to this offense is its line. It showed some signs of cracking late in 2007, and wasn’t exactly great in 2008.

The Patriots will certainly produce points, but not at the pace they did two years ago.

Not even close.

Will the defense be able to match the offense?

This is kind of a reverse from a few years ago, when the Pats had the game’s best front seven, and a great defense that had no problem stringing the offense along with them.

Gone are the veterans LBs they so relied on, no more Vrabel, no more Seau. Bruschi is on his last leg, and Thomas seems to be declining by the minute.

Add to that the fact Ty Warren is now on the PUP list, it could spell some trouble for the Patriots.

Will Mayo be able to repeat his rookie performance? Can guys like Paris Lenon and Shawn Crayton step into their roles without missing a beat?

Only time will tell.

Is Matt Cassell, Version 2.0, on the roster?

I know last year taught me one thing. Do not judge Patriot backup QBs by their preseason performance.

Cassell was horrendous, and Gutierrez was worse than that. I know that before last season, Brady hadn’t missed a game, but the simple reality in the NFL is that QBs get banged up. Not usually for the season, but often for a game here and there.

Is Kevin O’Connell going to be the guy that steps in if needed and keep the Patriots’ train on track?

Prognosis

For the prognosis and final record, read the originally posted article, here.

This is an original article by Pigskin Heaven Staffer, Sascha Bartels, you can read it, more of Sascha’s articles and more from the Pigskin Heaven staff, here.

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