A year after the Bears defense carried the Bears offense to the Super Bowl (’07 13 -3), there just wasn’t any gas left in the tank for the ‘07 season and the Bears finished last in the NFC Central Division (7-9).

The offense was, well, offensive. They finished 27th in total yards (293) and 30th in rush yards (83). A bad offense will kill a good defense and this certainly was the case in ‘07. The Bears D finished 28th in total yards allowed (354). Do we see any improvement, anywhere? Let’s have a closer look.

Coaching: Lovie Smith enters his forth season as Head Coach. As always, he brings his defense first standard into training camp. We don’t think he envisioned ‘08 as a rebuilding year after the SB run, but that’s what he faces. Good thing he signed that contract extension (28/2/07) through the 2011 season. Ron Turner enters his second season as Offensive Coordinator. He is going to have to figure out how to do a lot with very little. Defensive Coordinator Bob Babich also enters his second season. The D came on strong in the second half of the season and had 20 takeaways in the final 8 games, converting them into 51 points.

Stats Slant: This is a solid, though not spectacular coaching crew.

Quarterback: QB? What QB? What a mess. Brian Griese left for Tampa. That leaves Kyle Orton and Rex Grossman to battle it out for the teams #1. Either way, we don’t see this ending good for Fantasy owners in any way, shape or form.

Stats Slant: We don’t recommend you even consider a Bear QB. If you HAVE to, Orton is currently tabbed the starter. Why? He is slightly more consistent than Grossman. That being said, no Bear QB should be considered any higher than a high end 3rd QB

Running Back: The Cedric Benson era is over in Chicago before it really got started. To fill the void the Bears selected Matt Forte 13th in the second round (44 overall). Smith has said that he will not bring in a veteran RB to challenge Forte for the starting position. At 6′ 2″ and 222 he is a load who can also catch balls out of the backfield. Despite being targeted each week by opposing defenses while at Tulane, Forte still managed to put up big numbers. The Bears first pick (14th overall) was used to draft OT Chris Williams from Vanderbuilt. At 6′ 6″ and 315, Williams should step into the left tackle position and make an immediate impact. Adrian Peterson is your handcuff here.

Stats Slant: The Bears are saying Forte could have over 300 touches in ‘08. That may be a little bold as Forte/Peterson could form a dreaded RB by committee tandem. That and the fact that he is a rookie make us rank Forte as a low-end #2 RB.

Wide Receiver: Berrian went to the Vikings and Muhammad went back to the Panthers. That leaves the newly acquired Brandon Lloyd, Marty Booker, Mark Bradley and oh yes, Devin Hester as the only “viable” options at WR. Just like last year, Devin Hester is being anointed the next great one. Don’t buy it. There has also been talk out of the Bears camp that Rashied Davis has had great off-season and mini-camp workouts. Don’t buy that either.

Stats Slant: Without a QB who can get them the ball, this average group gets even more average. Pick one and take him as your 4th receiver or a bye week replacement.

Tight End: Greg Olsen starts his second year with the Bears. Injuries and QB play hampered his progress in his rookie season but the Bears still believe he is their TE of the future. Desmond Clark should also get a share of the TE catches but will be used primarily for blocking if Olsen stays healthy.

Stats Slant: We have a hard time saying anything positive about the Bears offense and that’s the case for their TE’s as well. Until he shows something to the contrary, Olson is a high-end #2 TE at best.

Place Kicker: One of the lone Fantasy bright spots for the Bears in ‘07 was the play of Robbie Gould. He finished tied for second in FG’s made (31-36) and made all 33 XP’s. Playing with great return guys but a suspect offense should get Gould a lot of chances in ‘08.

Stats Slant: Gould is a solid PK and worthy of a mid-range #1 selection.

Defense/Special Teams: The defense took one on the chops last season due primarily to the amount of time they spent on the field and to a lesser extent because of a SB hangover. As mentioned this unit excelled in the second half of the season and we look for them to be even better in ‘08. Hester leads an all-world special teams unit.

Stats Slant: Based on their ‘07 performance a lot of owners may have soured on the Bears DF/ST’s. Take another look. They have shut down corners, ball hawking safeties and a very stout line-backing core. Throw Hester into the mix and this unit is a top five DF/ST worthy of a high-end # 1 selection.

Red Flag: The QB situation in Chicago is one of the worst in the entire league.

Keep a pre-season eye on: Before spending a high draft pick on him at WR, make sure you check out Hester’s pre-season involvement with the offense. Even then, draft him with caution. How will the RB duties be dolled out?

Stats Sleeper: Watching a Bears game from start to finish. Seriously, we can’t find one.

2008 Strength Of Schedule: 26th of 32.

Last word: Don’t wait too long on the Bears DF/ST. They may not be getting a lot of top ranked publicity right now, but they are going to be very good. After that, we can’t seriously recommend a Bear player who will have a major impact on your Fantasy bottom line.

Up Next: Cincinnati Bengals On Deck: Cleveland Browns In The Hole: Dallas Cowboys

StatsGuru

Photo Source: http://www.imageofsport.com/gallery/football

The Panthers start off their 14th season in the NFL having made the playoffs three times already in their short team history. The Richardson family is one of the best ownership groups in football. Injuries doomed the Panthers ‘07 season from the start, but even with the injuries they still finished 7-9. The Panthers ranked 26th in scoring (16.7 PPG) and 15th in points allowed (21.7 PPG)

Coaching: John Fox enters his 7th season as the Panthers Head Coach. He is known as a no-nonsense, defensive minded coach with a very good relationship with his players. In his second season, Fox took a 1 -15 team in 2001 to the Super Bowl 2003. In doing so he became just the third coach in NFL history to accomplish the feat (Lombardi/Parcels). Jeff Davidson enters his second year as Offensive Coordinator. Prior to that he spent two years in Cleveland after 8 years with the Patriots. During his time with the Pats he helped them to four division titles, three conference championships and three Super Bowl wins as the tight ends/assistant offensive line coach from ‘97-’04. Mike Trgovac joined the Panthers in 2002 and has been a rock solid Defensive Coordinator.

Stats Slant: This is a very solid coaching crew from top to bottom.

Quarterback: Jake Delhomme returns from the elbow injury that sidelined him 23/09/07 and required Tommy John surgery. His first appearance at camp came on May 28th and he threw about 40 passes. Afterward both he and trainer Vermillion were happy with the progress and Jake should be fine. Provided he can stay healthy Jake is a high-end #2 starting QB. The Panthers cleaned house in the QB area in the off-season and Matt Moore enters his second season as the now entrenched backup in Carolina.

Stats Slant: Delhomme was off to an amazing start in 2007 passing for 8 TD’s and one INT through three games. If the elbow is healthy, (the coaching staff says he looks stronger than before the injury) Jake will move up to a low-end #1 QB.

Running Back: The Panthers finished 14th in rushing (114 YPG) in 2007 using the tandem of DeAngelo Williams (717 Y 3 TD) and DeShaun Foster (876 Y 3 TD) The Panthers were kind of forced into running the ball after Delhomme went down. The Panthers selected Jonathan Stewart 13th over all in the ‘08 Draft (Oregon) and reports have him carrying the bulk of the load this season over Williams. Stewart could very easily be the safest rookie pick in Fantasy Football this season. The Panthers did acquire LaBrandon Toefield from the Jags but he looks to be nothing more than insurance. DeShaun Foster is now with SF.

Stats Slant: The Panthers insist they are going to be a run first, smash mouth team this season. However because of the RB by committee approach they plan to take, we see Stewart as a high-end #3 RB (though moving up) with Williams a little further back.

Wide Receiver: No one could be happier to see Delhomme return than Steve Smith. Four of Smiths 7 TD’s came in the first two weeks with Jake at the helm in ‘07. His yards per game slipped from 97.7 in ‘05 and 83.3 in ‘06 to 66.8 in ‘07 and disappointed a lot of Fantasy Owners. A healthy Delhomme back under center makes Smith an overall top 10 WR. Muhsin Muhammad and D.J. Hackett join the Panthers receiving core and will help take some double coverage off of Smith.

Stats Slant: Smith is a #1 WR who will average double-digit points weekly. Hackett
and Muhammad will battle for the second spot with the edge going to Hackett. Neither should be nothing more than a mid range #3 WR though.

Tight End: Jeff King enters his third season with the Panthers and second as their undisputed #1 TE. In ‘07 King was second in catches with 46 for 406 Y and 2 TD. With their new weapons at WR expect the Panthers use the TE position for blocking more than receiving.

Stats Slant: King will be hard pressed to improve on his ‘07 totals and should only be used as a bye week replacement.

Place Kicker: John Kasay enters his 18th season and 13th as a Panther. In ‘07 he hit on 24 of 28 FG’s and all 27 PAT’s good for a tie for 16th overall. We expect the Panthers to score more this season but that should only raise Kasays PAT totals.

Stats Slant: Kasay is mid range #2 PK and should only be used as a bye week replacement

Defense/Special Teams: The Panthers D (16th) and ST (15th) both finished in the middle of the pack in ‘07. There is not much to suggest they will improve in ‘08

Stats Slant: The return of Delhomme is good news for the D as well as they should spend less time on the field. They are still no better than a bye week replacement if the match up is right.

Red Flag: Have the injuries healed?

Keep a pre-season eye on: Delhommes elbow and Stewarts toe.

Stats Sleeper: No one is really talking about him but if healthy, Stewart will be an impact player.

2008 Strength Of Schedule: 17th out of 32

Last word: As is the case with every NFL team, the Panthers health at QB will be a determining factor of their overall success. If all is well, Smith is a #1 WR, Jake is a #2 QB and Stewart is a # 3 creeping up to # 2 RB.

Up Next: Chicago Bears On Deck: Cincinnati Bengals In The Hole: Cleveland Browns

StatsGuru

Photo Source: http://www.carolinapanthersblog.org/mini-camp-news/deangelo-williams-adopts-new-role/

The Bills enter the 2008 season looking to post their first non-losing season since 2004 (9-7). Despite finishing 30th in points scored (15.8) and 31st in yards allowed (362.9) the Bills managed a 7-9 record in 2007.

Part of the reason for their mild success is the fact that the Bills turned the ball over just 21 times (14 INT 7 Fumbles lost) in ‘07. With the Patriots leading the way in then AFC East, the Bills goal in 2008 has to be a Wild Card berth. They have had a nine-year absence from the playoffs.

Coaching: Dick Jauron enters his second full season as Head Coach. When hired in ‘06 he completed a 21-year journey that began as the Bills Defensive Backs Coach 1985. Noted as a coach who preaches discipline, the Bills set a team record with just 78 total penalties in ‘07. After 15 years as a QB Coach with five teams (’06-’07 with the Bills), Turk Schonert enters his first season as the Bills Offensive Coordinator. Perry Fewell enters his 3rd season as the Bills Defensive Coordinator and should find the going a little easier as 5 of the Bills defensive starters enter their second season.

Stats Slant: No stars here, but a solid overall group.

Quarterback: Trent Edwards (92nd pick in the ‘07 Draft) enters the ‘08 season as the incumbent starting QB. In his rookie season, Edwards played in 10 game (9 started) and finished the year with 1,630 PY, 7 TD and 8 INT. He had a career day in Week 14 throwing 4 TD’s albeit against the lowly Dolphins. J.P. Losman will back up Edwards.

Stats Slant: The Bills will be a run first, pass second team in ‘08. Edwards should only be considered as a low end #2 or bye week replacement QB.

Running Back: Like Edwards, Marshawn Lynch enters his second season (12th overall ‘07 draft) as the starting RB for the Bills. Lynch is a workhouse RB and finished first in the NFL in rushing attempts per game (21.5) despite missing three games with an ankle injury. The ankle is fine as Lynch returned in Week 14 and rushed for 364 in the final four games. For the season Lynch posted 1,115 RY 184 RY 7 TD and lost just one fumble. He also had an 8 YD passing TD. Third year RB Fred Jackson is your handcuff for Lynch.

Stats Slant: Lynch is as solid as they come. Draft him with confidence as your starting RB.

Wide Receiver: Lee Evans leads an average core of receivers for the Bills. In ‘07 Evans numbers slipped across the board (55 R 849 TD 5 TD) due, primarily, to the Bills run first attitude. He is however a burner who makes spectacular catches and is a homerun threat with each catch he makes. (85 YD TD in ‘07 and 83 YD TD in ‘06). Journeyman receiver Josh Reed starts opposite of Evans and may be looking over his shoulder at 4th year receiver Roscoe Parrish. Neither of these two should be considered as anything more than reserves and both of them could be looking back at James Hardy.

Stats Slant: As mentioned, the Bills will run first, pass second with their second year QB at the helm and Lynch in the backfield. Evans should be considered a low end #2 and the remaining core mid level #3’s.

Tight End: Robert Royal enters his 3rd year (7th overall) as the Bills starting TE. Royal posted very pedestrian numbers in ‘07 (25 R 248 YD 3 TD). These numbers should improve, however slightly, as the offence enters its second year as a unit. Second year man Derek Schouman will be challenged as the backup by rookie Derek Fine.

Stats Slant: The Bills TE core offers nothing in the way of starters. Royal would be an adequate bye week replacement.

Place Kicker: Rian Lindell enters into his 6th season (9th overall) with the Bills and has never missed an extra point in his career (248). A career 80.6 % kicker Lindell is money from close in. Only problem with Lindell is the Bills don’t give him enough chances. He tied for 16th in the league with 24 FGM on 27 chances.

Stats Slant: Lindell is a dependable kicker but does not score enough to be rated much more than a high-end #2 PK.

Defense/Special Teams: Kawika Mitchell brings his SB ring over from the Giants to help shore up the defense. It appears Mitchell will line up and start at outside linebacker on the weak side. The Bills used their ‘08 first round pick (11th overall) on cornerback Leodis McKelvin of Troy University. McKelvin should step in immediately as a solid cover corner. McKelvin is also a dangerous return man. He had eight return touchdowns (seven by punt, one by kickoff) tying an NCAA Division I record, and his 211 total returns is an NCAA record.

Stats Slant: Slant it anyway you want, the D was not good in ‘07. Even with the additions we don’t see them as a top 12 D in ‘08. The Bills have always had a decent return game. You have to if you when you give up as many points as they do.

Red Flag: Lynch is going to get the proverbial slap on the wrist, a fine and some CSW for a recent hit and run “involving his SUV”. Let’s hope Coach Jauron sits him in a cubicle and makes him read all of Cedric Benson’s press clippings 100 times each. We’re not saying don’t draft him, but this is strike one!

Keep a pre-season eye on: It as to be Trent Edwards. As he goes, so will those around him. Will be interesting to see where, what and how much McKelvin plays in pre-season.

Stats Sleeper: WR James Hardy 2nd round (41st overall) at 6′ 6″ and 217 pounds could be starting in Week One.

2008 Strength Of Schedule: 19th of 32

Last word: Lynch is going to go late in the first or very early in the second round in all 12 team drafts. After that, it will be awhile before the next Bill gets called.

Up Next: Carolina Panthers On Deck: Chicago Bears In The Hole: Cincinnati Bengals

StatsGuru

Photo Source: http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/forum/showthread.php?t=18510&page=188

Since winning Super Bowl XXXV with a defense for the decades in 2000, the Ravens have definitely fallen on hard times. Bears ‘85 / Ravens ‘00…no difference. They were both one hit, defensive wonders. This will not be pretty.

We are almost tempted to pull out and move on right out of the gate. There is some talent however, so let’s take a closer look.

Coaching: John Harbaugh takes over as Head Coach after a dismal 5-11 season in what was the final nail in Brian Billick’s coffin. Out of respect, Billick got a lot out of very little during his tenure that included a SB win ‘00 Harbaugh takes over with no Head Coaching experience but a wealth of time as an assistant coach (25 years) and NFL playing experience (11 years). Rex Ryan, son of Buddy, adds Assistant Head Coach to his Defensive Coordinator role. Ryan is the only coaching holdover from the SB XXXV team. Cam Cameron steps in as the Offensive Coordinator following a brief, though unsuccessful, stint as the Miami head coach.

Stats Slant: This is a very green group of coaches that will try to right this sinking (some will say sunken) ship.

Quarterback: Kyle Boller and Troy Smith are competing to win the right to hand the starting job over to first round selection Joe Flacco once the ship has officially sunk. Both are journeyman QB’s and neither is worth any consideration other than a bye week replacement if the match up is good. Even then, use caution. At this point it looks like Smith will be the starter and Boller the backup. Flacco was the Ravens first pick (18th overall) in the 2008 draft. At 6′ 6″ and 235 he has the new prototypical size of a starting QB. He has a rocket for an arm, is highly accurate and very intelligent. We forecast him starting by Week 8.

Stats Slant: As mentioned this crew is, at best, nothing more than bye week replacements and have limited value across the board.

Running Back: One of the few bright spots for the Ravens in 2007 was Willis McGahee. As the workhorse of the offense McGahee had 1,207 (8th) rushing yards with 7 TD’s and another 231 receiving yards and a TD. His 4.1 YPC was a career high. Look for the Ravens to lean on him heavy again this season. Rookie tailback Ray Rice has the inside track as the guy to spell McGahee. Rice has shown he can catch the ball out of the backfield and makes a must handcuff.

Stats Slant: You will get good numbers out McGahee on a pretty consistent basis and he makes a good low #1 or high #2 RB.

Wide Receiver: Derek Mason (103 C 1,087 YDS 7 TD) was a solid WR for the Ravens and Fantasy owners alike. He is entering his 12th year and at 34 is getting up there but still warrants a solid 3rd WR rating. Mark Clayton, Demetrius Williams and Yamon Figurs don’t provide much of anything to the Ravens or Fantasy Owners.

Stats Slant: Pretty much same old same old here. After Mason and given the QB situation, there is no value here.

Tight End: When healthy Todd Heap is as talented a TE as there is in the league. Word is that he had actually had a hamstring tear in ‘07 and is now back to 100 % healthy. Cam Cameron’s offense is geared towards active TE’s. So, if healthy, Heap should make a good value pick as a low-end #1 selection.

Stats Slant: Health and the Ravens QB situation make Heap a risk/reward candidate.

Place Kicker: Matt Stover enters his 19th season and obviously has started showing signs of decline. That being said kickers seem to kick on forever. He is in the final year of his current 5 year deal so if plans to continue playing, he will want to have great year.
Stats Slant: With everything going on in Raven land we just don’t see it. He is however a safe low end #1 and bye week replacement kicker.

Defense/Special Teams: This once proud Defense unit has fallen on tough times and no there is not relief in site. There is nothing special on the Special Teams side of the ball either.
Stats Slant: Nothing to see here!

Red Flag: The retirement on Tackle Jonathan Ogden leaves a huge hole on the O line.

Keep a pre-season eye on: The Ravens are very high on QB Joe Flacco. He will probably start sooner rather than later.

Stats Sleeper: Injuries will have a lot of owners sour on Todd Heap. Keep and eye on him as your draft progresses as he could be a great value pick.

2008 Strength Of Schedule: 32nd out of 32

Last word: These birds won’t fly!

Up Next: Buffalo Bills On Deck: Carolina Panthers In The Hole: Chicago Bears

StatsGuru

Picture Source: http://www.ravensnews.com/blog/

The Cards recorded just their third non-losing season in 20 years in the desert (8-8) during the 2007 campaign (’94 8-8 & ‘98 9-7). In the process several of their key players helped many Fantasy Freaks get to or win their League Championship.

This organization has stabilized considerably over the past few years. They had to watch the G-Men win the Super Bowl in their house, turned around and are putting in a bid for Super Bowl XLVII. This club is on the right track.

Coaching: No notable changes here from 2007. As is the case for all but two coaches (Clancy Pendergast & Rick Courtright) Ken Whisenhunt enters his second season as head coach. Considering they went 8 - 8 you have to call his rookie season a success. His pedigree is solid having won a Super Bowl with the Steelers as Offensive Coordinator. Russ Grimm returns as Assistant Head Coach, Pendergast as the Defensive Coordinator and Todd Haley as the Offensive Coordinator.

Stats Slant: A very solid, offensive minded group of coaches and that bodes very well for Fantasy success when drafting Cardinals.

Quarterback: It can’t get much more muddy at the QB position than it does in Arizona. Whisenhunt has repeatedly stated that no decision has been made on whether Matt Leinart or Kurt Warner will be the starter. Leinart’s collarbone has fully healed and Whisenhunt believes that starters don’t loss their starting rights due to injury. Warner has said he wants to play but would understand if he has to hold the clipboard. He won’t be happy doing it! After throwing for 27 TD’s including four straight 3 TD passing days to finish the ‘07 season, we understand where Warner is coming from. It will be bombs away in the desert so the starting Cards QB has to be considered as a mid to low-end #1 QB.

Stats Slant: We can’t, in clear conscience, tell you which QB will be the starter. Safe to say that if you ever wanted to handcuff a player, you better do it if you land either of these guys. We will be on top of this as training camps and pre-season continue.

Running Back: Edgerrin James starts his third year with the Cards and will be their undisputed #1 RB. Edge was 7th in the league in rush yards (1,222) in ‘07 but his 3.8 YPC and 7 TD’s are a concern. Edge hit the dreaded 30 years old mark this year but this guy can still play at a very high level. He is still worthy of a later round #1 selection at RB. J.J. Arrington and Marcel Shipp will continue in backup roles. Though highly touted, neither has ever shown they are consistent starters in the NFL. Arrington continues to get in trouble with the law and may face action from the league at some point soon due to a recent punch-up. One has to wonder how long the Cards will put up with this guy. The Cards drafted Tim Hightower (5th round) and he could step in and get some goal line carries…another guy to steal pay dirt from Edge?

Stats Slant: Everyone knows it will be pass first and run second in Arizona. That being said you can select Edge knowing that he will be durable and put up decent, if not great, numbers in 2008.

Wide Receiver: The Cards boast one of the most talented one-two receiver combos in the entire league. Larry Fitzgerald (100 C 1409 YD 10 TD) has a new, four-year contract but is a durable, dependable workhorse. Anquan Boldin (71 C 853 YD 9 TD) posted great numbers despite missing four regular season games. Boldin is in a bit of a contract dispute but all indications have him reaching some sort of agreement soon. Both of these guys should be on your top 20 receivers list. Bryant Johnson (46 C 528 YD 2 TD) has moved on to San Fran. Who will be the solid third WR for the Cards will be determined in training camp.

Stats Slant: If you are looking for a WR and either Fitz or Boldin are still available…grab them!

Tight End: Leonard Pope was a risk reward TE in 2007. He caught just 23 balls, but five of them went for TD’s. The Cards brought in Jerame Tuman from the Steelers. He and Coach Whisenhunt won a SB together, but we don’t see him being anything more than a blocking TE.

Stats Slant: Risk/Reward. Cards TE’s are backups at best.

Place Kicker: In the wild and wacky world of PK’s, Neil Rackers has to rate right up there. A solid 2005 season got him a four-year $6.4 million contract extension through 2009. In 2006 he was 5th in the league with 28 FG’s and a perfect 32-32 on PAT’s. 2007 was a different story though as he kicked a pedestrian 21 FG’s and finished 25th among everyday kickers.

Stats Slant: A lot of owners will be put off by his 2007 totals. We are not…he is a top 10 kicker.

Defense/Special Teams: Wow! The Cards passed on running backs of the future in Rashard Mendenhall from Illinois and then Jamaal Charles of Texas or Ray Rice of Rutgers in order to draft Tennessee State cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie with the 16th overall spot and then Miami (Fla.) defensive end Calais Campbell respectively. Both these guys have huge talent and ability but are relatively unpolished by NFL standards. Steve Beaston was a beast in the return game for the Cards with 62 KR and 42 PR in ‘07, the most of anyone in the NFL. He did however manage just one TD in 104 touches.

Stats Slant: This is a defense that is a couple years away from possibly being dominant. Special Team play isn’t anything special. If your starting DF/ST is the Cards, hopefully you play in at least a 24-team league.

Red Flag: Leinart Vs Warner. We are not particularly happy if Leinart wins unless he wins convincing in preseason. Fitz has a new contract…is he still hungry? Will Boldin get a deal he is happy with? We will be all over it…stay tuned!

Keep a pre-season eye on: It’s repetitive…but…it has to be Leinart Vs Warner.

Stats Sleeper: The Cards are pretty much what you see, is what you get. Hightower could be accelerated, but appears to be more of a work in progress. You Keeper League Freaks should keep an eye on this Marion Barber type back.

2008 Strength Of Schedule: 2nd best of 32 teams.

Last word: The Cards will post a ton of points. They don’t want to slip back, as was the case after their last two non-losing seasons. (4-12 ‘95 and 6-10 ‘99) Draft their stars with confidence!

Up Next: Baltimore Ravens On Deck: Buffalo Bills In The Hole: Carolina Panthers

StatsGuru

Picture Source: http://ballsiest.com/sportsblog/2007/10/16/

If any team in the league wants/needs to move upward and onward, it has to be the Falcons. They want to move past the Vick and Petrino eras and must be eager to win back their fans loyalty. They have a solid owner in Arthur Blank who has moved quickly and relatively efficiently to help put the past in the past.

Coaching: Mike Smith takes over as the Head Coach and is a hard nosed defensive minded coach. He comes with decent pedigree having worked the past five years as the defensive coordinator for the Jaguars. He has also won a Super Bowl ring with the Ravens as a defensive assistant/line coach. Mike Mularkey steps in as Offensive coordinator and brings a vast amount of coaching experience with him. This includes two years as the Bills head coach and two stints as an offensive coordinator, one with the Steelers from 2001-2003 and the other with the Dolphins in 2006. Brian VanGorder steps in as Defensive coordinator and brings 25 years of coaching experience with him, most notably with the Georgia Bulldogs. The Bulldogs went 42 and 10 during his four years there as the Defensive Coordinator and Linebackers Coach

Stats Slant: This is a decent, though not spectacular, coaching core.

Quarterback: Chris Redman, Joey Harrington and first round (3rd overall) pick Matt Ryan. There are a couple schools of thought on how this will all shake out. Smith says it’s an open competition for the starting position but this is probably more hype than fact. Redman captained a sinking ship for the last 5 games of the 2007 season and did show signs of a confident QB. He passed for 10 TD’s and was intercepted 5 times over those final 5 games. The job is definitely his to lose. Harrington may not make it through training camp. Ryan should be the guy holding the clipboard and may get his feet wet later on in the season.

Stats Slant: Redman will be a serviceable backup/bye week replacement QB with potential to surprise! Be sure to watch him in the preseason and we will keep you updated on his progress. If it all goes south quick (0-9) we will see Ryan sooner than later.

Running Back: Michael Turner finally gets his chance to be a starting running back in the league after spending 5 years behind LT. “The Burner” will be running behind a rather weak O line but has the talent to make an impact immediately. Jerious Norwood, as will be the case in many instances around the league, will play in tandem with Turner in the backfield. He has TD potential with every touch and is a good receiver out of the backfield.

Stats Slant: Turner has huge potential and should be considered as a mid to low range #2 RB. Norwood will be an excellent reserve and bye week replacement.

Wide Receiver: The addition of Turner should make defenses respect the Falcons running game. This is good news for Roddy White, up and coming 2nd year receiver Laurent Robinson and Michael Jenkins. How much value any of them can bring to your fantasy team is however limited.

Stats Slant: White should be considered a low end #2 WR with Robinson and Jenkins making decent bye week replacements if the match-up is favorable.

Tight End: Nothing to see here. The Falcons parted ways with Crumpler and brought in blocking specialist Ben Hartstock from the Titans. The Falcons TE’s will serve primarily as stay at home, blocking TE’s and will help Turner and Norwood, but not your bottom line at the TE position.

Stats Slant: We don’t see any Fantasy value at all out of the Falcons TE core.

Place Kicker: Jason Elam comes to Atlanta and brings instant respectability to the Falcons kicking game, A sure fire future inductee in the Hall of Fame, Elam enters his 16th season back in his hometown. While he leaves the thin air of Denver he does gain dome or warm weather site games for virtually all 16 games.

Stats Slant: Elam’s years of leading the league in PK fantasy scoring are well behind him. He will however be a decent low end #1 or high end #2 kicker.

Defense/Special Teams: There is very, very little of anything on the defensive side of the ball. In fact the defense will be so bad, the offense will get lots of chances to be on the field. Norwood tied for 3rd in 2007 returns with 52 but how much time he spends returning kicks this year is still up in the air.

Stats Slant: Forget about ‘em!

Red Flag: The offensive line is very thin and will not be very good.

Keep a pre-season eye on: Turner/Redman/White

Stats Sleeper: Robinson

2008 Strength Of Schedule: 29 hardest of 32 teams.

Last word: As mentioned, the Falcons need to do something to re energize the fans and this franchise. Look for a run and gun offense that tries to put up as many points as possible and make losing exciting for the fans. They may finish close to last in the league standings but do have some viable, value added personnel in the fold.

Up Next: Arizona Cardinals On Deck: Baltimore Ravens In The Hole: Buffalo Bills

StatsGuru

Photo Source: http://www.atlantafalcons.com/People/Players/Active/Laurent_Robinson.aspx

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We are independent from any other website or organization on the net. This allows us to be brutally blunt and to the point when offering advice on Fantasy Football. Many sites out there overstate the obvious such as start LT, Brady and Owens.

We will be digging as deep as we can to bring you diamonds in the rough on a weekly basis as well as making sure you know the top starters out there. Talk is cheap and we are eager to earn your trust, so let’s get at it!

Over the next month or so we will take a tour around the league and preview all 32 teams. We will update their off-season player movement and forecast their player’s chances for success during the 2008 Fantasy Football season.

StatsGuru