Posts Tagged ‘cincinnati bengals’

Redskins Bring in Jim Haslett as Defensive Coordinator

Sources within the NFL announced today that former New Orleans Saints and UFL head coach Jim Haslett has accepted an offer from the Washington Redskins to become their new defensive coordinator.

The former Buffalo linebacker was atop a long list of prospects that included Mike Zimmer of the Cincinnati Bengals. When the Bengals resigned Zimmer earlier this week, it was clear the deal between the ‘Skins and Haslett would gel quickly. Read more…

NFL Quick Hits

 

Tennessee Titans Work-out Receiver Matt Jones

The ex-Jaguar is getting his first official look from an NFL club, even after a humbling interview on ESPN about a month ago.

Jones still has outstanding size and speed, and even though he knows nothing of Tennessee’s offense, he could still emerge as their top receiver if signed.

As it stands, he’d probably step in behind Justin Gauge and Kenny Britt, while surpassing the injured Nate Washington.

The Chicago Bears and Dallas Cowboys, both in need of an impact receiver, are reportedly keeping a close watch on the situation.

No Progress in Brandon Marshall Trade Talks

The heat is on Josh McDanies and the Broncos, as they have heard plenty of interest from the New York Jets, but still have a hefty asking price on the table.

The reported offer has been Marshall for a New York first round pick, along with veteran linebacker, David Harris.

If Denver doesn’t budge on either Harris or the pick, the reportedly won’t happen.

Bengals’ Carson Palmer Expected to be Ready for Opener

Isn’t this the same news we got all of last season?

Palmer was apparently at full health heading into pre-season, but then arm questions again emerged.

This time the concern is over his ankle, but with soid practices lately, head coach Marvin Lewis is holding him out of the final pre-season game, merely as a precaution.

Brett Favre to Sit for Minnesota’s Final Pre-season Game

This isn’t news, but since it’s Favre, it still makes headlines.

Add the arm surgery, his age, and the reported cracked rib all together, and you’ve got a concerned Brad Childress.

Besides, they may want to give Tarvaris Jackson the full stage as they try to up his value in the wake of trade rumors.

Favre will be more than ready to go for the season opener at Cleveland.

Brian Leonard Awaits His Chance

No matter how much people pigeon-hole him into the cliche’ “lead-blocking” role, Brian Leonard is always going to wake up in the morning the same way: as a running back.

The fact is, he isn’t slow. He does have moves, and he is agile.

Several sites across the web (count them—it’s probably 100 percent) say he’s not worth “handcuffing” to Cedric Benson in fantasy football.

They say he’s a waste of time as a running back, simply in general.

He’s just another white guy trying to tote the ball, when he should wise up and just block, already.

I’m sorry, but I’m not sorry. I am merely not convinced.

I’m not convinced that Cedric Benson is the answer for Cincinnati. Moreover, I’m not convinced that Brian Leonard isn’t.

I am convinced, however, that he can be “the guy” in the Bengals backfield, and that he has all the necessary tools to be an effective, and damn me if I’m wrong, a star running back.

But let’s not get carried away (pun intended).

It’s not even preseason. Benson isn’t hurt, hasn’t fumbled away the starting job, or broken the law.

Ah, but there’s time.

However, with recent reports suggesting that Leonard is, in fact, Benson’s top backup heading into training camp at the end of the month, there is reason for speculation, and yes, even hope.

Leonard has little experience as a starter in the NFL, but he does have one 100-yard effort to his name.

Hell, he hasn’t even scored a touchdown, yet.

But, if you’re a giddy, college-to-pro football fan like me and half of the rest of the world, you’re holding out hope (there’s that word again) that we get to see a couple more of those famous “Leonard Leap’s“.

In St. Louis, Leonard was used sparingly in his rookie season, until he got is first crack at starting when Steven Jackson went down with an injury.

Leonard responded with a solid 102-yard effort, only to crash into a wall in the form of a formidable Baltimore Ravens rush defense the next week.

Ever since then, Leonard battled shoulder injuries, and quite frankly, was never the same.

But to be even more honest, he wasn’t given much of an opportunity, either.

He was demoted to fullback, and saw Antonio Pittman step in and take on the load, despite Jackson still missing time.

Antonio Pittman. Really?

Regardless of your opinion of the Rams, Leonard, or even Pittman, that’s all in the past now.

Now it’s all about the future.

Leonard apparently has the go-ahead for third-down back duties, and probably will split goal-line and short yardage carries with Benson, while giving way to the regular carries to the former Bear.

His main competition is 31-year-old Kenny Watson, and Bernard Scott, a small-school, rookie running back.

While both of these backs have talent, Leonard is arguably the most versatile, as he’s a stellar blocker, exceptional receiver, and is actually a pretty darn good running back, too.

If you’re looking for help in the fantasy realm, take a flier on Leonard late in your draft in deep leagues. He just might be worth it.

And if you’re looking for someone to cheer for in this little place we like to call “real life”, Leonard’s your man.

Because, come on. The guy jumps over people.

Early 2009 Fantasy Football Preview: AFC Quarterbacks

Knee injury or not, Brady is still the man.

It’s the first day of June, which means all of those premature NFL power rankings and fantasy football rankings are no longer, well, quite as premature.

While everyone (including myself) is discussing LeBron James and his handshake phobia, the Magic and the Lakers, or Bruno’s fall into Eminem’s lap, I’ve decided to take that free fall dive into the loving arms of fantasy football.

And yes, the fantasy realm loves me back.

However, let’s pace ourselves. After all, it is in fact the first month of summer (first day, no less), and we don’t want to generate pre-football heart attacks.

I mean, Brett Favre hasn’t even made up his mind yet, so why should the rest of us be getting antsy?

Regardless, here is a team-by-team look at all 32 starting quarterbacks, their weapons, offenses, and how they may destroy or enhance your team.

Still worried about Favre’s final decision, camp battles, or injuries? I’ll do my best to fill you in, allowing you an early look at which quarterbacks may be the best bets, which could be potential sleepers, and which ones you should stay away from.

Tom Brady—New England Patriots

Matt Cassel is in Kansas City, and Brady is back in camp, meaning two things.

You have nothing to worry about, and you have nothing to worry about.

Brady has looked sharp in limited practice, and still has the same awesome weapons he had in 2007 during his 50-touchdown season. This list isn’t a ranking, but if it were, I’d have Brady at the top.

Verdict: If you can get him in the second round, you’re already winning.

Proj: 4,090 yards, 35 TD, 13 INT

Mark Sanchez—New York Jets

Don’t buy the Kellen Clemens hype (not that there actually is any).

For better or worse, Sanchez will begin the new Joe Namath era.

It won’t be as sexy or productive as either of Matt Ryan or Joe Flacco’s seasons last year, but I wouldn’t be shocked if the Jets reached the playoffs.

Verdict: Not yet an option for FF

Proj: 2,400 yards, 16 TD, 17 INT

Trent Edwards—Buffalo Bills

I like the addition of Owens, but not the loss of Marshawn Lynch to start the season.

Edwards isn’t as bad as people think, and now he has a sound offense around him. He’s a borderline top-15 quarterback, and depending on how he looks in pre-season, could crack that barrier quite easily.

Verdict: Sleeper

Proj: 3,555 yards, 26 TD, 14 INT

Chad Pennington—Miami Dolphins

This is probably Pennington’s last hurrah with Miami, and something tells me the exciting juice that this offense had last season has all but dried up.

Pennington still doesn’t have enticing options, and he’s got two quarterbacks breathing down his neck.

He’ll be serviceable to start the season, but you won’t claim your league’s championship if he’s your starter.

Verdict: He’s a stop-gap

Proj: 3,100 yards, 17 TD, 14 INT

Ben Roethlisberger—Pittsburgh Steelers

If he endures a Super Bowl hang-over, we could see some bad numbers.

Because, as we’ve learned, the less Big Ben throws, the better he is.

He’s still a fantasy quarterback with solid weapons around him, so don’t be afraid to snatch him up.

Verdict: Serviceable

Proj: 3,470 yards, 23 TD, 18 INT

Brady Quinn—Cleveland Browns

Personally, I think Derek Anderson has the better arm and size, but Braylon Edwards favors Quinn, and the organization is more likely to run with the young, more familiar face.

Quinn is actually a good, young quarterback, and I’m not sure why Eric Mangini isn’t higher on him.

Regardless, aside from Braylon “Mr. Drop” Edwards, Quinn has no weapons.

Verdict: Things could get ugly

Proj: 2,899 yards, 20 TD, 20 INT

Carson Palmer—Cincinnati Bengals

He was awful last season, going 0-4 before bowing out with an arm injury.

However, his weapons are still potentially elite, and if he can return to form, could easily put up numbers that will have you kicking yourself for passing him up in the fourth round.

Verdict: Possibly ends the season as a top-5 passer

Proj: 3,884 yards, 27 TD, 17 INT

Joe Flacco—Baltimore Ravens

Flacco proved to be a capable game-manager, and has reportedly looked good over the offseason.

However, the Ravens are likely to base their offense around the run, and Flacco doesn’t have superstar options surrounding him.

Verdict: See Chad Pennington

Proj: 3,335 yards, 18 TD, 16 INT

Vince Young—Tennessee Titans

Call me crazy, but I don’t see Kerry Collins finishing the first half of the season as the starter.

He’s up there in age, which makes a regression or an injury extremely likely, and if things aren’t going well, he’ll be benched rather quickly.

Young may not have a cloudless head on his shoulders, but he still can make things happen with his feet.

Verdict: Young might surprise some people

Proj: 2,467 yards, 15 TD, 13 INT, 430 r yards, 4 TD

Peyton Manning—Indianapolis Colts

Manning loses Marvin Harrison, Tony Dungy, and two other important assistant coaches.

That doesn’t mean he’ll suddenly lose his touch, but there’s only so much Anthony Gonzales and Austin Collie can make up for.

Verdict: Draft him below Tom Brady, for sure this time

Proj: 4,300 yards, 33 TD, 19 INT

David Garrard—Jacksonville Jaguars

He lost Matt Jones, but gained Torry Holt.

Something tells me Garrard won’t really notice.

Jacksonville’s offense is all about grinding it out, but they were forced to put the ball in the air more last year because of an atrocious offensive line.

Verdict: A better line means Garrard is good again

Proj: 3,090 yards, 20 TD, 12 INT, 260 r yards, 3 TD

Matt Schaub—Houston Texans

Schaub has too many weapons to fail. The only problem is, he needs to stay on the field.

If he can play even 13 games, he’ll put up huge numbers, while leaving everyone guessing, yet again, what he’d do if he played a full season.

Still, with Andre Johnson, Kevin Walter, Steve Slaton, and Owen Daniels, the future looks good for Schaub.

Verdict: He can lead your team to a title

Proj: 3,800 yards, 25 TD, 16 INT

Philip Rivers—San Diego Chargers

If Rivers’ defense can back him up, unlike in 2008, he could easily approach last year’s numbers, and possibly even surpass them.

With a healthy Antonio Gates and LT, Rivers is more confident than ever.

Verdict: Draft him like he’s Tom Brady

Proj: 4,270 yards, 30 TD, 16 INT

Jeff Garcia—Oakland Raiders

I just don’t see the JaMarcus Russell experiment lasting more than three or four losses in 2009, and wouldn’t be shocked to see him benched in the pre-season.

As long as Garcia wins a few games, Al Davis will let him start. After all, he brought him in for a reason.

Verdict: Nobody in Oakland is worth your while

Proj: 2,300 yards, 15 TD, 9 INT

Matt Cassel—Kansas City Chiefs

Cassel is in a new place with a huge drop-off as far as offensive weapons. He still has good experience from last season, combined with his solid arm and good athleticism.

However, we’ll all be left wondering what could have been, had Tony Gonzalez not been traded to Atlanta.

Verdict: Stay away in year one

Proj: 3,700 yards, 22 TD, 23 INT

Kyle Orton—Denver Broncos

Orton was putting together a solid season in Chicago before hurting his ankle. Once he came back, he played admirably through injury, and didn’t have the best options out there.

In Denver, he’ll have a friendlier offensive line and system, as well as excellent receiving options.

Verdict: Orton could make the leap to elite

Proj: 3,600 yards, 24 TD, 16 INT

The NFC Edition will be made available, depending on the reads/comments for this article. Thanks for reading, and for those basketball enthusiasts, check out my NBA blog: www.robertsroundballreport.com