FFLPros.com AFC Training Camp Preview by: Scott Sommers
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Baltimore Ravens
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QB
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Kyle Bollar
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Kordell Stewart
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Anthony Wright
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RB
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Jamal Lewis
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Musa Smith
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Chester Taylor
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FB
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Alan Ricard
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Ovie Mughelli
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Harold Morrow
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WR
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Kevin Johnson
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Randy Hymes
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WR
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Travis Taylor
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Javin Hunter
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Ron Johnson
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TE
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Todd Heap
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Terry Jones
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PK
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Matt Stover
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Wade Richey
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This is an important camp for the Ravens. First of all, Jamal Lewis needs to be clear of charges in an alleged drug ring. The Ravens needs to establish a clear-cut starter at quarterback. Stewart is not the answer, but at this moment, he may be the best possible answer for them. He will have to beat out Boller, who looked pretty good during mini-camp. Johnson comes in from Jacksonville and will add some consistency at a very weak position for them. All this is to take heat off the running game. The offensive line is still intact and if Lewis can't run, then Musa Smith has a chance to grasp the back-up spot, making him very valuable in deep leagues. The defense is still one of the leagues best, so there are no worries there.
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Buffalo Bills
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QB
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Drew Bledsoe
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Travis Brown
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JP Losman
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RB
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Travis Henry
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Willis McGahee
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Ken Simonton
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FB
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Daimon Shelton
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Joe Burns
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WR
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Josh Reed
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Sam Aiken
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Clarence Coleman
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WR
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Eric Moulds
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Bobby Shaw
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Lee Evans
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TE
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Mark Campbell
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Ryan Neufeld
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PK
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Rian Lindell
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The Bills look to improve on last year's pathetic offense from last year. With a new head coach that has did wonders for Kordell Stewart, the Bills' offense should be much better. The biggest thing to watch is how much time Willis McGahee gets during the preseason. Obviously, if something happens to Henry, he is a no-brainer. However, look to see if he steals some carries from Henry If he does during the preseason, then there may be a chance he will get a start during the regular season. At wide receiver, look for rookie Lee Evans to make a push for at least the third wide-out spot to start out with. Evans has speed to burn and could be the deep-threat to take the pressure off of Moulds. Shaw is solid, but Reed has been a disappointment so far. IF he doesn't have a good training camp, Evans will take his spot.
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Cincinnati Bengals
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QB
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Carson Palmer
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Jon Kitna
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Casey Bramlett
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RB
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Rudi Johnson
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Chris Perry
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Kenny Watson
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FB
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Jeremi Johnson
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James Lynch
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WR
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Chad Johnson
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Kelley Washington
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Patrick Johnson
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WR
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Peter Warrick
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TJ Houshmanzadeh
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Maurice Mann
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TE
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Reggie Kelly
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Tony Stewart
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Matt Schobel
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PK
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Shayne Graham
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Plenty of changes for the Bengals this off-season. Dillon is gone. Kitna had a career-year and gets demoted. Enter Carson Palmer and Rudi Johnson. Palmer will not be asked to shoulder the complete load. He does have a tri of solid receivers in Chad Johnson, Peter Warrick and Washington. Washington has the chance to be a great late pick. The key is Palmer and he must be watch closely to see how his timing is with the wide receivers. If it isn't going well, downgrade all Bengals receivers. Johnson came on when Dillon missed some time. He is fairly unknown, but don't look for Lewis to stay with one back. Hence, the reason they drafted Perry. That needs to be watch to see what the split is between the two running backs. Kelly has taken over the starting role at TE, while the offensive line is intact and getting better. This team could make a lot of noise if Palmer plays up to expectations.
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Cleveland Browns
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QB
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Jeff Garcia
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Kelly Holcomb
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Luke McCown
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RB
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Lee Suggs
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William Green
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James Jackson
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FB
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Terrelle Smith
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Corey McIntyre
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WR
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Quincy Morgan
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Dennis Northcutt
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Frisman Jackson
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WR
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Andre Davis
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Andre King
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CJ Jones
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TE
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Kellen Winslow
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Darnell Sanders
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Steve Heiden
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PK
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Phil Dawson
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The Browns were a busy group in the off-season, finally settling the QB situation with the addition of Garcia. Of course, the chemistry he can develop with the Browns young wide receivers is important and will have to be seen during training camp. Garcia will add a new dimension to the Browns, but he has been injury-prone the past couple of seasons. The running back battle will be something to behold with Suggs and (hippie-lettuce) Green duking it out. Davis believes that duo can each rush for 1,000 yards, but I am not sold on the Browns o-line on that, so look to see how the first-teamers do in the pre-season before taking a Browns running back. The wide receivers are pretty much set, and will have a bid partner with Winslow coming into the fold. If he gets into camp on time, he could be a stud and worthy of a high pick . One last thing on the running backs, Terrelle Smith, who is a pure fullback, was brought in. If he is healthy, he will make life easier whoever is running the ball.
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Denver Broncos
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QB
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Jake Plummer
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Mike Quinn
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Danny Kanell
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RB
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Garrison Hearst
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Quentin Griffin
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Cecil Sapp
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FB
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Mike Anderson
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Reuben Droughns
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WR
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Rod Smith
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Charlie Adams
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Darius Watts
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WR
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Ashley Lelie
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Adrian Madise
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TE
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Jed Weaver
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OJ Santiago
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Patrick Hape
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PK
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Jason Elam
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Things just haven't been right in Denver the past couple of years. Last year, Terrell Davis retired, then this past off-season, Clinton Portis was traded to Washington. Obviously, Shanahan knows a thing or two about running backs, but this training camp will feature some new faces. Enter Garrison Hearst from San Francisco. Alex Gibbs. the Broncos line coach moved on, so Shanahan will see just how good his team is. Sharpe headed upstairs to CBS, while Easy Ed finally hung them up. Jed Weaver will take over Sharpe's spot, but clearly isn't the receiver Sharpe was. Lelie gets the starting job, but has been inconsistent. This is a make-or-break year for him. The obvious battle is who will carry the ball in the Broncos offense. Don't forget a darkhorse in Tatum Bell, who is built like Portis. he may make a run at the starting job. Either way look for a RBBC from Denver until someone clearly takes over the job.
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Houston Texans
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QB
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David Carr
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Tony Banks
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Dave Ragone
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RB
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Domanick Davis
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Tony Hollings
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Jonathan Wells
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FB
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Moran Norris
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Jarrod Baxter
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Charles Stackhouse
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WR
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Andre Johnson
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Jabar Gaffney
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Sloan Thomas
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WR
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Corey Bradford
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Derick Armstrong
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JJ Moses
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TE
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Billy Miller
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Mark Bruener
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Jabari Holloway
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PK
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Kris Brown
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After showing signs of life last year, the Texans are poised to move up this season. There are not a lot of battles going on, but the situation at running back needs to be watch. Davis came out of nowhere last year to have a great year, despite coming in almost halfway through the year. Hollings was a supplemental pick and the Texans want to see if he was worth it or not. This may split into Davis' time and carries. If Davis holds him off, he has the potential to be a top 10 running back. Johnson is primed for a big season, while Miller could be used a lot more in the passing game. Watch Carr in the pre-season. He looked more comfortable at the end of the season last year. IF he carries that confidence, he could have a break-out year.
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Indianapolis Colts
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QB
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Peyton Manning
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Cory Sauter
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Jim Sorgi
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RB
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Edgerrin James
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Dominic Rhodes
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James Mungro
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FB
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Tom Lopienski
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Carey Davis
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WR
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Marvin Harrison
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Brandon Stokley
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Brad Pyatt
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WR
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Reggie Wayne
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Troy Walters
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Aaron Moorehead
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TE
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Marcus Pollard
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Dallas Clark
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Ben Hartsock
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PK
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Mike Vanderjagt
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This could be the last year, the Colts are together. Manning's big contract put the squeeze on the salary cap. A few starters from the o-line were let go and that could spell trouble for Manning, James and Co. No real battles since all the spots are set.Tthe only thing that really needs to be watch is see how many times the Colts use both tight ends. Clark is a talented receiver as is Pollard. Neither are great blockers which is why Harstock was drafted. Stokely will man the third wide-out spot and is worth a look in deep leagues. He could score five-seven times if the o-line can hold off opposing defenses. the defense is getting better, so that should mean more chances for their potent offense.
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Jacksonville Jaguars
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QB
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Byron Leftwich
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David Garrard
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Doug Johnson
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RB
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Fred Taylor
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LaBrandon Toefield
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Greg Jones
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FB
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Marc Edwards
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Chris Fu
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WR
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Jimmy Smith
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Cortez Hankton
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Matthew Hatchette
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WR
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Troy Edwards
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Reggie Williams
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Ernest Wilford
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TE
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Kyle Brady
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Todd Yoder
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George Wrighster
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PK
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Seth Marler
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Jeff Chandler
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Josh Scobee
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The changing of the guard that started last year is done now. Leftwich is the starter since Brunell was moved to Washington. Taylor has been healthy the past couple of years, but watch to see if he gets vultured again this season. Jones is a big rookie and could slide behind Taylor in a back-up role. Obviously, if that happens, draft Jones as a back-up to Taylor, just in case. Reggie Williams was drafted and will eventually take over the third wide-out spot. Big and strong, he will give Leftwich another solid target to go along with Smith and Edwards. The kicking battle needs to be watch. Marler has a big leg, but accuracy was not one of his strong points. Whoever gets the job should have ample opportunities to be a solid kicker.
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Kansas City Chiefs
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QB
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Trent Green
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Todd Collins
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Damon Huard
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RB
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Priest Holmes
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Larry Johnson
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Derrick Blaylock
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FB
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Tony Richardson
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Omar Easy
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WR
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Eddie Kennison
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Dante Hall
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Samie Parker
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WR
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Johnnie Morton
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Marc Boerigter
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Jeris McIntyre
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TE
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Tony Gonzalez
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Jason Dunn
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Billy Baber
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PK
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Morten Andersen
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Not a lot change for the Chiefs. Priest is still there along with Gonzo and Green. The Chiefs' offense remains one of the best in the league. One point that does need to be watch is the guard spot leftby John Tait, who ended up in Chicago. He was a key piece to the Chiefs' running game. Kennison and Morton are decent receivers, but look for more of Dante Hall in four-wide sets.
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Miami Dolphins
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QB
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Jay Fiedler
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AJ Feeley
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Sage Rosenfels
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RB
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Travis Minor
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Leonard Henry
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FB
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Rob Konrad
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Sammy Morris
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WR
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David Boston
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Derrius Thompson
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Sam Simmons
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WR
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Chris Chambers
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Terrence Wilkins
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JR Tolver
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TE
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Randy McMichael
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Donald Lee
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PK
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Olindo Mare
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Another year, another QB battle. This time AJ Feeley comes in to try and take over for Fiedler. Look for Fiedler to eventually hold him off this year, but he will be on a short leash. Draft him with care. They also added David Boston, who was nothing short of a bust in San Diego. If he reverts back to what he was before his injuries, the Dolphins might actually have a passing game. Wilkins comes in to add some speed and solid special teams play. The tight end spot is now up in the air, thanks to McMichael's little bout with his wife. Oh yeah, by the way, Ricky Williams bolted to probably keep from serving a league suspension. Dynasty owners are screwed and so are the Dolphins. Look for more from us as this develops.
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New England Patriots
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QB
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Tom Brady
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Rohan Davey
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Jim Miller
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RB
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Corey Dillon
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Kevin Faulk
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Mike Cloud
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FB
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Fred McCrary
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Patrick Pass
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WR
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David Givens
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Troy Brown
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JJ Stokes
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WR
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Deion Branch
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Bethel Johnson
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David Patten
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TE
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Christian Fauria
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Daniel Graham
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Ben Watson
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PK
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Adam Vinatieri
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What do you do if you are the defending champs? You get better. Enter malcontent Corey Dillon, who finally gives Brady a dependable back to hand the ball of to 25 times a game. The Pats lost lineman Woody to to the Lions, but their line is solid and won the Super Bowl without him, so what does that tell you. the receivers are all solid and will improve since most are young sans Brown. They added Ben Watson, who could see some time. Graham will make a push for the starting job and could be poised for a solid season.
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New York Jets
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QB
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Chad Pennington
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Brooks Bollinger
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Ricky Ray
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RB
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Curtis Martin
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Lamont Jordan
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Derrick Ward
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FB
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Jerald Sowell
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BJ Askew
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WR
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Justin McCariens
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Wayne Chrebet
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Jerricho Cotchery
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WR
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Santana Moss
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Jonathan Carter
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Ken-yon Rambo
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TE
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Anthony Becht
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Chris Baker
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Mikhael Ricks
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PK
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Doug Brien
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No big surprises for the Jets and their main goal is to stay upright during the pre-season. Last year, they lost Pennington and basically ruined their season. Moss had an outstanding year last year and seems ready to make the leap to a top-ten spot in wide receivers. The Jets added Justin McCariens to take some heat off Moss. If he can do that, the Jets passing game will be better than last year. Martin is still the main back, but if he gets injured Jordan will finally take over. He may never let go after that.
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Oakland Raiders
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QB
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Rich Gannon
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Kerry Collins
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M. Tuiasosopo
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RB
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Tyrone Wheatley
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Justin Fargas
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Troy Hambrick
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FB
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Zack Crockett
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Chris Hetherington
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WR
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Tim Brown
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Chris Cole
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Ronald Curry
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WR
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Jerry Rice
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Jerry Porter
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Alvis Whitted
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TE
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Roland Williams
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Teyo Johnson
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Doug Jolley
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PK
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Sebastian Janikowski
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It will be an interesting training camp. A new coach in Norv Turner, who loves to run the ball. The Raiders don't have that one stud back that can shoulder the load. Garner is gone (Tampa Bay), while Hambrick and Zeroue was brought in. That is just the running backs. Gannon, who was injured last year, is back along with new face Kerry Collins. It may be Gannon's job to lose, but don't be surprised if Collins forces the Raiders to cut Gannon. That needs to be watch since Collins has a much stronger arm than Gannon and loves the deep-ball. Brown and Rice are back, while Porter needs to be injury-free to make an impact. Watch the battle at tight end since Turner loves to throw to the tight end. There could be a nice sleeper there with Jolley and Johnson.
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Pittsburgh Steelers
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QB
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Tommy Maddox
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Ben Roethlisberger
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Charlie Batch
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RB
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Duce Staley
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Jerome Bettis
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Dante Brown
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FB
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Dan Kreider
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Verron Hayes
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WR
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Plaxico Burress
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Lee Mays
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Freddie Milons
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WR
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Hines Ward
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Antwaan Randle El
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Chris Doering
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TE
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Jerame Tuman
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Jay Riemersma
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Matt Cushing
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PK
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Jeff Reed
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The Steelers are looking to going back to running the ball. Staley was brought in from Philly and will form a nice one-two punch with Bettis. Maddox got a new contract, but anyone that is only a bad sign especially with Ben Roethlisberger being drafted. This is Maddox's team for only one more year. The thing that has been in the news most is the displeasure and no-show pulled by Burress. If he continues this stunt through training camp, don't be surprised to see Randle El get a lot more playing time. Ward is solid, while the tight ends are used mostly as blockers. Reed was a nice surprise last year and could have more chances this year.
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San Diego Chargers
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QB
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Drew Brees
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Philip Rivers
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Doug Flutie
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RB
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LaDainian Tomlinson
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Jesse Chatman
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Leon Johnson
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FB
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Lorenzo Neal
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Andrew Pinnock
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WR
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Kevin Dyson
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Reche Caldwell
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Eric Parker
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WR
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Tim Dwight
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Kassim Osgood
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Grant Mattos
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TE
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Antonio Gates
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Justin Peelle
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Josh Norman
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PK
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Steve Christie
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There is almost too much to watch in San Diego this year. L.T. is going nowhere but that is about the only spot that is settled. The o-line has only one returning starter and he is sitting out. The rest is a make-shift line. That could spell whether or not Rivers overtakes Brees or not. Brees isn't the answer, so it will only be a matter of time before Rivers takes over. At wide receiver Dyson comes in, but he was hurt last year, so Caldwell , Parker and Osgood all have a chance to win a starting job. The sleeper in the group could be Gates, who came on late last year. The defense isn't much better. the only sure this is draft L.T.
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Tennessee Titans
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QB
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Steve McNair
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Billy Volek
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Jason Gesser
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RB
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Chris Brown
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Antowain Smith
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Ray Jackson
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FB
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Robert Holcombe
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Troy Fleming
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WR
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Derrick Mason
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Tyrone Calico
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Darrell Hill
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WR
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Drew Bennett
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Eddie Berlin
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TE
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Erron Kinney
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Ben Troupe
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Shad Meier
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PK
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Joe Nedney
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A few changes this past off-season ad one big question mark. The Titans have made a decision on Eddie George as he was shown the free agency door last week. In the wings is Chris Brown, who was ok at times last year, but he does have a nose for the end zone. Antowain Smith was brought in to add some spice to the starting RB battle this fall.. It should make for some interesting choices come draft day. Frank Wycheck retired, so Kinney takes over. Ben Troupe was drafted and could have a big impact if he gets in on time Bennett takes over the second spot since McCariens went over to the Jets. Calico and Berlin will see plenty of time on the field, so it doesn't matter who gets the third spot.. Don't forget about Nedney, who was out last year with a bum knee. The Titans can score.
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