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The Ravens beat the Panthers, 17 – 12.
The weather in the second half really put a damper on things (HA!). Both teams shut down the playbook and pulled back on the throttle to make sure no one got hurt, which is a shame for the players who need the time on the field to make the team.
One piece of good news—there were no serious injuries for either team.
Who looked good:
Mark Clayton made a couple solid catches and returned a punt. He didn’t play like someone who is fighting for a job, and after that performance, he’s probably the number three receiver.
Terrance Cody made a one armed tackle while the other arm was still fighting off an offensive lineman. He knocked down a running back with a glancing blow. The massive DT (and apparently FB) is going to make a difference this year. He looked big, strong, and in decent shape.
Prince Miller played well at corner, and the punt run back was impressive. This might be that diamond in the rough the Ravens need to find at the position.
Offensive Coaches during the first quarter looked like a cat that just caught a mouse. You know, just toying with it a little before the kill. It looked to me like the first team offense could do whatever they wanted. Notice Ray Rice didn’t touch the ball once?
Cary Williams got an interception and had a couple of nice plays. Once he comes back after the suspension, he’s going to add a lot to a secondary that’s pretty thin.
Who didn’t look good:
Troy Smith was inconsistent. I think he looked uncomfortable until the quarterback draw for a touchdown in the third quarter. Word out of camp has been that he has not been playing well. He’ll need to step up if he wants to be the second string QB; something I think the Ravens are still considering, given what he can bring to a ‘wildcat’ style offensive play.
Edgar Jones, one of my favorite players, did not have a good game. He had a couple of big mistakes and dumb penalties.
The first team Offensive line made a couple of mistakes. Pass protection looked pretty shaky. They need to come together as a unit as the preseason moves along, and they need to get settled in to who really will be starting at which position.
And a shout out to the Panthers:
Both Matt Moore and Jimmy Claussen looked very good. Both of these guys look like they have the potential to be stars at QB.
Next Ravens game: Saturday, 7PM.
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After watching video of LSU receiver Brandon LaFell this off-season, I was surprised that he fell into the third round of the NFL draft. This young talent seemed more polished than many receivers that come into the NFL, and it seemed like he would be ready to make an impact right away.
Audio: 2010 FF Impact Rookie: WR Brandon LaFell To Start For Panthers?
Fortunately, for the Panthers LaFell dropped into their lap and with Muhsin Muhammad leaving the team this year it was vital that they find a young replacement to start opposite Steve Smith. Because Coach John Fox is such a loyalist to veterans I thought early on that Dwayne Jarrett would finally get a starting gig with LaFell and fellow rookie Armanti Edwards chipping in.
That doesn’t look to be the case in training camp as LaFell has continued to line up with the first team, and Jarrett has had rumors of being cut before the season begins.
2010 Fantasy Projection For Brandon LaFell
LaFell may not be drafted in many leagues this summer, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s a hot waiver wire pickup at some point this season. With Matt Moore under center, the Panthers have a very undervalued passing attack and fantasy owners should be able to get at decent value.
With Smith having question marks about his arm (broken twice in less than a year), it could be LaFell who is the team’s top receiver for fantasy if something should happen to the veteran again.
If LaFell wins a starting job and impresses this preseason, than he would make for a decent late round pick on draft day. At the very least he should make for a nice option in the passing game to help the chains move in Carolina and a bye week fill in for fantasy football.
NFL fantasy football player rankings writer Sean E. Douglas: fantasy-info.com
For more fantasy football news and advice feel free to follow and interact with us at our facebook, twitter and blog talk radio pages. Good luck, in your 2010 fantasy football league. Music is provided by: Jason Shaw @ audionautix.com
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Carolina took an interesting approach to this year’s offseason, releasing all but three players over the age of 30 (two of whom were its kicker and punter).
They let go of long time Panthers Jake Delhomme, Julius Peppers, and Muhsin Muhammad. All three had been fan favorites for a long time and were also with the team during its Super Bowl run in 2003.
As the new era begins, Carolina has now handed the torch over to players like Matt Moore, DeAngelo Williams, Jonathan Stewart, and Thomas Davis.
Steve Smith, Jon Beason, and Jordan Gross are still the ultimate leaders of this team however.
Quarterback Matt Moore has been handed the starting quarterback job after Jake Delhomme was released after another disappointing season.
With a brand new set of receivers and defensive linemen, this team will have plenty of competition throughout the whole preseason.
It is going to need some momentum since it will be playing tough defenses like Baltimore, New York, and Pittsburgh.
As the Carolina Panthers head to Baltimore to begin their 2010 season, here are some things to look out for.
The Hall of Fame Game is in the books, and Week One of the NFL preseason starts Thursday night.
With three games on the schedule, it’s time for dynasty league owners to take the in-depth research and roster evaluation necessary to become a league champion to the next level.
With that in mind, here are the lucky 13 players who I’m keeping a watchful eye on during Week One’s opening night:
New Orleans vs. New England
Brandon Tate, WR, NE
It seems the Patriots are doing everything possible to get him into the No. 3 wide receiver role. It’s time we see if his practice dominance translates to reality.
Wes Welker, WR, NE
They really wouldn’t even risk it, would they? If Welker gets on the field, the worries about him missing the season opener are gone.
PJ Hill, RB, NO
With the season ending injury to Lynell Hamilton, the door is open for Hill to make his case to be the short yardage compliment to Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush. Will he take advantage?
Oakland vs. Dallas
Jason Campbell, QB, OAK
Al Davis is saying he’s the next Jim Plunkett. Raider fans would take the next non-JaMarcus Russell.
Campbell has been great so far in practice. It would be nice to see him take the team to a score on the opening drive.
Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, OAK
Many dynasty league owners have already cut bait on Heyward-Bey after last year’s disaster. Let’s see just how much progress he’s really made in the offseason.
Jacoby Ford, WR, OAK
Ford is one of DLF’s favorite sleepers. He was the fastest player at the combine with a 4.28 40, and is said to have run as fast as 4.126 in the past.
At the very least, he should look super fast in HD.
Kevin Ogletree, WR, DAL
Ogletree had a solid performance in the Hall of Fame Game, with two catches for 25 yards in limited action. He needs to build on that if he wants to make his mark before Dez Bryant returns.
Carolina vs. Baltimore
Hunter Cantwell and Jimmy Clausen, QBs, CAR
Matt Moore has the starting gig all sewn up barring an epic preseason meltdown, so the battle begins on Thursday for the backup job.
Most have Clausen winning this hands down, but we’re not jumping on that bandwagon quite yet.
Tyrell Sutton, RB, CAR
Sutton was one of the stars of the 2009 preseason.
Another year of promise shown and the Panthers’ future depth chart at backup running back could become more clear.
His opportunity starts Thursday night.
Brandon LaFell, WR, CAR
LaFell has been spending a lot of time with the first team in practice as of late. If he starts the game, it’s bad news for Dwayne Jarrett’s future and great news for LaFell owners.
Armanti Edwards, WR, CAR
Dynamic. Electrifying. Jaw-dropping.
There haven’t been a shortage of adjectives being thrown around when describing Edwards’ transition from small school quarterback to NFL receiver.
It’s time we had ourselves a look.
Anquan Boldin, WR, BAL
It’s going to be odd to see him in black instead of red.
It would be great to see some type of chemistry with Boldin and Joe Flacco during their one and only series they play together.
There’s a lot to look forward to in terms of player evaluation this preseason. It all starts Thursday night and dynasty league owners across the planet are ready for some football.
For the complete set of strategic 2010 dynasty rankings, click below:
Strategic Quarterback Rankings
Strategic Running Back Rankings
Strategic Wide Receiver Rankings
Strategic Tight End Rankings
Strategic IDP Rankings
Article written by Ken Kelly
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So for every NFL football fan out there, it is that time again—fantasy football time.
So, I am trying to help you guys out a bit and give you my insights of who might be still available in the later stages of your draft, or if your doing a auction draft, a player you can get for a bargain.
Quarterbacks
Tarvaris Jackson, Minnesota Vikings
Everyone knows that this pick is solely based on what Brett Favre is going to do next season. If Brett is not coming back, then Jackson could be a steal. But if he is, then of course, do not take Jackson. Especially with the way Favre played last season.
Jackson is the right handed version of Michael Vick. Jackson does have the arm capacity, but he just does not know how to use it yet. He has great speed, and overall, he is maturing as a quarterback. With some mentoring from Favre and having some previous success early in his career, he could be worth shot in the later rounds.
Seneca Wallace, Cleveland Browns
I have a very good feeling that by week three or sometime before the trade deadline, Seneca Wallace will be the Browns starting QB. One reason, Jake Delhomme.
Delhomme was been playing absolutely terrible over the past few seasons. What honestly is going to change for him in Cleveland? He had better receivers to throw and better running backs to take pressure off of him, but he still could do nothing. The only thing he does have going for him is Joe Thomas blocking his butt, from getting knocked over as much as he did in Carolina.
Matt Leinart, Arizona Cardinals
With Kurt Warner finally calling it quits, it is about time that Leinart will be talking over the helm at quarterback. Though Matt has not showed the greatness he once showed at USC, he still is young and has shown some flashed of greatness, with his rocket arm down field.
Having Larry Fitzgerald as a receiver helps as well.
Kevin Kolb, Philadelphia Eagles
We all saw last season how well Kolb was able to do in the absence of Donovan McNabb.
Now, Kolb is the starter for the Eagles and look for him to bring to the table as a starter, what he did as a backup to McNabb last season.
Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens
Flacco has done just about the bare minimum. He has done nothing fancy to posses great numbers thus far in his passing game. He has had great defense and a great running backs. All he needed to do was throw a few touchdowns here and there and that is exactly what he has done so for in his career.
Now, with the addition of Anquan Boldin, it gives Flacco a legitimate receiver that he has not had yet thus far in his career. Pair that up with Ray Rice and they already great running game, the Ravens and Flacco could produce offensively for the first time since the McNair era.
Chad Henne, Miami Dolphins
Henne will be in his first full season as a starter for the Dolphins. He put up solid numbers in 13 games last year.
But, he will be looked upon to do a lot more next season. With the addition of Brandon Marshall and the emergence of Davone Bess, Henne could have himself a solid year.
Matt Moore, Carolina Panters
Finally, Jake Delhomme is out of Carolina. It is about time they gave up on the guy. Especially when they have stud behind him in Matt Moore.
Moore looked like a pro bowl quarter back in the late stages of last season when he was the starter quarterback. He threw for 829 yards, eight touchdowns, and no interceptions in the last four weeks of the season.
Now, he will be the Panthers starting quarterback, and with a great backfield, and decent set of receivers, Moore could be a great pick up in the late parts of your draft as your back up quarterback.
Running Backs
Steve Slaton, Houston Texans
Slaton had a terrific rookie season where he rushed for over 1,300 yards and 9 touchdowns, but fell into the sophomore slump. He has the talent and has the whole package. But is he able to bounce back after that?
He is not battling for a starting job with fellow young backs in Ben Tate and Adrian Foster. So I think that Slaton will realize what is going on and step up his game. Based on last years result, you could easily get Slaton in the later stages of your draft.
Matt Forte, Chicago Bears
Forte is another example of a player who suffered under the sophomore slump. After having a terrific rookie season, and talks of pairing him with Jay Cutler could create a deadly duo.
Well, the next season happened and Forte could barely reach 90 yards, let alone an 100 a game.
Forte’s biggest competition coming into next season will be Chester Taylor. But if he is able to fight him off—which I think he can—look for Forte to bounce back and have a great year, making those who took the risk on him look like geniuses.
Justin Forsett, Seattle Seahawks
Forsett surprised many last season—including myself—rushing for 619 yards and four touchdowns next season.
Though he will toughing it out with newly acquired back, Leon Washington, if Forsett is able to play like he did last season, he could be a steal in the later stages of your fantasy team.
Donald Brown, Indianapolis Colts
Brown is started to come into his own in the latter part of last season. He really started to take away touches from Joseph Addai. Brown uses strength and speed to get by the defense, and mix that with the Peyton Manning effect, Brown could shine next season, especially if Addai is to struggle. I would not take Brown as your number one back, because Addai is starting to be the old Addai. But, I would keep your eye on Brown in case Addai struggles or gets injured.
Cadillac Williams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Williams is one of my favorite running backs in the game. He uses his great strength and physical attributes to simply run over the defenders in his way.
Williams has been through some rough seasons as of late because of injuries, but he had a very strong season last year, rushing for 823 yards on 211 carries, and scoring four touchdowns.
Tim Hightower, Arizona Cardinals
Hightower did split carries last year with rookie back Chris Wells, but he still plays a big role on the Cardinals offense. He rushed for 598 yards on only 143 attempts and has scored 18 rushing touchdowns in his first two seasons in the league.
If you could grab Hightower in the later rounds of your draft, it could turn out very well. Or if you could even draft both Wells and Hightower, you will do just fine.
Michael Bush, Oakland Raiders
Bush is a relativity unknown running back in the league. And well it does not help when you ply for the Raiders. Because even when you do produce, it gets over shadowed by some great comments by Al Davis.
Anyways, last season Bush split carries with Darren McFadden, and a terrific year if based on that alone. Bush carried the ball 123 times for 589 yards and three touchdowns.
If McFadden continues to struggle next season, look for Bush to take over by the trade deadline.
Wide Receivers
Davone Bess, Miami Dolphins
Oh, have I ever been in love with Bess since his days at Hawaii. He is just pure quickness. His hands are a little shaky at times, but he can improve on that.
With Henne back at the helm and playing with confidence through the roof, Bess could put up some big numbers next season.
As well, the addition of Brandon Marshall cause more defenses to focus on him while Bess is getting touchdown after touchdown.
Steve Breaston, Arizona Cardinals
Another like by me, personally. I always grab Breaston on my team. Last season, he put up some decent numbers as the third string receiver. Now, with Boldin gone, Breaston is the new second option behind Fitzgerald.
Look for Breast to put up similar numbers to 900 yards and eight touchdowns.
Santana Moss, Washington Redksins
Moss has fallen off many peoples radars. He is a great veteran in the league and has proven himself year after year he is one of the top receivers in the game.
But as of late, Moss has not put up the numbers he did in a Jets uniform. Then again, that was before he got McNabb on his team now.
Moss and McNabb could create a deadly one, two punch. So if you see Moss available in the 12-14 rounds, and you are in need of a third string receiver. Do not hesitate to draft Moss.
Nate Burleson, Detroit Lions
Burleson is a perfect possession receiver that the Lions needed. He will benefit playing alongside Calvin Johnson who will get most of the attention down field.
So, if Burleson is able to come in and catch 90 passes for 1,000 yards, most of these passes will becoming from short dump offs, and Nate running for 20 more yards.
Again, this all will only happen if Stafford is ready enough and comfortable enough in the pocket making quick decisions.
Devin Hester, Chicago Bears
Hester is a perfect pick as a second or third option for receiver on your team. He is the main target for Cutler on the Bears team, and he will also bring in kick return and punt return yards.
Malcolm Floyd, San Diego Chargers
With all the attention on defense towards Vincent Jackson and Antonio Gates when it comes to the Charges passing game, Floyd is easy to overlook.
You could see Floyd have a breakout season next year. He did have an excellent season last year, catching 45 passes for 776 yards and one touchdown.
Johnny Knox, Chicago Bears
Knox showed flashed of a up and coming receiver last season. But then he showed some flashed, of why he was a rookie.
With that being said, Knox is a terrific receiver and uses his speed and great hands to get by defenders and score touchdowns. He caught 45 receptions lest season for 527 yards and five touchdowns.
Look for Knox and Hester to be Cutlers main targets come next season.
Anquan Boldin, Baltimore Ravens
Boldin, may not seem like the fantasy sleeper to many, but this will be his first time as a true number one option.
He has a good young quarterback in Flacco, and a great running game. You mix those things together, with Boldin’s talent and you have the potential for a monster season.
I am predicting a pro bowl season for Boldin next summer. Watch out fantasy owners!
Tight Ends
Zach Miller, Oakland Raiders
Miller has been a consistent player for many seasons, even with terrible quarterbacks.
Now, he has a pretty solid quarterback in Jason Campbell and could be a threat to eclipse 1,000 yards next season.
He was able to attain 805 yards last season with quarterbacks JaMarcus Russell and Bruce Gradkowski. Now with Campbell, look for things to change.
Dustin Keller, New York Jets
Keller has been very consistent over his first two season in the NFL. Averaging around 525 yards a season and about two touchdowns a year.
It is about time he has a breakout season, and I am thinking it could be next season.
If you are someone who waits to the later rounds to pick up a tight end, Keller will be a safe bet for you.
Jermichael Finley, Green Bay Packers
Finley is a stud in the making for the Packers. He is starting to draw away catches from the Packers receivers and gaining for attention from defenders as being a valid target.
Finley caught 55 passes for 676 yards and five touchdowns in his first real season as the top tight end.
Look for Finley to have a great season next year, and will be a great pick up for those in need of a tight end in the mid to late stages in the draft.
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