|
|
 |
 |   |
EVENTS Fantasy Central Inside Game Video Plus Statitudes Your Turn Message Boards Email Newsletters Golf Guide Cities 
CNNSI.com GROUP
COMMERCE
|  |
Breaking out Several players primed for success this season
With training camps under way and the season right around the corner, here are a bunch of players I believe are positioned to have really big years. Traded to Tennessee this spring, former St. Louis defensive end Kevin Carter couldn't have asked for a better situation. He'll line up opposite Jevon Kearse and that combination could spell career highs in sacks for both players. Here's an interesting parallel: In 1999, Marco Coleman had 6.5 sacks for the Redskins, the best effort of his nine-year career. Then he played opposite Bruce Smith in 2000 and nearly doubled his sack total to 12 while Smith collected 10. The Titans' tandem should easily outproduce Washington's duo.
Kansas City's Richie Owens is a darkhorse for double-digit sacks. He'll line up next to Eric Hicks, who had 14 sacks last year. Plus, he'll be reunited with his former defensive line coach, Bob Karmelowicz. When Owens lined up next to Sean Gilbert in Washington -- under Karm's watchful eye -- he had 11 sacks. With Norv Turner calling the plays in San Diego and Doug Flutie being Doug Flutie, I would bet that Jeff Graham and Curtis Conway each will push 70 receptions. The Chargers have been riding on a quarterbacking carousel the past few seasons. But with Flutie on board and LaDainian Tomlinson in the backfield, there should be a lot more opportunities. Another receiver to keep your eye on is second-year man Travis Taylor of the Ravens. His rookie season came to an abrupt end after nine games. He had been on a pace for 50 receptions and six touchdowns. Word out of Baltimore is that Brian Billick wants to feature Taylor and that could move the sophomore up to the 70-catch range. In my mind, Packers tight end Bubba Franks is ready to explode this year. Franks started slowly in his rookie season but came on to catch a respectable 34 balls. Green Bay's second tight end, Tyronne Davis, injured his hamstring in June and will probably miss the season. I believe Franks will catch upwards of 65 passes this season. Pat Kirwan, who spent 12 years as a pro football coach, scout and personnel administrator, is an NFL analyst for CNN/Sports Illustrated and a regular contributor to CNNSI.com.
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||
