Preseason breakdown: NFC East
Mike Doria
RotoWire, Updated 8 minutes ago STORY TOOLS:
As we wind toward training camp, here's a look at players who are rising and falling and sleepers on each team. Additionally, for leagues that use individual defensive players, we'll add an IDP snapshot for each team. This week we look at the NFC East.
Dallas Cowboys
Rising: Julius Jones broke 1,000 rushing yards and played 16 games for the first time in 2006. Marion Barber's touchdown explosion overshadowed Jones' development and will keep his perceived value down.
Falling: The production was great, but Terrell Owens is 33 and the injury bug keeps biting. He's also had an ominously quiet off-season. If he costs a top pick, buyer beware.
Sleeper: Both starting WRs are over 30 and starting to show their age. Patrick Crayton, a solid possession receiver, would benefit if either broke down.
Supersleeper: Stuck behind Jason Witten, Anthony Fasano has a limited role in the offense, but he's a talented pass-catcher who could surprise if he gets a chance.
IDP Watch
1. DeMarcus Ware, LB: Double-digit sack threat is still developing and could find another level in Phillips' system.
2. Roy Williams, S: Williams needs a solid free safety to allow him to regain his elite IDP status. Ken Hamlin could be the answer.
3. Anthony Spencer, LB: With Ware attracting double teams, Spencer could thrive on the other side of the pass rush.
New York Giants
Rising: Brandon Jacobs goes from goal-line specialist to feature back, and though Reuben Droughns will also be in the mix, Droughns' role will largely depend on Jacobs' performance.
Falling: Amani Toomer will turn 33 in September and is trying to come back from midseason ACL surgery. Even if he recovers fully, he's at best a reliable possession threat.
Sleeper: The Giants Defense has both Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora back, and Mathias Kiwanuka will also put pressure on quarterbacks from his new strong side linebacker spot. The team also spent its first round pick on cornerback Aaron Ross to help shore up a leaky pass defense.
Supersleeper: Sinorice Moss was sidelined by a quad injury for most of his rookie year, but he's healthy now. With the Giants lacking a great No. 2 option opposite Plaxico Burress, Moss, who has game-breaking quickness and speed, could emerge as a big-play threat.
IDP Watch
1. Antonio Pierce, LB: The team's middle linebacker is a shoo-in to be among the league leaders in tackles.
2. Gibril Wilson, SS: Wilson uses his range to place among the league leaders in tackles for a defensive back. A top IDP option for safeties.
3. Michael Strahan/Osi Umenyiora, DE: Big time pass rushers who make a lot of tackles for defensive ends.
Philadelphia Eagles
Rising: No longer competing for looks with Donte' Stallworth, Reggie Brown enters the season as Philadelphia's clear-cut No. 1 option in the passing game. His six catches for 40 or more yards last year reveal just how explosive he can be.
Falling: Troublesome knees have made Jeremiah Trotter a shell of his former self.
Sleeper: Kevin Curtis' speed is a good fit in Andy Reid's scheme, plus he finally gets to start.
Supersleeper: Tony Hunt should be the goal-line back immediately, with the possibility of earning starter snaps should Westbrook go down.
IDP Watch
1. Jevon Kearse, DE: Had 3.5 sacks in two games before succumbing to injury last season.
2. Brian Dawkins, SS: Finished last year with a career-best 94 tackles, while also tying his personal record for interceptions with four.
3. Takeo Spikes, LB: Expects to play weakside for Philadelphia, where he should be able to rack up plenty of tackles.
Washington Redskins
Rising: Chris Cooley demonstrated a strong connection with Jason Campbell last season and will look to build on that chemistry. With another year in Al Saunders' offense, Cooley could push himself into the elite category of tight ends.
Falling: With Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts both able to carry the load, they in effect hurt each other's values. They will be sharing carries to start the season.
Sleeper: While Jason Campbell has only seven games under his belt, this is his third season in the league.
Supersleeper: Antwaan Randle El is explosive enough to provide the spark the team needs out of a second receiver.
IDP Watch
1. Sean Taylor, S: Led the Redskins in tackles last season with 111. He should get more opportunities for interceptions in 2007 with his move to free safety.
2. Marcus Washington, LB: Returning from hip surgery and should be healthy this season.
3. London Fletcher-Baker, LB: Tackling machine should thrive in a defense he knows well.
RotoWire, Updated 8 minutes ago STORY TOOLS:
As we wind toward training camp, here's a look at players who are rising and falling and sleepers on each team. Additionally, for leagues that use individual defensive players, we'll add an IDP snapshot for each team. This week we look at the NFC East.
Dallas Cowboys
Rising: Julius Jones broke 1,000 rushing yards and played 16 games for the first time in 2006. Marion Barber's touchdown explosion overshadowed Jones' development and will keep his perceived value down.
Falling: The production was great, but Terrell Owens is 33 and the injury bug keeps biting. He's also had an ominously quiet off-season. If he costs a top pick, buyer beware.
Sleeper: Both starting WRs are over 30 and starting to show their age. Patrick Crayton, a solid possession receiver, would benefit if either broke down.
Supersleeper: Stuck behind Jason Witten, Anthony Fasano has a limited role in the offense, but he's a talented pass-catcher who could surprise if he gets a chance.
IDP Watch
1. DeMarcus Ware, LB: Double-digit sack threat is still developing and could find another level in Phillips' system.
2. Roy Williams, S: Williams needs a solid free safety to allow him to regain his elite IDP status. Ken Hamlin could be the answer.
3. Anthony Spencer, LB: With Ware attracting double teams, Spencer could thrive on the other side of the pass rush.
New York Giants
Rising: Brandon Jacobs goes from goal-line specialist to feature back, and though Reuben Droughns will also be in the mix, Droughns' role will largely depend on Jacobs' performance.
Falling: Amani Toomer will turn 33 in September and is trying to come back from midseason ACL surgery. Even if he recovers fully, he's at best a reliable possession threat.
Sleeper: The Giants Defense has both Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora back, and Mathias Kiwanuka will also put pressure on quarterbacks from his new strong side linebacker spot. The team also spent its first round pick on cornerback Aaron Ross to help shore up a leaky pass defense.
Supersleeper: Sinorice Moss was sidelined by a quad injury for most of his rookie year, but he's healthy now. With the Giants lacking a great No. 2 option opposite Plaxico Burress, Moss, who has game-breaking quickness and speed, could emerge as a big-play threat.
IDP Watch
1. Antonio Pierce, LB: The team's middle linebacker is a shoo-in to be among the league leaders in tackles.
2. Gibril Wilson, SS: Wilson uses his range to place among the league leaders in tackles for a defensive back. A top IDP option for safeties.
3. Michael Strahan/Osi Umenyiora, DE: Big time pass rushers who make a lot of tackles for defensive ends.
Philadelphia Eagles
Rising: No longer competing for looks with Donte' Stallworth, Reggie Brown enters the season as Philadelphia's clear-cut No. 1 option in the passing game. His six catches for 40 or more yards last year reveal just how explosive he can be.
Falling: Troublesome knees have made Jeremiah Trotter a shell of his former self.
Sleeper: Kevin Curtis' speed is a good fit in Andy Reid's scheme, plus he finally gets to start.
Supersleeper: Tony Hunt should be the goal-line back immediately, with the possibility of earning starter snaps should Westbrook go down.
IDP Watch
1. Jevon Kearse, DE: Had 3.5 sacks in two games before succumbing to injury last season.
2. Brian Dawkins, SS: Finished last year with a career-best 94 tackles, while also tying his personal record for interceptions with four.
3. Takeo Spikes, LB: Expects to play weakside for Philadelphia, where he should be able to rack up plenty of tackles.
Washington Redskins
Rising: Chris Cooley demonstrated a strong connection with Jason Campbell last season and will look to build on that chemistry. With another year in Al Saunders' offense, Cooley could push himself into the elite category of tight ends.
Falling: With Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts both able to carry the load, they in effect hurt each other's values. They will be sharing carries to start the season.
Sleeper: While Jason Campbell has only seven games under his belt, this is his third season in the league.
Supersleeper: Antwaan Randle El is explosive enough to provide the spark the team needs out of a second receiver.
IDP Watch
1. Sean Taylor, S: Led the Redskins in tackles last season with 111. He should get more opportunities for interceptions in 2007 with his move to free safety.
2. Marcus Washington, LB: Returning from hip surgery and should be healthy this season.
3. London Fletcher-Baker, LB: Tackling machine should thrive in a defense he knows well.
posted by The Gryphon at 6:23 PM
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