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New Rams CB
Aeneas Williams
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If you listen very closely, you can hear the 2001 NFL season rumbling down the tracks
toward us. Here are the 20 storylines I’m most looking forward to seeing played out
in the months ahead.
1. Rams’ defense — This intrigues me because the parameters of the
final outcome are so vast. The Rams practically started from scratch and have added a ton
of talent that could do terrific things. With so many newcomers, however, will chemistry
and cohesiveness be a problem that results in disaster? Given how spectacular the offense
is, the results of the defensive experiment become unbelievably interesting to watch.
2. Broncos’ running backs — On the one hand, you could say this is not
at all interesting since whoever runs the ball behind Denver’s always effective
offensive line will gain a ton of yards. What makes this so incredibly interesting is the
battle royale for the starting job. Terrell Davis was a superstar before injury problems
derailed his career. Mike Anderson was sensational last year. Olandis Gary was terrific
two seasons ago. Who is going to be the star? Who is going to spend time on the bench?
This is "Survivor" NFL style.
3. Titans’ 1-2 DE punch — Jevon Kearse is flat out scary to opposing
quarterbacks, and so was Kevin Carter two seasons ago. Then Carter went into a funk over
contract matters with the Rams. A new deal and a new uniform could very well re-energize
Carter. If that is the case, this could be the most destructive pass-rushing tandem in a
long time.
4. Redskins’ fireworks — Maybe things will be calm in Washington, but
the potential is there for a real soap opera. Will Daniel Snyder stay out of Marty
Schottenheimer’s way if the team struggles? Will Jeff George run into the same
problems that have plagued him in other cities?
5. 49ers’ ground game — I rank this storyline higher than you’d
expect because of the possibility that Garrison Hearst will make a comeback for the ages.
If he can’t, can any one running back provide enough punch to give balance to an
otherwise terrific offense?
6. Buccaneers’ boom or busts — Warrick Dunn and Simeon Rice have the
potential to do amazing things. Dunn is finally going to get the chance to be the main man
in the running game. He could add some much needed juice to the offense, but it remains to
be seen if he can take the pounding over the long haul of a season. Rice has the ability
to do shocking things in the pass rush as part of an amazing defensive front. But will
Rice’s poor play against the run hurt the Tampa Bay defense?
7. Cowboys’ skill positions — We’re going to find out this season
if Jerry Jones badly miscalculated by giving the QB job to the always disappointing Tony
Banks. It will be very interesting to see how the Cowboys’ speedy wideouts return
from injury. Lastly, will all of the uncertainty at the other skill positions hinder
all-time great RB Emmitt Smith?
8. Eagles RB Duce Staley — If Staley can make a strong contribution in his
return from injury, Donovan McNabb & Co. might be ready for great things.
9. Saints’ backfield battles — The most interesting fight is at
quarterback, where Aaron Brooks and Jeff Blake look like they might battle tooth and nail.
Also worth the price of admission is how Ricky Williams reacts to the threat posed by
Deuce McAllister.
10. Raiders’ wide receivers — Jerry Rice and Tim Brown have had
astonishing careers. Do they have much left in their respective tanks? Will their tricks
of the trade cumulatively drive defensive backs crazy? Or will their cumulative loss of
speed hurt? And how will two men of such enormous accomplishment coexist on the same team?
11. Jaguars’ skill-position health — How well Jimmy Smith rebounds
from an offseason of abdominal woes will be significant. As usual, questions continue
about whether amazing RB Fred Taylor can stay healthy for an entire season.
12. Dennis Green’s way of building a team — Can Green’s Vikings
get over the hump given the lack of firepower on the defensive side of the ball? On
offense, will the addition of rookie RB Michael Bennett offset the loss of Robert Smith
and allow the offense to continue to be unbelievably explosive?
13. Mike Holmgren’s way of building a team — Can Holmgren work his
magic with QB Matt Hasselbeck? On the defensive side of the ball, a lot of big names were
added, but how much do they have left?
14. John Butler’s way of building a team — The personnel changes on
both sides of the ball are very intriguing. San Diego will be improved, but I can’t
wait to see if they will be shockingly better.
15. Jets QB Vinny Testaverde — This might seem like a surprising pick. What
is interesting about Testaverde? I’m intrigued by the all-or-nothing possibilities
for him. I wouldn’t be surprised if Testaverde really steps up his play now that
he’s another year removed from his Achilles injury. On the other hand, the presence
of Chad Pennington could send Testaverde to the bench.
16. Bengals’ quarterbacks — Can Akili Smith finally get it done? If
the answer is yes, the pieces are in place for a terrific offense with Corey Dillon and
Peter Warrick as major weapons.
17. Panthers’ quarterbacks — Ancient rookie Chris Weinke intrigues me.
The rest of the combatants don’t.
18. Falcons QB Michael Vick — Will he play much at quarterback? Will he
electrify the football world in a "slash" role?
19. Colts MLB Rob Morris — Can the young Colts linebacker rebound from
injury and upgrade the defense enough to complement a Super Bowl-caliber offense?
20. Bears’ quarterbacks — The players competing for the job don’t
excite me, but a QB battle is always entertaining. |
