Reche Caldwell- With the revolving door at WR in New England this season, there has yet to be some one to step up and assume the role as the number one wideout. The physically gifted Caldwell did his best to seize that role by having 134 yards and 1 TD on 4 catches in the season finale. With the dismissal of Doug Gabriel and inconsistency of Chad Jackson, Caldwell is the one of WR who played the best among the new crop that came into New England this year. Caldwell is only 27, and I see him becoming the next David Givens in that offense.
Cedric Houston/Leon Washington- Although Houston was coming back for the Jets, it figured to be a long day for their rushing game against a stout Raiders rush defense. Houston was a bit rusty and had trouble finding holes. He finished the day with just 44 yards on 16 carries. He's explosive backfield mate Leon Washington had 15 carries for 53 yards and a TD. Washington is as explosive as any RB in the NFL, but his size and injury history will prevent him from ever becoming an every down back. However, don't be surprised if the Jets rely more on Washington than they do on Houston against the Patriots Sunday.
Lee Evans- While there have been doubts about the Bills offense throughout the season, now that they are finished I would be lying if I did not say I was impressed with what I saw in Buffalo this season. Evans has become one of the best big play WRs in football. After 145 yards and a TD on Sunday, Evans finished the season with 1290 yards receiving and 8 TDs. Despite being a big play guy, Evans still managed to put up steady numbers next week. If Losman can take the final step towards me a solid NFL QB, the Bills are a team to watch in 2007.
Willie Parker- The third year back out of UNC finished his tremendous 2006 seasin with a bang. The only thing that was keeping Cincinnati from the playoff were the Steelers. The main reason why the Bengals now sit at home is that they could not stop the Steelers running game. Parker scampered for 134 yards and 2 TDs on 37 carries in their big win. There were a lot of questions around the NFL season about whether Parker could handle the load, but after a terrific 2006 season, Parker now has shown that he is one of the most reliable in RBs in football. with 1494 yards rushing and 16 total TDs, Parker had one of the best seasons running the ball in the NFL this season.
Santonio Holmes- The play that ended Cincinnati's season came in the form of a Ben Roethlisberger to Santonio Holmes TD pass. Holmes was able to elude all the defenders chasing him before diving past the pylon. It seems only fitting that the Bengals season would end in the hands of some one who also was arrested during one point of the year. Holmes has not only had a dramatic TD catch in week 17, but he also has put together a very impressive finish in his rookie year. He finished with 824 yards receiving and a TD even though he was used sparingly in the first month. Holmes has a very bright future ahead of him, and he should start opposite Hines Ward next season.
Chris Henry- From one WR with an arrest to another. The Bengals offense was not at the top of their game, which was rather surprising considering it was a must win game against an arch rival at home. The one player who did look impressive was troubled WR Chris Henry. The bottom line with Henry is that if that he is one of the most physically gifted WRs in the NFL despite all his off the field issues. He finished with 124 yards receiving and a TD including several catches at crucial times in the game. Henry only played 13 games this season, but he finished with 605 yards receiving and 9 TDs. The touchdowns are so high because his size makes him a great threat in the endzone. Henry would be at least a second WR on any other team in football, but for now he's just one of several talented WRs on the Bengals.
Charlie Frye- When this season began, I had the feeling that Frye would step up for the Browns and have a solid season showing that once again a MAC quarterback can get it done in this league. As I watched Frye perform weekly, I realized I may be wrong. He has an NFL arm, but his decision making is just not good enough to be an NFL starter. In his return from a wrist injury, Frye was 25 of 34 for 187 yards, 0 TDs, and 1 INT. Despite a very shaky season, Frye will most likely be given another chance next year. However, Brady Quinn has actually made the comment that he would like to play Cleveland, and there will also be the home town pressure to draft Troy Smith. I doubt Quinn will be there for their pick and that they will actually select Smith. The most likely scenario is that Cleveland will bring in a veteran to compete with Frye, and the name Drew Bledsoe makes a lot of sense to me.
Peyton Manning- A strong finish to another outstanding season for Peyton Manning. Against a tough Miami defense in the regular season finale, Peyton was 22 of 37 for 282 yards and 2 TDs. His final numbers were 4397 passing yards, 31 TDs, and only 9 INTs. He also had a very solid 65.0 completion percentage. We've become so accustomed to this that we sometimes forget just how remarkable a season like this would be for any other QB. Of all the Colts teams in recent memory, this one I would say has the smallest chance of winning the Super Bowl due to their rush defense. Peyton is now 30 years old, and he better hope that the Colts can finally upgrade their defense in 2007 or Manning may never win that one big game.
David Garrard- Are you happy now Jacksonville? I hope you have finally learned your lesson and will turn back to Byron Leftwich for the 2007 season. David Garrard, who was never actually good, was the starting QB in Jacksonville due to a phantom injury to Byron Leftwich who clearly capable of playing. In the midst of another horrible game on Sunday that cost them a playoff spot, Garrard was actually replaced with Quinn Gray. Garrard's backup played fairly well, but he's no long term option. If Garrard is the starter next year in Jacksonville, I will be shocked and immediately call for Coach Del Rio's head to be examined.
Vince Young- Amazingly enough if the Titans didn't lose on Sunday they would have been in the playoffs. However, the Patriots, who said they would rest their starters after a series, decided to help the Chiefs out and play their starters basically the whole game for no reason. Young struggled with his accuracy against a team that baffles rookie QBs, but he did still manage to finish with 227 yards passing. Young also ran in his 7 TD of the season. The finishing numbers on his surprising rookie numbers are a 51.7 completion percentage, 2199 yards passing, 12 TDs, 13 INTs, and 552 yards passing. If Young can make some progress over the offseason as a passer, he will become one of the best QBs in football in only his second season.
Chris Taylor- First, for those of you who may be asking who is Chris Taylor, I'll give you a little background on him. He's been on the practice squad for the Texans all season just until recent weeks, but Coach Kubiak has always been impressed by him so he decided to give him a shot in week 17. Coach Kubiak angered many fantasy owners because he did this by not giving Ron Dayne one carry all game. Taylor had 99 yards on 20 carries while also scoring a TD in his first shot carrying a full load. While Taylor looked decent, I doubt that he will be anything more than a backup in the NFL for his career.
Larry Johnson- At the time they didn't know it, but after the Chiefs won a tough test against Jacksonville they would learn juts four hours later that it was the win that got them to the playoffs. Johnson led the day once again for the Chiefs he had 138 yards rushing and 3 TDs on 33 carries. Johnson showed that last year's finish was just the beginning as he rushed for 1789 yards and 19 total TDs in his first full season as a starter. In 11 of his 16 games he went over the 100 yard mark on the ground. The Chiefs now will face the Colts in the first round, and all signs point to a field day for Johnson in his first playoff appearance.
Eddie Kennison- Since taking over as Kansas City's number one WR has put up decent numbers, but nothing too impressive. To be fair, the real number one WR is Tony Gonzalez, but he plays TE. His numbers were never too spectacular to begin with, but it's clear that Kennison's performance had fallen off a bit in 2006. He did manage to go out with a bang this regular season by racking up 144 yards and a TD in a huge win over Jacksonville. It seems like almost a given that Kansas City will try to bring in a top WR and shift Kennison to their second wideout.
Jay Cutler- The Broncos may have lost a game they clearly should have won to make the playoffs on Sunday, but in no way at all can you blame Jay Cutler. Stats wise he was 21 of 32 for 230 yards, 1 TD, and 1 INT, but they don;t even tell the story. Cutler was knocked in the first half and suffered a head injury. It may have been some form of a concussion, and it looked like he'd be out the rest of the game. However, Cutler returned and led his team on an 80 yard drive in the final minutes of regulation to send the game into overtime. Although the Broncos did not make the playoffs, I have to praise Coach Shanahan's decision to go to Cutler who is clearly better than Jake Plummer. He seems to have a very bright future ahead of him, and the Broncos are in safe hands for the next decade.
Tatum Bell/Mike Bell- What an utter mess the Broncos running game has been in 2006. Thanks again Mike Shanahan. Tatum Bell has lost all support after developing fumbling issues in the last few games of the year. He ran for 48 yards on 12 carries and fumbled on Sunday. His teammate Mike Bell had 66 yards on 11 carries. After 16 games, neither RB showed anything that would separate him from the other. The backfield picture is as hazy as it has ever been, and I could not even venture a guess who will start next season for Denver.
-David Cassilo
Cedric Houston/Leon Washington- Although Houston was coming back for the Jets, it figured to be a long day for their rushing game against a stout Raiders rush defense. Houston was a bit rusty and had trouble finding holes. He finished the day with just 44 yards on 16 carries. He's explosive backfield mate Leon Washington had 15 carries for 53 yards and a TD. Washington is as explosive as any RB in the NFL, but his size and injury history will prevent him from ever becoming an every down back. However, don't be surprised if the Jets rely more on Washington than they do on Houston against the Patriots Sunday.
Lee Evans- While there have been doubts about the Bills offense throughout the season, now that they are finished I would be lying if I did not say I was impressed with what I saw in Buffalo this season. Evans has become one of the best big play WRs in football. After 145 yards and a TD on Sunday, Evans finished the season with 1290 yards receiving and 8 TDs. Despite being a big play guy, Evans still managed to put up steady numbers next week. If Losman can take the final step towards me a solid NFL QB, the Bills are a team to watch in 2007.
Willie Parker- The third year back out of UNC finished his tremendous 2006 seasin with a bang. The only thing that was keeping Cincinnati from the playoff were the Steelers. The main reason why the Bengals now sit at home is that they could not stop the Steelers running game. Parker scampered for 134 yards and 2 TDs on 37 carries in their big win. There were a lot of questions around the NFL season about whether Parker could handle the load, but after a terrific 2006 season, Parker now has shown that he is one of the most reliable in RBs in football. with 1494 yards rushing and 16 total TDs, Parker had one of the best seasons running the ball in the NFL this season.
Santonio Holmes- The play that ended Cincinnati's season came in the form of a Ben Roethlisberger to Santonio Holmes TD pass. Holmes was able to elude all the defenders chasing him before diving past the pylon. It seems only fitting that the Bengals season would end in the hands of some one who also was arrested during one point of the year. Holmes has not only had a dramatic TD catch in week 17, but he also has put together a very impressive finish in his rookie year. He finished with 824 yards receiving and a TD even though he was used sparingly in the first month. Holmes has a very bright future ahead of him, and he should start opposite Hines Ward next season.Chris Henry- From one WR with an arrest to another. The Bengals offense was not at the top of their game, which was rather surprising considering it was a must win game against an arch rival at home. The one player who did look impressive was troubled WR Chris Henry. The bottom line with Henry is that if that he is one of the most physically gifted WRs in the NFL despite all his off the field issues. He finished with 124 yards receiving and a TD including several catches at crucial times in the game. Henry only played 13 games this season, but he finished with 605 yards receiving and 9 TDs. The touchdowns are so high because his size makes him a great threat in the endzone. Henry would be at least a second WR on any other team in football, but for now he's just one of several talented WRs on the Bengals.
Charlie Frye- When this season began, I had the feeling that Frye would step up for the Browns and have a solid season showing that once again a MAC quarterback can get it done in this league. As I watched Frye perform weekly, I realized I may be wrong. He has an NFL arm, but his decision making is just not good enough to be an NFL starter. In his return from a wrist injury, Frye was 25 of 34 for 187 yards, 0 TDs, and 1 INT. Despite a very shaky season, Frye will most likely be given another chance next year. However, Brady Quinn has actually made the comment that he would like to play Cleveland, and there will also be the home town pressure to draft Troy Smith. I doubt Quinn will be there for their pick and that they will actually select Smith. The most likely scenario is that Cleveland will bring in a veteran to compete with Frye, and the name Drew Bledsoe makes a lot of sense to me.
Peyton Manning- A strong finish to another outstanding season for Peyton Manning. Against a tough Miami defense in the regular season finale, Peyton was 22 of 37 for 282 yards and 2 TDs. His final numbers were 4397 passing yards, 31 TDs, and only 9 INTs. He also had a very solid 65.0 completion percentage. We've become so accustomed to this that we sometimes forget just how remarkable a season like this would be for any other QB. Of all the Colts teams in recent memory, this one I would say has the smallest chance of winning the Super Bowl due to their rush defense. Peyton is now 30 years old, and he better hope that the Colts can finally upgrade their defense in 2007 or Manning may never win that one big game.
David Garrard- Are you happy now Jacksonville? I hope you have finally learned your lesson and will turn back to Byron Leftwich for the 2007 season. David Garrard, who was never actually good, was the starting QB in Jacksonville due to a phantom injury to Byron Leftwich who clearly capable of playing. In the midst of another horrible game on Sunday that cost them a playoff spot, Garrard was actually replaced with Quinn Gray. Garrard's backup played fairly well, but he's no long term option. If Garrard is the starter next year in Jacksonville, I will be shocked and immediately call for Coach Del Rio's head to be examined.
Vince Young- Amazingly enough if the Titans didn't lose on Sunday they would have been in the playoffs. However, the Patriots, who said they would rest their starters after a series, decided to help the Chiefs out and play their starters basically the whole game for no reason. Young struggled with his accuracy against a team that baffles rookie QBs, but he did still manage to finish with 227 yards passing. Young also ran in his 7 TD of the season. The finishing numbers on his surprising rookie numbers are a 51.7 completion percentage, 2199 yards passing, 12 TDs, 13 INTs, and 552 yards passing. If Young can make some progress over the offseason as a passer, he will become one of the best QBs in football in only his second season.
Chris Taylor- First, for those of you who may be asking who is Chris Taylor, I'll give you a little background on him. He's been on the practice squad for the Texans all season just until recent weeks, but Coach Kubiak has always been impressed by him so he decided to give him a shot in week 17. Coach Kubiak angered many fantasy owners because he did this by not giving Ron Dayne one carry all game. Taylor had 99 yards on 20 carries while also scoring a TD in his first shot carrying a full load. While Taylor looked decent, I doubt that he will be anything more than a backup in the NFL for his career.
Larry Johnson- At the time they didn't know it, but after the Chiefs won a tough test against Jacksonville they would learn juts four hours later that it was the win that got them to the playoffs. Johnson led the day once again for the Chiefs he had 138 yards rushing and 3 TDs on 33 carries. Johnson showed that last year's finish was just the beginning as he rushed for 1789 yards and 19 total TDs in his first full season as a starter. In 11 of his 16 games he went over the 100 yard mark on the ground. The Chiefs now will face the Colts in the first round, and all signs point to a field day for Johnson in his first playoff appearance.
Eddie Kennison- Since taking over as Kansas City's number one WR has put up decent numbers, but nothing too impressive. To be fair, the real number one WR is Tony Gonzalez, but he plays TE. His numbers were never too spectacular to begin with, but it's clear that Kennison's performance had fallen off a bit in 2006. He did manage to go out with a bang this regular season by racking up 144 yards and a TD in a huge win over Jacksonville. It seems like almost a given that Kansas City will try to bring in a top WR and shift Kennison to their second wideout.
Jay Cutler- The Broncos may have lost a game they clearly should have won to make the playoffs on Sunday, but in no way at all can you blame Jay Cutler. Stats wise he was 21 of 32 for 230 yards, 1 TD, and 1 INT, but they don;t even tell the story. Cutler was knocked in the first half and suffered a head injury. It may have been some form of a concussion, and it looked like he'd be out the rest of the game. However, Cutler returned and led his team on an 80 yard drive in the final minutes of regulation to send the game into overtime. Although the Broncos did not make the playoffs, I have to praise Coach Shanahan's decision to go to Cutler who is clearly better than Jake Plummer. He seems to have a very bright future ahead of him, and the Broncos are in safe hands for the next decade.
Tatum Bell/Mike Bell- What an utter mess the Broncos running game has been in 2006. Thanks again Mike Shanahan. Tatum Bell has lost all support after developing fumbling issues in the last few games of the year. He ran for 48 yards on 12 carries and fumbled on Sunday. His teammate Mike Bell had 66 yards on 11 carries. After 16 games, neither RB showed anything that would separate him from the other. The backfield picture is as hazy as it has ever been, and I could not even venture a guess who will start next season for Denver.
-David Cassilo
Contact at asuhouse@aol.com
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