ATLANTA RAISES QUESTIONS WITH BIG NFL SIGNING
At the end of January each year, as the NFL-USFL Transfer Window opens we expect a few big-name signings to shake things up just as USFL camps open up. We tend to get at least a handful of meaningful upgrades, but every once in a while, there is a signing which sends ripples through the league. That is certainly the case this year, but perhaps for a unique reason. Just 3 days into the transfer window the Atlanta Fire made a very unexpected signing, one that has raised more questions than it answered. The Fire signed the biggest QB on the market this offseason, nabbing former Super Bowl QB Drew Bledsoe away from the New England Patriots. Bledsoe, who suffered an injury early in the 2001 NFL season, lost his starting job due to the emergence of his backup Duante Culpepper, who would lead the Patriots to a Super Bowl appearance. Despite having 2 more years on his contract, and despite helping New England reach the Super Bowl when he came on in relief of Culpepper in a playoff matchup against Pittsburgh, Bledsoe was let go. Atlanta jumped at the chance to sign the multiple year All-Pro quarterback.
And here is where the real mystery begins. Yes, there is the on-field question of why Atlanta made such a big move, particularly when they had spent most of the offseason talking up starter Mark Bulger. And there is the question of Bledsoe’s health, as he aggravated the injury which had knocked him out early in the season. Not a simple joint injury, Bledsoe’s issue was heart related, a hemothorax issue that caused internal bleeding. It is expected that Bledsoe will not be able to suit up again for at least 2 months, meaning a week 4 or 5 option at the earliest for the Fire. Those are both big issues, issues new head coach John Fox is going to have to answer over the next weeks, and yet there is more.
The fact that Bledsoe comes to the Fire from New England, where he has a pretty enthusiastic following, has not gone unnoticed by many in team circles, and with the identity of the proposed new owners for the Fire still unknown, there is significant concern that this signing was more than a small indication that the franchise may well be headed to Boston for 2003. It makes sense, at least to those who are looking for clues. You bring in the big hero of the Patriots just as the team is about to announce a relocation to his core fan base. Other than signing BC legend Doug Flutie, there is not another player who would immediately bring Boston fans on board than Bledsoe.
So, is this a sign of something to come, or was it just too good an option to pass up, an elite QB in the prime of his career, yes, a bit dinged up and with some long term concerns for health, but a player who could excite a largely moribund fanbase. It could just be shrewd football or it could be much more. While we won’t see Bledsoe on the field for at least a month of the season, the real question is when we will get answers about the Fire as a franchise. The Boston Colonials Football Group made a serious pitch for the Portland Thunder and failed. It would surprise no one if they then staked out the Atlanta Fire with a bid to bring them to Boston. They have a deal in place with Boston College for use of Alumni Stadium, solid financial backing, and represent a major market that the USFL would love to reach. All this plus the secrecy of the sealed proposal sent to league offices, and now the Bledsoe signing, and even those skeptical of early speculation have to wonder if the Atlanta Fire are gearing up for a potential 2003 relocation.
Bledsoe, while certainly the biggest story of the late free agency period, was certainly not alone. Several NFL players made the leap to the spring league, though none with quite the star power of the 6’5” QB. Among those joining the spring league perhaps the most potentially impactful is former Steeler LB James Farrior. A ranging linebacker known for athletic plays and big hits, Farrior is almost certain to be a week 1 starter and a big impact performer for the Blitz. Denver, still trying to figure out their running back room after the suspension of Rashaan Salaam, added another piece in bruising back Robert Holcombe, signed away from the Tennessee Copperheads. We still expect Rod Smart to be the primary back, but with Holcombe, the Gold now have that big pounder they like for short yardage and goal line plays. Other than backup TE Tyrone Davis, signed by Orlando from Green Bay, that is it for the “skill” positions, but several teams tried to add some beef in the NFL window. New additions across the league include DT Travis Kirschke (Lions) joining the Federals, LB Eddie Mason (Redskins) coming to Pittsburgh, DT John Parrella leaving the LA Raiders to join the New Jersey Generals, DE Leonard Little moving from the Rams to the Panthers, and CB Deshea Townsend inking with the Nashville Knights. Michigan was the most active of all USFL clubs, signing a total of 4 NFL players during the two windows. Along with Little, and earlier signings Cory Raymer and T Matt Willig, they added a 3rd lineman in guard Tre Johnson, signed away from the Cleveland Browns.
We also saw a few USFL players headed over to the NFL in this period, some potentially damaging for their USFL clubs. Chicago did not have to deal with a three-way kicker battle as unsigned John Carney departed for the San Diego Chargers, leaving Texas transfer Tim Seder and rookie Billy Cundiff as potential options. Michigan, for all their gains, lost a good one as strong safety Brock Marion just could not come to terms with the Panthers, eventually signing with the NFL Dolphins. New Orleans lost a good linebacker in Trev Alberts. Alberts had his issues with Head Coach Mike Nolan and used his free agent status to find a new home in Indianapolis. One of the toughest losses was probably that of Luther Ellis leaving the Portland Thunder for the Denver Broncos. Ellis was a mainstay of the Thunder’s D-line and will be hard to replace, though Portland’s Head Coach Ray Rhodes had nothing but praise for Kelvin Pritchett, the heir apparent for Ellis’s position. The Knights will enter their first season in Nashville without one of their best defenders as CB Troy Vincent opted to join the Philadelphia Eagles, and, finally, Tampa Bay will be happy they drafted Andra Davis and brought in Monty Beisel after losing thumper Winston Moss to the NFL Seahawks.
And, as always, there was also a lot of action within the USFL as the last of the free agents were signed and at least one post-draft trade made headlines. With both the starting QB and HB positions in doubt in Orlando, we expected that the Renegades might not be able to fill both spots with their limited draft capital. They took a shot and landed top prospect Joey Harrington by trading for Portland’s top T-Draft slot, but that still left HB as a very high need area. The Renegades did not draft a running back with any of their top picks, meaning they would need to do something in the few remaining weeks of camp. They did just that, making a deal with a division rival to surprise even the most engaged USFL fans. Jacksonville, having moved on from Sedrick Irvin, and having bolstered their own running attack by adding Leeland McElroy through free agency, were happy to get value for the former Michigan State Spartan, trading him to the Renegades for guard Mike Verstegen and a 5th round pick in 2003.
The move helps Orlando, who were looking at Amos Zeroe and Shyron Stith as the only backs available for them. Irvin, while in the doghouse with Coach Cunningham in Jacksonville, is likely to be a week 1 starter in Orlando. Meanwhile Jacksonville snags a quality guard to help make room for new starter Kenny Bynum. Orlando would go on to add a 4th halfback to their camp roster, signing free agent R.J. Redmond as well.
All of the other trades were about draft position, both in the Open Draft and the league’s first Territorial Draft in a decade. The first move, one we have already mentioned, was about that T-Draft, as Orlando gave up two first round picks, their open draft first rounder this year and in 2003, in order to get the top T-Draft pick from the Portland Thunder. We all knew what that meant, and it was no surprise when Orlando Head Coach announced that the pick would be Heisman finalist Joey Harrington of Oregon. Harrington immediately becomes the future of the Renegades, following the sudden retirement of Scott Mitchell. Coming off a senior season in which he threw for 27 touchdowns and led the Ducks to a Fiesta Bowl victory, Harrington will almost certainly be starting for the Renegades at some point this season, though we expect the club to try to prepare him with several games behind veteran Gus Frerotte, if only to allow his body some rest after a full college season.
The second big trade of the week also involved a T-Draft first rounder, as Washington sent Tampa Bay their top pick in the open round along with a 4th rounder so that they could make U. of Miami safety Ed Reed their first official selection. Reed jumped at the chance to play for the Federals, signing a 4-year deal within 24 hours of the pick. Tampa would use the two picks gained from Washington to enhance their roster as well, adding LB Andra Davis and DT Dorsett Davis to their roster, while still signing two quality U. of Miami players of their own (CB Phillip Buchanon and TE Jeremy Shockey).
The final big trade came the morning of the open draft, when it was announced that Memphis had arranged to trade for the overall #1 pick in the draft. Memphis had their eyes on the player they hope will be the next Reggie White, UNC DE Julius Peppers. To get him they sent their #19 pick in the round along with both 2002 and 2003 second round picks to the Fire. Atlanta needed players, but with Bruce Smith coming back for another year and Greg Ellis being groomed behind him, DE was not a core concern. So the Fire pick up 3 picks and Memphis gets the prestige edge rusher that they can build a new legacy behind.
With the trades out of the way, and the draft completed (more on the draft to come), the last option for clubs was the USFL free agent pool. Not a lot of huge names left by January, but a few who could make an impact this year. Here is our pick for the top signings of the late free agent period:
OFFENSE
QB Chuck Hartlieb: Houston to Philadelphia
HB Charlie Rogers: Birmingham to Chicago
HB Pat Chaffey: Philadelphia to Birmingham
HB J.R. Redmond: Atlanta to Orlando
WR Charles Tillman: Jacksonville to Houston
WR Andre Coleman: New Orleans to Ohio
WR Mike Bellamy: Ohio to Chicago
WR Curtis Mayfield: LA to Portland
WR Ahmad Merritt: New Jersey to Nashville
TE Cam Cleeland: Baltimore to Washington
TE Troy Drayton: LA to Tampa Bay
G Scott Conover: Washington to Portland
G Lester Holmes: Ohio to Philadelphia
C Steve McKinney: Tampa Bay to Philadelphia
K Owen Pochman: Oakland to Orlando
DEFENSE
DE Tony Hill: Memphis to Ohio
DE Roosevelt Nicks: Birmingham to New Jersey
LB John Holocek: Portland to LA
LB Tarek Salah: Baltimore to Texas
FS Eddie Brown: Michigan to Jacksonville
FS Curtis Love: Washington to Orlando
SS Jack Pratt: Jacksonville to Tampa Bay
CB Deon Figures: Orlando to Philadelphia
Another really interesting draft weekend with intriguing stories from across the league. While we will discuss new additions to each team’s roster as we preview all 24 clubs, we thought it would be worth highlighting the interesting stories that came out of USFL Draft Week and the subsequent signings. So, without any ado whatsoever, here are the top 6 stories we saw come out of this year’s Territorial and Open Collegiate Drafts.
Big Moves to Get Big Stars: You have already heard about the trades, but the second piece of the puzzle is the signing of top talent, and in all three cases where USFL teams made moves to draft top draft grade talent those moves paid off. Joey Harrington is in camp with Orlando after signing a rookie deal. Julius Peppers is making life tough for Memphis tackles in practice, and we can only imagine what he will do when the games go live, and Ed Reed is impressing the coaches in Washington. Three top tier talents headed to the Spring and the USFL.
Few But Mighty: Texas through trades over the past two years had only 7 total picks between the Open and T-Draft, but they made the most of them, signing 5 of 7 players to deals, including three talented players who may see quite a bit of action as rookies. First they landed one of the best UT Longhorn prospects in several years in the T-Draft, signing CB Quentin Jammer, who may move all the way up to the #1 slot by the end of camp. Then they added TCU tight end Matt Schobel, who likely will not start right away but has been looking good in camp. Finally, in the Open Draft they landed a shifty scatback who likely will be a big part of their kick return teams in Brian Westbrook from Villanova. Not bad for having only 7 total picks.
PAPER LIONS: The Stars are the consensus winners of draft day, not only acquiring a boatload of picks thanks to various trades, but having solid success in signing their selected players as well. Philadelphia brings no fewer than 7 rookie signees to camp, including some who we expect a lot out of in their first few years. Perhaps the most impressive so far in camp has been SS Tank Williams from Stanford, though we have also liked the look of LB Ryan Nece from UCLA as well. They got a bruising back in Iowa’s Ladell Betts with their first T-Draft pick. Betts will be a good relief for Stephen Alexander in what is sure to be a power run game for the Stars. While not expected to play this season, the Stars took a shot at a mid-level QB, but one who is showing a lot of upside. David Garrard of ECU will likely be the 3rd QB for the Stars this year, but has caught some eyes in his tape and in his first practices with the squad. Add to this a new potential kicker in Jeff Reed (UNC) and a Penn State TE, John Gilmore (a blocking TE with some ball skills too) and the Stars look like they have some kudos to give to their scouts.
CONVERTED QBS: While there is always a QB or two who gets drafted with the idea of converting them to another position, this year we have 2 who not only are headed in that direction, but come not from Division 2 or smaller schools, but from big programs. Nebraska’s Eric Crouch is a Heisman Winner, but as an option QB, does not look to take the standard path in the USFL. Picked by New Jersey, Coach Parcells has the Heisman Winner practicing at both WR and TE, hoping to turn his athleticism into usable skills as a receiver. The other big time QB to receiver shift is from former Indiana QB Antwan Randle-El, signed by the Pittsburgh Maulers. Randle-El trained as a WR in preparation for the draft and is already showing that his elusivity and ball skills are in demand. Expect the rookie to play a role in the kick return game, but also to make some appearances at wideout, particularly in the slot or as an H-back in jet sweep plays.
BIG MISSES: Every year we gush about the players coming to USFL rosters, but we also have to remember that nearly 50% of all drafted players end up signing with the NFL, and this year is no different. For all the exciting new faces in the USFL, there were a few whiffs as well. When the Oakland Invaders did not use one of their territorial picks on Fresno State’s David Carr, it was expected that they had inside info on Carr’s interest in the NFL, where he is a likely #1 overall pick to the expansion Jacksonville Jaguars. Chicago used a 3rd round pick in the open draft, hoping to get a young player to groom under Jeff George, but Carr did as many suspected and signed with the NFL and his top pick pedigree. He was not the only top draft talent to sign with the fall league, as other top picks headed there include Texas SS Roy Williams, Syracuse DE Dwight Freeney, and UT DE Albert Haynesworth. All three were T-Draft selections (Texas, New Jersey, and Memphis) and all three opted for the NFL. While not quite as high on the draft boards, Tulane’s Patrick Ramsey was considered a potential USFL signing, but opted to bypass the Breakers for a chance to play in Washington with the NFL Redskins.
BRING IN THE BIG BACK: Michigan stayed at home and brought in a player they hope will serve as a bell cow back, signing Michigan State Spartan T. J. Duckett. Duckett is a big man who hits like a freight train, but can also catch the ball out of the backfied, just the kind of player that fits well into Coach Holtz’s offense. Expect Duckett to have the starting job from Day 1, especially with Siran Stacy gone in free agency. Michigan will likely remain a pass-first team, with Drew Brees in his second year, and the Panthers added talent to the receiving corps in the form of Hines Ward (ARZ), but they also added three former NFL offensive linement, so expect Duckett to get his carries in an attempt to build a balanced air and ground game for Brees.
BULLS HOPE THEY HAVE A DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH: The Jacksonville Bulls did not make the move most expected, refusing to pay the ransom for a shot at Joey Harrington as Orlando did. They felt confident that they could go into this year with Jake Delhomme as their QB and groom a young talent who needed a bit more time. They hope they found that talent in the form of Sam Houston State QB Josh McCown. The Division I-AA player with a shotgun arm is a bit raw, but will be coached up by Rick Neuheisel, brought in after being let go in Atlanta, where he had served as Assistant Head Coach during the short interim period last year. Neuheisel begins his career with Jacksonville as Assistant Head Coach and QB Coach as well, with Gunther Cunningham focused on the defense and OC Mike Shula calling the plays. It will be Neuheisel’s job to help Delhomme make the most of his shot, but also to groom McCown into a potential franchise QB in 2-3 years.
TIGHT END IS THE HOT POSITION: Seems odd to say this, but the clear winner in the trendy position in the draft this year was the TE position. Twelve hybrid H-Back/TE players were selected between the 5-round T-Draft and the 7-round Open Draft. Among the top picks in the position were Miami’s Jeremy Shockey (Tampa), TCU’s Matt Schobel (Texas), Colorado’s Daniel Graham (Baltimore), Boise State’s Jeb Putzier (Jacksonville), Penn State’s John Gilmore (Philly), and Washington’s Jerammy Stevens (Seattle).
KICKERS ARE PEOPLE TOO: A late run in the final round shows that some kickers are even worth a draft pick. Four were taken during the final round of the Open Draft, including two who are very likely to get the gig with their new teams. Jeff Reed of UNC is in a tough competition with Jeff Jaeger, so we expect him to end up on the practice squad, but Billy Cundiff is the favorite in Chicago’s kicker competition now that John Carney has headed to the NFL, and Baylor’s Matt Bryant has a legitimate shot of taking the position away from Jeff Hall in Memphis. The fourth kicker taken, Hayden Epstein by New Jersey is unlikely to unseat veteran Neil Rackers, but a good showing in camp could get him a shot with another club.
PREVIEW EASTERN CONFERENCE
It’s a new world as the USFL enters its 20th season. The league is restructured into six divisions of 4 teams each, new divisional alignments mean new rivalries ready to blossom. Some teams will see dramatically different schedules, others will retain a lot of their traditional foes. As we explore the new format, we will hightlight what each team brings into the new season and what it might mean for their fortunes in 2002.
NORTHEAST
BALTIMORE BLITZ
Last Year: 9-7, 5TH in Atlantic
Coach: Lindy Infante (11th Season)
Departures: QB Jim Miller (FA), WR Malcolm Floyd (FA), LB Tarek Salah (FA), HB Mike Cloud (FA), TE Cam Cleeland (FA), SS Lawyer Milloy (FA)
Veteran Arrivals: LB James Farrior (NFL) Rookie Class: TE Daniel Graham, DT Alan Harper, WR Marquise Walker, LB James Allen, QB Shaun Hill, HB Luke Staley, C Tyson Walter
Outlook: It is hard to look at all the departures from the Charm City and not think that the Blitz have slipped a little. Losing Lawyer Milloy and Tarek Salah is tough, and while James Farrior is absolutely a strong addition, it may not be enough to put Baltimore over the top, something that may need to happen if Lindy Infante wants a contract renewal this year. We like rookies Daniel Graham and Alan Harper, but again, is it enough?
NEW JERSEY GENERALS
Last Year: 10-6, 3rd in Atlantic
Coach: Bill Parcells (2nd Year)
Departures: CB Gene Atkins (Retire), DE Albert Fontenot (Retire), DT Renaldo Wynn (FA), LB Dwayne Rudd (FA), WR Ahmad Merritt (FA0, LB Ty Hallock (FA), WR Wayne Chrebet (FA), CB Darien Gordon (FA)
Veteran Arrivals: DE Roosevelt Nicks (FA), DT John Parrella (NFL) Rookie Class: CB Mike Rumph, LB Rocky Calmus, WR Eric Crouch, LB James Harrison, K Hayden Epstein, DT Ma’ake Kemoueatu
Outlook: New Jersey did not get the season they expected, due largely to the injury and retirement of Troy Aikman, but what they got was better than they could have anticipated, finding a new young QB in Michigan’s Tom Brady, and a team that played well together. Can they take the next step and win the division? That will depend heavily on how Brady progresses in year two, but the defense again looks solid, with some good offseason additions, including two promising linebackers in this year’s draft in Rocky Calmus and James Harrison. New Jersey has their eyes set on the division crown, and they have to be considered a serious contender.
PHILADELPHIA STARS
Last Year: 9-7, 4th in the Atlantic
Coach: Jim Mora Jr (2nd Year)
Departures: C John Flannery (FA), HB Pat Chaffey (FA), WR Reggie Barlow (FA), QB Stoney Case (FA),
Veteran Arrivals: QB Chuck Hartlieb (FA), G Lester Holmes (FA), CB Deon Figures (FA), OT Paul Gruber (FA), QB Shaun King (FA), C Scott McKinney (FA) Rookie Class: TE John Gilmore, SS Tank Williams, HB Ladell Betts, QB David Garrard, LB Courtland Bullard, K Jeff Reed, LB Ryan Nece
Outlook: Few teams were as active in free agency as the Stars. They lost a lot of players but added a ton as well. This all seems to be going according to Coach Mora’s plan, as the Stars are being molded in his image. Expect a power run game to help protect their somewhat shaky QB situation, with Will Furrer getting a shot to start. Getting more consistency from the defense will be a huge part of any success the Stars have this year. If that unit gels, the Stars could compete again for a playoff spot.
WASHINGTON FEDERALS
Last Year: 10-6, 2nd in Atlantic
Coach: Paul Hackett (5th Year)
Departures: HB Tim Lester (NFL), TE Travis McNeal (NFL), WR Herman Moore (FA), G Scott Conover (FA), DT Michael Thompson (FA)
Veteran Arrivals: LB Dwayne Rudd (FA), TE Cam Cleeland (FA), DT Travis Kirschke (NFL) Rookie Class: FS Ed Reed, WR Deion Branch, G Ed Ta’amu, CB Kevin Thomas, HB Antwoine Womack
Outlook: The Federals thought the division was theirs but were surprised by an insurgent Ohio squad. With Ohio now in another division the Federals are hoping this is their year to take the title in the new Northeast Division. The late camp retirement of former Breaker Troy Auzene was a step back from that goal, and there are some real questions about an untested and perhaps underwhelming offensive line. Will that hurt the Federals, or will their usual defensive power be enough to keep them atop the division? Adding the best safety in the draft may still be enough to put them over the top as Ed Reed has wowed everyone in camp with his energy, drive, and work ethic.
SOUTHEAST
ATLANTA FIRE
Last Year: 1-15, 6th in South
Coach: John Fox (1st Year)
Departures: QB Spence Fisher (Trade), DT Mike Ruth (Retire), LB Johnny Holland (Retire), WR Lake Dawson (FA), FB Zack Crocket (FA), HB R.J. Redmond (FA),
Veteran Arrivals: WR Wayne Chrebet (FA), WR Joe Jurevicious (NFL), QB Drew Bledsoe (NFL) Rookie Class: DT Wendell Bryant, LB Will Witherspoon, HB Verron Hayes, LB Raonall Smith, DT Justin Bannan, SS Terreal Bierria, CB Brian Williams, G Pete Campion
Outlook: John Fox inherits a 1-15 club, and one with a lot of uncertainty about its future. Is this club even going to be the Atlanta Fire by next year? But Fox went to work early, cleaning house, building up draft capital and focusing on the defense, with 5 of the top 6 draft picks going to that side of the ball. Atlanta then shocked the league by signing NFL QB Drew Bledsoe. Bledsoe will be the starter, likely by week 4 or 5, after he heals from an injury suffered in the NFL playoffs. Any improvement will be welcome for the Fire, but if the rumors are true and the team is a lame duck in Atlanta, expect both small and hostile crowds for home games.
JACKSONVILLE BULLS
Last Year: 7-9, 5th in Southern
Coach: Gunther Cunningham (4th Year)
Departures: QB Chris Chandler (Retire), CB Sammy Gordon (Retire), DE Aaron Wallace (NFL), WR Cedric Tillman (FA), SS Jack Pratt (FA), HB Sedrick Irvin (Trade)
Veteran Arrivals: HB Leeland McElroy (FA), FS Eddie Brown (FA), DT Renaldo Wynn (FA), CB Eric Warfield (NFL), G Mike Verstegen (Trade) Rookie Class: QB Josh McCown, WR Javon Walker, DE Dennis Johnson, TE Jeb Putzier, WR Jason McAddley, CB Mick Echols, G Artis Hicks
Outlook: After a disastrous 2-8 start, most though the Bulls were done, as was Coach Cunningham, but Jacksonville came on late, winning 5 of their last 6 games and saving their coach’s job, at least for one more year. But, with Chris Chandler’s retirement a new era is beginning in Jacksonville. The Bulls hope they found their QB of the future in Josh McCown, but for 2002 the starter is likely to be former Star Jake Delhomme. They will also rely on Kenny Bynum as their full time HB, having traded Sedrick Irvin just before camp. The defense has some talent but underperformed last year. They hope adding Wynn, Brown, Warfield helps rectify that and add some speed to the D. We still see them as a playoff longshot in a tough division that includes the defending champion.
ORLANDO RENEGADES
Last Year: 12-4, League & Division Champion
Coach: George O’Leary (9th Season)
Departures: QB Scott Mitchell (Retire), K Charlie Baumann (NFL), FS Myron Guyton (NFL), CB Deon Figures (FA), OT Paul Gruber (FA), DT Brentson Buckner (FA), QB Craig Erickson (FA), G Mike Verstegen (Trade)
Veteran Arrivals: HB Sedrick Irvin (Trade), TE Tyrone Davis (NFL), HB R.J. Redmond (FA), QB Gus Frerotte (FA), K Owen Pochman (FA), FS Curtis Love (FA) Rookie Class: QB Joey Harrington, CB Lito Sheppard, T kevin Shaffer, WR Jabar Gaffney, G Tony Wragge
Outlook: The defending champion Renegades got hit hard in free agency, as often happens to the champs, but the blow that really hurt was the late offseason announcement from QB Scott Mitchell that he was retiring from the game. Injuries and health concerns forced his hand and forced the Renegades to pivot quickly and start thinking about a position they thought to be secure. They signed free agent Gus Frerotte, who will likely start the season opener, but they also moved quickly, trading several picks to Portland to get the territorial rights to Joey Harrington, one of two top prospects at the position in the draft. Orlando still has a lot of talent, especially on defense, so they are unlikely to be rebuilding, but the QB position will be under a microscope all season.
TAMPA BAY BANDITS
Last Year: 9-7, 3rd in the South
Coach: George Seifert (5th Season)
Departures: DT Roland Putzier (Retire), LB Winston Moss (NFL), C Steve McKinney (FA), WR Lonzell Hill (FA), TE Troy Drayton (FA)
Veteran Arrivals: SS Jack Pratt (FA), DE John Copeland (FA), WR Karl Williams (NFL) Rookie Class: CB Phillip Buchanon, DT Dorsett Davis, LB Andra Davis, TE Jeremy Shockey, C Melvin Fowler
Outlook: Tampa barely missed the playoffs last year despite a late season rally that got them over .500. The hope this year is that Trent Green’s success in his first year in Tampa will blossom in his second year. The team still has one of the league’s best receivers in Randy Moss and fans in the Gulf Coast are also very excited about former Miami Hurricane TE Jeremy Shockey, an enthusiasm that grew exponentially after a brilliant catch, stiff arm, and run in their preseason game. Is it enough? It may well be, especially if Orlando suffers a post-title hangover. With Atlanta and Jacksonville very much in flux, a slip by Orlando and Tampa could be the big beneficiary.
MIDWEST
CHICAGO MACHINE
Last Year: 12-4, 1st in the Central
Coach: Marty Mornhinweg (4th Year)
Departures: CB Eric Allen (Retire), DE Ray Agnew (Retire), K John Carney (NFL), WR Kirby Dar Dar (FA0, G Jorge Diaz (FA), LB Jamie Winborn (Trade)
Veteran Arrivals: HB Charlie Rogers (FA), WR Mike Bellamy (FA), CB James Trapp (NFL), G Mike Wahle (NFL) Rookie Class: DT John Henderson, C Andre Gurode, SS Coy Wire, K Billy Cundiff, WR Ron Johnson, DE Anthony Weaver
Outlook: Folks thought the Mornhinweg-led Machine was on a steady climb up the standings, but no one expected it all to gel last year, producing a 12-win season. The major pieces of the puzzle are still all in place and Chicago did a good job quietly adding talent in free agency, from the NFL, and in the draft. We like DT John Henderson quite a bit, and the addition of guard Mike Wahle can only help the Machine run game. If Jeff George can keep his boneheaded mistakes to a minimum, this Chicago club can again be a major contender, now in the Eastern Conference after the realignment.
MICHIGAN PANTHERS
Last Year: 3-13, 6th in Central
Coach: Mike Martz (2nd)
Departures: WR Jeff Campbell (NFL), FB Lorenzo Neal (NFL), G Charles Johnson (FA), HB Siran Stacy (FA), HB Brock Olivo (FA), FS Eddie Brown (FA)
Veteran Arrivals: WR Hines Ward (FA), FB Zach Crockett (FA), SS Lawyer Milloy (FA), C Cory Raymer (NFL), G Tre Johnson (NFL), T Matt Willig (NFL), DE Leonard Little (FA), QB Spence Fisher (Trade), WR Oronde Gadsden (Trade) Rookie Class: HB T.J. Duckett, DT Nate Dwyer, TE Chris Baker, HB Jonathan Wells, S Marquand Manuel
Outlook: It was a long first year for Coach Martz in Michigan as he and rookie QB Drew Brees suffered the bumps and bruises of rebuilding. That project continues this year as they add more talent to the roster on both sides of the ball. Bringing in Hines Ward and rookie HB T.J. Duckett will absolutely improve the offense, but not as much as signing three quality NFL linemen. That alone could make a huge difference in the lives of both Brees and Martz. Now, did the defense also improve or is that going to be a concern for this year?
OHIO GLORY
Last Year: 11-5, 1st in Atlantic
Coach: Al Luginbill (4th Season)
Departures: FS Josh Booty (Retire), LB Jeff Herrod (Retire), WR Qadry Ismail (Retire), G Lester Holmes (FA), DE John Copeland (FA), WR Mike Bellamy (FA), SS Lloyd Lee (Trade)
Veteran Arrivals: WR Robert Ferguson (Trade), T Robert Hicks (FA), WR Malcolm Floyd (FA), DE Tony Hill (FA), G Charles Johnson (FA), WR Andre Coleman (FA), DE Vonnie Holiday (FA), LB Glenn Cadrez (NFL) Rookie Class: G Kendall Simmons, WR Reche Caldwell, S Jermaine Phillips, DT David Pugh, LB Nick Greisen
Outlook: The Glory liked the feeling of being a 1st place team last year, and they want to go further. They spent the offseason largely adding depth at WR behind the killer 1-2 punch of Galloway and Chad Johnson. Rookie Reche Caldwell and veterans Malcolm Floyd and Robert Ferguson give them a truly dangerous WR room. Adding LB Glenn Cadrez from the NFL was their biggest move on defense, but we all expect that the Glory will once again rely on outscoring opponents to make a playoff run to the 2002 Summer Bowl.
PITTSBURGH MAULERS
Last Year: 5-11, 6th in Atlantic
Coach: Jack Bicknell (1st Year)
Departures: LB Eric Kumerow (Retire), LB Godfrey Miles (FA), WR Freddie Solomon (FA), LB Steve Tovar (FA), QB Shaun King (FA), DT Shane Burton (Trade)
Veteran Arrivals: CB Dre Bly (Trade), QB Jim Miller (FA), LB Eddie Mason (NFL) Rookie Class: T Mike Williams, LB Akin Ayodele, DT Josh Shaw, WR Antwaan Randle-El, C Mike Pucillo, LB Bryan Knight
Outlook: Coach Bicknell comes to Pittsburgh in the middle of a generational shift. Gone is veteran leadership from players like Godfrey Miles and Eric Kumerow, and Bicknell is clearly trying to build back through the draft, upsetting fans by simply not putting much emphasis on the free agent market. Eddie Mason was a good get from the NFL, and Dre Bly will help the secondary, but Pittsburgh still has a question at QB, where Charlie Batch is not exactly a fan favorite. Can Bicknell coach up the embattled Mauler QB and get more out of an offense that is far too dependent on Terrell Davis?
PREVIEW WESTERN CONFERENCE
SOUTH
BIRMINGHAM STALLIONS
Last Year: 8-8, 4th in South
Coach: Kevin Gilbride (2nd Year)
Departures: LB Joe Mott (NFL), LB Tommy Thigpen (Retire), T Todd Steussie (FA), DE Roosevelt Nicks (FA), SS Darrell Williams (SS)
Veteran Arrivals: LB Donte Jones (FA), HB Pat Chaffey (FA) Rookie Class: DT Ryan Sims, G Martin Bibla, T Chad Beasley, WR Freddie Milons, WR Rashied Davis
Outlook: Coach Gilbride’s first season taking over for Ron Erhardt was not as smooth a transition as he would have wanted. People are beginning to worry that the window for a second Brett Favre title is quickly closing, and the Stallions don’t seem to be reacting with urgency. Coach Gilbride wants to run the ball more with HB Shaun Alexander, but do they have the defense to win close games? We don’t see big improvement in the roster, so it all may come down to Gilbride’s gameplan and Favre’s arm again.
MEMPHIS SHOWBOATS
Last Year: 10-6, 2nd in South
Coach: Jim Mora Sr (5th Year)
Departures: CB James Fuller (Retire), G John Gesek (Retire), C Kevin Mawae (FA), DE Tony Hill (FA), WR Bobby Olive (FA)
Veteran Arrivals: CB Darien Gordon (FA), TE Johnny Mitchell (NFL) Rookie Class: DE Julius Peppers, G Fred Weary, DT Howard Green, LB Will Overstreet, K Matt Bryant
Outlook: While the camp retirement of free agent acquisition Herman Moore means the potent Memphis passing game does not gain another weapon, the dramatic move to snag Atlanta’s top overall draft pick and sign DE Julius Peppers has folks excited in the Mid South. Now they have a defensive star they hope is in the mold of former Showboat great Reggie White. That’s a lot of pressure for a rookie, but the good news is that the Memphis offense should allow the D to play with a lead and let Peppers free to rush the passer. Memphis could be very dangerous if that is how games play out.
NASHVILLE KNIGHTS
Last Year: 9-7, 2nd in Central (As St. Louis)
Coach: Jim Johnson (8th Season)
Departures: DT John Jurkovic (Retire), TE Keith McKeller (Retire), CB Troy Vincent (NFL), DE Vonnie Holiday (FA), T Greg Bishop (FA), DT Montae Raeger (FA), WR Amani Toomer (Trade)
Veteran Arrivals: DE Antonio Edwards (Trade), QB Craig Whelihan (FA), WR Derrick Mason (FA), WR Ahmad Merritt (FA), CB Deshea Townsend (NFL) Rookie Class: CB Sheldon Brown, T Mike Houghton, TE Justin Peelle, C Justin Hartwig, CB DeMarcus Faggins
Outlook: Coach Johnson landed his 5th winning record in 6 seasons with the Knights 9-7 performance last year. But a lot has changed since then. Yes, the move to Nashville is a huge distraction, but the loss of DE Vonnie Holliday and CB Troy Vincent may actually be bigger issues for a club that lives and dies by its shutdown defense. Trading for DE Antonio Edwards helps, but the Knights may need more out of the offense, so adding Derrick Mason and Ahmad Merrit may actually be bigger moves. The Knights are in a new city, in a new division, and with a new rival in Memphis and we expect this Tennessee Twosome to battle it out all year in the new Southern Division.
NEW ORLEANS BREAKERS
Last Year: 7-9, 3rd in Central
Coach: Mike Nolan (3rd Year)
Departures: LB Trev Alberts (NFL), SS Sammy Knight (NFL), T Troy Auzene (FA-Retire), WR Andre Coleman (FA), HB James Bostic (FA), QB Gus Frerotte (FA), WR Horace Copeland (FA), LB Monty Beisel (Trade), TE David LaFleur (Trade)
Veteran Arrivals: CB Allen Rossum (Trade), HB Troy Davis (FA), DE Steve Bates (FA), T Greg Bishop (FA), Rookie Class: G Terrance Metcalf, T Jeff Hatch, LB Ben Leber, WR Josh Reed, G Steve Edwards, SS Sam Brandon
Outlook: The Breakers took a big step back, dropping from 12-4 in 2000 to 7-9 last season. They are hoping 2002 does not continue that trend. Coach Nolan looks to be trying to shore up an O-line that was an issue last year, but the loss of Troy Auzene (signed away in free agency but then retired) leaves a major hole to fill. The defense also had issues, and we are not seeing a lot of help, though adding Allen Rossum to the secondary will be an upgrade. This division could be a real problem for New Orleans as Memphis, Nashville, and Birmingham can all be better this year.
SOUTHWEST
ARIZONA WRANGLERS
Last Year: 8-8, 3rd in Pacific
Coach: Art Shell (6th Season)
Departures: WR Curtis Duncan (Retire), WR Hines Ward (FA0, T Rick Hicks (FA), QB Craig Whelihan (FA)
Veteran Arrivals: FS Tyrone Drakeford (FA), DT Kenard Lang Rookie Class: T Kyle Kosier, DE Eddie Freeman, T Matt Anderle, HB Chester Taylor, G Andy King
Outlook: Another mediocre regular season and another surprising playoff run for Coach Shell and the Wranglers. Arizona is a perennial mystery, talented but so very inconsistent. This offseason they took a big hit with the loss of Hines Ward, and they had major cap issues which did not let them do much in free agency. We like the addition of Drakeford and Lang for the defense, but we are scratching our heads at a draft that did not produce many players who will have an immediate impact. Is 8-8 going to be good enough in a newly restructured Western Conference?
DENVER GOLD
Last Year: 11-5, 2nd in Pacific and Conference Champions
Coach: Dick Jauron (5th Season)
Departures: CB Darryl Boykin (NFL), LB Kurt Gouveia (Retire), HB Rashaan Salaam (Suspension/FA), LB Tracy Rogers (FA), WR Germaine Crowell (FA)
Veteran Arrivals: HB Robert Holcombe (NFL), CB Clayton Holmes (Trade) Rookie Class: DT Charles Hill, G Toniu Fonoti, CB Rashad Bauman, G Jonathan Goodwin, DE Ryan Denney, TE Matt Murphy, LB Nick Rogers
Outlook: Denver returned to the Summer Bowl a year after their first title, but the distraction of the Rashaan Salaam situation clearly kept them from playing their best game. Salaam is now gone, cut after his 1 year suspension, and Denver has to regroup. While Salaam’s departure left a huge hole on offense, the retirement of Kurt Gouveia from the D may actually be a bigger issue. How do you replace the heart of your team when you don’t have cap room to go after free agents? That is the big question as Denver hopes they can get leadership from Leslie O’Neill and new defensive captain Marvcus Patton. The club is still deep, and if the combo of Rod Smart and NFL signee Robert Holcombe can keep the ground game in play, they could still be a major factor this year.
HOUSTON GAMBLERS
Last Year: 6-10, 5th in Central
Coach: Wade Phillips (2nd Year)
Departures: DT Esera Tuaolo (NFL), HB Kantroy Barber (Retire), WR Derick Mason (FA), FS Troy Drakeford (FA), LB Barry Wortham (FA), QB Chuck Hartlieb (FA), CB Allen Rossum (Trade)
Veteran Arrivals: TE David LaFleur (Trade), WR Cedric Tillman (FA), CB Willie Williams (FA), QB Kris Kershaw (FA), G Chris Naole (NFL) Rookie Class: FS Lamont Thompson, T Mike Pearson, DT Rocky Bernard, HB Josh Scobey, T Kevin Barry
Outlook: Coach Phillips got some flashes of potential out of the Gamblers last year, but the club faded down the stretch. Hard up against the salary cap, the Gamblers could not be big players, but allowing Dereck Mason to find greener pastures freed up enough cash to sign a quality NFL player in guard Chris Naole. Improving the interior line should help QB Matt Hasselbeck, who showed considerable improvement last season. If Houston can get a bit stingier on defense, an offense led by Hasselbeck, Antonio Freeman, and the running duo of Mike Anderson and Kevin Faulk can leadto more wins.
TEXAS OUTLAWS
Last Year: 6-10, 4th in Central
Coach: Chan Gailey (2nd Year)
Departures: CB James Henderson (FA), WR Brian Alford (FA), LB Garth Jax (Retire), HB Reggie Cobb (Retire), DE Mark Mraz (Retire), WR Shawn Collins (NFL), K Tim Seder (Trade)
Veteran Arrivals: LB Jamie Winborn (Trade), WR Lake Dawson (FA), LB Tarek Salah (FA), WR Kirby Dar Dar (FA) Rookie Class: CB Quentin Jammer, HB Brian Westbrook, TE Matt Schobel, DE Greg Scott, QB Ryan Leaf (Trade)
Outlook: Texas is taking a shot on a player seen as damaged goods, trading for Ryan Leaf from Oakland. Leaf will compete with Jeff Lewis for the starting gig, and the Outlaws are hoping that Leaf, and new receivers Kirby Dar Dar and Lake Dawson, can help make up for the loss of HB Reggie Cobb. That is a big swing if it happens. We like the Outlaws’ draft, especially CB Quentin Jammer, but we are still worried that this club does not have enough playmakers on offense, and now has a QB who has not exactly been a model of maturity to deal with.
PACIFIC
LOS ANGELES EXPRESS
Last Year: 13-3, 1st in Pacific
Coach: Galen Hall (4th Season)
Departures: LB Donte Jones (FA0, CB Wendell Davis (FA), WR Curtis Mayfield (FA), HB Michael Pittman (NFL), LB Cornelius Bennett (NFL), LB Ron Sancho (Retire), DE Antonio Edwards (Trade)
Veteran Arrivals: WR Amani Toomer (Trade), LB John Holocek (FA), TE Troy Drayton (FA), K Steve Christie (NFL) Rookie Class: DT Larry Triplett, HB DeShaun Foster, WR Kahlil Hill, DE John Stamper, LB Robert Thomas
Outlook: Coach Hall has the LA Express consistently competing for a division title, and their 13-3 record last year was the league’s best, but the goal has to be higher. It is Summer Bowl or Bust for the Express this year. The big offseason addition was wideout Amani Toomer, who will help relieve coverage on Tory Holt. Rookie HB DeShaun Foster has looked good in camp, but it is still Antowain Smith who will command the Express ground game. Losing the veteran LB leadership of Ron Sancho and Cornelius Bennett won’t help the D, but adding talent on the line in rookie Larry Triplett and a veteran backer in John Holoceck may help even out the Express defense. This is a very good team hoping to finally make good once the playoffs arrive.
OAKLAND INVADERS
Last Year: 4-12, 6th in Pacific
Coach: Dom Capers (3rd Year)
Departures: QB Ryan Leaf (Trade), CB Clayton Holmes (Trade), HB Troy Davis (FA), SS Mike Hawthorne (FA), K Owen Pochman (FA), G Lester Holmes (FA), DE J.J. Wierenga (Retire), WR Ed McCaffrey (NFL)
Veteran Arrivals: G Tony Semple (Trade), T Ed Dotson (FA), WR Freddie Solomon (FA), TE Byron Chamberlain (NFL), HB Mack Strong (NFL) Rookie Class: WR Donte Stallworth, DE Kalimba Edwards, CB Travis Fisher, G Travis Scott, LB Scott Fujita, T Langston Walker, QB Randy Fasani
Outlook: Calli it addition by subtraction. The departure of Ryan Leaf makes life a lot quieter, if not easier for Coach Capers. He will go into the season with a QB battle between veteran Jon Kitna and 2nd year QB Marques Tuiasosopo, having passed on David Carr in the draft. What the Invaders did do this offseason is improve the O-line with several draft picks plus the addition of Tony Semple in free agency. They resigned Marty Booker and added free agent Freddie Solomon and rookie Donte Stallworth, hoping to replace Ed McCaffrey, which may be a tall order. Is this tredding water for a team that needs to improve across the board? If it is, then year 3 for Coach Capers may be his last. They need to reach 8-8 to show that Capers has them heading in the right direction.
PORTLAND THUNDER
Last Year: 7-9, 4th in Pacific
Coach: Ray Rhodes (3rd Year)
Departures: QB A.J. Feely (Trade), TE Siupele Malamala (FA), LB John Holocek (FA), WR Floyd Turner (FA), FS Greg Jones (Retire), FS Vencie Glenn (Retire), T Michael Elowonibi (Retire), G Stan Parker (Retire), TE Carlester Crumpler (NFL), T Larry Cheek (NFL), K John Kasay (NFL), G Eric Still (NFL)
Veteran Arrivals: T Todd Steussie (FA), WR Curtis Mayfield (FA), G Scott Conover (FA) Rookie Class: G Chester Pitts, T Matt Hill, DT Clenton Ballard, S Kevin Curtis, S Kevin McCadam, TE Dwight Blakley
Outlook: Portland needed major additions after a series of retirements and NFL signings cut deep into their roster. They made two very solid additions for the O-line in Todd Steussie and Scott Conover in free agency, then, confident in their QB room, traded the rights to pick Joey Harrington to add more draft picks, picks used to add more linemen and to try to find young talent at safety. But young talent takes time. Concerns about the Portland secondary are legitimate, and while the 7-9 season for the Thunder was a good improvement over past years, they don’t seem to have done enough to get over the hump and become a legitimate contender in the division.
SEATTLE DRAGONS
Last Year: 5-11, 5th in Pacific
Coach: Joe Tiller (5th Year)
Departures: CB Dre Bly (Trade), CB Willie Williams (FA), DE Steve Bates (FA), HB Derrick Loville (FA), LB J.D. Fuller (Retire), WR Eric Metcalf (Retire), DT Mike Lodish (Retire), K Mike Hollis (NFL), LB Adalius Thomas (NFL)
Veteran Arrivals: DT Shane Burton (Trade), QB Craig Erickson (FA), LB Godfrey Miles (FA), HB Brian Mitchell (NFL) Rookie Class: WR Ashley Lelie, TE Jeramy Stevens, CB Derek Ross, DE Alex Brown, DE Kenyon Coleman, G Brandon Moore
Outlook: The drop from 12-4 to 5-11 was a shocker for a preseason trendy Summer Bowl pick. Coach Tiller has to find a way to right the ship, and do so despite a spate of retirements and NFL signings. The draft looks promising, with young talent at WR and TE to help the offense. The Dragons also landed one of the biggest fish in free agency in impact linebaker Godfrey Miles. Expect Miles to infuse the defense with a killer instinct that it was sorely lacking last year. We expect a bounceback year for Seattle. They have talent across the roster, and they have added some good pieces to the mix. If they don’t bounce back, Coach Tiller may pay the price.
PREDICTIONS
So, we have looked at the comings and goings this offseason for each club. Looked at the key needs for improvement and which teams are on the edge of either a precipice or a rise to the top. Time to put our necks on the line and make some predictions. It’s a shorter 14-game season, so no time for mistakes for any team, and with 6 division winners and only 6 Wild Card teams the battles for each division will be pivotal. Here is what we are picking for 2002, but, as you know, don’t hold us to it.
NORTHEAST: 1-NJ, 2-Washington, 3-Philadelphia, 4-Baltimore
We think the Generals are poised to overtake Washington and win the division. The Federals and Stars will battle for a Wild Card, and Baltimore will be decent, but decent won’t get them a playoff spot.
SOUTHEAST: 1-Tampa Bay, 2-Orlando, 3-Jacksonville, 4-Atlanta
The Renegades are going to need time to figure out the QB spot, and in a short season we think that gives Tampa Bay the advantage. Jacksonville will be much improved, and we are all keeping our eyes on Atlanta to see how Drew Bledsoe changes things, but also to see if this is truly a lame duck season for the perennial cellar dwellars.
MIDWEST: 1-Ohio, 2-Chicago, 3-Michigan, 4-Pittsburgh
This feels like a 2-horse race, with two 2001 division winners now placed in the same division, and seemingly well ahead of the bottom two teams. Ohio does it with offensive firepower, Chicago with balance and game-shortening drives. We like Ohio as a simply more dynamic squad to take the new Midwest division, but Chicago will be right there for a playoff spot.
SOUTH: 1-Memphis, 2-Nashville, 3-Birmingham, 4-New Orleans
Perhaps the most balanced division top to bottom. We like the addition of Julius Peppers to the Memphis defense, but Nashville will still be right there and we are not ready to count out Brett Favre and the Stallions even after some lean years. This division could see 2 Wild Card teams if they don’t knock each other off each week.
SOUTHWEST: 1-Denver, 2-Arizona, 3-Houston, 4 Texas
Both Denver and Arizona were playoff teams last year, with Denver making back to back Summer Bowl appearances. Houston and Texas are improved, but we don’t think they are quite there yet. The big mystery is Arizona, who play up and down all year and then tend to get hot if they squeak into the playoffs. Can they afford that path this year? Probably not.
PACIFIC: 1-LA, 2-Seattle, 3-Portland, 4-Oakland
While we like LA to take the division, the interesting battle will be Seattle and Portland, either of whom could rise up this year and claim the title or fall down and finish last. Oakland is not looking like a very talented team, but they do have a few pieces that could help them improve on last year, just not enough to escape the basement.
SUMMER BOWL PICK: The new league structure makes this a tough one to pick. We think LA has perhaps the clearest path to a #1 seed out west, with the Southern and Southwestern divisions likely to cannibalize their top teams. But, a #1 seed does not guarantee a Summer Bowl appearance. We are going to say that it will be Memphis against Denver for the title, and once again we see Denver, the more stable team, finding a way to get back to a Summer Bowl for the 3rd straight year.
In the East, the big question is who will win the Midwest Division. Ohio needs to only improve their defense a tad to truly be a power. Orlando will slip, which opens the door to several teams. We are going to go out on a limb here and say that it is New Jersey that makes the biggest leap upwards, so we pick New Jersey and Ohio in the conference finals, and we are going to go with the Glory in a shootout. So, Denver vs. Ohio in the Summer Bowl. As tempting as it is to pick Denver’s consistency in this one, we are going to go with the more explosive team and pick Ohio as the 2002 champion.
AWARDS: MVP is almost always a QB, and this year we think that QB battle comes down to two past MVPs, Ohio’s Kerry Collins and LA’s Cade McCown. The only non-QB who we see as a potential here is HB Ahman Green, if he can bring a division title to Nashville. We will go with Collins since we are picking the Glory to win it all. As for Rookie of the Year, the money in Vegas is going to Julius Peppers. We agree. He is an immediate impact player, on a team that is a serious playoff contender. Many of the other high impact rookies are on much weaker clubs. And for Coach of the Year, we see a big improvement on the way for the Bandits, so we are going to pick George Seifert to get the nod for his rebuild of a team he took to the Summer Bowl in his first year.