aFC sOUTH DivisiON HOUsTON TExaNs iNDiaNaPOLis COLTs · 2013. 4. 27. · andre Johnson 16 103 1147 11.1 5 Eric Moulds 16 57 557 9.8 1 Owen Daniels 14 34 352 10.4 5 wali Lundy 14 33

28 BLITZ WWW. bLITZMAG.COM BLITZ 29WWW. bLITZMAG.COM

QUARTERBACK GP ATT COMP YDS PCT INT TD

RUSHING GP ATT YARDS AVG TD FUM

RECEIVING GP REC YARDS AVG TD

KICKERS GP XP XPA FG FGA

David Carr 16 442 302 2767 68.3 12 11 sage rosenfels 3 39 27 265 69.2 1 3

ron Dayne 11 151 612 4.1 5 1 wali Lundy 14 124 476 3.8 4 1 sam Gado 8 54 217 4.0 1 1 David Carr 16 53 195 3.7 2 16 Chris Taylor 4 28 123 4.4 1 0

andre Johnson 16 103 1147 11.1 5 Eric Moulds 16 57 557 9.8 1 Owen Daniels 14 34 352 10.4 5 wali Lundy 14 33 204 6.2 0 Kevin Walter 16 17 160 9.4 0 Jeb Putzier 14 13 125 9.6 0

Kris Brown 16 26 27 19 25

KICK RETURNS KR YDS AVG TD

PUNTERS GP PUNTS YDS AVG IN20

PUNT RETURNS PR YDS AVG TD

DEFENSE GP TAK SACK IR FR

Chad stanley 16 76 3163 41.6 15

Dexter wynn 12 139 11.6 0

DeMeco ryans 16 156 3.5 1 1 Morlon Greenwood 16 110 1 1 3 Dunta robinson 16 83 0 2 0 C.C. Brown 15 75 1 1 1 Glenn Earl 15 70 2 1 0 Mario williams 16 47 4.5 0 1 Jason simmons 16 38 0 1 0 anthony Maddox 12 37 2 0 1 Lewis sanders 9 37 0 0 0 anthony weaver 15 35 1 1 1 DeMarcus Faggins 11 30 1 2 2 Dexter McCleon 15 28 0 1 0

There was a changing of the guard at quarterback for the fi rst time in Texans history during the offseason. David Carr had been the starting quarterback since they took him with their inaugural fi rst-round pick. The Texans fi nally ran out of patience with Carr, who never was able to lead the offense to big numbers, and they released him days after trading for Matt Schaub. The former Atlanta Falcon has immense talent, but the Texans may have overpaid for a guy who only has two NFL starts on his resume. When he has played, Schaub has shown great instincts and a great arm. Now all he has to do is prove he can carry those skills throughout an entire season. Schaub’s receiver options in Houston start and end with Andre Johnson. The speedy wideout had over 1000 yards receiving last season, but without a solid No. 2 receiver to draw de-fenses he was often double-teamed and neutralized. With Eric Moulds gone the other side of the fi eld will likely belong to either Kevin Walter or Jerome Mathis. The Texans brought in former Packer Ahman Green to handle the starting running back duties. On defense the Texans are showing some real promise for the future. The defense really started to gel in the second half and was a Top 10 unit by the end of the season. Former No. 1 pick Mario Williams didn’t live up to expectations last season (how could he), but he did fl ash his lofty potential at times while playing through plantar fascitis. He’ll get help from this year’s fi rst-round pick, DT Amobi Okoye.

HOUsTON TExaNs sTaDiUM: reliant stadium FiELD sUrFaCE: Grass COACh: Gary Kubiak [ 2nd year as coach] ReCORD: 6-10 PLAYOFF ReCORD: 0-0 WINNING % .375

OFFENSE TOTAL RANKscoreydsPerPlayFirstDownsydsPerrushydsPerPassrushingyardsPassingyardsTotalyardsTOP

10 amobi Okoye DT Louisville 73 Jacoby Jones wr Lane 123 Fred Bennett CB south Carolina 144 Brandon Harrison ss stanford 163 Brandon Frye OT virginia Tech 183 Kasey Studdard G Texas 218 Zach Diles ILB Kansas State

ahman Green , rB andre Davis , wr Danny Clark , LB Jamar Fletcher , DB Jeff zgonina , DT Jordan Black , T Matt schaub , QB shawn Barber , LB

antwan Peek , LB David Carr , QB Domanick williams , rB Eric Moulds , wr Lewis sanders , DB Michael stone , DB Troy Evans , LB

2006

OFF

ENSE

TEAM

2006 PErFOrMaNCE

rOsTEr CHaNGEs

2006 RANKINGS

DEFENSE TOTAL RANKscoreydsPerPlayFirstDownsydsPerrushydsPerPassrushingyardsPassingyardsTotalyardsTurnovers

2007 DraFT

PICK PLAYER POS SCHOOL

2007 sCHEDULE

DATE TIME OPPONENT W/L OPEN CLOSE TEAM OPP LINE FINAL SCORE

Sun, Sep 9 1:00 PM Kansas City

Sun, Sep 16 1:00 PM at Carolina

Sun, Sep 2� 1:00 PM Indianapolis

Sun, Sep �0 1:00 PM at Atlanta

Sun, Oct 7 1:00 PM Miami

Sun, Oct 14 1:00 PM at Jacksonville

Sun, Oct 21 1:00 PM Tennessee

Sun, Oct 28 4:05 PM at San Diego

Sun, Nov 4 4:15 PM at Oakland

byE

Sun, Nov 18 1:00 PM New Orleans

Sun, Nov 25 1:00 PM at Cleveland

Sun, Dec 2 1:00 PM at Tennessee

Sun, Dec 9 1:00 PM Tampa bay

Thu, Dec 1� 8:15 PM Denver

Sun, Dec 2� 1:00 PM at Indianapolis

Sun, Dec �0 1:00 PM Jacksonville

TrENDs

• Texans are 11-4 ATS past 15 in December

• Texans are 1-7 ATS past 8 in September

• Texans are 1-7 ATS after playing Jacksonville

• Texans are �-6 ATS past 9 on the road

• Texans are 2-8 ATS past 10 in September

• Texans are 6-� ATS past 9 on grass

• Texans OVER is 5-1 against the Colts

• Texans are 11-�-1 ATS after back-to-back SU/ATS losses.

ADDITIONS DELETIONS

2006 sTaTs LEaDErs

2006 rEsULTs

16.69 28 4.68 29 17.6� 2� �.91 20 8.45 �2 105.44 21 17�.81 27 279.25 28 29:21 24

22.88 25 5.52 28 19.�1 21 4.�9 22 10.50 12 122.25 20 215.25 22 ��7.50 24 1.�8 28

WK OPPONENT SCORE SU LINE ATS OU RESULT

LEAG

UE

2006

DEF

ENSE

TEAM

LEAG

UE

aFC sOUTH DivisiON

1 Philadelphia 10-24 L 6.0 L �7.5 U

2 at Indianapolis 24-4� L 12.5 L 47.5 O

� Washington 15-�1 L 4.0 L �7.5 O

4 Miami 17-15 W �.5 W 40.0 U

5 byE

6 at Dallas 6-�4 L 1�.0 L 44.0 U

7 Jacksonville 27-7 W 8.0 W �9.5 U

8 at Tennessee 22-28 L �.0 L 41.5 O

9 at Ny Giants 10-14 L 1�.0 W 4�.0 U

10 at Jacksonville 1�-10 W 10.5 W �7.5 U

11 buffalo 21-24 L -2.5 L �6.5 O

12 at Ny Jets 11-26 L 4.5 L 40.5 U

1� at Oakland 2�-14 W �.0 W �5.5 O

14 Tennessee 20-26 L 0.0 L 42.0 O

15 at New England 7-40 L 12.5 L �8.0 O

16 Indianapolis 27-24 W 9.0 W 46.5 O

17 Cleveland 14-6 W -6.0 W �7.5 U

Dexter wynn 30 670 22.3 0 Edell shepherd 17 395 23.2 0





Peyton Manning 16 557 362 4397 65.0 9 31

Joseph addai 16 226 1081 4.8 7 2 Dominic rhodes 16 187 641 3.4 5 3 Peyton Manning 16 23 36 1.6 4 2 ran Carthon 2 3 4 1.3 1 0

Marvin Harrison 16 95 1366 14.4 12 reggie wayne 16 86 1310 15.2 9 Ben Utecht 15 37 377 10.2 0 Dallas Clark 12 30 367 12.2 4 Joseph addai 16 40 325 8.1 1 Dominic rhodes 16 36 251 7.0 0

adam vinatieri 13 38 38 25 28





Hunter smith 16 47 2085 44.4 14

Terrence wilkins 21 193 9.2 1

Cato June 16 142 1 3 1 Gary Brackett 14 122 0 0 0 antoine Bethea 14 89 0 1 0 Nick Harper 15 76 0 3 0 Marlin Jackson 14 71 0 1 0 robert Mathis 16 65 9.5 0 2 Jason David 16 52 0 2 1 Gilbert Gardner 15 48 0 0 0 raheem Brock 16 48 3 0 3 rob Morris 15 36 0 0 0 anthony McFarland 11 33 2.5 0 1 Kelvin hayden 13 31 0 0 1

The Colts fi nally put it all together last season as Peyton Manning and Tony Dungy earned their long-awaited Super Bowl rings. Most of Indy’s powerhouse offense returns, with a couple of exceptions. The main cogs in the Colts’ offensive juggernaut are all back, with Manning fl anked by his two biggest weapons Marvin Harri-son and Reggie Wayne. Oft-injured third receiver Brandon Stokely left for Denver and he’ll likely be replaced by fi rst-round draft pick Anthony Gonzalez out of Ohio State. Tight end Dallas Clark was the Colts’ best receiver during last year’s playoff run and along with Ben Utecht forms a solid two-TE set. The Colts’ run-ning game will fall squarely on the shoulders of Joseph Addai this season, unless a veteran back is brought on board before the start of the season. With Dominic Rhodes gone to Oakland, Addai should shine in his new role as the feature back and his excellent route-running ability gives Manning another reliable passing target out of the backfi eld. Defense was the Colts’ Achilles heel for much of last season and there could be defensive problems again this season after a few important players jumped ship, notably linebacker Cato June and both starting corners, Nick Harper and Jason David. Freddie Kaiaho will likely get the fi rst crack at June’s job after fi lling in admirably for injured LB Gary Brackett last season. The Colts should have no trouble winning their fi fth straight division title, but the rest of the AFC will be much tougher to get through this time.

iNDiaNaPOLis COLTs sTaDiUM: rCa Dome FiELD sUrFaCE: Turf COACh: Tony Dungy [ 12th year as coach] ReCORD: 114-62 PLAYOFF ReCORD: 9-8 WINNING % .648


32 anthony Gonzalez wr Ohio state 42 Tony Ugoh G arkansas 95 Daymeion Hughes CB California 98 Quinn Pitcock DT Ohio state 131 Brannon Condren Fs Troy 136 Clint session OLB Pittsburgh 169 roy Hall wr Ohio state 173 Michael Coe CB alabama state 242 Keyunta Dawson De Texas Tech

John Navarre , QB Mike seidman , TE rick DeMulling , G

Brandon stokley , wr Cato June , LB Dominic rhodes , rB Gilbert Gardner , LB Jason David , CB Mike Doss , DB Montae reagor , DT Nick Harper , DB

2006

OFF

ENSE

TEAM

2006 PErFOrMaNCE

rOsTEr CHaNGEs

2006 RANKINGS


2007 DraFT


2007 sCHEDULE


Thu, Sep 6 8:�0 PM New Orleans

Sun, Sep 16 1:00 PM at Tennessee

Sun, Sep 2� 1:00 PM at Houston

Sun, Sep �0 4:15 PM Denver

Sun, Oct 7 4:05 PM Tampa bay

byE

Mon, Oct 22 8:�0 PM at Jacksonville

Sun, Oct 28 1:00 PM at Carolina

Sun, Nov 4 4:15 PM New England

Sun, Nov 11 8:15 PM at San Diego

Sun, Nov 18 1:00 PM Kansas City

Thu, Nov 22 8:15 PM at Atlanta

Sun, Dec 2 1:00 PM Jacksonville

Sun, Dec 9 8:15 PM at baltimore

Sun, Dec 16 4:05 PM at Oakland

Sun, Dec 2� 1:00 PM Houston

Sun, Dec �0 1:00 PM Tennessee

TrENDs

• Colts are 8-� ATS past 11 in November

• Colts are 1-7 ATS past 8 games in December

• Colts are 5-2 ATS past 7 at home

• Colts are 2-12 ATS in their last game of the season

• Colts are 6-2 ATS in October

• Colts are 8-� ATS past 11 after bye

• Colts are 7-2-1 ATS and 11-2-1 ATS in September

• Colts are 8-2 ATS as chalk on Monday nights

ADDITIONS DELETIONS

2006 sTaTs LEaDErs

2006 rEsULTs

26.69 2 6.00 2 2�.50 1 4.01 16 11.90 5 110.1� 18 269.25 2 �79.�8 � 29:�1 2�

22.50 2� 5.54 29 20.�1 28 5.�� 2 9.58 � 17�.00 �2 159.25 2 ��2.25 21 1.6� 21


LEAG

UE

2006

DEF

ENSE

TEAM

LEAG

UE

aFC sOUTH DivisiON

1 at Ny Giants 26-21 W -�.0 W 47.5 U

2 Houston 4�-24 W -12.5 W 47.5 O

� Jacksonville 21-14 W -6.5 W 41.5 U

4 at Ny Jets �1-28 W -8.0 L 46.5 O

5 Tennessee 14-1� W -18.0 L 48.0 U

6 byE

7 Washington �6-22 W -8.5 W 47.0 O

8 at Denver �4-�1 W �.0 W �9.5 O

9 at New England 27-20 W �.0 W 48.0 U

10 buffalo 17-16 W -12.0 L 45.0 U

11 at Dallas 14-21 L -1.0 L 49.0 U

12 Philadelphia 45-21 W -10.5 W 45.5 O

1� at Tennessee 17-20 L -7.5 L 46.5 U

14 at Jacksonville 17-44 L -1.0 L 44.0 O

15 Cincinnati �4-16 W -�.5 W 54.5 U

16 at Houston 24-27 L -9.0 L 46.5 O

17 Miami 27-22 W -9.5 L 4�.5 O

Terrence wilkins 52 1272 24.5 0 ran Carthon 2 21 10.5 0

�0 BLITZ WWW. bLITZMAG.COM BLITZ �1WWW. bLITZMAG.COM





David Garrard 11 241 145 1735 60.2 9 10 Byron Leftwich 6 183 108 1159 59.0 5 7

Fred Taylor 15 231 1146 5.0 5 3 Maurice Jones-Drew 16 166 941 5.7 13 1 David Garrard 11 47 250 5.3 0 4 alvin Pearman 13 19 89 4.7 1 2 Byron Leftwich 6 25 41 1.6 2 2

Matt Jones 14 41 643 15.7 4 reggie williams 16 52 616 11.8 4 Ernest wilford 16 36 524 14.6 2 Maurice Jones-Drew 16 46 436 9.5 2 George wrighster 16 39 353 9.1 3 Fred Taylor 15 23 242 10.5 1

Josh scobee 16 41 41 26 32





Chris Hanson 16 72 2920 40.6 20

alvin Pearman 32 283 8.8 0

Daryl smith 16 89 3 1 0 Clint ingram 14 67 1.5 1 0 rashean Mathis 16 61 0 8 0 Deon Grant 16 60 0 2 1 Brian williams 15 55 0 1 0 John Henderson 16 51 3.5 0 0 Donovin Darius 10 48 0 0 0 Paul spicer 15 47 3 0 0 Gerald sensabaugh 15 35 0 2 1 Bobby McCray 15 35 10 0 0 Terry Cousin 10 34 0 1 0 Nick Greisen 16 33 0 1 1

This could be head coach Jack Del Rio’s last chance to get the Jaguars over the hump. If they get shut out of the postseason again, Del Rio could be searching for a new job. The Jaguars’ defense ranked second overall last season, but their offense was so inconsistent that it led to them losing their last three games. The quarterback position was a huge problem last year, when Byron Leftwich missed the fi nal 10 games after having ankle surgery. David Garrard was unable to carry the offense and as a result Leftwich will return to the starting job again this season. Leftwich has a great arm, but he’s clashed with Del Rio in the past and could fi nd himself getting replaced by Garrard if he struggles early in the season. Leftwich’s job could be made a lot easier if Jacksonville had a true No. 1 receiver. Reggie Williams, Matt Jones and Ernest Wilford all possess great size and ability, but only Jones appears to have the tools to become a true No. 1 and he needs further development. The rushing attack is solid with one of the best running back tandems in the league. Maurice Jones-Drew scored 15 touchdowns last year, while veteran Fred Taylor proved he still has some gas in the tank. The Jaguars’ defense was superb last season, especially when you consider the number of in-juries they suffered. Defensive starters Reggie Hayward, Donovin Darius and Mike Peterson all ended up on injured reserve, but Jacksonville still boasted a top-notch defense. Still, the Jags will only go as far as their offense will take them this season.

JACKSONVILLe JAGuARS sTaDiUM: Jacksonville Municipal stadium FiELD sUrFaCE: Grass COACh: Jack Del Rio [ 5th year as coach] ReCORD: 34-30 PLAYOFF ReCORD: 0-1 WINNING % .531


21 reggie Nelson Fs Florida 48 Justin Durant iLB Hampton 79 Mike walker wr Central Florida 101 adam Podlesh P Maryland 113 Brian smith DE Missouri 149 Uche Nwaneri G Purdue 150 Josh Gattis Fs wake Forest 166 Derek Landri DT Notre Dame 229 John Broussard wr san Jose state 251 Chad Nkang iLB Elon 252 andrew Carnahan OT arizona state

Dennis Northcutt , wr Jermaine wiggins , TE Kevin McCadam , S Tony Pashos , T

Cortez Hankton , wr Deon Grant , DB Kyle Brady , Te

2006

OFF

ENSE

TEAM

2006 PErFOrMaNCE

rOsTEr CHaNGEs

2006 RANKINGS


2007 DraFT


2007 sCHEDULE


Sun, Sep 9 1:00 PM Tennessee

Sun, Sep 16 1:00 PM Atlanta

Sun, Sep 2� 4:05 PM at Denver

byE

Sun, Oct 7 1:00 PM at Kansas City

Sun, Oct 14 1:00 PM Houston

Mon, Oct 22 8:�0 PM Indianapolis

Sun, Oct 28 4:05 PM at Tampa bay

Sun, Nov 4 1:00 PM at New Orleans

Sun, Nov 11 1:00 PM at Tennessee

Sun, Nov 18 1:00 PM San Diego

Sun, Nov 25 1:00 PM buffalo

Sun, Dec 2 1:00 PM at Indianapolis

Sun, Dec 9 1:00 PM Carolina

Sun, Dec 16 1:00 PM at Pittsburgh

Sun, Dec 2� 1:00 PM Oakland

Sun, Dec �0 1:00 PM at Houston

TrENDs

• Jaguars are 10-2 ATS past 12 as underdog

• OVER is 10-1 past 11 games when Jags are favored

• Jaguars are 12-1 ATS before playing Tennessee

• Jaguars are 7-� ATS at Home

• Jaguars OVER is 6/1 past 7 before bye

• Jaguars are �-7 ATS past 10 on the road

• Jaguars are 8-2 ATS past 10 in September

• Jaguars are 8-1-2 ATS in past 11 home openers

ADDITIONS DELETIONS

2006 sTaTs LEaDErs

2006 rEsULTs

2�.19 9 5.48 8 18.�1 17 4.95 2 10.8� 15 158.81 � 180.1� 24 ��8.94 10 �2:14 2

17.1� 4 4.64 5 16.19 � �.48 4 10.47 11 91.25 4 192.�8 10 28�.6� 2 1.50 25


LEAG

UE

2006

DEF

ENSE

TEAM

LEAG

UE

aFC sOUTH DivisiON

1 Dallas 24-17 W 2.5 W �6.5 O

2 Pittsburgh 9-0 W 2.5 W �6.5 U

� at Indianapolis 14-21 L 6.5 L 41.5 U

4 at Washington �0-�6 L -�.0 L �4.0 O

5 Ny Jets 41-0 W -7.0 W �8.5 O

6 byE

7 at Houston 7-27 L -8.0 L �9.5 U

8 at Philadelphia 1�-6 W 8.0 W �9.0 U

9 Tennessee �7-7 W -9.5 W �7.5 O

10 Houston 10-1� L -10.5 L �7.5 U

11 Ny Giants 26-10 W -4.0 W �8.0 U

12 at buffalo 24-27 L -�.0 L �5.0 O

1� at Miami 24-10 W 0.0 W �5.5 U

14 Indianapolis 44-17 W 1.0 W 44.0 O

15 at Tennessee 17-24 L -4.0 L 41.0 P

16 New England 21-24 L -�.0 L �6.5 O

17 at Kansas City �0-�5 L 2.5 L �6.5 O

Maurice Jones-Drew 31 860 27.7 1 Derrick wimbush 8 181 22.6 0





Damon Huard 10 244 148 1878 60.7 1 11 Trent Green 8 198 121 1342 61.1 9 7

Larry Johnson 16 416 1789 4.3 17 2 Michael Bennett 11 36 200 5.6 0 1 Trent Green 8 19 59 3.1 0 5 Dee Brown 15 10 24 2.4 0 1 ronnie Cruz 5 5 19 3.8 0 0

Tony Gonzalez 15 73 900 12.3 5 eddie Kennison 16 53 860 16.2 5 samie Parker 16 41 561 13.7 1 Larry Johnson 16 41 410 10.0 2 Dante Hall 15 26 204 7.8 2 Kris Wilson 16 15 132 8.8 3

Lawrence Tynes 16 35 36 24 30





Dustin Colquitt 16 72 3178 44.1 24

Dante Hall 27 240 8.9 1

Kawika Mitchell 16 104 2.5 1 1 Sammy Knight 16 81 2 1 0 Jared allen 16 77 7.5 1 6 Derrick Johnson 13 76 4.5 0 2 Patrick surtain 16 69 1 1 1 Ty Law 16 68 1 4 0 Greg wesley 15 67 0 3 0 Tamba Hali 16 60 7 1 1 Kendrell Bell 16 48 1 0 0 Keyaron Fox 16 44 1 0 0 James reed 15 37 1 0 0 Jarrad Page 16 31 1 3 1

The beginning of the Herm Edwards era got off to a rocky start last year after offensive lineman Willie Roaf abruptly retired before the season and starting quarterback Trent Green went down early with a wicked concussion that sidelined him for eight weeks. Even when Green returned to the fi eld he didn’t look like his old self, which led to the end of his tenure in Kansas City. The starting job will go to Damon Huard or Brodie Croyle. Huard fi lled in admirably for Green, going 5-3 in starts last season. Croyle is the future, but whether or not the future starts now will be up to Croyle and how he performs in camp. With the murky quarterback-ing, the Chiefs will need all they can get out of star running back Larry Johnson. Johnson’s great balance of speed and power should enable him to have another stellar year, but he could be limited again by what looks like another lackluster passing attack. Kansas City still has one of the best tight ends in the game in Tony Gonzalez, but beyond him the receiving corps is pretty thin. Eddie Kennison is touted as the Chiefs’ No. 1 receiver, but he hasn’t lived up to the billing. The Chiefs took LSU wideout Dwayne Bowe in the fi rst round of the draft and he should battle for the No. 3 spot or better. On defense the Chiefs bolstered the linebackers during the offseason by picking up veteran Donnie Edwards and Napoleon Harris.

KANSAS CITY ChIeFS sTaDiUM: arrowhead stadium FiELD sUrFaCE: Grass COACh: herm edwards [ 7th year as coach] ReCORD: 48-48 PLAYOFF ReCORD: 2-4 WINNING % .500


23 Dwayne Bowe wr Louisiana state 54 Turk McBride DT Tennessee 82 DeMarcus ‘Tank’ Tyler DT North Carolina State 148 Kolby Smith RB Louisville 160 Justin Medlock K uCLA 196 Herbert Taylor OT Texas Christian 231 Michael allan TE whitworth

alfonso Boone , DT Damion Mcintosh , T Donnie Edwards , LB J.P. Darche , Ls John McGraw , DB Napolean Harris , LB

Dante Hall , wr Jordan Black , T Kawika Mitchell , LB Lenny walls , DB will shields , G

2006

OFF

ENSE

TEAM

2006 PErFOrMaNCE

rOsTEr CHaNGEs

2006 RANKINGS


2007 DraFT


2007 sCHEDULE


Sun, Sep 9 1:00 PM at Houston

Sun, Sep 16 4:15 PM at Chicago

Sun, Sep 2� 1:00 PM Minnesota

Sun, Sep �0 4:15 PM at San Diego

Sun, Oct 7 1:00 PM Jacksonville

Sun, Oct 14 1:00 PM Cincinnati

Sun, Oct 21 4:05 PM at Oakland

byE

Sun, Nov 4 1:00 PM Green bay

Sun, Nov 11 1:00 PM Denver

Sun, Nov 18 1:00 PM at Indianapolis

Sun, Nov 25 1:00 PM Oakland

Sun, Dec 2 1:00 PM San Diego

Sun, Dec 9 4:15 PM at Denver

Sun, Dec 16 1:00 PM Tennessee

Sun, Dec 2� 1:00 PM at Detroit

Sun, Dec �0 8:15 PM at Ny Jets

TrENDs

• OVER is 11-1-2 past 14 games in October

• Chiefs are 1�-5 ATS past 18 as favorite

• Chiefs are 2-11-1 ATS when visiting AFC East teams

• Chiefs are 7-� ATS at Home

• Chiefs are 8-2 ATS past 10 before bye

• Chiefs UNDER is 1-8 past 9 in September

• Chiefs are �-7 ATS on the road

• Chiefs are 8-4 ATS in their last 12 within division

ADDITIONS DELETIONS

2006 sTaTs LEaDErs

2006 rEsULTs

20.69 15 5.12 15 19.�8 11 4.18 12 11.0� 12 1��.94 9 187.50 22 �21.44 16 �0:�0 1�

19.69 11 5.27 18 18.6� 16 4.18 21 10.62 1� 120.50 18 208.�8 18 �28.88 16 1.88 11


LEAG

UE

2006

DEF

ENSE

TEAM

LEAG

UE

aFC wEsT DivisiON

1 Cincinnati 10-2� L 1.5 L 48.5 U

2 at Denver 6-9 L 11.0 W �8.0 U

� byE

4 San Francisco 41-0 W -7.0 W �9.5 O

5 at Arizona 2�-20 W -�.5 L 40.0 O

6 at Pittsburgh 7-45 L 6.5 L �7.0 O

7 San Diego �0-27 W 6.0 W �9.0 O

8 Seattle �5-28 W -5.0 W �7.0 O

9 at St. Louis �1-17 W �.0 W 48.5 U

10 at Miami 10-1� L 2.0 L 40.0 U

11 Oakland 17-1� W -9.0 L �6.5 U

12 Denver 19-10 W -2.0 W �9.5 U

1� at Cleveland 28-�1 L -4.5 L �5.5 O

14 baltimore 10-20 L -�.0 L �7.0 U

15 at San Diego 9-20 L 9.0 L 47.0 U

16 at Oakland 20-9 W -7.0 W �6.0 U

17 Jacksonville �5-�0 W -2.5 W �6.5 O

Dante Hall 53 1207 22.8 0 Jeff webb 7 169 24.1 0

�8 BLITZ WWW. bLITZMAG.COM BLITZ �9WWW. bLITZMAG.COM





andrew walter 12 276 147 1677 53.3 13 3 aaron Brooks 8 192 110 1105 57.3 8 3

Justin Fargas 16 178 659 3.7 1 1 LaMont Jordan 10 114 434 3.8 2 1 zack Crockett 16 39 163 4.2 0 2 aaron Brooks 8 22 124 5.6 0 5 reshard Lee 16 21 72 3.4 2 1

ronald Curry 15 62 727 11.7 1 randy Moss 13 42 553 13.2 3 alvis whitted 14 27 299 11.1 0 randal williams 15 28 293 10.5 0 Courtney anderson 16 25 285 11.4 2 John Madsen 15 11 146 13.3 1

sebastian Janikowski 16 16 16 18 25





shane Lechler 16 77 3660 47.5 19

Chris Carr 35 216 6.2 0

Kirk Morrison 16 122 1 2 1 Thomas Howard 16 106 0 0 0 stuart schweigert 16 100 0 0 1 Michael Huff 16 75 0 0 0 Tommy Kelly 16 68 3.5 0 0 Derrick Burgess 16 51 11 0 0 Nnamdi asomugha 15 50 1 8 0 warren sapp 16 47 10 0 0 Tyler Brayton 16 43 0 0 0 Terdell sands 16 41 1 1 0 Fabian washington 14 40 0 4 0 sam williams 15 37 1 0 1

The Oakland Raiders have nowhere to go but up after last year’s horrible season. Oakland fi nished a league-worst 2-14 and had one of the worst offenses, scoring only 12 touchdowns. The Raiders hope they found the answer when they drafted LSU QB JaMarcus Russell with the fi rst overall pick. Russell has a cannon for an arm, but he’ll likely start the season on the bench while being groomed for the starting job. Veteran QB Josh McCown was acquired from Detroit in a draft-day trade and he’ll likely battle holdover Andrew Walter for the starting job in camp. With troublesome underachiever Randy Moss traded away to New England, that leaves Jerry Porter and his bad attitude, plus Ronald Curry and Alvis Whitted to fi ght for the receiving work. Mike Williams was also acquired in the McCown trade in hopes that a change of scenery will transform his bust of a career. The running game stalled behind LaMont Jordan last season so the offensive line was improved through free agency and Dominic Rhodes was signed away from Indianapolis. After the failed Art Shell ex-periment, his replacement is former USC offensive coordinator Lane Kiffi n – a head-coaching neophyte at only 31 years of age. Surprisingly the Raiders’ defense was one of the best in the league last season, after fi nishing third in overall yardage allowed and fi rst against the pass. Most of the defense’s playmakers are young so the Raiders’ D could be even better this season. If all the pieces fall into place Oakland should see their win total rise for the fi rst time since 2004.

OAKLAND RAIDeRS sTaDiUM: Mcafee Coliseum FiELD sUrFaCE: Grass COACh: Lane Kiffi n [ 1st year as coach] ReCORD: 0-0 PLAYOFF ReCORD: 0-0 WINNING % .000


1 JaMarcus russell QB Louisiana state 38 zach Miller TE arizona state 65 Quentin Moses DE Georgia 91 Mario Henderson OT Florida state 99 Johnnie Lee higgins WR Texas~el Paso 100 Michael Bush rB Louisville 110 John Bowie CB Cincinnati 138 Jay richardson DE Ohio state 165 Eric Frampton ss washington state 175 Oren O’Neal FB arkansas state 254 Johnathan Holland wr Louisiana Tech

Cooper Carlisle , G Cornell Green , T Dominic rhodes , rB Fred Wakefi eld , Te Jeremy Newberry , C Josh McCown , QB Justin Griffi th , RB Mike williams , wr

aaron Brooks , QB Langston walker , T Marques Tuiasosopo , QB randy Moss , wr

2006

OFF

ENSE

TEAM

2006 PErFOrMaNCE

rOsTEr CHaNGEs

2006 RANKINGS


2007 DraFT


2007 sCHEDULE


Sun, Sep 9 4:15 PM Detroit

Sun, Sep 16 4:15 PM at Denver

Sun, Sep 2� 4:05 PM Cleveland

Sun, Sep �0 1:00 PM at Miami

byE

Sun, Oct 14 4:15 PM at San Diego

Sun, Oct 21 4:05 PM Kansas City

Sun, Oct 28 1:00 PM at Tennessee

Sun, Nov 4 4:15 PM Houston

Sun, Nov 11 4:15 PM Chicago

Sun, Nov 18 1:00 PM at Minnesota

Sun, Nov 25 1:00 PM at Kansas City

Sun, Dec 2 4:05 PM Denver

Sun, Dec 9 1:00 PM at Green bay

Sun, Dec 16 4:05 PM Indianapolis

Sun, Dec 2� 1:00 PM at Jacksonville

Sun, Dec �0 4:15 PM San Diego

TrENDs

• Raiders are 0-10 ATS past 10 in December

• Raiders are 1�-5 ATS hosting non-divisional foes in September

• Raiders are 0-5 ATS in last 5 games

• Raiders are �-7 ATS at home

• Raiders are �-7 ATS on the road

• Raiders are �-7 ATS in September

• Raiders are 9-22-1 ATS past �2 home games

• Raiders are 0-5 ATS in last 5 as favorite

ADDITIONS DELETIONS

2006 sTaTs LEaDErs

2006 rEsULTs

10.50 �2 4.15 �2 15.19 29 �.86 22 9.20 �0 94.94 29 151.25 �1 246.19 �2 28:1� 29

20.75 18 4.62 4 16.69 6 �.96 12 9.85 4 1�4.00 25 150.81 1 284.81 � 1.44 27


LEAG

UE

2006

DEF

ENSE

TEAM

LEAG

UE

aFC wEsT DivisiON

1 San Diego 0-27 L �.0 L 42.0 U

2 at baltimore 6-28 L 1�.0 L �4.0 P

� byE

4 Cleveland 21-24 L 2.0 L ��.5 O

5 at San Francisco 20-�4 L �.5 L �9.5 O

6 at Denver �-1� L 15.5 W �7.0 U

7 Arizona 22-9 W �.0 W 40.0 U

8 Pittsburgh 20-1� W 9.0 W �8.5 U

9 at Seattle 0-16 L 7.0 L �4.0 U

10 Denver 1�-17 L 8.0 W ��.5 U

11 at Kansas City 1�-17 L 9.0 W �6.5 U

12 at San Diego 14-21 L 1�.5 W 4�.0 U

1� Houston 14-2� L -�.0 L �5.5 O

14 at Cincinnati 10-27 L 10.5 L 40.0 U

15 St. Louis 0-20 L -2.5 L �9.5 U

16 Kansas City 9-20 L 7.0 L �6.0 U

17 at Ny Jets �-2� L 10.5 L �4.0 U

Chris Carr 69 1762 25.5 0 reshard Lee 4 49 12.3 0





Donovan McNabb 10 316 180 2647 57.0 6 18 Jeff Garcia 8 188 116 1309 61.7 2 10

Brian westbrook 15 240 1217 5.1 7 2 Correll Buckhalter 16 83 345 4.2 2 2 Donovan McNabb 10 32 212 6.6 3 3 Jeff Garcia 8 25 87 3.5 0 6 ryan Moats 8 22 69 3.1 0 0

reggie Brown 16 46 816 17.7 8 Donte’ stallworth 12 38 725 19.1 5 Brian westbrook 15 77 699 9.1 4 L.J. smith 16 50 611 12.2 5 Hank Baskett 16 22 464 21.1 2 Greg Lewis 16 24 348 14.5 2

David akers 16 47 47 18 23





Dirk Johnson 16 78 3306 42.4 21

reno Mahe 18 169 9.4 0

Jeremiah Trotter 16 113 0 1 0 Brian Dawkins 16 98 1 4 0 Dhani Jones 16 72 0.5 0 0 sean Considine 16 69 1.5 1 2 Trent Cole 16 61 8 1 1 Matthew McCoy 15 58 2 0 0 Mike Patterson 16 52 1.5 0 3 sheldon Brown 16 52 0 1 0 Michael Lewis 14 51 2 2 0 Omar Gaither 16 48 1 1 0 shawn Barber 13 48 0 0 1 Darwin walker 16 36 6 1 0

The highs and lows of last year’s playoffs (a victory over the Giants, a heartbreaking loss to the Saints) were symbolic of Philadelphia’s entire 2006 season. After a splendid 4-1 start, the Eagles sputtered to 5-6, along the way losing QB Donovan McNabb to a torn ACL. However, the team made an amazing turnaround led by the inspired play of QB Jeff Garcia, a run that came just a few points short of the NFC championship game. But that was then and this is now. Management waved goodbye to free agent Garcia in hopes that a healthy McNabb will return to form. On the ground, Brian Westbrook will continue to handle the bulk of the running game, supported by Correll Buckhalter, Ryan Moats and promising rookie Tony Hunt from Penn State. In the air, Philadelphia’s receivers must really step up to offset the loss of Donte’ Stallworth (to New England). Reggie Brown has the strongest potential to do so, while ex-Ram Kevin Curtis should play a key role. On the other side of the ball, the ever-aggressive Philly defense must stay healthy to be effective. Jevon Kearse, Trent Cole, Jeremiah Trotter, Matt McCoy and offseason acquisition Takeo Spikes must perform if the team is going to improve on its awful 26th ranking last year. Lito Shepherd, Brian Dawkins and heavy-hitting Sheldon Brown will continue to excel in the secondary. Providing that the team avoids key injuries, fans can easily expect another division title, Philly’s sixth in seven years. And a trip to the Super Bowl remains a strong possibility.

PHiLaDELPHia EaGLEs sTaDiUM: Lincoln Financial Field FiELD sUrFaCE: Grass COACh: Andy Reid [ 9th year as coach] ReCORD: 80-48 PLAYOFF ReCORD: 8-6 WINNING % .625


36 Kevin Kolb QB houston 57 victor abiamiri DE Notre Dame 87 stewart Bradley OLB Nebraska 90 Tony Hunt rB Penn state 159 C.J. Gaddis Fs Clemson 162 Brent Celek TE Cincinnati 201 rashad Barksdale CB albany 236 Nate ilaoa FB Hawaii

Bethel Johnson , wr ian scott , DT Kelly holcomb , QB Kevin Curtis , WR Montae reagor , DT Takeo spikes , LB

Darwin walker , DT Donte stallworth , wr Jeff Garcia , QB Michael Lewis , DB roderick Hood , DB shawn Barber , LB

2006

OFF

ENSE

TEAM

2006 PErFOrMaNCE

rOsTEr CHaNGEs

2006 RANKINGS


2007 DraFT


2007 sCHEDULE


Sun, Sep 9 1:00 PM at Green bay

Mon, Sep 17 8:�0 PM Washington

Sun, Sep 2� 1:00 PM Detroit

Sun, Sep �0 8:15 PM at Ny Giants

byE

Sun, Oct 14 1:00 PM at Ny Jets

Sun, Oct 21 4:15 PM Chicago

Sun, Oct 28 1:00 PM at Minnesota

Sun, Nov 4 8:15 PM Dallas

Sun, Nov 11 1:00 PM at Washington

Sun, Nov 18 1:00 PM Miami

Sun, Nov 25 8:15 PM at New England

Sun, Dec 2 1:00 PM Seattle

Sun, Dec 9 1:00 PM Ny Giants

Sun, Dec 16 4:15 PM at Dallas

Sun, Dec 2� 1:00 PM at New Orleans

Sun, Dec �0 1:00 PM buffalo

TrENDs

• Eagles are just 1-6-1 ATS papst 8 when favored

• Eagles are 1-9 ATS when hosting AFC foes

• Eagles UNDER is 1-7 past 8 before bye

• Eagles OVER is 6-2 past 8 on road

• Eagles are 7-� ATS past 10 in September

• Eagles are �-7 ATS past 10 in October

• Eagles are 11-1 ATS past 12 after playing Giants

• Eagles are 9-2 ATS past 11 on the road in Sept

ADDITIONS DELETIONS

2006 sTaTs LEaDErs

2006 rEsULTs

24.88 6 6.18 1 19.44 10 4.77 5 12.75 1 124.00 11 257.44 � �81.44 2 28:58 26

20.50 15 4.98 11 19.56 2� 4.46 24 9.9� 5 1�6.�8 26 191.69 9 �28.06 15 1.81 1�


LEAG

UE

2006

DEF

ENSE

TEAM

LEAG

UE

NFC EasT DivisiON

1 at Houston 24-10 W -6.0 W �7.5 U

2 Ny Giants 24-�0 L -�.0 L 42.0 O

� at San Francisco �8-24 W -6.5 W 42.5 O

4 Green bay �1-9 W -12.0 W 49.5 U

5 Dallas �8-24 W -1.5 W 4�.5 O

6 at New Orleans 24-27 L -�.0 L 47.0 O

7 at Tampa bay 21-2� L -6.0 L 42.5 O

8 Jacksonville 6-1� L -8.0 L �9.0 U

9 byE

10 Washington 27-� W -8.0 W 41.5 U

11 Tennessee 1�-�1 L -1�.0 L 4�.5 O

12 at Indianapolis 21-45 L 10.5 L 45.5 O

1� Carolina 27-24 W �.0 W �7.5 O

14 at Washington 21-19 W -2.5 L 40.5 U

15 at Ny Giants �6-22 W 6.0 W 45.0 O

16 at Dallas 2�-7 W 6.5 W 48.0 U

17 Atlanta 24-17 W -7.0 P 4�.0 U

reno Mahe 30 667 22.2 0 Dexter wynn 18 362 20.1 0






Ben roethlisberger 15 469 280 3513 59.7 23 18 Charlie Batch 8 53 31 492 58.5 0 5

willie Parker 16 337 1494 4.4 13 7 Najeh Davenport 13 60 221 3.7 1 2 Ben roethlisberger 15 32 98 3.1 2 5 verron Haynes 7 15 78 5.2 0 1 Hines ward 14 2 30 15.0 0 2

Hines ward 14 74 975 13.2 6 santonio Holmes 16 49 824 16.8 2 Nate washington 16 35 624 17.8 4 Cedrick wilson 15 37 504 13.6 1 Heath Miller 16 34 393 11.6 5 willie Parker 16 31 222 7.2 3

Jeff reed 15 41 41 20 27





Chris Gardocki 16 65 2687 41.3 11

santonio Holmes 26 264 10.2 1

James Farrior 16 126 4 1 1 Larry Foote 16 89 4 1 1 Clark Haggans 15 77 6 1 1 Troy Polamalu 13 76 1 3 0 ryan Clark 13 70 0 1 3 aaron smith 16 64 4.5 0 1 ike Taylor 16 63 0 2 0 Brett Keisel 16 56 6 0 1 Joey Porter 14 55 6.5 2 0 Bryant McFadden 16 50 0 3 1 Deshea Townsend 16 41 2 2 0 Casey Hampton 15 41 0 0 0

Last year around this time we were wrapping up the preseason team preview for the defending Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers, when starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger had his motorcycle accident. The resulting injuries (including an ugly laceration to his head, broken bones in his face, and some knee damage) cast serious doubt onto the Steelers’ chances of even making it to the playoffs in 2006. Well, Big Ben remarkably did manage to play 15 games in 2006 (even though he was slowed by an appendectomy and a concussion as well), but he was picked off 23 times and posted a quarterback rating of just 75.4 as the Steelers fell to an 8-8 record – and did in fact miss the playoffs. Pittsburgh can at least draw on the second half of 2006 for inspiration – they fi nished the season on a 6-2 run. The tough campaign, though, took its toll on head coach Bill Cowher, and he resigned from his post in January after 15 seasons with the team. Stepping into Cowher’s shoes will be Mike Tomlin, the former defensive coordinator for the Vikings. Tomlin will be charged with improving the Steelers’ play on defense – they gave up 114 more points than the division rival Ravens in 2006. The Steelers got a big season from Willie Parker in 2006; the running back rushed for 1,494 yards and 13 touchdowns, and also caught three scoring passes over the course of the season. Parker will continue to carry the load this year for a Steelers team that didn’t make a lot of personnel moves in the offseason.

PiTTsBUrGH sTEELErs sTaDiUM: Heinz Field FiELD sUrFaCE: Grass COACh: Mike Tomlin [ 1st year as coach] ReCORD: 0-0 PLAYOFF ReCORD: 0-0 WINNING % .000


15 Lawrence Timmons OLB Florida state 46 LaMarr woodley DE Michigan 77 Matt spaeth TE Minnesota 112 Daniel sepulveda P Baylor 132 ryan McBean DE Oklahoma state 156 Cameron stephenson G rutgers 170 william Gay CB Louisville 227 Dallas Baker wr Florida

Nick Eason , DT sean Mahan , G

Joey Porter , LB rodney Bailey , DE sean Morey , wr

2006

OFF

ENSE

TEAM

2006 PErFOrMaNCE

rOsTEr CHaNGEs

2006 RANKINGS


2007 DraFT


2007 sCHEDULE


Sun, Sep 9 1:00 PM at Cleveland

Sun, Sep 16 1:00 PM buffalo

Sun, Sep 2� 1:00 PM San Francisco

Sun, Sep �0 4:15 PM at Arizona

Sun, Oct 7 1:00 PM Seattle

byE

Sun, Oct 21 8:15 PM at Denver

Sun, Oct 28 1:00 PM at Cincinnati

Mon, Nov 5 8:�0 PM baltimore

Sun, Nov 11 1:00 PM Cleveland

Sun, Nov 18 1:00 PM at Ny Jets

Mon, Nov 26 8:�0 PM Miami

Sun, Dec 2 8:15 PM Cincinnati

Sun, Dec 9 1:00 PM at New England

Sun, Dec 16 1:00 PM Jacksonville

Thu, Dec 20 8:15 PM at St. Louis

Sun, Dec �0 1:00 PM at baltimore

TrENDs

• Steelers are 8-� ATS past 11 as underdog

• Steelers are 10-4 ATS as divisional favorites in September

• Steelers are 4-1 ATS in last 5 games

• Steelers are 6-� ATS past 9 at home

• Steelers UNDER is �-8 past 11 after bye

• Steelers are 2-5-1 ATS on the road

• Steelers are 2-9 ATS past 11 vs. Jacksonville

• Steelers are 7-1 ATS past 8 in December

ADDITIONS DELETIONS

2006 sTaTs LEaDErs

2006 rEsULTs

22.06 12 5.50 6 20.44 6 4.25 11 11.96 4 124.50 10 2��.�1 9 �57.81 7 �1:29 7

19.69 11 4.92 8 16.81 9 �.46 � 10.64 14 88.25 � 212.06 20 �00.�1 8 1.81 1�


LEAG

UE

2006

DEF

ENSE

TEAM

LEAG

UE

aFC NOrTH DivisiON

1 Miami 28-17 W -1.5 W �4.0 O

2 at Jacksonville 0-9 L -2.5 L �6.5 U

� Cincinnati 20-28 L -2.0 L 42.0 O

4 byE

5 at San Diego 1�-2� L �.0 L �7.0 U

6 Kansas City 45-7 W -6.5 W �7.0 O

7 at Atlanta �8-41 L -�.0 L �9.0 O

8 at Oakland 1�-20 L -9.0 L �8.5 U

9 Denver 20-�1 L -2.5 L �6.5 O

10 New Orleans �8-�1 W -6.5 W 45.5 O

11 at Cleveland 24-20 W -4.0 P �6.0 O

12 at baltimore 0-27 L �.0 L 40.5 U

1� Tampa bay 20-� W -7.5 W 40.5 U

14 Cleveland 27-7 W -7.0 W �4.0 P

15 at Carolina �7-� W -�.0 W �9.0 O

16 baltimore 7-�1 L -4.0 L �7.0 O

17 at Cincinnati 2�-17 W 6.0 W 44.0 U

Najeh Davenport 20 430 21.5 0 santonio Holmes 18 436 24.2 0





Philip rivers 16 460 284 3388 61.7 9 22 LaDainian Tomlinson 16 3 2 20 66.7 0 2

LaDainian Tomlinson 16 348 1815 5.2 28 2 Michael Turner 13 80 502 6.3 2 0 Lorenzo Neal 16 29 140 4.8 1 2 Philip rivers 16 48 49 1.0 0 8 andrew Pinnock 4 4 25 6.3 0 0

antonio Gates 16 71 924 13.0 9 Eric Parker 15 48 659 13.7 0 LaDainian Tomlinson 16 56 508 9.1 3 vincent Jackson 16 27 453 16.8 6 Keenan McCardell 14 36 437 12.1 0 Malcom Floyd 11 15 210 14.0 3

Nate Kaeding 16 58 58 26 28





Mike scifres 16 69 2893 41.9 35

Eric Parker 37 331 8.9 0

Donnie Edwards 16 142 2.5 3 1 Quentin Jammer 16 76 0 4 0 Jamal williams 16 69 2 0 0 shaun Phillips 14 65 11.5 0 1 Drayton Florence 16 64 0 3 0 shawne Merriman 12 62 16.5 1 1 Marlon McCree 14 59 1 1 1 randall Godfrey 13 58 4 0 0 Terrence Kiel 15 53 0 0 1 stephen Cooper 16 50 2.5 0 0 Luis Castillo 10 38 7 1 1 Jacques Cesaire 16 37 4.5 0 0

It seems odd that a team that went 14-2 last season would fi re their coach. A big chunk of the Chargers’ coaching staffed changed during the offseason after Marty Schottenheimer got the axe, while coordinators Wade Phillips and Cam Cameron both left for head coaching jobs. San Diego’s immense talent falls into the hands of new head coach Norv Turner, who knows a thing or two about running a high-powered offense. Turner’s biggest weapon is NFL MVP LaDainian Tomlinson. Nobody could stop LT last season as he rushed for a league-leading 1815 yards and set a new record with 31 touchdowns. Quarterback Philip Rivers proved the Chargers made the right choice when they stuck with him and let Drew Brees go before last season. In his fi rst year as starter, Rivers made a few rookie mistakes when under pressure, but he has good instincts in the pocket and should only get better. San Diego’s passing game boasts the best tight end in the league in Antonio Gates, but after losing wide receiver Keenan McCardell the receiving corps lacks another proven option. First-round pick Craig Davis has the chance to start right away if he can step up and claim the job in camp. On D, the Chargers used a successful 3-4 defensive scheme last year bolstered by a strong defen-sive line and speedy and powerful linebackers. Shawn Merriman led the league with 17 sacks last season despite missing four games due to suspension. San Diego has the talent to make a run at the Super Bowl this season.

saN DiEGO CHarGErs sTaDiUM: Qualcomm stadium FiELD sUrFaCE: Grass COACh: Norv Turner [ 10th year as coach] ReCORD: 58-82-1 PLAYOFF ReCORD: 1-1 WINNING % .415


30 Craig Davis wr Louisiana state 37 Eric weddle ss Utah 96 anthony waters iLB Clemson 129 scott Chandler TE iowa 172 Legedu Naanee wr Boise state 240 Brandon siler iLB Florida

aaron shea , TE az-zahir Hakim , wr Donnie Edwards , LB Keenan McCardell , WR Leander Jordan , G Ryan Krause , Te Terrence Kiel , DB

2006

OFF

ENSE

TEAM

2006 PErFOrMaNCE

rOsTEr CHaNGEs

2006 RANKINGS


2007 DraFT


2007 sCHEDULE


Sun, Sep 9 4:15 PM Chicago

Sun, Sep 16 8:15 PM at New England

Sun, Sep 2� 1:00 PM at Green bay

Sun, Sep �0 4:15 PM Kansas City

Sun, Oct 7 4:15 PM at Denver

Sun, Oct 14 4:15 PM Oakland

byE

Sun, Oct 28 4:05 PM Houston

Sun, Nov 4 1:00 PM at Minnesota

Sun, Nov 11 8:15 PM Indianapolis

Sun, Nov 18 1:00 PM at Jacksonville

Sun, Nov 25 4:15 PM baltimore

Sun, Dec 2 1:00 PM at Kansas City

Sun, Dec 9 1:00 PM at Tennessee

Sun, Dec 16 4:15 PM Detroit

Mon, Dec 24 8:00 PM Denver

Sun, Dec �0 4:15 PM at Oakland

TrENDs

• Chargers are 11-1-1 ATS past 1� as underdog

• Chargers are 8-2 ATS when visiting NFC foes

• Chargers are 2-5 ATS in last 7 games

• Chargers OVER is 5-2 past 7 on road

• Chargers OVER is 6-� in September

• Chargers are 7-� ATS past 10 in October

• Chargers are 7-1 ATS past 8 vs. Raiders

• Chargers are 9-0 SU, but just �-6 ATS past as favorite

ADDITIONS DELETIONS

2006 sTaTs LEaDErs

2006 rEsULTs

�0.75 1 5.75 4 20.06 7 4.94 4 11.�7 10 161.1� 2 20�.88 16 �65.00 4 �1:�8 5

18.94 7 4.90 7 17.81 12 4.18 20 10.46 10 100.81 7 200.75 1� �01.56 10 1.75 15


LEAG

UE

2006

DEF

ENSE

TEAM

LEAG

UE

aFC wEsT DivisiON

1 at Oakland 27-0 W -�.0 W 42.0 U

2 Tennessee 40-7 W -11.5 W �8.5 O

� byE

4 at baltimore 1�-16 L -1.0 L ��.5 U

5 Pittsburgh 2�-1� W -�.0 W �7.0 U

6 at San Francisco 48-19 W -10.0 W 42.0 O

7 at Kansas City 27-�0 L -6.0 L �9.0 O

8 St. Louis �8-24 W -9.0 W 46.0 O

9 Cleveland �2-25 W -1�.5 L 41.5 O

10 at Cincinnati 49-41 W -1.5 W 48.0 O

11 at Denver �5-27 W 2.5 W 42.5 O

12 Oakland 21-14 W -1�.5 L 4�.0 U

1� at buffalo 24-21 W -6.0 L 41.0 O

14 Denver 48-20 W -7.5 W 41.0 O

15 Kansas City 20-9 W -9.0 W 47.0 U

16 at Seattle 20-17 W -4.0 L 45.0 U

17 Arizona 27-20 W -14.0 L 44.5 O

Michael Turner 36 954 26.5 0 antonio Cromartie 11 304 27.6 0


16

yEars FrOM NOw wHEN PEOPLE LOOK BACK on the 2007 BCs Championship, hardly anyone will remember that the Florida Gators were a controversial pick to even be in the game. The Gators silenced the critics quickly and proved the oddsmakers wrong with a 41-14 one-sided victory over Ohio state.

to prove they belonged by cruising to a rose Bowl title. instead, the wolverines totally choked and were hammered 32-18 by the Trojans. Trojans’ QB John David Booty picked apart the Michigan secondary to the tune of 391 passing yards and four touchdowns. Dwayne Jarrett fi nished his college career in style with 205

The sugar Bowl was another disappointing loss for Notre Dame. The Fighting irish lost their ninth straight bowl game after getting blown out by LsU 41-14. JaMarcus russell assured himself the top spot in the NFL Draft after fl ashing his strong arm, while throwing for 332 yards with two touchdowns passes and also scoring a TD along the ground. Brady Quinn’s college career ended on a sour note as he threw two touchdowns and two interceptions, while watching the shaky Notre Dame defense crumble around him.

Last but not least was the Orange Bowl between Louisville and wake Forest. The Demon Deacons surprised everyone last season by winning the usually competitive aCC for the fi rst time since 1970. But Wake Forest’s luck ran out in their 24-13 Orange Bowl loss to the Cardinals. Louisville quarterback Brian Brohm had 311 passing yards in the game, and made the Cardinals a National Championship contender this season after deciding to return for his senior year. wake Forest may not prove to be a one-year wonder though, as QB riley skinner and rB Micah andrews are both returning.

Heading into the game everyone was talking about Heisman winner Troy smith and the elusive Ted Ginn Jr. Ginn started the game off with a touchdown, but it was all Gators from the point on. Chris Leak, Percy Harvin and Tim Tebow paced the Florida offense, while the strong Gators’ defense held the Buckeyes in check. Florida has become accustomed to winning with the success of both their football and basketball programs last year, and with a number of talented players ready to step in to vacant starting roles, the Gators could rule the gridiron again this year.

aside from the Championship game, the Bowl garnering the biggest hype was the rose Bowl between UsC and Michigan. The wolverines felt they were snubbed from the Championship game and were out

receiving yards and two touchdowns. Michigan QB Chad Henne had trouble with the powerful Trojans’ defense, while running back Mike Hart stalled with only 47 yards on the ground.

The closest Bowl game also delivered one of the most spectacular fi nishes in college football history. The underrated Boise state Broncos edged Oklahoma 43-42 in overtime in the Fiesta Bowl. The Broncos scored an amazing halfback option touchdown on fourth down in the overtime period, and then topped that by executing the statue of Liberty Play perfectly for the two-point conversion. Quarterback Jared zabransky and running back ian Johnson both shined for Boise state, while running back adrian Peterson fi nished his Oklahoma career with a pair of touchdown runs.

56

bCS bOWLS RECAP - by DAVID HARRISON

RECAPBCS BOWLS

The Crimson Tide lured saban back from the professional ranks with an eight-year contract that makes him the high-est-paid coach in college football. saban went just 15-17 in his two years in Miami. his fi rst season in South Florida (2005) saw the Dolphins go a respectable 9-7 (they were just 4-12 in 2004), but with higher expectations going into ‘06 the team’s 6-10 record was a disappointment.

so now saban will be charged with boosting the Crimson Tide’s fortunes on the fi eld instead. Alabama crashed to a 6-7 record in 2006, and they were a woeful 2-6 against southeastern Conference opponents. That record cost Mike shula his job as the team’s head coach, and paved the way for saban to come to town.

replacing saban with the Dolphins will be Cam Cameron, who was formerly the offensive coordinator for the san Diego Chargers. Cameron also has some head-coaching experience with indiana, with whom he went 18-37 from 1997 to 2001.

six other NFL teams made coaching changes in the offseason. Bill Cowher and Bill Parcells resigned from their posts with the Pittsburgh steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, respectively, with Parcells saying he will retire and Cowher undecided about his future plans. Mike Tomlin was tapped to take over in Pittsburgh, while wade Phillips got the nod as the Cowboys’ new head coach for the 2007 season.

Dennis Green, Jim Mora, art shell, and Marty schottenheimer were all fi red at the end of the 2006 season. Green went 16-32 as head coach of the arizona Cardinals, and the fortunes of Matt Leinart and company have now been turned over to Ken Whisenhunt. Mora (26-22 with the Falcons) will get to watch Bobby Petrino work with Michael vick this season. Shell led the Raiders to a terrible 2-14 mark in ‘06 (in his second stint with the team), and he gave way to Lane Kiffi n.

and schottenheimer was surprisingly canned after his Char-gers went 14-2 in 2006 but were bounced from the playoffs by the New England Patriots. Norv Turner will take over that job in san Diego, and try for more postseason success.

There have been a couple dozen coaching changes in the college ranks since bowl season ended, with saban the highest-profi le hire. Other big names to accept new college coaching positions in the offseason include Dennis Erick-son, who takes over from Dirk Koetter at Arizona State, Butch Davis, who takes over from John Bunting at North Carolina, and Jim Harbaugh, the former NFL quarterback who will replace walt Harris as the head coach at stanford in 2007.

The other new head coaches for the upcoming season: Troy Calhoun (air Force), stan Brock (army), Jeff Jagodzinski (Boston College), Butch Jones (Central Michigan), Brian Kelly (Cincinnati), Mario Cristobal (Florida Int’l), Robb Akey (idaho), Gene Chizik (iowa state), Derek Dooley (Louisi-ana Tech), Steve Kragthorpe (Louisville), Randy Shannon (Miami), Mark Dantonio (Michigan state), Tim Brewster (Min-nesota), Tom O’Brien (N.C. state), Todd Dodge (North Texas), David Bailiff (rice), Bob Toledo (Tulane), Todd Graham (Tulsa), and Neil Callaway (UaB).

FLORIDA WON THE NATIONAL TITLE WITH DEFENSE LAST yEAR. USC PLANS TO EMPLOy THE SAME STRATEGy TO PUT THEMSELVES bACK IN THE bCS GAME. CAROUSEL

COACHINGSAbAN RETURNS TO COLLEGE RANKS

COACHING CAROUSEL - by DAVE CROWLEy

wHaT’s a 6-10 sEasON wOrTH for a head coach in the National Football League?if you’re Nick saban, it’s worth $32 million from the University of alabama. After fi nishing out of the playoffs for the second straight season at the helm of the Miami Dolphins in 2006 saban decided to jump ship and return to the college life.

COACH NICK SAbAN MIGHT bETHE MERCENARy WITH THEHIGHEST PROFILE, bUT FOR ALLTHE CHANGES yOU NEEDA SIDELINE SCORECARD.


STeVe SLATON – RB – WeST VIRGINIA2006: 248/1744 yds (7.0 avg), 16 TD

slaton has blazing speed out of the backfield and made the most of every carry last season, averaging an incredible seven yards every time he rushed the ball and 134.2 yards per game. similar to Hart, slaton may have a hard time taking home the heisman because he shares the field with west virginia QB Pat white, who could end up splitting votes. which leads us to...

BRIAN BROhM – QB – LOuISVILLe2006: 199/�1�, �049 yds, 16 TD, 159.08 Qb RTG

after Brohm decided to return to Louisville for his senior year, two thoughts immediately came to mind: 1) The Cardinals instantly became a legit National Championship contender; and, 2) Brohm has both the arm and the talent around him to make a serious Heisman push. Brohm ran into some injury problems last season, but came back strong. if he can avoid any of those health issues this year, the Cardinals and Brohm should both have monster seasons.

DARReN MCFADDeN – RB – ARKANSAS2006: 284 carries/1647 yds (5.8 avg), 14 TD

McFadden was one of the best players in all of college football last season, as evidenced by his runner-up finish behind Troy Smith for last year’s Heisman. Even though he battled through numerous injuries, the razorbacks’ powerhouse still managed to rumble for the fifth-highest total yardage in the nation and an average of 117.6 yards per game. McFadden packs size, power and speed into a potent combination out of the backfield, and can break off a big TD run at any time. He’s already gaining some of the nationwide attention he’ll need for a successful Heisman campaign.

HEI

SMAN

HOP

EFUL

S - b

y JO

RDAN

ADA

MS

58

HOPEFULSHEISmAN

HEISMAN HOPEFULS - by DAVID HARRISON

MIKe hART – RB – MIChIGAN2006: �18/1562 yds (4.9 avg), 14 TD

Hart has to share the spotlight along with Michigan teammates Chad Henne at QB and wideout Mario Manningham, which could hurt his chances at making a real run for the Heisman. Only one rB racked up more carries than Hart in all of Division 1 last season, and although he isn’t as flashy or fleet as some of the other Heisman contenders at rB, Hart dominates with great power running and a tremendous work ethic. Hart was hampered by injuries last season and he will need to stay healthy for the whole campaign in order to have a legitimate shot at the Heisman prize.

PAT WhITe – QB – WeST VIRGINIA2006: 118 completions/179 attempts, 1655 yds, 1� TD, 159.7� Qb RTG

white is a dangerous double-threat pivot that can beat you with his arm or with his legs. Last season, in addition to his impressive passing stats, white also rushed for 1219 yards (averaging 101.6 yards per game) with 18 touchdowns. white is truly a highlight-reel quarterback which should draw him plenty of attention coast to coast, but again, playing alongside slaton will likely cost him the votes he needs to contend for the hardware.

COLT BReNNAN – QB – hAWAII2006: 406/559, 5549 yds, 58 TD, 185.96 Qb RTG

Those numbers listed above are not a misprint. That’s right, 5449 passing yards and 58 touchdown passes. you’ve got to ask yourself, if Brennan’s stats last year weren’t good enough to win the Heisman, how can he possibly win the award this year? The simple answer to that is winning. Hawaii has a really good shot at winning the waC this year, and we know what Boise state did with their waC championship last season. if Hawaii can put together a winning season and Brennan has 50-plus TDs again, the days of passing under the radar are long gone for the prodigious gunslinger.

JOhN DAVID BOOTY – QB – uSC2006: 269/4�6, ��47 yds, 29 TD, 144.01 Qb RTG

Booty has history on his side, as the Trojans have had seven Heisman winners in their illustrious history and two great quarterbacks have won the award in the last five years. Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart had more experienced weapons at their disposal, but that could play right into Booty’s hands if he can put up huge numbers without a lot of big-name talent around him. if UsC can return to the top of the rankings like we expect them to, Booty could be a lock for the Heisman just like Troy smith was last year.

LIMAS SWeeD – WR – TexAS2006: 46 receptions/801 yds, 12 TD

we know only two wide receivers have ever won the Heisman, but that just makes sweed an extreme dark horse. Every year at least one wideout gets thrown into the Heisman mix as a long shot. Last year it was Ted Ginn Jr.; this time around it’s Sweed. The Texas senior is difficult to cover at 6-foot-5, and with QB Colt McCoy entering his sophomore season, sweed should catch tons of passes and find the end zone on a regular basis.

Last season Troy Smith was a pretty easy preseason pick as the top Heisman Trophy candidate. When you play Qb on a team surrounded by offensive weapons that is expected to contend for a national championship, and has a light schedule versus a number of big Ten teams you should pummel, it’s not exactly brain surgery.

This year things aren’t quite as simple. There are a few frontrunners, but no one stands out from the pack like Smith did by the end of last season. The pool of talent includes a number of skillful quarterbacks, and speedy running backs from coast to coast who have already put up great numbers and play on teams that should excel enough to garner national attention.

Since the Heisman has gone to a Qb or Rb on 64 of the 72 occasions it has been awarded, most of our Heisman contenders will either be throwing the ball or running the pigskin. but, thanks to Tim brown and Desmond Howard, we have to include at least one wide receiver for good measure.

RAZORbACK DARREN MCFADDEN RAN TO A HEISMAN RUNNERUP SPOT 2006.

WILL HE OR JOHN DAVID BOOTYEARN THE HEISmAN BOOTY IN 2007?

HERE’S OUR LOOK AT THE PRESEASON HEISMAN TROPHy CONTENDERS AROUND COLLEGE FOOTbALL.

PLAYER TO WIN THE2007 HEISmAN TROPHY(as OF JUNE 14 2007)

Ray Rice +625Darren McFadden +450Colt McCoy +1400Anthony Morelli +�000CJ Spiller +1100Percy Harvin +1600John David booty +�75CJ Gable +1600Mike Hart +775Chad Henne +1100Jonathan Stewart +2000Steve Slaton +�75Pat White +1100Chase Daniel +1600Colt brennan +625Tim Tebow +950Matthew Stafford +4000brian brohm +500BE

TUS


SOUTH CAROLINASteve Spurrier finally has the tools he needs to take the

Gamecocks somewhere in the sEC.

PENN STATENittany Lions quarterback anthony Morelli is ready to

lead the Penn state offense back to respectability.

AUbURNThe Tigers have had a great three-year run in the sEC, and

that should continue with QB Brandon Cox leading the offense.

WEST VIRGINIA Late-season injuries to QB Pat white and rB steve slaton

derailed the Mountaineers at the end of last season. with both stars healthy, west virginia has one of the best backfield combos anywhere. The schedule is more favorable this season and should lead the Mountaineers to the top of the Big East.

MICHIGAN The wolverines’ offense remains loaded with QB Chad

Henne, rB Mike Hart and wr Mario Manningham. The defense has a number of starters retuning and will either lead the wolverines to glory or take the blame for unfulfilled expectations.

FLORIDA

Don’t count the Gators out just because they lost a few pieces

of their championship team. Tim Tebow takes over at QB and should be just as good – possibly better – than Chris Leak. Look for Percy Harvin to have a breakout year, while the defense will need to be rebuilt from the ground up.

OKLAHOMAThe sooners won’t have to scramble to find a starting

quarterback during the offseason, so their offense should get off to a faster start even without adrian Peterson. The defense should be one of the best in the Big 12, allowing the sooners a chance to win every week.

WISCONSIN with 16 starters returning and some new talent filling

in the holes, the Badgers may be even better than the team that went 12-1 last season. The schedule gets tougher with trips to Ohio state and Penn state on the slate, which will make or break their season.

OHIO STATEThe Buckeyes’ offense lost a lot of personnel to the NFL,

but their defense is strong enough to keep them in games while their new offense gets sorted out. The quarterbacks fighting for Troy Smith’s old job are a talented bunch, but one of them needs to step up and lead when the season begins.

VIRGINIA TECHThe top defense in the aCC has eight starters returning, and

the offense should be improved with a more experienced quarterback plus running back Branden Ore strong out of the backfield.

LOUISVILLEThe Cardinals have a stellar offense led by Heisman

contender QB Brian Brohm. if Brohm stays healthy they’re a definite National Championship contender.

ARKANSASThe Razorbacks have a difficult road schedule this year, but

the sky is the limit with Darren McFadden in the backfield.

CALIFORNIAThe Golden Bears still have QB questions and their defense has

been gutted, but there’s still enough talent to reach the top of the Pac-10.

GEORGIAThe Bulldogs really turned it on at the end of last season which

bodes well for sophomore quarterback Matthew stafford, but their defense will need some surprising performances to match last year’s strong-armed crew.

TENNESSEE if Erik ainge plays mistake-free football the volunteers will go

far. if not - no dice.

RUTGERSThe Scarlet Knights over-performed last season and may

have trouble matching last year’s feats in the tough Big East. ray rice leads what should be an improved offense.

HAWAIIThe waC belongs to the warriors this year, who have a

top-tier QB in Heisman hopeful Colt Brennan leading the best offensive attack in the country.

TEXAS A&MThe schedule for the aggies is killer, but the stephen McGee-

led offense could also be lethal to their opponents.

TCUThe defense is one of the best, and if the offense carries its

share of the load the Frogs could be unbeatable in the MwC.

UCLAThe Bruins have a ton of starters coming back and should be solid

on both sides of the ball.

NEbRASKAThe Big 12 North will be tougher this season, but the Cornhuskers

have a plethora of seniors in their lineup to help them pile up wins.

FLORIDA STATEThe seminoles’ return to the top of the aCC starts now, with

a rebuilt defense and an offense that was better than their record made them out to be last year.

USCThe Trojans have another great quarterback at the helm in John David Booty. with a great offensive line

in front of him and another year of seasoning under his belt, Booty should up big numbers. what makes UsC really dangerous is their excellent defense, which may be the best Pete Carroll has had during this tenure with the Trojans.

LSU

The Tigers may have lost JaMarcus russell to the NFL, but senior QB Matt Flynn is ready to take over

the starting job and has a number of weapons around him that should allow him to ease into the job. with eight defensive starters returning, the Tigers’ D is one of the toughest in all of college football.

TEXAS

Colt McCoy had a fine freshman campaign and he should be even better this season with a year

of experience under his belt. with big man Limas sweed leading the receiving corps and Jamaal Charles’ power running out of the backfield, the Longhorns’ offense should be lethal. 6

7

17

LAST SEASON THE FLORIDA GATORS ENDED UP ON TOP of the final poll of the season after thrashing Ohio State in the National Championship. Not very many observers picked the Gators to go all the way during the preseason, so you may want to examine the contenders a little closer this year before selecting a No. 1.

1

2

4

�

5

8

9

10

11

14

15

16

18

19

20

21

22

2�

24

25

NCAA TOP 25 - by DAVID HARRISON

(as OF JUNE 14 2007)

BETU

S alabama +3000auburn +2500arizona +8000arizona state +8000arkansas +4000California +2000Clemson +6500Colorado +10000Florida +750Florida state +2000Georgia +2500Georgia Tech +17500iowa +6000Louisville +1600LsU +750Miami Florida +4000Michigan +600Michigan state +12500NC state +12500Nebraska +3000Notre Dame +3000Ohio state +2000Oklahoma +1200Oregon +4000Penn state +1600rutgers +2000southern Cal +150Tennessee +2000Texas +600Texas a and M +4000UCLa +4000virginia +20000virginia Tech +2000west virginia +1000wisconsin +3500Field +1200

TEAm TO WINTHE BCS NATIONAL CHAmPIONSHIP

12

1�

HERE’S OUR TOP 25 TEAMS IN COLLEGE FOOTbALL HEADING INTO THE NEW SEASON.

TWO yEARS IS TOO LONG FOR USC TO bE WITHOUT A bCS TITLE. COACH CARROLL EXPECTS TO REMEDy THE SITUATION IN 2007.

60

Documents

aFC sOUTH DivisiON HOUsTON TExaNs iNDiaNaPOLis COLTs · 2013. 4. 27. · andre Johnson 16 103 1147 11.1 5 Eric Moulds 16 57 557 9.8 1 Owen Daniels 14 34 352 10.4 5 wali Lundy 14 33