NFC West
8/1/01
Email Quentin
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A complete, up-to-date, in camp look at all the NFL sleepers - just
in time for pre-season.
NFC WEST
Atlanta Falcons
After missing 1999 due to a knee injury, Jamal Anderson ran for
1024 yards in 2000. This year, he'll be two years removed from that
injury, which is generally the time most running backs need to regain
top form. While the Falcons ranked 28th in team rushing last season,
and may have the worst offensive line in the NFC, the good news
is Atlanta's 2001 schedule gave up an average of 118.5 rushing yards
last season. Outside of Buffalo and New Orleans (twice), the Falcons
do not face a formidable defense all season. Four times they play
teams which gave up more than 120 rushing yards per game. Anderson
is a sleeper because his opportunity to achieve is much greater
than most people may realize.
Super Sleeper: Jake Arians. After
spending last season on the practice squad, this Alabama-Birmingham
grad gets a shot to replace Morten Anderson. Arians has a very strong
leg, and the ability to hit 50+ field goals consistently. This should
make up for the lack of PAT's he'll get. He plays eleven of sixteen
games indoors this year, which is ideal for a kicker.
Carolina Panthers
At 5'11, 225 pounds, Richard Huntley has the size, speed, and skills
to challenge Tim Biakabutuka for the Panthers' starting halfback
job. In four NFL seasons, Huntley has never averaged less than 4
yards per carry, including a league best 6.1 in 1999. A good receiver,
Huntley can also gain tough yards after the catch. So far, he has
been very impressive during Carolina's workouts.
The downside to Huntley is he's been here before. After a terrific
1999 campaign, poor play and nagging injuries cost him in his 2000
bid to unseat Steeler mainstay Jerome Bettis. Huntley also drew
the ire of the Steeler coaching staff for his propensity to fumble.
If this sounds familiar, it should. Ahman Green was in the same
position before Seattle traded him to Green Bay last season.
Huntley will not duplicate Green's results. However, given Huntley's
ability, and Carolina's frustration with the often-injured Biakabutuka,
Huntley could earn substantial playing time. If he does, the Panthers'
revamped, offensive line, and a soft, 2001 schedule against the
run (upcoming Panther opponents gave up an average of 113.9 rushing
yards per game in 2000, which would place them 17th against the
league) make Huntley a solid running back sleeper.
Super Sleeper: Watch Donald Hayes.
Although Hayes got substantial playing time in 2000 (66 catches,
926 yards, 3 touchdowns), the value of this 6'4, 208 pound, Badger
wide-out should continue to climb because Pat Jeffers continues
to show the effects of his 2000 injuries. Assuming someone can throw
him the football, Hayes should duplicate 2000. Even if the Carolina
quarterback situation remains hazy, Hayes is a free agent after
2001. Don't be surprised if he is a #1 receiver elsewhere in 2002.
New Orleans
everyone knows Deuce McCallister, but keep your eyes on rookie Onomo
Ojo. At 6'4, 200 pounds, Ojo is a big receiver with great speed
(4.5 forty). He has been very impressive during camp, and Saint
coaches love him.
San Francisco
Garrison Hearst continues his miracle return to the San Francisco
49ers line-up. So far, he has looked good in camp, and should start
week one. Even if Hearst does, Pitt Panther Kevan Barlow is the
Niner future. At 6'1, 238 pounds, Barlow is a big back, with good
speed. He must improve his receiving and blocking skills, and concentrate
on holding the football. Also, despite Tai Streets' push to start,
J. J. Stokes has looked great in camp. If Stokes continues to impress,
he will start and could catch 70 passes opposite Terrell Owens.
St. Louis Rams
St. Louis has improved their defense, but aside from Ernie Conwell
returning to action at tight end, the Rams remain intact at offense.
Note for Trung Candidate and Justin Watson fans: Robert Holcombe
has been switched from fullback to halfback. At 5'11, 220 pounds,
he is a bruiser, and is officially behind Faulk on the Ram depth
chart. Watson has been switched to fullback.
» AFC coming tomorrow!
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