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Updated: 9/9/02 |
No-Brainers
Marvin Harrison at JAX
Randy Moss at CHI
Terrell Owens at NYG
Torry Holt at DEN
Keyshawn Johnson vs New Orleans
You have to like the addition of Keenan McCardell to this
wide receiving corps. Having a veteran playmaker like this, should
not only help QB Brad Johnson, but take some of the burden and focus
off "Key." Much like the 2001 New England Patriots, Keyshawn's
1 TD was somewhat of a fluke. He might double that ouput this week
as he has a supreme size mismatch against CB Fred Thomas (5-foot-9)
and Michael Hawthorne is still a little rough around the edges.
If the Saints try and play Cover-2 all day, look out.... 120 yds
and 2 TDs isn't out of the question.
Johnson Recap:
(5 catches, 76 yds)
Meet the new boss, as Roger Daltrey might say. Here comes a new genius coach to replace the last
genius coach who inhabited the Pirate Ship. Here comes a new #2 WR, forcing Tampa fans to embrace
the wonder of a formation with fewer than 3 TEs. Here's a brand new feature back, apparently
either stolen from Arizona, or gleefully released to Chucky and Co. by a Cardinals team not really
drowning in playmakers, or the happy problem of "too much running attack."
But some things haven't changed. Warren Sapp is still running his mouth, Martin Gramatica is
still all but automatic from FG distance...and Keyshawn Johnson is still catching the pill from Brad Johnson,
seemingly with no intent to cause touchdowns. Don't get me wrong; Key had a decent day, well
within the range of the regular ups and downs that prevent every receiver from fulfilling their
140 yd, 2 TD pace of weekly promise. But with all the scenery that has changed around him, it
still seems as if somebody Up There would prefer Keyshawn not score. (And no, I don't mean the
Glazers' sky box). You have to believe the scores will come, but I believed Bill didn't inhale.
Maybe the Bucs
will all quickly adhere to the same page of game-plan flypaper, but for Week One they looked like they
were trying anything just to get out of the jar alive.
Grade:
C-
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Joey Galloway at Houston
I know you're probably sick of the Cowboys talk already.
I've already mentioned QB Quincy Carter and RB Emmitt Smith this
week... heck, I think I even gave Galloway a plug on the QB
page. Galloway does have a test battling CB Aaron Glenn but
at this point, you know where I stand. Dallas should produce some
nice offensive numbers this week.
Galloway Recap:
(6 catches, 69 yds)
Well, we've kind of covered the amazing Festival of Ineptitude the Cowboys put on already, so
all that's left to say is that Galloway may not even finish the year as the #1 receiver, stats-wise.
Antonio Bryant definitely looked like a rookie, but he also hauled in four passes and showed
flashes of some serious talent.
Galloway was one of those receivers who brought immense talent with them from college, and apparently
figured all they had to do was endure a little adjustment period, and then away they'd go. He
was a hit for Seattle for a couple years, which probably only dangerously fed Gallo's confidence.
Then the knee injury hit, but we're two years removed now, and if it's still bothersome then
that's a gigantic worry. Of course, the Cowboys have a veritable Chinese menu of choices from
which to select the appropriate gigantic worry of the day. But Galloway has got to at least try
to assume some leadership for his team of rugrats and fading gloryseekers. So far, pfffffft.
Grade:
D+
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Tim Brown/Jerry Rice vs. Seattle
The questions is... who will see CB Ken Lucas the majority
of the day? Shawn Springs and Lucas will have their hands full with
this duo... as old as they are.
Eric Moulds vs. NY Jets
Don't worry about the hamstring, he will be fine. I expect
Moulds to have his way with either Aaron Beasley or Donnie Abraham.
Derrick Mason vs. Philadelphia
Normally, picking against the Eagles secondary isn't a way
to make a living but the probable loss of Troy Vincent this week,
makes Mason a nice prospect in Week 1. Al Harris would replace Vincent
in the starting lineup if Vincent's knee isn't ready to go.
Chris Chambers vs Detroit
Much like the Cowboys, the Dolphins will look to establish
Ricky Williams early and often which should open up the play-action
passing game for Fiedler and Chambers. Both Eric Davis and Todd
Lyght are veteran corners which should be a good test for this up
and coming WR star.
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