NFL’s Most Improved Offenses
May 25, 2008 at 11:42 am | Article by Paul Hickey |
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What are Mike Martz and Alex Smith doing in San Francisco, you ask? Only brewing up one of the NFL’s most revived and improved offenses in 2008. Martz brings with him a history of getting several wide receivers involved in the offense, developing one stud QB, and increasing the PPR value of his RBs.
When looking for solid sleeper options, smart fantasy owners follow the trends of improving NFL offenses, then identify guys that can make an impact in their system. The New Orleans Saints in 2006 and the Cleveland Browns in 2007 are the two top examples off the top of my head of offenses who have improved drastically from the previous season. As a result, guys like Reggie Bush, Marques Colston, Drew Brees, Derek Anderson, Braylon Edwards, Jamal Lewis and Kellen Winslow became top tier fantasy players. Let’s take a look at four of the NFL’s most improved offenses in 2008.
New York Jets -New York brought in OL Alan Faneca via free agency, which should help in the trenches, pass protection and running the ball. 2006 first round pick LT D’Brickashaw Ferguson should continue to develop in his third season in the league. The Jets added offensive line guru Bill Callahan to gel this group together, open up holes for Thomas Jones, and give Chad Pennington and Kellen Clemens more time to find the open man. Lastly, the Jets love 30th overall pick TE Dustin Keller, who will play a slot receiver role, similar to Dallas Clark in Indy. Overall, expect plenty of statistical improvement from the Jets in 2008. If Jones stays healthy, he should definitely out perform last year’s totals behind a much improved line.
Buffalo Bills -Not only is there a second year RB who garnered more than 1,000 yards last season coming back for plenty more action, but there’s a new, aggressive offensive coordinator who wants to get him the rock on just about every play. Marshawn Lynch will be the key cog to the Bills offense, as many close to the organization have been very pleased with his effort and talent. He should be able to open things up drastically for deep threats Lee Evans and James Hardy. Another strong factor to an improved offense is a greatly improved defense. With Paul Posluszny returning and Marcus Stroud and Kawika Mitchell joining via free agency, the Bills should be stacked on both sides of the ball. Expect Trent Edwards to come into his own by the end of the year.
Houston Texans -In addition to some solid moves over the past couple years - such as adding Matt Schaub via trade and Steve Slaton via the draft, the Texans brought in the grandfather of the successful zone blocking scheme, new offensive line coach Alex Gibbs, to oversee the linemen. This is one of the main reasons why the Texans will end up being a field-stretching, exciting, high scoring offense in 2008. Gary Kubiak’s troop is one to watch closely, as guys like Andre Johnson, Owen Daniels, Chris Taylor and a WR to be named later could be fantasy studs.
San Francisco 49ers -Okay, this is the one you’ve been waiting for. New offensive coordinator Mike Martz will sling the rock around the field way more than San Francisco has ever done in the past. Whichever wins the QB job - Alex Smith or Shaun Hill - will be a solid QB2 at worst under Martz. Frank Gore’s PPR value has skyrocketed with this move, and he should be set up nicely for a few key TD runs as well. WRs Bryant Johnson and Isaac Bruce are expected to play a huge role and should finish near the top of the league leaders in receptions, making them each a great draft value. Even slot man Arnaz Battle and second year WR Jason Hill could become fantasy worthy in Martz’s scheme. The x-factor though, is TE Vernon Davis. Martz has never really used the TE position traditionally, but Davis is known as a solid route runner and pass catcher, so he could play a valuable role.
Jacksonville Jaguars - Perhaps the most improved offense in the NFL this year will be that of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Not only have they locked up QB David Garrard and added versatile WR Jerry Porter, but they have a clear cut vision and plan of attack. Porter will give them a player who can stretch the field and be a true number one WR. This will allow Garrard to find Reggie Williams and Marcedes Lewis over the middle, and open up things even more for RBs Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew to kill the competition. We were wrong about the Jags last year, and we’re not missing the boat this time around. This team will be a great source for fantasy owners to pick and choose sleeper prospects from in 2008.
This article is also featured on Athlon/Grogan’s Fantasy Football, your spot for Cheat Sheets updated daily, and Fantasy tools to manage your team all year long.
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