Williams To Be Panthers Lead Back In `08…

February 15, 2008 at 7:26 pm | Article by Paul Hickey |

Our sources have been telling us for some time now that Panthers head coach John Fox is confident in third year RB DeAngelo Williams as his lead back in 2008, due to his improved pass protection skills. DeShaun Foster’s name has been tossed around in trade rumors, and there have been whispers that Carolina is searching to add a “power back” this offseason to replace him. While the rumors about adding someone like T.J. Duckett or Ron Dayne may be true, our sources tell us that it would only be as a change of pace to Williams - not the other way around. In other words, the former University of Memphis workhorse will get his change to be an every down back at the pro level. A few folks from around the league have mentioned the name Brian Westbrook when asked for a comparison. Look for Williams to be a breakout fantasy RB in 2008.

Parcells & Sparano To Switch Miami To 3-4 - There have been conflicting reports regarding whether the Miami Dolphins will switch from a 4-3 defense to a 3-4 alignment under the new regime. Our sources tell us that Bill Parcells and Tony Sparano will absolutely switch to a 3-4, and that Zach Thomas’ release was the indicating factor. There’s no way that Parcells would cut ties with a hard-working veteran, who wants to come back and play in 2008 despite concussion problems, unless he flat out didn’t fit his vision. This also leads our sources to believe that Jason Taylor, one of the games best defensive ends for the past several seasons, will officially move to linebacker in 2008, which could suit him well but negatively affect his fantasy value in leagues that require starters at defensive line. Taylor will likely fill a DeMarcus Ware type pass rushing roll for Miami moving forward.

Colts Being Overly Cautious - Indianapolis recently made the announcement that banged up veterans Marvin Harrison (knee), Dwight Freeney (foot) and Bob Sanders (shoulder) would likely miss the start of training camp in July. Our sources tell us that this is simply Bill Polian and Tony Dungy being overly cautious about players they know they’ll need to rely on at more important points of the season. There is a strong sentiment out there that these veterans do not need to be putting their bodies at risk in July and August. Fantasy owners should know moving forward that just because they may not see Harrison, Freeney and Sanders in July and August, doesn’t mean that they won’t be fully healthy and ready to play in Week 1.

Conflicting Reports On Rocky - The Redskins have reported two conflicting messages regarding the future of third year WLB Rocky McIntosh. The first was that McIntosh may not be ready to play in 2008 due to the fact that he tore both his ACL and MCL in Week 15. Later, the `Skins reported that McIntosh is likely to be fully healthy by July as the MCL was not touched, and that his knees would no longer be an issue. Our sources will believe it when they see it. Word is that the `Skins are strongly pursuing Bears UFA WLB Lance Briggs to take McIntosh’s spot.

Jordan & Rhodes Likely Done As Raiders - Justin Fargas’ new three year contract with the Raiders raised some eyebrows recently, including those of our sources. It is believed that Fargas’ signing now indicates that the Raiders are less likely to draft an RB in the early rounds this April, and that either LaMont Jordan, Dominic Rhodes, or both, are likely to be released despite having remaining years on their respective contracts. In conjunction with these potential moves, second year RB Michael Bush would be promoted to the back-up roll and could eventually compete for the starting job as early as the middle of 2008. Bush is someone dynasty and keeper owners should watch closely. If someone like Fargas can rush for 1,000 yards for Oakland, than someone of Bush’s ability can as well.

Ravens Believe Heap Will Bounce Back - Word is that the Baltimore Ravens are extremely happy with Todd Heap’s progress this offseason, after missing 10 games in 2007 with a torn hammy. Our sources tell us that many around the Ravens organization believe that the soon-to-be 28 year old Heap will be a huge factor in new offensive coordinator Cam Cameron’s offense.

Perry Not Done Yet - You may have heard recently that the Bengals believe that Chris Perry can come back in 2008 and contribute behind Rudi Johnson. The two made a nice 1-2 punch in 2005 for most of the season before Perry suffered multiple ankle and knee injuries. The former first round pick has a ton of talent, but it remains to be seen how much explosiveness he’ll have after the injuries. Our sources tell us that the news regarding Perry doesn’t bode well for 2007 rookie Kenny Irons, who missed the entire season due to a torn ACL he suffered in his first career preseason game.

Moss, Stallworth Not Guaranteed To Re-Sign With New England - Our sources are convinced that neither Randy Moss nor Donte’ Stallworth are sure bets to return to New England in 2008. The Pats left themselves an easy out to release Stallworth this offseason if they want to, and while there’s much love between Moss and the Pats front office, the two sides may not agree on the money. To the casual observer, money may not seem to matter in Moss’ situation, but our sources remind us that at 31 years of age, this is surely Moss’ last chance for a huge payday. Coming off 23 TDs, he’s sure to get larger offers elsewhere that will seem tempting.

Cards Excited About Rolle At Free Safety - Recently, Arizona announced that they’d be moving talented cover corner Antrel Rolle to free safety to replace Terrence Holt - a free agent experiment gone wrong. Our sources tell us that the Cards are extremely excited about this move, as they anticipate this putting Rolle’s extraordinary ball skills on display nearly every passing down. IDP owners should look at Rolle as a huge potential breakout candidate in 2008.