Remember The 90's?: Re-Living Greatness

[young2rice]

San Francisco 49ers
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Coach
Head Coach: George Seifert
Years Coaching: 1
Overall Record: 14-2


Team Starters
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QB - Joe Montana
HB - Roger Craig
FB - Tom Rathman
WR - John Taylor
WR - Jerry Rice
WR - Mike Sherrard
TE - Brent Jones
LT - Steve Wallace
LG - Guy McIntyre
C - Jesse Sapolu
RG - Harris Barton
RT - Bubba Paris
DE - Kevin Fagan
DT - Michael Carter
DE - Pierce Holt
LB - Charles Haley
MLB - Matt Millen
MLB - Keith DeLong
LB - Bill Romanowki
CB - Darryl Pollard
CB - Don Griffin
FS - Ronnie Lott
SS - Dave Waymer
K - Mike Cofer
P - Barry Helton
KR - Dexter Carter
PR - John Taylor


Current Status
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The San Francisco 49ers are the returning super bowl champions coming into the 1990 season. After an unbelieveable season that saw them loose only twice, and a devestating victory over the Denver Broncos, 55 to 10, the 49ers are still the team too beat. With Joe Montana calling the shots, and Rice and Taylor catching the balls, there's no stopping the teams passing game. At the running position you have Roger Craig and Tom Rathman sizing up a solid running game. With a great defense too boot and some top-notch players like Charles Haley and Ronnie Lott, the only way they loose, is if a serious injury bug infects the team.

[young2rice]

New York Giants
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Coach
Head Coach: Bill Parcells
Years Coaching: 7
Overall Record: 64-46-1


Team Starters
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QB - Phil Simms
HB - Ottis Anderson
FB - Maurice Carthon
WR - Mark Ingram
WR - Stephen Baker
WR - Lionel Manuel
TE - Mark Bavaro
LT - Jumbo Elliott
LG - Eric Moore
C - Bart Oates
RG - William Roberts
RT - Doug Riesenberg
DE - Eric Dorsey
DT - Erik Howard
DE - Leonard Marshall
LB - Lawrence Taylor
MLB - Steve Deossie
MLB - Pepper Johnson
LB - Carl Banks
CB - Everson Walls
CB - Mark Collins
FS - Myron Guyton
SS - Greg Jackson
K - Matt Bahr
P - Sean Landeta
KR - Dave Meggett
PR - Dave Meggett

Current Status
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After a 13-3 season the New York Giants are itching to get back into the superbowl. Phil Simms will always keep the team in contention with his outstanding capabilities. Ottis Anderson is looking set to had a decent season, and rookie Rodney Hampton may even see some time coming off the bench. The great tight end Mark Bavaro is also still hanging on as he'll look foward to grabbing a few Simms touchdowns this season. Pepper Johnson could very well have a breakthrough season alongside Lawrence Taylor this year. And the coverage ability of Mark Collins and Greg Jackson should not make it easy for opposing team's passing game.

[young2rice]

New York Jets
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Coach
Head Coach: Bruce Coslet
Years Coaching: 0
Overall Record: 0-0


Team Starters
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QB - Ken O'Brien
HB - Blair Thomas
FB - Brad Baxter
WR - Al Toon
WR - Rob Moore
WR - Terance Mathis
TE - Mark Boyer
LT - Trevor Matich
LG - Mike Haight
C - Jim Sweeney
RG - Dave Cadigan
RT - Jeff Criswell
DE - Dennis Byrd
DT - Marvin Washington
DT - Jeff Lageman
DE - Scott Mersereau
LB - Joe Kelly
MLB - Troy Johnson
LB - Kyle Clifton
CB - Tony Stargell
CB - James Hasty
FS - Erik McMillan
SS - Johny Booty
K - Pat Leahy
P - Joe Prokop


Current Status
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A seven year career at head coach for Joe Walton ended this past season as the New York Jets finished with an abysmal 4-12 record. Ken O'Brien had an unusually inaccurate season as he only threw 12 touchdowns to his 18 interceptions. Many say it was due to the injury-plagued offensive line. This season they're looking forward to a much better outcome. With Al Toone, Robe Moore, and Terance Mathis bringing down passes they're hoping that O'Brien manages to have a better season and lead the Jets to an improved record under their new head coach, Bruce Coslet.

[young2rice]

Detroit Lions
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Coach
Head Coach: Wayne Fontes
Years Coaching: 2
Overall Record: 9-12


Team Starters
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QB - Rodney Peete
HB - Barry Sanders
FB - James Wilder?
WR - Robert Clark
WR - Richard Johnson
WR - Terry Greer
WR - Aubrey Matthews
LT - Lomas Brown
LG - Eric Andolsek
C - Kevin Glover
RG - Ken Dallafior
RT - Harvey Salem
DE - Dan Owens
DT - Jerry Ball
DE - Keith Ferguson
LB - George Jamison
MLB - Chris Spielman
MLB - Dennis Gibson
LB - Michael Cofer
CB - Bruce McNorton
CB - Leroy Irvin
FS - Bennie Blades
SS - William White
K - Eddie Murray
p - Jin Arnold


Current Status
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Last year was Fontes first full year coaching and the Lions finished the season wth a lackluster 7-9 record. This team feels that it has what it takes to become better then that. Last year's standout was rookie runningback, Barry Sanders. As a rookie he rushed for 1,470 yards and 14 touchdowns, despite missing 1 game during the year. His unbelievable rushing allowed to team to slightly overlook the horrible pasing outputted by both Rodney Peete (5 td, 9 int), and Bob Gagliano (6 td, 12 int). In order for Detroit to get into the playoffs they are going to have to expect a much better performance this year from Rodney Peete, or else they will struggle once again.

[young2rice]

Green Bay Packers
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Coach
Head Coach: Lindy Infante
Years Coaching: 2
Overall Record: 14-18


Team Starters
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QB - Dan Majkowski
HB - Michael Haddix
FB - Darrell Thompson
WR - Perry Kemp
WR - Sterling Sharpe
WR - Jeff Query
TE - Ed West
LT - Tony Mandarich
LG - Keith Uecker
C - Blair Bush
RG - Billy Ard
RT - Ken Ruettgers
DE - Shawn Patterson
DT - Matt Brock
DE - Robert Brown
LB - Tim Harris
MLB - Tony Bennett
MLB - Johnny Holland
LB - Brian Noble
CB - Leroy Butler
CB - Jerry Holmes
FS - Mark Murphy
SS - Mark Lee
K - Chris Jacke
P - Don Bracken
KR - Charles Wilson
PR - Jeff Query


Current Status
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The Packers are coming off a decent season in which they finished 10-6. They're high powered offense was ranked 8th in the NFL with 362 total points. Meanwhile they're average defense only allowed 356 to be ranked 18th. Majkowski probably had his best year where he threw for 4,318 yards and 27 touchdowns, with 20 interceptions on the side. The running of Brent Fullwood helped open up the field and allow Sterling Sharpe to have a great year of 90 receptions, 1,423 yards, and 12 touchdowns. The passing-oriented Packers are looking to continue their ways going into the 1990 season.

[young2rice]

New England Patriots
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Coach
Head Coach: Rod Rust
Years Coaching: 0
Overall Record: 0-0


Team Starters
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QB - Marc Wilson
HB - John Stephens
FB - Marvin Allen
WR - Hart Lee Dykes
WR - Irving Fryar
WR - Greg McMurty
TE - Marv Cook
LT - Danny Villa
LG - Elbort Crawford
C - David Douglas
RG - Paul Fairchild
RT - Bruce Armstrong
DE - Brent Williams
DT - Tim Goad
DE - Garin Veris
LB - Marion Hobby
MLB - Andre Tippett
MLB - Johnny Rembert
LB - Vincent Brown
CB - Ronnie Lippett
CB - Maurice Hurst
FS - Fred Marion
SS - Roland James
K - Jason Staurovsky
P - Brian Hansen
KR - Sammy Martin
PR - Irving Fryar

Current Status
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Yet another team with an inexperienced head coach. Rod Rust has never played a single game as a head coach and will get his first chance too this season with the New England Patriots. The Patriots struggled last year too a 5-11 season that left much to be desired. The injury to Steve Grogan, and his original lackluster beginning of 9 td's with 14 int's, had the passing game hurting. The only positve part of the season was John Stephens who ran for 833 yards and 7 touchdowns in 14 games with 244 carries. The Patriots have a lot of work to get back to that Super Bowl contender team that was saw just 5 years ago.

[young2rice]

Los Angeles Raiders
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Coach
Head Coach: Art Shell
Years Coaching: 1
Overall Record: 7-5


Team Starters
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QB - Jay Schroeder
HB - Marcus Allen
FB - Bo Jackson
WR - Willie Gault
WR - Mervyn Fernandez
WR - Tim Brown
TE - Ethan Horton
LT - Rory Graves
LG - Max Montoya
C - Don Mosebar
RG - Steve Wisniewski
RT - Bruce Wilkerson
DE - Scott Davis
DT - Greg Townsend
DE - Howie Long
LB - Jerry Robinson
MLB - Thomas Benson
MLB - Riki Ellison
LB - Ricky Hunley
CB - Terry McDaniel
CB - Lionel Washington
FS - Eddie Anderson
SS - Mike Harden
K - Jeff Jaeger
P - Jeff Gossett
KR - Jamie Holland/Ron Brown
PR - Tim Brown

Current Status
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Los Angeles' season revival started with the hiring of Art Shell mid-year. Shell went 7-5 having the Raiders finish at 8-8 on the year. Jay Schroeder and Steve Beurlein both shared time starting and Steve had the better season with 1,677 yards, 13 touchdowns, and only 9 interceptions. Meanwhile Jay struggled with 1,550 yards, 8 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. Bo Jackson tore the field up before he was injured and missed 5 games for the year. Howie Long found himself going to another pro bowl. The team is looking at splitting some carries between Marcus Allen and Bo Jackson and we'll see how that works out this season. Jay is still the starter here on the Raiders despite last years challenge by Beurlien, who is no longer with the team (dallas).

[young2rice]

Los Angeles Rams
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Coach
Head Coach: John Robinson
Years Coaching: 7
Overall Record: 67-44


Team Starters
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QB - Jim Everett
HB - Cleveland Gary
FB - Gaston Green
WR - Henry Ellard
WR - Flipper Anderson
WR - Aaron Cox
TE - Pete Holohan
LT - Irvin Pankey
LG - Tom Newberry
C - Doug Smith
RG - Duval Love
RT - Jackie Slater
DE - Doug Reed
DT - Alvin Wright
DE - Mike Piel
LB - Kevin Greene
MLB - Brett Faryniarz
MLB - Mike Wilcher
LB - George Bethune
CB - Jerry Gray
CB - Bobby Humphery
FS - Vince Newsome
SS - Anthony Newman
K - Mike Lansford
P - Keith English
KR - Gaston Green/Robert Delpino
PR - Darryl Henley/Mickey Sutton

Current Status
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Last Year the Los Angeles Rams made it to the championship game only to loose to the champion San Francisco 49ers by an embarrasing 30-3 final score. However it was still a great season for the team. Jim Everett was his usual accurate self with 4,310 yards, 59% completion, and 29 touchdowns. Greg Bell had a great year at the running spot with 1,137 yards and a top-notch 15 touchdowns. Henry Ellard had a great year bringing down 70 balls for 1,382 yards, 8 touchdowns, and a pro bowl appearance, along with teammates Jerry Gray, Kevin Greene, Jackie Slater, and Doug Smith. This year should be no different as Everett and Co. are looking at keeping themselves in super bowl contention. However Greg Bell has found himself on a new team this year (Raiders) so it appears that their runninggame may suffer a hit if Cleveland Gary doesn't live up to expectations.

[young2rice]

Washington Redskins
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Coach
Head Coach: Joe Gibbs
Years Coaching: 9
Overall Record: 91-45


Team Starters
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QB - Mark Rypien
HB - Earnest Byner
FB - Gerald Riggs
WR - Art Monk
WR - Gary Clark
WR - Ricky Sanders
WR - Joe Howard
TE - Jimmie Johnson
LT - Joe Jacoby
LG - Raleigh McKenzie
C - Jeff Bostic
RG - Russ Grimm
RT - Jim Lachey
DE - Charles Mann
DT - Fred Stokes
DT - Tracy Rocker
DE - Markus Koch
LB - Wilber Marshall
MLB - Monte Coleman
LB - Andre Collins
CB - Darrell Green
CB - Martin Mayhew
FS - Alvin Walton
SS - Todd Bowles
K - Chip Lohmiller
P - Ralf Mojsiejenko
KR - Joe Howard/Brian Mitchell
PR - Walter Stanley/Brian Mitchell

Current Status
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Despite finishing the season 10-6 last season the Washington Redskins did not find themselves int he playoffs. However there were many solid points on the season. Mark Rypien had a great year filling in for Doug Williams with 3,768 yards and 22 touchdowns with only 13 picks. Meanwhile the running game was solid as Gerald Riggs ran for 834 yards and 4 touchdowns on only 201 carries. Meanwhile Earnest Byner brought the change-up the team needed with his 4.3 average, 580 yards, 7 touchdowns, 54 catches, 458 yards, and 2 more touchdowns. Art Monk, Ricky Sanders, and Gary Clark were the most dangerous wide reciever corps last season as Clark was 1 catch short of making all three surpass the 80-grab mark. (86,80,79 respectively). This season should be no different for the Washington Redskins. However that record should be enough to propel them into the playoffs.

[young2rice]

New Orleans Saints
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Coach
Head Coach: Jim Mora
Years Coaching: 4
Overall Record: 38-25


Team Starters
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QB - Steve Walsh
HB - Rueben Mayes
FB - Craig Heyward
WR - Eric Martin
WR - Brett Perriman
WR - Floyd Turner
TE - Hoby Brenner
LT - Jim Dombrowski
LG - Steve Korte?
C - Joel Hilgenberg
RG - Steve Trapilo
RT - Stan Brock
DE - Wayne Martin
DT - Renaldo Turnbull
DE - Jim Wilks
LB - Pat Swilling
MLB - Rickey Jackson
MLB - Sam Mills
LB - Vaughan Johnson
CB - Milton Mack
CB - Bennie Thompson
FS - Brett Maxie
SS - Gene Atkins
K - Morten Andersen
P - Tommy Barnhardt
KR - Gil Fenerty
PR - Vince Buck


Current Status
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Last year the Saints had a decent year at 9-7, however they just missed playoff entrance. They sent three players too the pro bowl in Dalton Hillard, Vaughan Johnson, and Pat Swilling. The linebacking corps of this team is sold between Johnson and Swilling and should continue to dominate this year. The team is looking forward to utilizing Steve Walsh instead of Bobby Herbert who last year had 2,686 yards, 15 td's, and 15 int's. Overall the team is attempting to improve their passing game so they can use Eric Martin, Brett Perriman, and Floyd Turner too their full potential.

[young2rice]

Seattle Seahawks
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Coach
Head Coach: Chuck Knox
Years Coaching: 17
Overall Record: 155-98-1


Team Starters
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QB - Dave Krieg
HB - John L. Williams
FB - Derrick Fenner
WR - Brian Blades
WR - Tommy Kane
WR - Jeff Chadwick
TE - Travis McNeal
LT - Andy Heck
LG - Edwin Bailey
C - Grant Feasel
RG - Bryan Millard
RT - Ron Mattes
DE - Jacob Green
DT - Joe Nash
DE - Jeff Bryant
DE - Tony Woods
LB - Rufus Porter
MLB - Darren Comeaux
LB - David Wyman
CB - Patrick Hunter
CB - Melvin Jenkins
FS - Nesby Glasgow
SS - Eugene Robinson
K - Norm Johnson
P - Rick Donnelly
KR - Chris Warren / Derek Loville
PR - Chris Warren


Current Status
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It seems the Seattle Seahawks have been on a donward spiral, record-wise, since 1986. The team just can't seem to get it together. Dave Krieg had a decent year with 3,309 yards, 21 touchdowns, but he also had 20 interceptions, making his year seem less phenominal. The runningame was split between Curt Warner and John L. Williams and combined for 1,130 total yards, which was devent. The Seahawks just had a mediocre season that saw Brian Blades, Dave Krieg, and Rufus Porter all sent too the pro bowl for their stats. However the team would prefer if they could change those 3 pro bowl appearances for 3 more victories.

[young2rice]

Pittsburgh Steelers
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Coach
Head Coach: Chuck Noll
oxYears Coaching: 21
Overall Record: 177-132-1


Team Starters
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QB - Bubby Brister
HB - Merril Hoge
FB - Tim Worley
WR - Derek Hill
WR - Louis Lipps
WR - Dwight Stone
TE - Eric Green
LT - Tunch Ilkin
LG - Dermontti Dawson
C - John Jackson?
RG - John Rienstra
RT - Tom Ricketts
DE - Aaron Jones
DT - Gerald Williams
DE - Keith Willis
LB - David Little
MLB - Hardy Nickerson
MLB - Jerrol Williams
LB - Bryan Hinkle
CB - Rod Woodson
CB - Dwayne Woodruff
FS - Larry Griffin
SS - Carnell Lake
K - Gary Anderson
P - Dan Stryzinski
KR - Rod Woodson
PR - Rod Woodson

Current Status
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Once again Noll's dominant Steelers team found thmselves in the playoffs. After defeating the Oilers and then loosing to the Broncos the Steelers were sent home with dreams of another super bowl victory. The passing game had a struggling year in 1989 and Bubby Brister threw for 2,365 yards and only 9 touchdowns, with 10 interceptions. The main focus however was between the split-carries had by Tim Worley and Merril Hoge who combined for 13 touchdowns, and 1,391 yards. It'll be the same this season for all three starters, however Pittsburgh hopes Brister can comeback after last years dismal year and produce some better numbers to take advantage of the teams solid recievers, like Louis Lipps.

[young2rice]

Houston Oilers
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Coach
Head Coach: Jack Pardee
oxYears Coaching: 6
Overall Record: 44-46


Team Starters
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QB - Warren Moon
HB - Lorenzo White
FB - Allen Pinkett
WR - Haywood Jeffries
WR - Ernest Givens
WR - Drew Hill
WR - Curtis Dunacane
LT - Dean Steinkuhler
LG - Mike Munchak
C - Jay Pennison
RG - Bruce Matthews
RT - David Williams
DE - Sean Jones
DT - William Fuller
DT - Ray Childress
DE - Doug Smith
LB - Al Smith
MLB - Johnny Meads
LB - Lamar Lathon
CB - Richard Johnson
CB - Chris Dishman
FS - Bubba McDowell
SS - Terry Kinard
K - Tony Zendejas
P - Greg Montgomery
KR - Gerald McNeil
PR - Gerald McNeil


Current Status
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The Houston Oilers had Jerry Glanville leave despite a 9-7 record and a playoff birth (knocked out by the Steelers in first round, 26-23). So who is going to take the team over? Well how about Jack Dupree, a man who hasn't been a head coach since 1980 when he coached the Redskins. Dupree will hopefully bring the team back to the playoffs this year as the Oilers utilze there weapons. With Warren Moon at the quarterback spot the team will always have a dominant passing game with the help of their talented quadruplet of recievers that all bring down catches for the team. Lorenzo White will also be given his first chance to fully-start at the runningback position this year, as the team hopes he excels. Which he should be able to do as both pro bowl offensive lineman, Bruce Matthews and Mike Munchak, are going to help him get there.

[young2rice]

Minnesota Vikings
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Coach
Head Coach: Jerry Burns
oxYears Coaching: 4
Overall Record: 38-25


Team Starters
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QB - Rich Gannon
HB - Herschel Walker
FB - Rick Fenny
WR - Hassan Jones
WR - Anthony Carter
WR - Cris Carter
TE - Steve Jordan
LT - Gary Zimmerman
LG - Randall MCDaniel
C - Kirk Lowdermilk
RG - Todd Kalis
RT - Tim Irwin
DE - Chris Doleman
DT - Henry Thomas
DT - Ken Clarke
DE - Al Noga
LB - Mike Merriweather
MLB - Scott Studwell
LB - Ray Berry
CB - Reggie Rutland
CB - Carl Lee
FS - Darrell Fullington
SS - Joey Browner
K - Fuad Reveiz / Donal Igwebuike
P - Harry Newsome
KR - Herschel Walker
PR - Leo Lewis



Current Status
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In 1989 the Minnesota Vikings finished 10-6 and lost to the champion San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Divisonal Playoff round 41 to 3. They were led by quarterbacks Wade Wilson and Tommy Kramer, both of who had struggling season that left Anthony Carter and Hassan Jones much to be desired. The running game of Herschel Walker was unstoppable, when he was healthy, as he missed 5 games of the season, allowing Rick Fenney to take the full-time job at that point. This upcoming year for the Vikings will be a crucial one. They are going with a young Rich Gannon at the quarterback position to see if they can remedy that. And Herschel Walker is back and healthy and should be ready for the upcoming season.

[young2rice]

Y2R's 1990 Off. Sleepers-n-Busts
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Part 1


Chicago Bears
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Sleeper: WR - Wendell Davis
The Chicago Bears are looking like they're going to focus with a slightly less running-oriented output by this years offense. What does this mean? Well Davis should be seeing many more balls coming his way. Last year he only had 26 catches for 378 yards and 3 touchdowns as the team's number two wide receiver. This year he is challenging Ron Morris for the potential number one spot. However, even if he doesn't claim the number one spot he should still have a much more admirable season thanks to Jim Harbaugh's change-ups this off-season, and the team's orientation.
Projected Statistics: 45 Rec - 653 Yds - 6 Td's

Bust: QB - Mike Tomczak
While It's not one-hundred percent set in stone, Jim Harbaugh will be the starting quarterback for the Chicago Bears going into training camp. Mike Ditka feels that Harbaugh is ready to command this team and he will allow him the opportunity to prove himself. Tomczak struggled to a 16 touchdown, 16 interception season last year which left much to be desired. However there is still a chance, resting on a solid pre-season performance, that Mike could find himself back in the number one spot. However that seems highly unlikely due to Ditka's plain admiration towards Harbaugh. All signs are pointing to either just a few nominal starts, or a complete backup role for Mike Tomczak this season.
Projected Stats: 52 of 126 att - 697 yds - 5 td - 7 int


Cincinnati Bengals
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Sleeper: FB - Harold Green
Many believe that Harold Green is merely a runningback in a fullbacks body. There is a lot of potential for Green to cut into James Brooks carries. However it'll be hard for Sam Wyche to give up on Brooks after his solid 1989 performance. It is my belief that Harold Green will surprise some people and get many carries on 3rd down for the team, making him a valuable asset. He also has the raw talent to be a solid recieving back for the team which is just what Boomer Esiason ordered.
Projected Stats: 75 att - 320 yds - 5 td - 40 rec - 400 yds - 5 td

Bust: TE - Rodney Holman
It's going to be extremely hard for Rodney Holman to live up to the expectations he has on his back this year. Holman finished last year with a pro-bowl caliber 50 catches for 736 yards and 9 touchdowns. This amazing numbers for a tight end are going to be painfully hard to repeat for Holman this year. Esiason may not be throwing as many passes to Holman this year because of the late-season emergence of Tim McGee into the number one wide reciever spot. McGee finished the year with 65 grabs for 1,211 yards and 8 touchdowns. He had an amazing 18.6 yards per catch average that the Bengals are going to try and fully exploit this season.
Projected Stats: 40 Rec - 575 yds - 4 td


Buffalo Bills
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Sleeper: WR - James Lofton
The veteran wide-out, James Lofton, struggled last year after not only being in a non-starting spot on the roster, but also suffering injuries that kept him out of half-a-dozen games during the regular season. Lofton, as his career has proven, has all the tools needed to be a dominant reciever. While some may believe he doesn't have what it takes to compete anymore, I still believe that he still has some milage left in his tank. Jim Kelly's passing combined with the change of pace running by Thurman Thomas will give Lofton plenty of opportunities to shine. Andre Reed broke out last year with some big-time numbers, but who knows if he can be that consistent?
Projected Stats: 54 Rec - 1,080 Yds - 6 Td

Bust: TE - Keith McKeller
Keith already had a disappointing year last year, so this season would just add to the spiraling downfall. With Pete Metzelaars breathing down his neck for the starting job, it will be interesting to see how McKeller answers the pressure. His first starting year was last season, and it may end up being his only one as his 20 catches for 341 yards weren't enough to raise the eyebrows of Marv Levy. Levy is high on Metzelaars and we could easily see him overtake McKeller for the tight end spot as the Bills hope to get their tight ends more involved in the passing attack.
Projecte Stats: 20 Rec - 352 Yds - 1 TD


Denver Broncos
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Sleeper: WR - Mark Jackson
Mark Jackson only had 28 grabs last year, and this year, as the teams number two wide receiver, should at least double those numbers for the season. Elway and company still have a huge chip on there shoulder after their third super bowl loss, and that equates to Elway throwing more deep balls. Jackson has a great set of hands on him, and a good ability to run after the catch. Now with his newfound ranking in the depth charts he could easily find many more passes come his way this season.
Projected Stats: 56 rec - 896 Yds - 4 Td

Bust: QB - John Elway
While some may be thinking, how can John Elway be a bust? He's already thrown for over 3,000 yards 5 years in a row now. My answer is, he has not been as good as he could be. In the past seven years he has only thrown for more then 20 touchdowns once (22, 1985). He has also only thrown 4 more touchdowns then interceptions twice in his career (1986, 1987) and it is not quite what Denver has been hoping for. When the Broncos selecte dhim and got him to play they were under the impression that this kid would win them a superbowl. Well it's been seven years and he's brought the team too three super bowls. But he has chocked in every single one of them. None were within 19 points, the Giants, Redskins, and 49ers, single-handled dismantled Elway's team, and it doesn't appear that they will win one. Elway may end up being the best and worst thing ever to happen to Denver at this point. While he's putting up decent yardage numbers, and three super bowl appearances, he isn't scoring enough touchdowns to get them over the hump. After the embarrasing loss to San Francisco last year, I have a feeling Elway may have lost his confidence and may no longer be able to perform to expectations. Will he ever win a super bowl? Only time will tell.
Projected Stats: 306 of 514 att - 3,620 yds - 15 td - 14 int


Cleveland Browns
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Sleeper: HB - Kevin Mack
There are talks of switching Eric Metcalf's position this year with Kevin Mack. However it shall be interesting to see as Metcalf played pretty solid last year with over 600 yards on the ground and 54 catches as well for nearly 400 more. Kevin Mack believes he can take the bulk of the carries, and his hard-pounding running style could easily see him succeed. Reminiscent of Christian Okoye from Kansas City, Kevin Mack has a small-distance bursting ability that could make defenders pay. If Mack and Metcalf settle things before the regular season, and Mack comes out as the teams number one load back, then he will have a breakout year in comparison to 1989's 137 total yards.
Projected Stats: 205 Att - 902 Yds - 8 TD

Bust: FS - Felix Wright
Felix Wright had an unbelievable year last year defending against the pass. However great it was, the Browns are going to have to prepare themselves for nothing other then a let down. Wright finished last year with a team leading 9 interceptions! However this year he will be hard-pressed to try and match those numbers. Felix Wright still has the skills to put a decent year, and by no means will be an utter bust (barring a long-term injury), but he merely just will not be capable to perform to the standards he gave himself last year.
Projected Stats: 56 Tak - 2 Sack - 4 Int


Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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Sleeper: HB - Gary Anderson
Gary Anderson just came to Tampa Bay as a free agent this season. He did not play a single snap last season, therefore his last action was in 1988 with the San Diego Chargers. And it was some great running that year. Anderson have 1,119 yards on only 225 carries and 3 touchdowns, giving him a top-notch 5 yards per carry average. However his name seemed to slip under the radar among the elite backs that season. This one time pro-bowler (1986) made it there not on his running that season, 442 yards, 1 touchdown, but on his solid hands. (80 rec, 871 yds, 8 td). It is apparent that Tampa Bay was eager to aquired Gary Anderson to replace Lars Tate at the runningback spot. This year he will find himself starting and the Buccaneers are hoping that he manages to put up a similar ypc average as he did in 1988. His pass-catching ability will prove incredible usefull to quarterback Vinny Testeverde who has proven he likes to pass it out in the flats.

Bust: WR - Mark Carrier
Mark Carrier had the best year of his short career last season as he put up 86 catches, for 1,422 yards, and 9 touchdowns. However many are saying that with the addition of Gary Anderson to the lineup, Vinny Testeverde, along with the entire wide receiving corps will take a hit in their statistical output for the upcoming year. Carrier without a doubt will still be the top-notch guy, but with the added reliance on #2 Bruce Hill, and the pumped-up running gameplan, Carriers numbers can only faulter.
Projected Stats: 68 Rec - 1,180 Yds - 6 Td


Phoenix Cardinals
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Sleeper: HB - Johnny Johnson
The Phoenix Cardinals are extremely high on this rookie runningback, Johnny Johnson. Johnson will pretty much be handed the starting job by Phoneix, who had a hard time sticking to a single runningback the past season. Johnson is expected to come in and use his amazing abilities to help this ailing Cardinals team that is in much need of a consistant running game. He will not have an amazing season, but he will have a surprising year considering that he is just a rookie.
Projected Stats: 250 att - 1,000 Yds - 6 TD

Bust: WR - J.T. Smith
The Cardinals seem to have shunned what J.T. Smith produced last season when considering this years depth charts. Smith finds himself riding the number 4 wide reciever spot going into the pre-season. Last year, in just 9 appearances, J.T. Smith put up 62 rec, 778 yds, and 5 touchdowns. The veteran receiver showed what he was capable of in 1986 and 1987 with the Rams, and he should easily be the number one guy in Phoenix. However, Roy Green, Ernie Jones, and rookie Ricky Proehl have all been placed over J.T. Smith on the charts. Ricky Proehl is looking at a solid year, meanwhile Ernie Jones remains at his number 2 spot. The young Roy Green, who play well in J.T. Smith's absence last year, but not better than him, ended up being the number one guy. This odd musical chair recieving corps is talented, but the Cardinals seem to be wasting talent in J.T. Smith by placing him at the number four spot. Despite his skills, his numbers will greatly suffer without any further action being taken.
Projected Stats: 23 Rec - 382 Yds - 1 TD