Y2R's 1990 Off. Sleepers-n-Busts
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Part 2
San Diego Chargers
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Sleeper: HB - Marion Butts
Marion is coming off a stellar rookie season in which he split time with runningback Tim Spencer. Butts had 683 yards on 170 carries during his rookie campaign, but his 9 touchdowns on the ground raised the eyes of the San Diego team. It appears that the Chargers are deciding to go with Butts as the full-time starter this upcoming season, and it should be a solid decision. Butts has shown a good ability to keep his feet going, which is evident in his 4 yards per carry average. If Butts stays healthy he could have a breakout season.
Projected Statistics: 245 att - 1,125 yds - 10 td
Bust: WR - Anthony Miller
Miller had a great sophmore year for the Chargers, and was one of the few bright spots on the team after their lackluster 6-10 record. His 75 catches, 1,252 yards, and 10 touchdowns were all career highs for the young upcoming reciever. However, this high numbered statistics may not be the case for the upcoming year. Miller may have had a great year, and will be looking forward to similar numbers, but this year the Chargers emphasis' are changing. The team has announced an interest in focusing more on the running game with the emergence of our sleeper, Marion Butts. In doing so, Miller can expect the ball to be sent less in his direction as the Chargers implement a more run-oriented offense. As a result we expect his numbers to drop in comparison to last years great season.
Projected Stats: 65 rec - 1,050 yds - 7 td
Kansas City Chiefs
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Sleeper: HB - Barry Word
With the Kansas City Chiefs putting an emphasis on a split-back mentality, the recently aquired Barry Word could find himself on the recieving end of a lot of playing time. Due to the complete wear-down on Christian Okoye last season with his 372 touches of the football, the Chiefs team is looking to lighten his load. And in doing so, Barry Word could easily emerge as a top-notch change-up back for this team.
Projected Stats: 160 att - 640 yds - 5 td
Bust: HB - Christian Okoye
Okoye had a remarkable season last year for the Chiefs. He was the entire Kansas City Chiefs offense last year as he took 370 carries for 1,480 yards and 12 touchdowns. However Okoye is going to be getting less carries this season as he splits time with our sleeper, Barry Word. With his lightened load Okoye may be more explosive giving him a higher yard per carry average, but we expect his carries to be at least cut down by a hundred or so.
Projected Stats: 270 att - 1080 yds - 8 td
Indianapolis Colts
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Sleeper: QB - Jeff George
This rookie quarterback is being pumped up as the future of the franchise. His outstanding college performances are giving the Colts much anticipation about the next few upcoming seasons as they mold Jeff George into a competitor. George has all the physical utensils to become a solid quarterback in the NFL, now if the Colts can harness that and give him the mental capabilities, he could very well come out on top.
Projected Stats: 180 of 330 att - 2,800 yds - 20 td - 16 int
Bust: K - Dean Biasucci
The Colts Kicker, Dean Biasucci has not been the most accurate kicker in the league since he joined the team in 1984. Biasucci had a horrible 52% field goal percent in 1986, followed by his career high 88.9 in 1987. However in 1988 he dropped back down to 78, and last year dropped down once more. It is apparent that, despite the Colts wishes, the 1987 season was the fluke, and not the 1986 season. It seems that Biasucci is in a downward spiral to his sophmore season slump. With him not making field goals the team could find themselves heart-broken after many close games throughout the year.
Projected Stats: 18 of 27 att - 66.7% - 28 of 30 xp
Dallas Cowboys
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Sleeper: HB - Emmitt Smith
Rookie runningback Emmitt Smith could be the next big thing in the NFL. This Florida Gator has an amazing ability to run the football, and the Cowboys are eager to see what he can do on the gridiron, pro style. Smith is expected to be the Cowboys starting runningback by the time the regular season rolls around. And if he has any semblance of his college form, he could become a top back in the near future. The cowboys have high expectations for this young man, and this young man has high expectations for his team.
Projected Stats: 250 att - 980 yds - 10 td
Bust: QB - Troy Aikman
The Dallas Cowboys stuck rookie Troy Aikman into the fold last season over Steve Walsh. Aikman had a horrible season only throwing 9 touchdowns in comparison to his 18 interceptions. Aikman hardly looked like the type of leader that would take the Cowboys too the top. During the off-season the Cowboys did nothing to improve their quarterback situation and they may be in for another rough season. Aikman is still penciled in as the starter, and the Cowboys are hoping that he can overcome his interception bug. But I wouldn't be surprised if just a few weeks into the season we see Steve Walsh coming back into the mix.
Projected Stats: 125 of 298 att - 1,525 yds - 7 td - 14 int
Miami Dolphins
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Sleeper: WR - Mark Duper
With the Marx brothers enjoying the delight of catching passes from Dan Marino, it appears that Duper is on his way to a breakout season. Despite the similarities in ability between Duper and Clayton, many believe that Duper will become the primary target for an otherwise pass-spreading Marino. Duper has improved in his catches the past three season in a row after his solid 1986 year, and there are no signs of slowing down. After last years 1 touchdown performance on the season, it's apparent that Duper is ready for a breakout year this season.
Projected Stats: 70 rec - 1,056 yds - 10 td
Bust: HB - Sammie Smith
Smith's rookie season saw him play in 13 games and garner 200 carries for the Dolphins. However in those carries he only managed to accomplish 3.3 yards each. Those definately aren't the kinds of numbers that Miami is expecting out of their starting halfback. The Dolphins have stated, and also due to lack of talent, that Smith will be the starter this season. However, it is expected that he will have a similar season to last year, which is not effective for a starting runningback. Smith needs to put the extra effort in getting those few more yards before he has a good season.
Projected Stats: 225 att - 675 yds - 5 td
Philadelphia Eagles
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Sleeper: HB - Keith Byars
Keith Byars had a solid year last year for the Eagles. Not only did he managed to garner 452 yards on the ground in 133 carries, 5 of which went to the endzone. But he was more valuable to the team as a pass-catcher. Coming out of the backfield Keith Byars caught an amazing 68 passes for 721 yards last year. In the season before that he caught 72 passes for 705 yards and 4 touchdowns. It's apparent that Keith Byars is making a name for himself as one of the league's best pass-catching runningbacks. And we feel that this year is the year that finally cements him amongst those names. He may not get the starting runningback job, but Randall Cunningham will be throwing to him all day long with his abilities.
Projected Stats: 140 att - 480 yds - 3 td - 75 rec - 800 yds - 5 td
Bust: HB - Anthony Toney
Every Year Toney gets around 150 carries and 500 yards, but every year he never surpasses that. It appears, that as long as he's in this system, Anthony Toney will always be a mediocre back. With Keith Byars breathing down his neck, and other talent such as Heath Sherman and Thomas Sanders also accompanying them, Toney's outlook for this year isn't looking very good. Toney will probably get about the same that he always gets, which is just a half-empty glass of yards.
Projected Stats: 130 att - 450 yds - 1 td
Atlanta Falcons
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Sleeper: WR - Andre Rison
Rison came over here to Atlanta after spending last year as a rookie for the Indianapolis Colts. As a rookie he put up some solid numbers with 52 catches, 820 yards, and 4 touchdowns. Giving him a top-notch 15.8 yards per catch average. This season, with Chris Miller finally attuned to the teams system, the Falcons are projected to be a passing juggernaught. Andre Rison will be the primary beneficiary of that because he is coming in as the teams #1 receiver. The sophmore player will be hard-pressed to not improve over last years stellar rookie numbers.
Projected Stats: 80 rec - 1,200 yds - 10 td
Bust: HB - John Settle
Settle put up decent numbers last year despite not being the teams starter, and missing one game of the season. His 689 yards were done on a 3.8 yard per carry pace. And he also managed to take the football into the endzone 5 times during the year (3 rush, 2 catch). However it appears that the young upcoming back will not be partaking in a good year this season. With the addition of talented Mike Rozier to the teams lineup, and rookie Steve Broussard. It appears that Settle may find himself completely phased out of the top two runningback spots. Unless Settle takes it onto himself to switch to the fullback position, or makes an outstanding pre-season performance, it appears he will not have a productive season.
Projected Stats: 25 att - 100 yds - 1 td
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Part 2
San Diego Chargers
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Sleeper: HB - Marion Butts
Marion is coming off a stellar rookie season in which he split time with runningback Tim Spencer. Butts had 683 yards on 170 carries during his rookie campaign, but his 9 touchdowns on the ground raised the eyes of the San Diego team. It appears that the Chargers are deciding to go with Butts as the full-time starter this upcoming season, and it should be a solid decision. Butts has shown a good ability to keep his feet going, which is evident in his 4 yards per carry average. If Butts stays healthy he could have a breakout season.
Projected Statistics: 245 att - 1,125 yds - 10 td
Bust: WR - Anthony Miller
Miller had a great sophmore year for the Chargers, and was one of the few bright spots on the team after their lackluster 6-10 record. His 75 catches, 1,252 yards, and 10 touchdowns were all career highs for the young upcoming reciever. However, this high numbered statistics may not be the case for the upcoming year. Miller may have had a great year, and will be looking forward to similar numbers, but this year the Chargers emphasis' are changing. The team has announced an interest in focusing more on the running game with the emergence of our sleeper, Marion Butts. In doing so, Miller can expect the ball to be sent less in his direction as the Chargers implement a more run-oriented offense. As a result we expect his numbers to drop in comparison to last years great season.
Projected Stats: 65 rec - 1,050 yds - 7 td
Kansas City Chiefs
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Sleeper: HB - Barry Word
With the Kansas City Chiefs putting an emphasis on a split-back mentality, the recently aquired Barry Word could find himself on the recieving end of a lot of playing time. Due to the complete wear-down on Christian Okoye last season with his 372 touches of the football, the Chiefs team is looking to lighten his load. And in doing so, Barry Word could easily emerge as a top-notch change-up back for this team.
Projected Stats: 160 att - 640 yds - 5 td
Bust: HB - Christian Okoye
Okoye had a remarkable season last year for the Chiefs. He was the entire Kansas City Chiefs offense last year as he took 370 carries for 1,480 yards and 12 touchdowns. However Okoye is going to be getting less carries this season as he splits time with our sleeper, Barry Word. With his lightened load Okoye may be more explosive giving him a higher yard per carry average, but we expect his carries to be at least cut down by a hundred or so.
Projected Stats: 270 att - 1080 yds - 8 td
Indianapolis Colts
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Sleeper: QB - Jeff George
This rookie quarterback is being pumped up as the future of the franchise. His outstanding college performances are giving the Colts much anticipation about the next few upcoming seasons as they mold Jeff George into a competitor. George has all the physical utensils to become a solid quarterback in the NFL, now if the Colts can harness that and give him the mental capabilities, he could very well come out on top.
Projected Stats: 180 of 330 att - 2,800 yds - 20 td - 16 int
Bust: K - Dean Biasucci
The Colts Kicker, Dean Biasucci has not been the most accurate kicker in the league since he joined the team in 1984. Biasucci had a horrible 52% field goal percent in 1986, followed by his career high 88.9 in 1987. However in 1988 he dropped back down to 78, and last year dropped down once more. It is apparent that, despite the Colts wishes, the 1987 season was the fluke, and not the 1986 season. It seems that Biasucci is in a downward spiral to his sophmore season slump. With him not making field goals the team could find themselves heart-broken after many close games throughout the year.
Projected Stats: 18 of 27 att - 66.7% - 28 of 30 xp
Dallas Cowboys
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Sleeper: HB - Emmitt Smith
Rookie runningback Emmitt Smith could be the next big thing in the NFL. This Florida Gator has an amazing ability to run the football, and the Cowboys are eager to see what he can do on the gridiron, pro style. Smith is expected to be the Cowboys starting runningback by the time the regular season rolls around. And if he has any semblance of his college form, he could become a top back in the near future. The cowboys have high expectations for this young man, and this young man has high expectations for his team.
Projected Stats: 250 att - 980 yds - 10 td
Bust: QB - Troy Aikman
The Dallas Cowboys stuck rookie Troy Aikman into the fold last season over Steve Walsh. Aikman had a horrible season only throwing 9 touchdowns in comparison to his 18 interceptions. Aikman hardly looked like the type of leader that would take the Cowboys too the top. During the off-season the Cowboys did nothing to improve their quarterback situation and they may be in for another rough season. Aikman is still penciled in as the starter, and the Cowboys are hoping that he can overcome his interception bug. But I wouldn't be surprised if just a few weeks into the season we see Steve Walsh coming back into the mix.
Projected Stats: 125 of 298 att - 1,525 yds - 7 td - 14 int
Miami Dolphins
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Sleeper: WR - Mark Duper
With the Marx brothers enjoying the delight of catching passes from Dan Marino, it appears that Duper is on his way to a breakout season. Despite the similarities in ability between Duper and Clayton, many believe that Duper will become the primary target for an otherwise pass-spreading Marino. Duper has improved in his catches the past three season in a row after his solid 1986 year, and there are no signs of slowing down. After last years 1 touchdown performance on the season, it's apparent that Duper is ready for a breakout year this season.
Projected Stats: 70 rec - 1,056 yds - 10 td
Bust: HB - Sammie Smith
Smith's rookie season saw him play in 13 games and garner 200 carries for the Dolphins. However in those carries he only managed to accomplish 3.3 yards each. Those definately aren't the kinds of numbers that Miami is expecting out of their starting halfback. The Dolphins have stated, and also due to lack of talent, that Smith will be the starter this season. However, it is expected that he will have a similar season to last year, which is not effective for a starting runningback. Smith needs to put the extra effort in getting those few more yards before he has a good season.
Projected Stats: 225 att - 675 yds - 5 td
Philadelphia Eagles
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Sleeper: HB - Keith Byars
Keith Byars had a solid year last year for the Eagles. Not only did he managed to garner 452 yards on the ground in 133 carries, 5 of which went to the endzone. But he was more valuable to the team as a pass-catcher. Coming out of the backfield Keith Byars caught an amazing 68 passes for 721 yards last year. In the season before that he caught 72 passes for 705 yards and 4 touchdowns. It's apparent that Keith Byars is making a name for himself as one of the league's best pass-catching runningbacks. And we feel that this year is the year that finally cements him amongst those names. He may not get the starting runningback job, but Randall Cunningham will be throwing to him all day long with his abilities.
Projected Stats: 140 att - 480 yds - 3 td - 75 rec - 800 yds - 5 td
Bust: HB - Anthony Toney
Every Year Toney gets around 150 carries and 500 yards, but every year he never surpasses that. It appears, that as long as he's in this system, Anthony Toney will always be a mediocre back. With Keith Byars breathing down his neck, and other talent such as Heath Sherman and Thomas Sanders also accompanying them, Toney's outlook for this year isn't looking very good. Toney will probably get about the same that he always gets, which is just a half-empty glass of yards.
Projected Stats: 130 att - 450 yds - 1 td
Atlanta Falcons
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Sleeper: WR - Andre Rison
Rison came over here to Atlanta after spending last year as a rookie for the Indianapolis Colts. As a rookie he put up some solid numbers with 52 catches, 820 yards, and 4 touchdowns. Giving him a top-notch 15.8 yards per catch average. This season, with Chris Miller finally attuned to the teams system, the Falcons are projected to be a passing juggernaught. Andre Rison will be the primary beneficiary of that because he is coming in as the teams #1 receiver. The sophmore player will be hard-pressed to not improve over last years stellar rookie numbers.
Projected Stats: 80 rec - 1,200 yds - 10 td
Bust: HB - John Settle
Settle put up decent numbers last year despite not being the teams starter, and missing one game of the season. His 689 yards were done on a 3.8 yard per carry pace. And he also managed to take the football into the endzone 5 times during the year (3 rush, 2 catch). However it appears that the young upcoming back will not be partaking in a good year this season. With the addition of talented Mike Rozier to the teams lineup, and rookie Steve Broussard. It appears that Settle may find himself completely phased out of the top two runningback spots. Unless Settle takes it onto himself to switch to the fullback position, or makes an outstanding pre-season performance, it appears he will not have a productive season.
Projected Stats: 25 att - 100 yds - 1 td
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