May 17th, 2009 11:37pm PST
Sunday Night Football Notes
Is it really that funny to see how teams can suddenly change in just one offseason. Ever since the arrival of modern day free agency, change has become a big part of the game, one that teams must adapt to if they are to be successful. While it's really difficult to determine if any teams have really mastered the art of free agency, one thing that is certain change has become pretty common.
With this year's lot of free agents and the salary cap to orchestrate, once again many NFL teams experience the exercise of offseason changes that some must make to improve and compete. This offseason was no different with a host teams making significant changes that could have huge impacts on how many of these offenses will perform in 2009.
The Cowboys were one of the first teams to make a major move by releasing wide receiver Terrell Owens. There's no question his absence is going to have a huge impact on how this offense will move forward. Already garnered as one of the best receiving tight ends in the game, Jason Witten should emerge as the top pass catching option in Texas and could be very big in 2009. With T.O. gone, Roy Williams may have a chance to flourish in Dallas, but he isn't likely to put up similar T.O. numbers with Witten as the go-to.
Speaking of T.O., now that he's in Buffalo many may speculate that Trent Edwards and Lee Evans will suddenly be elevated among the elite in 2009; not quite. Edwards is still developing, but the presence of Owens coupled with the talent of Evans should help him progress quickly. Evans has the explosive speed for the deep threat; add T.O.'s size, strength and exceptional athletic ability and the Buffalo passing could once again thrive like in the Kelly days. Edwards may not be a top five QB this season, but he should top 3,200-yards and toss 18-20 touchdowns. T.O. is usually been in great shape and there appears to be no decline. If Owens can adjust to the new system, he'll likely be a featured threat and should post better numbers than his 2008 campaign. Evans is likely to enjoy the biggest change. With T.O. drawing some attention, Evans could finally breakout and return to his 80-catch and 1,000-yard form.
There were some moves made this offseason that shook a few heads and will obviously create a lot of change. The Broncos loss of quarterback Jay Cutler is the Bear's gain, but just what did Denver lose. With a new system in place the employs a spread-the-field and attack underneath mentality, were the Broncos really set back by much. Kyle Orton has never been a fantasy type producer, but then he's never played in a wide open system such as McDaniel’s.
In Denver, Orton could emerge as a reliable fantasy option with both receivers Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal not having to see their own fantasy value suffer much. The big question in this move will be how Cutler maintains his top five status in fantasy drafts. The Bears don't have much of a receiving core and lack that big well-skilled go to option that Cutler enjoyed in Denver. Last season the former Bronco was impressive with over 4,500-yards passing and 25 touchdowns. He's not likely to come close to those numbers in the Windy City, although he'll remain a solid fantasy option.
A good question to ask here is how much better will Cutler be, than Orton. If both were back with their former teams, that distance would be great, but considering the current situation the gap has closed and it's a much tighter race.
Who will you draft and when?
There's plenty more to discuss when it comes to changes around the league and I'm sure this won't be the last time I bring it up....
By David Ortega
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