February 12th, 2010 11:07pm PST
Football Friday
Dear Diary
Without question 2009 was the year of the long ball with 12 quarterbacks throwing no fewer than 26 touchdowns. Names like Manning, Schaub, Brees, and Favre head the list of today's NFL gunslingers.
And while many fans were being entertained with the big pass plays, players like Chris Johnson and Steven Jackson were churning out the yards on the ground. At 31, Jets running back Thomas Jones showed little slow down with another solid campaign that included 14 rushing touchdowns.
In 14 games this past season, the Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker had a memorable year catching 123 passes, while the Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson gave fans a lot to cheer about with so many big plays in 2009; Jackson had 10 plays of over 40 yards.
Looking back on 2009 there were quite a few performers that stood out from the rest. Here are my picks for the Studs in 2009.
Fantasy Stars: Looking Back at 2009...
2009 Fantasy Studs
(Quarterback)
Drew Brees (Saints) turned in another big season passing for over 4,000 yards for the fourth straight season. The Saints passer would finish the 2009 campaign with 4,388 yards passing and he would also completed 70 percent of his throws. Brees led the league for the second straight season with 34 touchdown passes.
(Running back)
Chris Johnson was by far the most dominant running back in 2009 turning in a breakout sophomore season with 2,006 yards and 14 touchdowns. Johnson was solid in his rookie season, but the versatile back exploded this past season. Johnson became just the sixth player in NFL history to rush for more than 2,000 yards and added 50 receptions and another 500 yards receiving. His 2,509 total yards also set a record for most yards from scrimmage in a season.
(Wide Receiver)
There were a few notable receivers that had a big year in 2009, but none more than the Texans Andre Johnson. The fantasy beast had another 1,500 yards receiving to go along with nine touchdown reception. Johnson also caught 101 passes in 2009; it was the third time in his career with over 100 receptions in a season.
(Tight End)
The Colts did not lack any firepower in the passing game this past season. One of their best weapons was tight end Dallas Clark. The sure handed receiver had his best season in his career with career highs in receptions (100) and yards (1,106). Clark also posted 10 touchdown receptions.
Noteworthy
Brett Favre not only turned in a notable season for any young gun under center, but at age 40 he defied father-time with 4,202 yards passing and 28 touchdowns to lead the Vikings to the NFC Championship.
Running back Ray Rice proved that he can be a versatile featured back in the Raven's offense. Rice rushed for over 1,300 yards, caught 78 passes, and scored eight touchdowns to lead the Ravens.
The Bronco's wide receiver Brandon Marshall showed star power again in 2009 with over 100 receptions and 10 touchdowns catches to lead Denver.
The Niner's passing offense showed more than a pulse in 2009 with the re-emergence of tight end Vernon Davis as a viable receiving threat. Davis turned in career highs with 78 catches, 965 yards receiving, and a league high 13 touchdowns.
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