FSH: FOOTBALL TALK

February 24th, 2010 9:07pm PST

Football Talk

Looking Back: 2009 Sleepers

The Pleasant surprises

When the fantasy football season opened last August, there were several players that finished 2009 that were not very high on most folks radar; in fact a couple weren't even part of the conversation.

Quarterback

When the Titans closed out their 2008 campaign 13-3 it was pretty clear that quarterback Kerry Collins had earned the starting gig, while Vince Young stood on shaky ground. The former Longhorn and first round draft selection had hit a wall in 2008 and regressed in his development, there were many doubters that believed he could return.

When 2009 opened and the Titans struggled losing their first six games, opportunity came knocking. With the call came the return and re-emergence of Young as a playmaker, a team leader, and a winner. Young led the Titans to an 8-2 record in 10 starts passing for nearly 1,900 yards with 10 touchdown passes. Young also added nearly 300 yards on the ground with two more scores. In his return Young showed much more poise and greater promise. With the starting job now his to lose, 2010 could be shaping up to be a big year for the native Texan.

Running Back

For some all they need is opportunity and that is all it took for Fred Jackson to make a statement in 2009. With running back Marshawn Lynch suspended for the first three games in 2009, Jackson took advantage. The Bills running back turned in three solid performances to open the season and earn the starting job. Jackson would finish 2009 having started 11 of the 16 games he played, rushing for over 1,000 yards, and catching 46 passes for another 371 yards. His only knock was his low touchdown total of four, but that could change this coming season if the Bills decide to shake things up in the backfield.

Wide Receiver

With no T.O. and Roy Williams the new number one, when the season opened not many folks had even heard of Miles Austin. It didn't take long for the former Monmouth Hawk to show the NFL world just who he is; 81 receptions, 1,300 yards receiving, and 11 touchdowns should say it all. Austin exploded in week five against the Chiefs with 10 catches and 250 yards receiving and he never looked back from there. With his breakout season in 2009, Austin should be ranked in the early rounds this coming fantasy draft.

Tight end

While my pick here could easily have been Vernon Davis of the Niners for his spectacular season in 2009, he was always a talent that was just waiting to erupt. In Green Bay Jermichael Finley was the real surprise. While his numbers seem somewhat modest (55 receptions, 676 yards receiving, and five touchdowns) he did miss three games to injury. Finley emerged as a strong fantasy option down the stretch and his impressive performance in the post season will likely make him a much targeted fantasy option come draft time.

Noteworthy

Vernon Davis was truly a worthy mention with his big 2009 campaign (78 receptions and 13 touchdowns). Like Davis in San Francisco, the Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles was noteworthy as well. Charles turned in his first 1,000 yard campaign in 2009 with only 10 starts. He finished the season with four straight 100-yard games and scored eight touchdowns (7-rushing, 1-receiving) to lead the Chiefs ground attack. Not to be forgotten is the Vikings wide receiver Sydney Rice who topped 80 catches and 1,300 yards, but fell just short of Austin with eight touchdowns.

A couple of other names worth mentioning because 2010 could be even better would include the following;

Rashard Mendenhall, Steelers (RB)

Cadillac Williams, Buccaneers (RB)

Davone Bess, Dolphins (WR)

Mike Sims-Walker, Jaguars (WR)

Jabar Gaffney, Broncos (WR)

Hakeem Nicks, Giants (WR)

Recapping:

2009 Studs

Drew Brees

Chris Johnson

Andre Johnson

Dallas Clark

2009 Duds

Matt Cassel

Brian Westbrook

Terrell Owens

Jeremy Shockey

By David Ortega

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