Don't miss your chance for football betting at BetUS.com. As America's #1 sportsbook, BetUS offers the most up-to-date betting lines & odds for all your betting needs.
Which player had the most impressive statistical season in 2009? Not surprisingly it was second-year running back Chris Johnson. Who was the top quarterback, wide receiver and tight end? Which players didn't have quite as good of a season as once thought?
Ten out of the top 11 teams in the Trench Counter reached the playoffs, including the Packers, Vikings, Chargers and Colts, who comprised our top-four.
Tom Brady has watched his Patriots fight their way to a 5-3 record through the first half of the season, and in actuality, he's pretty darn happy with where he currently stands.
While everyone focuses on the marquee players that will be drafted on day one this Saturday, the key to building a winning team is by acquiring 5-7 impact makers. It was Marques Colston last year, who will it be this year?
RealGM Search
By Abu Mara
It’s August, which means two things. Summer is almost over and it’s football season. It is the time of year where NFL players begin to see the fruition’s of the off season labors. NFL preseason is the time of year when players that have been quietly nestled in NFL obscurity, get their chance to brazenly become the proverbial NFL star. Here is my 2009 breakout player list.
- Matt Forte, RB, Chicago Bears
How the best young running back in the NFL not named Adrian Peterson could last until the second round of last year’s NFL draft is befuddling. Matt Forte has an incomparable running style that is a cross between Marcus Allen and Eddie George. Forte has exceptional vision and a great initial burst to and through the point of attack. Forte possesses excellent balance and agility for a running back that runs 6-foot-2, and 219 pounds. But it is Forte’s exceptional initial burst to and through the hole that sets him apart from other big backs. Forte’s ability to catch the ball out of the backfield makes him a complete NFL running back. Look for defenses to play less eight-man fronts against the Bears with the arrival of gunslinger Jay Cutler. With Forte’s special skill set and more room to run, look for Forte to move into the NFL’s elite running back class this season.
- Darrelle Revis, CB, New York Jets
Trying to throw on Darrelle Revis is like bringing a ballpoint pen to a Scantron test; it just doesn’t work.
In his young career, the ball-hawking Revis has established himself as one the NFL’s premier cover corners. His 58 tackles, one forced fumble and five interceptions were good enough to garner him his first Pro Bowl selection. Revis is an athletic corner that possesses the rare combination of strength and speed. His strength, quick feet and agility make him a complete corner, who has the ability to play to bump and run and/or off coverage. The arrival of new coach Rob Ryan should only enhance Revis’ play. Ryan’s aggressive defensive style should only free up the ultra confident Revis to jump more routes and become more of a playmaker this season.
- Eddie Royal, WR, Denver Broncos
Eddie Royal was a second round steal for the Denver Broncos. Royal quickly made his presence felt on the opening Monday night game by abusing DeAngelo Hall, hauling nine balls for 146 yards and a touchdown. Royal is a short and shifty receiver that possesses enough speed to take it to the house in a moment’s instance. Royal finished up his rookie season with an impressive 91 receptions, 980 receiving yards and five touchdowns. Equipped with a pair of sticky hands, the sinewy Royal is adept at making plays over the middle in traffic. With new Broncos coach Josh “Doogie Howser” McDaniel’s set to make Royal the Denver version of Wes Welker, look for Royal’s numbers to flush forward this season.
- Leodis Mckelvin, CB, Buffalo Bills
For the record, NFL quarterbacks shouldn’t try to make a living on throwing in, or around, Leodis Mckelvin’s area. Mckelvin is the rare defensive player that turns into an offensive player the moment he touches the ball. At 5-foot-10, and 184 pounds, Mckelvin is an aggressive corner that possesses great anticipation and awareness. Mckelvin’s excellent footwork and change of direction allows him to excel in man-to-man coverage. Mckelvin is also an excellent punt returner that is capable of taking a punt the distance in an instant. Mckelvin’s 4.3 speed and fluidity in and out of his breaks make him a dangerous proposition for inquisitive quarterbacks looking for completions.
- Jerrod Mayo, MLB, New England
Jerrod Mayo is a tackling machine that piled up 128 tackles on his way to becoming the NFL rookie defensive player of the year. Mayo is a fast and physical beast that doles out devastating blows, while patrolling sideline to sideline for the Patriots defense. Mayo’s nose bloodying style usually halts ball carriers progress instantly. Of Mayo’s 128 tackles in 2008, 100 were solo. Mayo’s speed and athleticism provided a much-needed shot of vitality to the aging and decrepit Patriot linebacking core. In his rookie season Mayo showed excellent erudite and leadership, which has made him the new leader of the Patriot defense entering his second season. Mayo’s exceptional awareness, athleticism and tackling ability make him an outstanding young MLB, and a 2009 breakout player.
- Greg Olsen, TE, Chicago Bears
Other than Forte, Greg Olsen had to be the happiest member of the Bears with the arrival of franchise quarterback Jay Cutler; and they say a great tight end is a quarterback’s best friend. You combine that with the fact that the Bears have a paucity of quality wide receivers, and one can conclude that Olsen will be on the receiving end of a lot of Cutler’s passes. Olsen’s speed and athleticism are what set him apart from other tight ends. Olsen also possesses the ability to split out wide like a receiver and creates mismatches for opposing defenses. Olsen’s route running and ability to catch balls in traffic make him a reliable target. Olsen’s second season number of 54 receptions, 574 yards receiving and five touchdowns, should only rise this season. Look for Olsen to become Cutler’s favorite target this season on his way to becoming a 2009 breakout player.
- Anthony Gonzalez, WR, Indianapolis Colts
Anthony Gonzalez is the prototypical possession receiver. Gonzalez finished up his second season with 57 receptions, 664 yards receiving and four touchdowns. The third-year pro is a precise route runner that has quickly become one of Peyton Manning’s favorite safety valves. Gonzalez’s tacky hands and deceptive quickness in and out of his cuts are what make him a reliable target. With the departure of Manning’s primary target, Marvin Harrison, look for Gonzalez’s numbers and role to increase this season.
- Josh Morgan, WR, San Francisco 49ers
One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. And the 49ers were fortunate enough to strike gold when they selected Josh Morgan in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL draft. Morgan has a deceptively explosive first step that helps him get open against NFL defensive backs. Morgan’s leaping ability allows him to play bigger than his 6-foot, 219-pound frame. Injuries and lack of passing game slowed Morgan to 319 receiving yards and three touchdowns. The fact that Morgan plays in the NFL’s version of Alcatraz, his ability may go unutilized. If the 49ers are going to turn it around offensively it will be because Morgan, WR Michael Crabtree and TE Vernon Davis provided enough space for Frank Gore to pound out games. Morgan is a Chris Chambers clone that should take a leap forward this season.
