Steer Central: 2008 Season Preview

After a 2007 season which ended in a conference championship, expectations are high in 2008 for the Steers. When asked by lead journalist Bunny Lebowski about these expectations, head coach Todd Dodge responded by trying to play it down, saying "We are completely looking forward to the future, and taking one game at a time. Its pretty hard to repeat as conference champions two years in a row, but we'll give it our best shot." With those expectations in mind, Steer Central is proud to present the 2008 positional preview:

Quarterback

After being a 2007 candidate for MVP, Marc Bulger shocked the Steer Doctors during the offseason: It seemed that he had suffered unknown severe injuries during the season. As a result of his $10 million salary and ability to only play in a couple games, the Steers let him go. Recognizing that they needed a decent starting QB, they made a trade to get youngster Jay Cutler. While the Steers recognize that Cutler is likely not going to perform at the same level Bulger did, he still has the potential to put up a truckload of yards and TDs. The Steers are expecting him to be in the top 10 in passing yards, and top 20 in QB rating. The Steers are also hoping project QB Alex Smith, selected in the free agent draft, becomes a viable option at QB. Finally, they are simply looking for third-string QB Billy Volek to be creative with his clipboard choice this year. A couple of team stickers and brightly colored clipboards would impress everyone.

Runningback

Not much change at RB this year for the Steers. Frank Gore, the team's top RB last year and one of the best RBs in the league, returns and will be heavily relied upon. Leon Washington returns at RB, and will remain the team's primary KR/PR. Jesse Chatman was also added this year to provide some depth at RB, and will see time spelling Gore. At FB, Mack Strong announced that this will be his last season, and will likely see significant bench time to give room to Le'Ron McClain, an original rookie pick by the team and next year's likely starter.


Wide Receiver

Last year's star Wide Receiver Reggie Wayne returns this season as the #1 receiver on the team. After a successful year last year opposite Javon Walker, he'll be called upon to do even more, as Walker's health was in question and he was subsequently cut by the team. The Steers are also looking to breakout WR Kevin Walter to have a big year at the #2 slot. He was chosen early in the free agent draft as the team's second pick after Keith Brooking. At the #3 slot, Ernest Wilford could prove to be a steal. The tall WR is starting to come into his own, and could easily earn a starting job next year, with the team likely to only keep Walter for one year at the salary he is earning. Finally, Keary Colbert and return specialist Glenn Martinez round out the WR position.

Tight End

Daniel Graham is back again this season as the team's #1 Tight End. Graham, a solid, but not spectacular pass receiver, worked significantly last season to improve his blocking, and is now rated as a top-5 blocking TE. Sean McHugh will serve as the #2 Tight End and biggest pass catching threat, while blocking specialist Kyle Brady returns to help boost the run game in short yardage situations.

Offensive Line

The Steers' Offensive Line should be solid again this season, with all five starters returning from last year's squad. The line boasts starters ranked 7, 21, 10, 17, and 13 at their respective positions. In addition, the Steers added to the depth of the unit, grabbing OT Alex Barron and veteran guard Roberto Garza to fill in when injuries strike, as well as bringing back John Wade. Overall, the Steers expect to have solid blocking, leading to a strong offensive performance.


Defensive Line

The D-line is also still in-tact from last season, including star DE Trent Cole, Will Smith, Cory Redding, and Fred Robbins. The Steers will also be bringing back Ray Edwards to be the 5th DE, while DTs Ron Edwards and Spencer Johnson are the backups. The Steers are hoping for a repeat performance of last year, when they enjoyed a pretty good pass rush, but realize its almost impossible to reach those numbers again.

Linebackers

The LB unit will be a mix of new and returning Steers. 2008 marks the first year of a new MLB starter in Keith Brooking, who was the Steers' first FA draft pick. Brooking will be called upon to be a run stopper and play some zone coverage, freeing up returning LB Mike Vrabel. The veteran outside linebacker will be utilized as one of the primary pass rushers for the Steers, who are hoping to generate a significant amount of sacks by sending him in on blitzes. Finally, on the opposite side, Scott Fujita returns as the 3rd LB.

Defensive Backs

Aaron Ross has earned a shot at one of the starting CB jobs after a strong rookie campaign, opposite of returning CB Deshea Townsend. Fred Smoot gets relegated to the 3rd string duties as a result, with Jacques Reeves and Jason David rounding out the 5 CBs. At safety, new safety Michael Huff will be featured, opposite of long-time veteran Sammy Knight. In all, this group isn't particularly exceptional, but should be solid with a decent amount of depth.


Special Teams

Newly acquired kicker Nick Folk looks to earn the long-term starter's job after Josh Scobee went down in the offseason with an injury. Returning holder and punter Dustin Colquitt again will be punting the ball, with Leon Washington and Glenn Martinez returning kicks. In all, the Steers are expecting the Special Teams to be as strong as last year.