{Numbers in braces are Approximate Value, other stats are labeled as appropriate.}
By AV, the best 6 players on the team were linemen. Nothing against linemen, but you need more from the star positions if you want to compete in the WFL. Everything going right for Rome means the line play remains quite good and Edgerrin James, Marvin Harrison, Andrew Luck, one of the other WRs and the LB corps in general all take a big step forward. If all of that happens, they could edge towards a playoff berth. But it seems unlikely for all the stars to align in exactly the right way, and another long season in Italy seems to be in store.
Key Additions: OL Willie Colon {3} from BOS; RB Ryan Mathews {5} from AAA.
Key Departures: TE Coby Fleener {2}, DL Art Donovan {2}, DB LaRon Landry {2}.
#Year I Leaders
Passing: Andrew Luck: 2350 yards, 20 TDs.
Rushing: Edgerrin James: 1066 yards, 10 TDs.
Receiving: Marvin Harrison: 115 receptions, 1416 yards, 14 TDs.
Blocking: Andrew Whitworth: 21 big holes.
Pressuring: Cory Redding: 9 sacks; Carlos Dunlap: 18 hurries.
Tackling: Terence Newman: 90 tackles; Redding: 10 stuffs.
Defending: Mike Adams: 3 interceptions; Newman: 10 deflections.
AV: C. Dunlap {14}, C. Redding {12}, A. Whitworth {11}.
#Year I Award Winners
All-League: none.
All-Pro’s: Carlos Dunlap, Clark Harris, Marvin Harrison, Mike Nugent, Cory Redding.
Defensive Player of the Week: Carlos Dunlap.
Special Teams Player of the Week: Mike Nugent
#QB
Andrew Luck {7} cemented his hold on the starting role with a 99 QBR in 9 full games. Peyton Manning {3} threw the ball more often but completed fewer passes for fewer yards and fewer TDs with more interceptions. He returns as the backup, with newcomer Earl Morrall holding the clipboard.
#RB / WR / TE
Edgerrin James {9} and James Brooks {3} were a reliable, if unspectacular 1-2 punch for Rome, and both return, bolstered by the addition of offseason pickup Ryan Mathews. Bruiser Pete Johnson impressed in preseason, and should see some time in short yardage situations.
WR Marvin Harrison {8} was one of the best in the league, ending Year I with 115 catches and over 1400 yards, and certainly A.J. Green {3} (90 and over 900) has the potential to join him as a truly elite player. Both need to stay healthy and both need to provide more of a deep threat, and someone from the rest of the wideouts–perhaps Reggie Wayne or Hakeem Nicks {3}–needs to step up as well. Special teams standout Clark Harris {2} remains at TE, with Dwayne Allen {2} in reserve.
#OL
Andrew Whitworth, Max Montoya {9}, Anthony Munoz {9}, and Ray Donaldson {8} anchor a strong OL, with Willie Colon {3} stepping in over the offseason at the other G spot as well. There are some concerns about the depth of the unit, as after Kevin Zeitler {6}, it is largely unproven.
#DL
Three of the four linemen are set, with Carlos Dunlap, Cory Redding, and Domato Peko {9} all doing quite well in Year I. With high expectations already emerging for Dwight Freeney at the other DE spot, this could be a formidable group. Robert Geathers {2} and Geno Atkins {3} provide solid depth as well.
#LB
This will be an object of scrutiny for the Empire. D’Qwell Jackson {2} started Year I as one of the best in the league, but got injured very early on, and has now moved to ILB. Vontaze Burfict {7} and Shaun Phillips {6} start at OLB with Jerrell Freeman {3} and Vincent Rey {2} providing coverage. If all 3 of the starters stay healthy and perform up to their potential, it could be a very good group, but it seems more likely to remain a weakness for Rome.
#DB
Rome went into the preseason without clear starters at 3 of the 4 DB spots, with only S Mike Adams {6} set in his role. Jason Belser {2} won the battle for the other S spot and Ken Riley and Terence Newman {4} emerged as the starters at the corners, although newcomer Bert Rechichar was quite impressive as well.
#ST
Pat McAfee {2} and Mike Nugent {2} return to handle the P and PK respectively. Look for Rechichar to return punts and fellow reserve DB Larry Anderson to handle the KO return duties.