{Numbers in braces are Approximate Value, other stats are labeled as appropriate.}
Rio had 7 representatives at the All Pro Game: 3 RB’s (by far the best tandem in the league in Jim Brown and Jamaal Charles, as well as blocking back Anthony Sherman) and 4 OL (Lou Groza, Joel Bitonio, Will Shields, Joe Thomas). Add in a solid year from Len Dawson, and you would think that would have been enough. But, no: a mediocre performance from the WRs didn’t help, but the focus is really on the other side of the ball. If Rio’s defense shows up at all, this is a playoff team, and one that can cause havoc when the running game is producing at the highest level. But it’s a big ask for this group to take that kind of step forward, and the odds are it’s another season looking at the postseason from the outside for Brazil’s favorite team.
Key Additions: WR Michael Crabtree {3} from SFO; DL Antonio Smith {3} from AAA.
Key Departures: OL Tim Grunhard {3}, WR Miles Austin {2}, LB Christian Yount {2}.
#Year I Leaders
Passing: Len Dawson: 2334 yards, 22 TDs.
Rushing: Jim Brown: 1954 yards, 19 TDs.
Receiving: Tony Gonzalez: 78 receptions, 972 yards; Gonzalez & Paul Warfield, 10 TDs.
Blocking: Lou Groza: 37 big holes.
Pressuring: Len Ford: 7 sacks; Jabaal Sheard: 16 hurries.
Tackling: Craig Robertson: 91 tackles, 12 stuffs.
Defending: Johnny Robinson: 6 interceptions; Eric Berry: 10 deflections.
AV: J. Brown {17}, L. Groza {16}, Will Shields {14}, Joel Bitonio {14}, Joe Thomas {13}, T. Gonzalez {13}, J. Sheard {12}, Jamaal Charles {11}.
#Year I Award Winners
All-League: Jim Brown, Lou Groza, Will Shields.
All-Pro’s: Joel Bitonio, Jamaal Charles, Anthony Sherman, Joe Thomas.
Offensive Player of the Week: Jim Brown, Jamaal Charles, Len Dawson.
Special Teams Player of the Week: Dante Hall.
#QB
Len Dawson {9} had a good season, but it was hurt by both a lack of a deep threat–or, really, much of any threat outside of Tony Gonzalez–and by his own health. Otto Graham {3} had basically 4 games to stake a claim on the job, but was only decent for 1 game. So, Dawson is back, Graham is behind him, and newcomer Johnny Manziel gets the clipboard.
#RB / WR / TE
Just … wow. Jim Brown rushed for 1954 yards and 19 TDs. And averaged fewer yards per carry than Jamaal Charles, who gained 1327 yards on his own. The Carnival rushed more than any team in the league, and all indications are that they shouldn’t stop. Anthony Sherman {4} returns as a blocking back, and Doc Elliott will take the occasional carry if the big dogs need a rest.
The receivers were almost as flawed as the RBs were great, with the singular exception of Tony Gonzalez, who was magnificent at TE. But someone else needs to step up: Josh Gordon {5} averaged over 24 yards per catch, but was only healthy for 6 games, and Paul Warfield {6}, Miles Austin {2}, and Anthony Hawkins {2} all seemed perfectly fine for a 3rd or 4th receiver, but none of them looked like a real go-to guy. A lot of pressure is on Warfield to produce more, and on newcomer Michael Crabtree {3}, who should step directly into the starting lineup. Hawkins returns, but Austin is gone, his spot taken by Eddie Kennison.
#OL
Easily the best unit in the league. All 4 exterior linemen made the Pro Bowl, and all 4 return: T’s Lou Groza and Joe Thomas and G’s Will Shields and Joel Bitonio. As that implies, C was a bit of an issue, with neither Tim Grunhard {3} nor Alex Mack {4} really owning the position. Grunhard is gone, and Mack is now the backup to newcomer Frank Gatski.
#DL
The Carnival prefer a 3-4 with Len Ford {8} and Jabaal Sheard flanking Dontari Poe {3}. Tamba Hali and offseason acquisition Antonio Smith {3} are the primary backups at DE, with Jamie Meder behind Poe on the depth chart.
#LB
The situation at LB gets a little difficult: there is a wealth of talent at OLB, where Derrick Thomas {9} and Bobby Bell {4} will start, with Clay Matthews {7} and Justin Houston {2} clamoring for time off the bench. It’s a bit weaker on the inside, where Craig Robertson {6} (one of the Carnival’s best defensive players in Year I) starts alongside Ramik Wilson, who edged out D.J. Alexander in preseason.
#DB
S Johnny Robinson {5} and CB Joe Haden {2} walked into preseason with their starting positions assured. Eric Berry {4} took the other starting S spot and Hanford Dixon {2} will start at CB. Jim Leonhard {3}, Will Hill {2}, and Buster Skrine {1} will provide depth in the secondary.
#ST
Chris Gardocki takes over as the P and Cairo Santos {2} returns as the PK. Dante Hall returns as the primary return man, with a threat of being among the best in the league. Leonhard may see time returning punts as well.