{Numbers in braces are Approximate Value, other stats labeled as appropriate.}
Berlin is a team waiting for it all to come together: if they get a handful of standout performances, this group could go somewhere. The challenge is that, with such a glut of mid-level performers, did the Bärin make the right choices of who to retain and who to let go?
Key Additions: Mackenzy Bernadeau from LON; Mel Renfro from LON; Abe Woodson from IST; Kevin Zeitler from ROM.
Key Departures: Jonathan Babineaux {7, to RIO}; Brandon Marshall {2, to RIO}; Jay Ratliff {5, to LON}; Alfred Jenkins {5, to LON}
Rookies To Watch: Ed Healey, Bill Hewitt, Leonard Floyd
QB
Sid Luckman {9} returns as a capable leader at QB, with Steve Bartkowski and Michael Vick behind him. Even with the departure of Matt Ryan {2} to Rome, this is not an area of concern for the Bärin.
RB / WR / TE
This is a pretty important year for Walter Payton {7}, who really needs to step up into the group of elite backs, and Berlin’s decision to bring in Billy Sims from Amsterdam behind him is a sign they are willing to make a move if Payton doesn’t do the job. A good year from George Gulyanics {1} preserves his reserve role.
Alshon Jeffery {6} steps into the top spot with Brandon Marshall departing after an injury-plagued season. He’ll be supported by the returning Roddy White {5} and rookie Bill Hewitt, with Tom Waddle trying to maintain his 100% reception-to-touchdown ratio.
Mike Ditka {9} remains a top TE.
OL
The offensive line is, honestly, an area of concern for Berlin. Jeff Van Note {4} returns at C, flanked by 2 newcomers at G in Mackenzy Bernadeau {9} and Kevin Zeitler {3}. On the one hand, both have WFL experience; on the other hand, neither have been able to hold down a job. Joe Stydahar {8} is fantastic at T, but the other side is a bit of an experiment, with rookie Ed Healey winning the preseason competition despite some struggles. If he falters on the O-Line, Jordan Mills {7} and rookie Bob Whitfield are waiting for an opportunity.
DL
This should be a strength for the team, as Healey looks far stronger on this side of the ball, and will team with Dan Hampton {10} in the middle, with Osi Umenyiora {8} and sack-machine Gino Marchetti {4, 6 sacks in 7 G} on the ends. The risk here is that Marchetti’s performance in the 2nd half of Year II was a fluke.
LB
The inside looks fantastic with Dick Butkus {4} and Brian Urlacher, {8} and Lance Briggs {8} is solid on one side. The other is a bit of a mystery as Joe Fortunato beat out Leonard Floyd in preseason.
DB
There has been some juggling here, as Rolland Lawrence {5} and Mel Renfro {6} start at CB, with Desmond Trufant {8} losing his starting position. Abe Woodson {3} joins from Istanbul, but slides over to S to join Ray Brown {7}. There are some concerns about depth here.
ST
Kevin Butler returns at K with Maury Buford joining the team at P. Eric Weems {1} will again handle the bulk of the return duties.
