{Numbers in braces are Approximate Value, other stats labeled as appropriate.}
The offense was record-setting last season; the question is if they will ever have a defense.
Key Additions: John Abraham from BER, Abner Haynes from RIO, Greg Larson from DUB, Darren Sharper from BER.
Key Departures: C.J. Anderson {8}; Champ Bailey {4, to SFO}; Karl Klug {5}; Zach Line {4}; Evan Smith {10, to CTO}; Kendall Wright {4, to LOM}.
Rookies To Watch: La’Roi Glover, Jim Norton.
QB
George Blanda {23} is unique in both his performance and his risk, and returns to lead the quickest offense in the league. He’ll be backed up by Earl Morrall and Charlie “Clipboard Jesus” Whitehurst.
RB / WR / TE
Kimble Anders {5} was a bit of a revelation in Year II, and returns having earned the primary duties at RB. Abner Haynes {2} comes from Rio as the primary backup.
The starting trio of WR are as good as it gets, with Demaryius Thomas {22} back after injury cost him the 2nd half of Year II, Lionel Taylor {12}, and Rod Smith {16}. Ernest Givens {4} showed enough in Year II to earn the 4th receiver spot. Shannon Sharpe {13} returns as an elite TE.
OL
This is a strong group of returning Ts and Gs, with Ryan Clady {11} and Jim Tyrer {6} on the outside and Mike Munchak {11} and Bruce Matthews {8} flanking newcomer C Greg Larson {2}.
DL
John Abraham and Sean Jones {10} provide the rush off the edge, and La’Roi Glover was strong enough in preseason to make an argument to join Jurrell Casey in the middle in a 4-3.
LB
The problem with the 4-3 is the high end talent at LB: by playing a 3-4, the Swallows will be able to put Von Miller and Jack Ham {5} on the outside with Karl Mecklenburg {5} and Randy Gradishar {8} in the middle.
DB
Chris Harris, Jr. {8} and Jason McCourty {1} will start at CB with Darren Sharper {4} moving into a starting position at S from Dublin. Jim Norton will start opposite Sharper, but depth is a bit of a concern for Tokyo in the secondary.
ST
Matt Prater {1} and Craig Hentrich will handle the kicking duties, with Chris Cole returning kickoffs and Haynes taking most of the punt returns.
