{Numbers in braces are Approximate Value, other stats labeled as appropriate.}
It’s hard to repeat in the WFL. Istanbul has a shot, though: they survived a massive injury crisis in Year II, if they can stay healthy the talent is here for another run at the championship.
Key Additions: Cliff Avril from LON; Elroy Hirsch from LOM.
Key Departures: Elvis Dumervil {17, to BOS}; Brett Keisel {4, to AAA}; Brady Keys {4, to BOS}; Louis Lipps {6, to BOS}; Marvel Smith {7}; John Stallworth {5, to SYD}; Max Starks {11}; Marshal Yanda {8, to BOS}.
Rookies To Watch: Alan Faneca.
Clearly a lot of the departures are products of that trade.
QB
Johnny Unitas {20} returns at QB, with Bubby Brister and Jim Harbaugh behind him.
RB / WR / TE
Franco Harris {4} was great when healthy, and Jerome Bettis {3} filled in adequately when he wasn’t. Those 2 return, joined by Hinkey Haines in the backfield.
All-Pro’s Antonio Brown {17} and Hines Ward {14} are joined by the promising Crazy Legs Hirsch at wideout. TE continues to be a struggle for Istanbul, with Larry Brown {1} returning after an underwhelming Year II.
OL
Jonathan Ogden {2} welcomes Nate Solder back to the WFL at T. David DeCastro {10} returns at G, joined by rookie Alan Faneca, and Mike Webster {7} continues to hold down the line at C.
DL
Cliff Avril {3} will try to replace Dumervil’s production, with Dwight White {10} opposite him and Mean Joe Greene {14}, as always, anchoring the middle.
LB
This group has the potential to be great. But they haven’t delivered yet, other than the solid Ray Lewis {8} in the middle. He’s joined by Jack Lambert {2} with Greg Lloyd {6} and LaMarr Woodley {4} on the outside.
DB
Their depth–a real strength in Year II–will be tested by the various players who have moved on. But Rod Woodson {11} and Mel Blount are back to hold down the CB slots, with Troy Polamalu {10} and Ed Reed {9} at S.
ST
Justin Tucker {1} returns at K, with Sam Koch handling the punts. Gary Ballman {2}, Woodson, and Antwaan Randle El {2} will divvy up the return duties.
