{Numbers in braces are Approximate Value, other stats labeled as appropriate.}
2 things have been consistent for Beijing: a losing record and a commitment to a full house backfield. The latter remains, the former is yet to be seen. The team lost a lot of talent in the offseason, so there may be issues with the choices made.
Key Additions: Brandon Brooks from NYG; Dale Meinert from CTO.
Key Departures: Michael Bennett {6, to AAA}; Adrian Clayborn {11}; Darrell Green {6, to SFO}; Mark May {5, to AAA}; Gerald McCoy {11, to SYD}; Brandon Meriweather {9, to SYD); Patrick Omameh {5}.
Rookies To Watch: Turk Edwards, Charles Mann, Dick Stanfel, Matt Turk.
QB
The decision to keep Ben Roethlisberger {10} around wasn’t terribly popular, but it’s not like he was bad. The Red Stars brought in Peyton Manning {5} as an insurance policy, and Al Dorow will be the 3rd QB.
RB / WR / TE
Led once again by Warrick Dunn {8}, the backfield will include returnees Cliff Battles {3} and Alfred Morris {3} alongside newcomer Bronko Nagurski at times.
Art Monk {9}, Gary Clark {3}, and Mike Evans start at WR, with Travis Kelce {7} remaining a game-changer at TE.
OL
A lot of turnover here: team mainstay Chris Samuels {11} returns at T and Corey Linsley {10} at C. They’ll be joined by rookies Turk Edwards at T and Dick Stanfel and Brandon Brooks {6} at G.
DL
The switch to a 3-4 leaves the defensive line with Lee Roy Selmon {2} on one side and Charles Mann on the other, with Warren Sapp {7} in the middle.
LB
Tackling machine Perry Riley, Jr. {9} returns, flanked this time by Dale Meinert {1} in the middle. Derrick Brooks {10} and Wilber Marshall {4} will start on the outside, with both Tamba Hali {1} and Al Atkinson arguing for time in the preseason.
DB
Ronde Barber {9} and Alterraun Verner {9} return at CB, and Ken Houston and Dick Anderson {4} move into starting roles at S.
ST
Mark Moseley returns at K, but Matt Turk takes over at P. Return duties will be split by a pair of reserve WRs, Reidel Anthony and Eric Metcalf.
