2008 Woodie Awards
Are you ready?
Nick Gionfriddo
Issue date: 9/5/07 Section: Sports
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Let's cut to the chase, you
have waited 214 from the end of Super Bowl XLI until the start of week one, but who's counting? For a man this is our Sunday. No brunches can hold you back from your television. The long awaited time has finally come; ladies, the babysitter's back! For with each new year brings a new beautiful relationship between man and…football. This love affair began with heroes Bart Starr and Joe Namath back in the late '60s. Year after year brings new expectations, expert analysis, and loads of worthless stats, all graciously dumped into your lap for just a small fee. However, I'm here to throw in my two cents for the upcoming season. Whether you are a weekend-warrior or just a regular run of the mill, occasional fan, this is just a little push to get you interested in the upcoming season.
With the season set to kick off on September 6, there are many intriguing players to follow this year.
Top five sleepers: Alex Smith (QB, 49ers): There is no denying that the stars are aligned for a breakout season. Frank Gore sets the running tone, while weapons Vernon Davis, and new additions Ashley Lelie (WR, via Broncos) and Darrell Jackson (WR, via Seahawks) stretch the field to give Smith the potential for huge games. Year three is the year that makes or breaks a quarterback; look out for this guy.
Marshawn Lynch (RB, Bills): Not that I'm trying to rep the Bay Area and Lynch's old team Cal, but his raw skills are crazy. He gains the tough yardage inside the tackles, but is also prepped and ready for a big gain at any moment with his explosive speed. With McGahee gone to the Ravens, the position is his for the taking.
Joseph Addai (RB, Colts) and Laurence Maroney (RB, Pats): Both are in their sophomore seasons, and both have seen positive production in their rookie campaigns. Now each faces the arduous process of carrying a majority of their running game since Rhodes (RB, Raiders) and Dillon (RB, retired) are gone. With the countless weapons on both teams, look for their names to be mentioned quite often.
have waited 214 from the end of Super Bowl XLI until the start of week one, but who's counting? For a man this is our Sunday. No brunches can hold you back from your television. The long awaited time has finally come; ladies, the babysitter's back! For with each new year brings a new beautiful relationship between man and…football. This love affair began with heroes Bart Starr and Joe Namath back in the late '60s. Year after year brings new expectations, expert analysis, and loads of worthless stats, all graciously dumped into your lap for just a small fee. However, I'm here to throw in my two cents for the upcoming season. Whether you are a weekend-warrior or just a regular run of the mill, occasional fan, this is just a little push to get you interested in the upcoming season.
With the season set to kick off on September 6, there are many intriguing players to follow this year.
Top five sleepers: Alex Smith (QB, 49ers): There is no denying that the stars are aligned for a breakout season. Frank Gore sets the running tone, while weapons Vernon Davis, and new additions Ashley Lelie (WR, via Broncos) and Darrell Jackson (WR, via Seahawks) stretch the field to give Smith the potential for huge games. Year three is the year that makes or breaks a quarterback; look out for this guy.
Marshawn Lynch (RB, Bills): Not that I'm trying to rep the Bay Area and Lynch's old team Cal, but his raw skills are crazy. He gains the tough yardage inside the tackles, but is also prepped and ready for a big gain at any moment with his explosive speed. With McGahee gone to the Ravens, the position is his for the taking.
Joseph Addai (RB, Colts) and Laurence Maroney (RB, Pats): Both are in their sophomore seasons, and both have seen positive production in their rookie campaigns. Now each faces the arduous process of carrying a majority of their running game since Rhodes (RB, Raiders) and Dillon (RB, retired) are gone. With the countless weapons on both teams, look for their names to be mentioned quite often.