Predicted Finish: First
It's an even-numbered year, which means it's time for the Outlaws to be good. But they might have toped themselves this year. GM Jeff Wright traded franchise back Marshall Faulk to the Apocalypse for the fifth pick overall. He then parlayed his first-rounders into Marcus Robinson and James Stewart. With Randy Moss, Jamal Anderson, Mushin Muhammed and Steve Buerelein, they have a lineup that is downright scary.
"Let's face it, I can't be stopped," Coach Wright said.
The strength of this team is a receiving corp that could be even better than the Outlaws record-breaking 1998 squad. Moss is simply put, the best receiver in football. Robinson could very well reach that level. Lst year, Robinson had some games where he dominated even more than Moss. That includes a breathtaking three rouchdown performance against the Beernuts. He was plagued by inconsistency from friction with coach Troy Raney, who threw to him once all year in the red zone, and a tendency to drop balls. And we can't forget Muhammed, another tall receiver who caught 12 TDs last year.
If Anderson returns to his 1998 form, the FFL Bowl trophy engraver could start now, but that is a big if. He looks healthy, but he has yet to display the qualities that led to 17 TDs in 1998. Stewart had a breakout year with 13 TDs last year, but some feel he won't get any better.
Buerelein had a quietly great year last year. He was third in the league in TD passes, but he bristled under the Rat Bastards' run-oriented offense, and he fled with Robinson. He is more than capable of running this potent offense if he's healthy. But Buerelein has a history of injuries, and he's been bothered by a weak elbow this year.
Injuries are the only thing that could hurt this team, but it could kill the Outlaws season like last year. The Outlaws reserves are mediocre at best. Coach Wright knows better than anyone that one injury cold kill a season, losing QB Vinny Testaverde in the first game did exactly that last year. But barring the same occurence, the Outlaws will win a lot this year. Just like clockwork.
Jeff Garcia
Projected Starters
QB Jeff Garcia
RB Lamar Smith
RB Jerome Bettis
WR Randy Moss
WR Wayne Chrebret
WR Antonio Freeman
K Matt Stover
D Rams
ST Chiefs
Scouting Report
"If Freeman doesn't get his act together with the coach he had the most success with, then his career's done... Now that Moss is $100 million richer, let's see how focused he stays. Moss is the only guy who can beat Moss...Bettis looks like he's slowing down a little, but he still runs strong. Just a solid player to have in your lineup...I didn't agree with chosing Garcia over McNabb, but he'll do well. He makes smart decisions and he's very underrated with the long ball...They'll have the best record in the league because the Outlaws will win most of their divisional games."