What it is Holmes? A 1,000 yard season.In our new weekly column, we will take a look at the NFL games from a former Buckeye perspective. There are 37 active Buckeyes playing on Sundays. For a complete list you can go here.
Who should have the Best Season(s)? Santonio Holmes has improved each of his first two seasons and could produce his first 1,000 yard season as a pro. Holmes essentially missed four game last year, but managed to gain 942 yards and score 8 touchdowns. Today the Steelers kick off at home against the Houston Texans.
Anthony Gonzalez had a nice rookie season, reeling in 37 catches for 576 yards in his 13 games. Gonzo is listed as the backup to Harrison as the Colts open at home against Da' Bears tonight in primetime. Manning had his record season when he had a good slot receiver so Gonzalez should get a chance to excel in this offense.
The pressure is on Ted Ginn this year. He was not a popular draft pick last year at #9, but Teddy Ballgame has a somewhat legit QB this year in Chad Pennington. Ginn is still unproven as a number one wideout, where he is listed to start this season and he will look to improve upon his 34 catches for 420 yards and 2 touchdowns. They open up the season at home against Brett Farve and the Jets.
The ageless Joey Galloway is still the top target for Jeff Garcia and the Buccaneers. Joey is entering his 14th season and is working on 3 straight 1,000 yard seasons. He managed to stay healthy last year and played in 15 games, snagging 57 passes for 1,014 yards and 6 TD's. He has been limited in practice with a sore groin as Tampa opens in New Orleans.
Same Faces, New Places: The Atlanta Falcons brought in three new Buckeyes to help in their rebuilding process. Simon Fraser (Cleveland), Ben Hartstock (Tennessee) and Alex Stepanovich (Bengals) join Michael Jenkins to give the Falcons the largest group of Buckeyes. Hartstock is listed as the staring TE, while Frasor and Stepanovich are reserves. Atlanta opens at home against Detroit.
Drew Carter is now a member of the Oakland Raiders, after spending his first four seasons with the Carolina Panthers. Unfortunately Carter has already injured his knee again and will miss the season on IR.
Just Missed the Cut: Doug Datish and Tim Anderson (Atlanta), Brandon Mitchell (Cleveland), Adrien Clark and Bam Childress (Eagles), Josh Houston (Giants), Dustin Fox (Bills), Larry Grant (49ers), Tyler Everett (Cowboys)
Other Notes: The Gun Show is listed as a backup outside linebacker, while Kirk Barton made Da' Bears and is listed as the second string right tackle... Roy Hall is backing up Reggie Wayne in Indianapolis... Troy Smith has been battling a severe tonsil infection. The Ravens were set to make him the starter two weeks ago, but he has lost 15 to 20 pounds and may be a week or two away from practicing again... Antonio Pittman is listed as third sting for St. Louis.
