Two semi-major trades took place this week. Michael Bennett was traded from the Chiefs to the Bucs and Chris Chambers was traded from the Dolphins to the Chargers.
How does this affect the each of the four teams in question? Let’s start with the Bennett trade first.
Bennett was the backup to Larry Johnson before he left. This is more than likely a signal that the return of Priest Holmes is imminent or increased faith in Kolby Smith. Smith’s reps have ramped up lately. Coach Herm Edwards is not clear if Holmes will be active this weekend, so don’t read too much into the trade from the KC side yet. If you’re an LJ holder and you believe in cuffing your “studs” (and I use that term only out of past respect from LJ), Smith is probably your man (for the next couple of weeks, anyways).
Bennett’s new team - Tampa Bay - needed some serious help at running back with the loss of Cadillac Williams. Rumor has it that Bennett may play a handful of downs this weekend, more than likely to spell Earnest Graham. I think that Graham, 3rd on the Bucs depth chart a few weeks ago, will definately lose some carries to Bennett in the long run. But the question is how much? I’m thinking that in 2-3 weeks, Bennett will get the 75% of the team’s carries. He’s got to work on some of that pass catching out of the backfield though.
The Chambers trade is a little more interesting. Chambers was the number one receiving option in Miami. However, with the loss of Trent Green, Chambers value was plummeting (if he hasn’t hit rock bottom yet). Who’s the big target now? Due to experience, I think Marty Booker gets the most looks at WR. Derek Hagan and Ted Ginn will get a slight increase in looks as well, but look for more out-of-the-backfield pass catching from Ronnie Brown.
Chambers’ new team - San Diego - needed some help to divert attention from LT. Don’t get me wrong - LT is still the man that defenses will game plan for, but look for Chambers to be a big possession/move-the-chains type receiver that will give Philip Rivers more than Gates as an outlet. Look for Chambers to get more catches than he did in Miami, but for less yards. Vincent Jackson will probably get more opportunities to go deep as well, but he will be the third (maybe even the fourth) receiving option now.
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October 18th, 2007 at 6:19 pm
I think you forgot that the MIA TE will get more balls his way in the red zone now that the 6′4″ Chambers is gone.