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Well it’s that time again…Pigskin and Grid-iron.  The 2011 NFL football season has started!

Below are 7 players to be on the look out for this season.
 

Picture Beanie Wells, Arizona Cardinals

#26 RB
6′ 2″, 229 lbs

Throw out last year’s disastrous 3.4 yards per carry in 13 games.
Wells tore his meniscus in the preseason finale, and the injury
strangled his play-making ability all season.

Now healthy and locked in as Arizona’s workhorse, Wells is once
again running with confidence while flashing big-play speed, power,
and elusiveness. Drawing praise from his head coach as an all-around
back this year, Wells is a lock for his first 1,000-yard season.


Picture Dez Bryant, Dallas Cowboys

#88 WR
6′ 2″, 218 lbs

With little knowledge of the offense, a missed preseason,
and a backup QB, Bryant posted seven total touchdowns in
10 games as a rookie — including a midseason stretch of
six in six games.

Now that Roy Williams in Chicago, Bryant will play all three
downs opposite Miles Austin. With the talent to be as physically
dominant as any receiver in football, Bryant was the best
offensive player in Cowboys camp.


 

PictureKenny Britt, Tennessee Titans

#18 WR
6′ 3″, 215 lbs

Britt became the second-youngest player in NFL history to top
the 200-yard mark with a dominant 225-yard, three-touchdown
performance against the Eagles last season. In what amounted
to just 10 full games, Britt exploded for nine touchdowns and
nearly 800 yards.

Taking over as the most effective passer in recent Titans history,
Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck will enjoy the services of the most talented
receiver
of his 12-year career.


Picture Tim Hightower, Washington Redskins

#25 RB
6′ 0″, 222 lbs

Even in the preseason, three games is a trend, as opposed
to a fluke. Washington’s starting offensive line has been
intact every day since the beginning of training camp, and
the cohesion is evident in coach Mike Shanahan’s trademark
zone-blocking scheme.

Including games against the Steelers and Ravens, Hightower
exploded for 170 yards on 25 preseason carries. Locked in
as a three-down starter, Hightower is a natural fit for
the Shanahan offense.


Picture Felix Jones, Dallas Cowboys

#28 RB
5′ 10″, 217 lbs

Jones’ touches went from 12 per week under Wade Phillips
to 17 per week under Jason Garrett in the second half of
last season. Merely a change-of-pace to Marion Barber early
in his career, Jones has finally emerged as a complete back,
lowering his pads and finishing off his runs with authority
while maintaining his trademark home run-hitting ability.

Throw in an explosive offense and a top run-blocking line,
and Jones is this year’s best bet to go Arian Foster on the
league.


Picture Mario Manningham, New York Giants

#82 WR
6′ 0″, 185 lbs

Manningham gave a preview of life without Steve Smith with
three 100-yard games and four touchdowns over the final three
weeks last season. In nine games without Smith or Hakeem Nicks
in the lineup the past two years, Manningham has 5.3 receptions,
84.8 yards, and nearly a touchdown per week. His first season as
an every-down start just happens to be a contract year.


Picture Knowshon Moreno, Denver Broncos

#27 RB
5′ 11″, 200 lbs

In John Fox’s three best seasons with the Panthers, his teams
ran the ball 51.8, 50.5, and 53.7 percent of the time compared to
Josh McDaniels’ 42.6 and 39.1 percent the past two years in Denver.

After arriving to camp in tip-top shape, Moreno is more explosive
than ever. He’s poised to take advantage of Fox’s run-oriented offense
with Kyle Orton keep defenses honest.


-Octavius