2. Ohio State (2) – Yes, it was only Marshall. But Terrelle Pryor had the best game of his career. A very encouraging sign for the Buckeyes.
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3. Boise State (5) – The Broncos are for real. If they’re one of two or fewer undefeateds, they deserve a shot at the National Championship Game.
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4. TCU (6) – Andy Dalton looked a little rusty, but the defense looked very good. Contained Jacquizz Rodgers and made Ryan Katz try to beat them.
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5. Texas (3) – Shaky star for the Longhorns. This team is built around the running game, but struggled against a weak Rice defense.
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6. Miami FL (9) – Miami took care of business in week one and now gets a shot to prove they’re back against the Buckeyes.
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7. Iowa (8) – Hawkeyes season rests on Ricky Stanzi’s health. He survived this scare, but he’s starting to look injury prone.
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8. Oregon (15) – New Mexico isn’t exactly a powerhouse, but 72-0 is impressive against anyone. Kenjon Barner and LaMichael James could be a scary duo.
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9. Virginia Tech (7) – A close loss to Boise State doesn’t change my opinion of the Hokies at all. They’re still the class of the ACC and a top-10 team.
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10. Nebraska (11) – Didn’t learn anything about the Huskers against Western Kentucky. And won’t learn anything about them against Idaho this week.
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11. Wisconsin (14) – Badgers were sloppy in week one, but their running game looked as dominant as ever.
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12. Georgia Tech (12) – Somewhat disappointed by Georgia Tech’s defense. They allowed 178 rushing yards to South Carolina State.
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13. Florida (4) – The Gators looked like anything but a top-10 team on Saturday. Total yardage against Miami OH was even at 212 apiece.
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14. Florida State (17) – After seeing how Oklahoma played in week one, the Seminoles may be a favorite this weekend.
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15. Michigan (NR)- Denard Robinson was unstoppable against a respectable UConn defense. But then again, Tate Forcier looked good at this time last year.
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16. Oklahoma (13)- The Sooners defense was a mess against Utah State. If they don’t turn it around, they’ll get embarrassed by Florida State.
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17. Stanford (19)- Tough to judge a game against Sacramento State, but Andrew Luck sure looked dominant.
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18. Oregon State (16) – Tough loss against a very good TCU team. They proved they can at least hang with anyone in the country.
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19. USC (18)- Matt Barkley sure looked good, but the Trojans defense has a lot of work to do.
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20. Arkansas (20) – It’s going to be tough to judge Arkansas until their Sept. 18 showdown at Georgia.
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21. LSU (22) - A win is a win, but the Tigers didn’t show much by squeaking by a depleted Tar Heels squad on Saturday night.
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22.North Carolina (10)- The Tar Heels showed a lot of heart against LSU. If they get everyone back, they could end up winning the ACC.
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23. West Virginia (23)- Can’t really say we learned anything from their 31-0 win against Coastal Carolina.
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24. Utah - (NR) Great win against Pitt to start the season, but I think Pitt was overrated to being with. Only had Pitt at No. 25 in preseason rankings.
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25. Houston - (24) Case Keenum got off to a nice start, but their defense is shaky. Expect a lot of shootouts in Houston this year.
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Dropped out: Missouri (21), Pittsburgh (25)

2. Jets – 9-7*
The Jets made the most noise this offseason, but didn’t actually make many significant upgrades. The defensive front seven is a veteran group, which likely means injuries lie ahead.

3. Patriots – 9-7
As long as Brady’s healthy, the Patriots will be competitive. But there are far too many questions on the defensive side of the ball for the Patriots to be a serious contender.

4. Bills – 2-14
The Bills running game may be the only thing capable of saving them from a 0-16 season. They’re transitioning to a 3-4 defense, which often spells disaster for teams that don’t have the personnel to pull it off.

AFC North
1. Ravens – 12-4
The Ravens aren’t winning just with defense anymore. Joe Flacco and Ray Rice are poised to take the next step to stardom and are ready to make the Ravens the team to beat in the AFC.

2. Steelers – 9-7
The Steelers are facing a likely 1-3 start without Roethlisberger. That will be a difficult hole to climb out of, and anything above .500 should be considered a successful season.

3. Bengals – 8-8
The Bengals should contend for a playoff spot, but it is unrealistic to expect their dominance in the AFC North to carry over from 2009.

4. Browns – 4-12
Assuming Jerome Harrison doesn’t duplicate his Jim Brown-esque performance from the end of 2009, the Browns are going to struggle to put points on the board.

AFC South
1. Colts – 12-4
The Colts are still the class of the AFC South, but the gap is closing. If Anthony Gonzalez stays healthy, they may have the deepest, most talented group of receivers in the league.

2. Texans – 10-6*
We know the Texans can throw the ball, but the key to their season will be the running game. Arian Foster may finally be the power running back they’ve been looking for.

3. Titans – 7-9
Chris Johnson is a beast, but the offense just isn’t balanced enough for him to maintain his level of production from 2009.

4. Jaguars – 4-12
This is the end of the road for Jack Del Rio, and hopefully GM Gene Smith as well who has made one poor decision after another.

AFC West
1. Chargers – 13-3
If Ryan Mathews lives up to expectations, the Chargers offense will be as dangerous as ever – with or without Vincent Jackson and his ego.

2. Raiders – 6-10
Jason Campbell gives the Raiders enough stability at quarterback to at least be somewhat competitive. But if Darren McFadden doesn’t finally live up to expectations it will be another lost season by the Bay.

3. Broncos – 5-11
For the second straight offseason Josh McDaniels helped his Broncos take a step backwards. He could be on the hot seat in just his second year.

4. Chiefs – 4-12
The Chiefs potentially have a dominant running attack. But that won’t be enough to make up for a defense that did very little to improve this offseason.

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NFC East
1. Cowboys – 10-6
The Cowboys three-headed monster at running back should easily be enough to carry them to a division title and potentially deep into the playoffs.

2. Eagles – 9-7*
At times the Eagles passing attack will be among the most dangerous in the league. But Kevin Kolb is prone to mistakes, so there will be some bumps along the way.

3. Giants – 8-8
Without much of a running game, the Giants will have a hard time competing in the NFC East. Manning simply doesn’t have the weapons to carry this team with the passing game.

4. Redskins – 7-9
The upgrade from Zorn to Shanahan alone should improve the Redskins by a few games, but they didn’t make enough changes other than at quarterback and head coach to be a serious contender.

NFC North
1. Packers – 11-5
Aaron Rodgers will put up some gaudy numbers, but the Packers must get more consistent production from Ryan Grant and Brandon Jackson if they’re going to contend for a Super Bowl title.

2. Vikings 10-6*
Favre likely won’t duplicate last season’s success, but the defense and the running game are more than enough to carry them into the playoffs.

3. Bears – 7-9
Another sub-.500 finish likely means the end of the road for Lovie Smith in Chicago. Jay Cutler can be a successful quarterback, but not with Devin Hester and Johnny Knox as his top receivers.

4. Lions – 5-11
The Lions are on the verge of being competitive. But they’re still a very young team on offense which means lots of bad mistakes will cost them some games.

NFC South
1. Saints 11-5
The Saints won’t be as dominant as in their magical 2009 season, but the NFC South still belongs to them. The biggest difference from a season ago will be on defense, where they lost some key guys and added no one.

2. Falcons – 8-8
If Michael Turner stays healthy, they’ll compete for a playoff spot. But he missed 5 games a season ago and 28-year-old power running backs don’t typically get healthier as they age.

3. Panthers – 6-10
The Panthers have the most dangerous one-two punch at running back in the league. But they also have one of the biggest question marks at quarterback.

4. Buccaneers – 2-14
Raheem Morris might be in over his head in Tampa. They have no running game, a questionable passing attack and a patchwork offensive line. Points will be hard to come by for the Bucs.

NFC West
1. Seahawks – 9-7
If Matt Hasselbeck stays healthy, they’re the team to beat in this division. Justin Forsett, Julius Jones and Leon Washington give them a deep running attack which should keep them in every game.

2. Cardinals – 8-8
The Cardinals lost more talent than anyone this offseason, but they may have the best front office in the game and have reloaded. There are still plenty of question marks, but don’t expect them to revert back to the inept Cards of old.

3. 49ers – 8-8
The 49ers defense will keep them in the mix in the NFC West, but there are too many questions on offense. Can Frank Gore and Brian Westbrook stay healthy? Can Alex Smith continue to improve? Do they have a No. 2 receiver?

4. Rams – 4-12
A healthy Steven Jackson should keep the Rams competitive in most games. But inexperience at quarterback means they’ll lose a lot of close games.

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Wild Card
Ravens over Jets
Dolphins over Texans
Cowboys over Seahawks
Vikings over Eagles

Divisional
Ravens over Colts
Chargers over Dolphins
Cowboys over Saints
Vikings over Packers

Conference Championship
Ravens over Chargers
Cowboys over Vikings

Super Bowl
Cowboys over Ravens

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MVP – Aaron Rodgers
Defensive Player of the Year – Jared Allen
Offensive Rookie of the Year – Ryan Mathews
Defensive Rookie of the Year – Eric Berry

Olsen may be done in Chicago

Greg Olsen
Mike Martz tried to embrace Olsen, essentially a wide receiver in a tight end’s body, but Martz just doesn’t have use for those guys in his system. As a result, he’s reportedly on the trade market. Here are a few teams that could use his services:
1. Panthers – Jeff King is an adequate starter, but offers very little as a receiver. Matt More would welcome the addition of another weapon in the passing game.
2. Chiefs – Leonard Pope and Tony Moeaki have battled for the starting job. Pope has been a disappointment throughout his career. Moeaki, a rookie, has plenty of upside but also has a long injury history. Olsen would provide some stability at the position.
3. Bills – With Shawn Nelson suspended four games, the Bills don’t really have any options at tight end for a quarter of their season. Olsen would provide some immediate help and potentially push Nelson for the starting job once he returns.

Vincent Jackson
1. Rams – This could be a golden opportunity for the Rams to add a true No. 1 receiver for Sam Bradford to work with. He would immediately improve one of the worst receiving corps in the league.
2. Browns – Offensive coordinator Brian Daboll was unable to get his passing game to do much of anything last year – in part due to inept quarerbacks, in part due to inept receivers. Jackson would immediately become the best receiver in the AFC North and upgrade what might be the league’s worst passing offense.
3. Seahawks – Pete Carroll and staff are building the Seahawks in an effort to win immediately and the addition of Jackson would be an obvious step in that direction. However, they already have a decent amount of money wrapped up in the position (Branch, Houshmandzadeh).

Matt Leinart
We devoted a full post to Leinart’s possible destinations. Check it out here.

9. Matt Roth
The Dolphins waived Roth midway through the 2009 season and the Browns capitalized on Bill Parcells’ mistake. Roth was dominant down the stretch in Rob Ryan’s defense, excelling against both the pass and the run. He’s one of the most well-rounded 3-4 outside linebackers in the league and still has his best years ahead of him.

8. Kelly Gregg
While Terrell Suggs, Ray Lewis and others get all the credit for the Ravens’ defensive success, Gregg is the glue that holds it all together. He doesn’t generate the stats to get attention or make highlight-worthy plays, but he is one of the most consistent nose tackles in the game.

7. Antoine Winfield
Winfield has been regarded as a solid cornerback for over a decade now, but I don’t think he’s ever gotten the attention he deserves. He’s solid in coverage, but really excels against the run. Perhaps only Charles Woodson is more well-round in terms of ability to defend both the pass and the run at an elite level.

6. Vincent Jackson
As Jackson fights for a new contract in San Diego most fans are wondering how a player like Jackson could demand so much money. While I can’t defend his actions and his willingness to sit out the season, I will argue that he belongs among the highest-paid receivers in the game. As far as complete receivers go, only Andre Johnson and Larry Fitzgerald are better. Jackson has it all – the speed to stretch the field, great hands, and is arguably the best blocking receiver in the game.

5. Keith Brooking
Brooking flew under the radar for years in Atlanta and finally stepped into the spotlight in Dallas last season. The 5-time Pro Bowler has never been viewed as one of the game’s truly elite linebackers, yet at age 35 he remains among the best at his position. He lacks the stats – sacks and interceptions – to get noticed, but he’s one of those players that is simply all over the field. When the Cowboys defense makes a key stop, chances are Brooking was in the middle of it.

4. Jared Gaither
The Ravens tried to bait another team into signing Gaither as a restricted free agent this season. Rumors have circled the league that they’re unhappy with his work ethic. But whatever it is about him that the Ravens aren’t high on, it certainly didn’t slow him down in 2009. He was one of the game’s most dominant left tackles, protecting Joe Flacco’s blind side. He allowed just four sacks and two hits all season – ranking among the game’s most efficient left tackles.

3. Pierre Thomas
Thomas is often overshadowed by Reggie Bush, but he is the true star of the Saints backfield. He is one of the most well-rounded running backs in the game, and is perhaps most valuable as a receiver. According to ProFootballFocus.com the Saints targeted Thomas 42 times last season, he caught 39 of them and didn’t drop a single catchable pass.

Meachem may be on the verge of stardom

2. Shaun Rogers
Shaun Rogers got a bad reputation in Detroit as being lazy and overweight. Since coming over to Cleveland, Rogers has reestablished himself as one of the game’s premier nose tackles. In terms of clogging holes and stuffing the run, he’s on the same level as Albert Haynesworth and Kevin Williams.

1. Robert Meachem
Meachem finally overcame a long string of injuries and played a key role in the Saints Super Bowl run in 2009. He started seven games for the Saints and proved to be a valuable deep threat, averaging over 16 yards per catch. What really makes him stand out, however, is the little things he does. He is an above-average blocker and has arguably the most consistent hands in the game. In 2009 he was one of just three receivers with over 40 catches and zero drops.

It sounds like Leinart may be done in Arizona

Alright, maybe this is a little premature. The Cardinals haven’t cut Matt Leinart yet. Heck, they haven’t even announced who their starting quarterback will be. But its fun to look ahead and wonder where the former top-10 pick may end up. Here are the five most likely destinations:

5. Bills – They already have four incredibly mediocre quarterbacks on the roster, so why take on another? Well they’ve already seen Fitzpatrick, Brohm and Edwards in action and none of them have shown much upside. Perhaps bringing Leinart to Buffalo – the NFL’s Siberia – would get him out of the hot tub and into the film room.

4. Jaguars – Jack Del Rio isn’t particularly fond of David Garrard. Luke McCown is the current backup and appears to have played well enough this summer to make the Jaguars comfortable with him as an option if Garrard went down. But that doesn’t mean Del Rio wouldn’t make a push for the team to sign Leinart, a fellow USC alum, to add another body to the mix fighting Garrard for a starting spot.

3. Texans – Matt Schaub is on the verge of stardom, so Leinart wouldn’t be competing for playing time in Houston. However, Dan Orlovsky is the current backup and Schaub has a fairly extensive injury history. At worst Leinart would be a slight upgrade.

2. Giants – With Jim Sorgi headed to the IR, the Giants are left with Rhett Bomar as their backup. Bomar is a developmental prospect who likely isn’t ready to see an NFL field. Leinart would be a significant upgrade and give them adequate insurance behind Manning.

1. Bears – The Bears have asked (and begged) every available veteran quarterback to come replace Caleb Hanie as Jay Cutler’s backup. Perhaps Leinart will finally be the man for the job.

What? No Seahawks? Here’s my reasoning: who knows Leinart better than any coach other than Ken Whisenhunt? Pete Carroll. He is all too well aware of the lifestyle that Leinart leads and knows that that isn’t what it takes to win the NFL. He’s content with his combo of Hasselbeck and Whitehurst. It’s unlikely that they would bring Leinart aboard just to compete for a backup job which wouldn’t even be guaranteed.

9. Nate Clements
Since cashing in on a monster contract from the 49ers its been all downhill for Clements. He was benched at one point last season before suffering a season-ending injury. The 49ers inexplicably decided to bring him back – fat contract and all – in hopes that he returns to form.

8. Eric Steinbach
On an offensive line which featured Rex Hadnot, John St. Clair and Pork Chop Womack, it was Steinbach who was the weak link. He’s an acceptable pass blocker, but struggles to open up holes in the running game. The Browns spent big money to bring him north from Cincinnati a few years ago, and he’s been a consistent disappointment. He easily earns the title of most overrated offensive lineman.

7. Dunta Robinson
When he wants to be, Robinson can be great. But he rarely cares enough to put in the effort. Knowing a contract was on the line he stepped up his game down the stretch last season and got a nice deal from the Falcons. He may start out the year looking like a star, excited by the change of scenery, but as soon as the Falcons are out of the playoff picture, Robinson will do his disappearing act.

6. Shawne Merriman
Based on last year’s performance, Merriman should probably be No. 1 on this list, but I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt due to the fact that he was coming off an injury. Since being suspended for steroid use, we haven’t really seen much out of Merriman and this year could be the end of the road for him in San Diego with Larry English waiting in the wings.

5. Reggie Bush
The “explosive” Reggie Bush returned 27 punts last season, for an average of 4.8 yards. Of the 38 players with at least 12 punt returns only Arnaz Battle had a worse average. Ouch. He can be a nice little weapon and break off a big play from time to time. But so can Jerome Harrison, Justin Forsett, Steve Slaton… you get the point.

4. Brandon Jacobs
Jacobs was a bulldozer when the Giants first handed him the starting job, but part of that success was due to the depth around him. He takes more abuse than any running back in the league and the human body just simply isn’t built for it. He isn’t capable of being a feature back, as the Giants learned last season. His carries will be reduced this year in hopes that his production improves.

3. DeSean Jackson
He’s explosive and fun to watch, sure, but he’s also terribly inconsistent. He had as many games with fewer than 35 receiving yards last season as he did games over 100 yards. His route running is, well, basically limited to going deep. And he is too small and completely unwilling to set a block. He’s a great weapon to have, but not a true No. 1 receiver.

Cassel hasn't lived up to the hype in Kansas City

2. Vernon Davis
Davis is the offensive version of Dunta Robinson. When he wants to be, he can be dominant. But the effort just isn’t always there. He developed into a legitimate fantasy football star last season, but in real life he’s still a liability. His blocking, if you can even call it that, is atrocious. And his hands are as inconsistent as anyone in the game. He dropped 13 balls last season, a whopping four more than any other tight end in the game.

1. Matt Cassel
What exactly has Cassel done in his career? Sure he was decent in 2008 with the Patriots. But considering it was one of the greatest offenses of all time in 2007, couldn’t most backup quarterbacks have thrown 21 TD and 11 interceptions on that team? In 2009 he came back down to earth and looked pretty much like Tyler Thigpen, Brodie Croyle or any other average quarterback would have looked in Kansas City.

Fiesta Bowl – Texas vs Boise State
Boise State earns another Fiesta Bowl bid, this time with the chance to take on one of the big boys.

Orange Bowl – Virginia Tech vs Nebraska
Nebraska returns to the BCS and seeks revenge against Virginia Tech, who swept their 2008-09 series.

Sugar Bowl – Florida vs West Virginia
West Virginia wins the competitive but mediocre Big East for the right to be slaughtered by Florida in the Sugar Bowl.

BCS Championship Game – Ohio State vs Alabama
Both teams run the table as 2010 Heisman Winner (Terrelle Pryor) meets 2009 Heisman Winner (Mark Ingram) for the title.

2. Ohio State – The Buckeyes return seven starters on what should be one of the nation’s best defensive units. Their only real tests will be at the Horseshoe against Miami and at Iowa in late November.
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3. Texas – The Longhorns will play a different brand of football in 2010 but they won’t miss a beat thanks to their power running game and dominant defense.
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4. Florida - The Gators lose a lot on both sides of the ball, but Urban Meyer has a stacked roster and won’t miss a beat in the post-Tebow era.
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5. Boise State – The yearly dilemma continues. If the Broncos run the table, do they deserve a shot at the title? With games against Oregon State and Virginia Tech, they just might.
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6. TCU – The Horned Frogs are poised to run the table again in the regular season, but without any real tests how much will it mean?
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7. Virginia Tech – The Hokies schedule is filled with cupcakes, with one notable exception: Boise State on October 2.
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8. Iowa – The Hawkeyes 2009 success was no fluke. They return just about everyone, including Adrian Clayborn who may be the nation’s top defensive player.
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9. Miami FL – The Hurricanes will enter the championship conversation on Sept. 11 if they can win at Ohio State
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10. North Carolina – Overly optimistic? Perhaps. But the Tar Heels have the defense and the favorable schedule to become a top-10 team.
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11. Nebraska – The ‘Huskers defense shouldn’t miss a beat without Ndamukong Suh. They’re heavy favorites in the Big 12 North.
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12. Georgia Tech – Josh Nesbitt is a legitimate Heisman candidate, but how much will he miss Demaryius Thomas and Jonathan Dwyer?
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13. Oklahoma – The schedule makers didn’t do Landry Jones and Sooners any favors with games against Florida State and at Cincinnati.
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14. Wisconsin – The Badgers 2010 season rests on the very large shoulders of John Clay. He enters the season as a Heisman darkhorse.
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15. Oregon – The Ducks overcame as much adversity as anyone in 2009 to win the Pac-10. Can they do it again?
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16. Oregon State - The Beavers and Ducks could be headed towards a winner-take-all Civil War game for the Pac-10 title.
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17. Florida State – With the entire offense returning, the Seminoles could be poised to return to glory in the post-Bowden era.
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18. USC - The Trojans have as much talent as anyone, but there will be a learning curve for the new coaching staff and young roster of players.
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19. Stanford – Losing Toby Gerhart hurts, but Andrew Luck is ready to step into the spotlight as one of the nation’s elite quarterbacks.
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20. Arkansas – A favorable schedule (Bama at home, no Florida) gives Arkansas a shot in the SEC, but Ryan Mallett needs to make some major strides.
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21. Missouri - Blaine Gabbert may be the nation’s most underrated quarterback. The Tigers could give Nebraska a fight for the Big 12 North.
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22. LSU – This could be a breakout year for Jordan Jefferson, Terrance Tolliver and the Tigers offense. Patrick Peterson may be the nation’s best defender.
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23. West Virginia – With Tony Pike and Brian Kelly out of the picture at Cincinnati, the Mountaineers should reclaim their spot atop the Big East.
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24. Houston - Expectations for the Cougars are as high as they’ve been in years. Case Keenum won’t be sneaking up on anyone this time around.
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25. Pittsburgh – Dion Lewis and Jonathan Baldwin will do their part, but can Tino Sunseri fill the shoes of Bil Stull?
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Others in consideration: Arizona, Utah, Georgia, South Florida, Penn State, Cincinnati, Clemson, Washington, UCLA, Connecticut

9. Matt Leinart
The Cardinals will be patient with Leinart, but if they’re in contention and he’s not getting the job done, Derek Anderson will be called upon. Leinart has all the skills necessary to be an elite quarterback, but the work ethic just hasn’t been there. Maybe this is the year it all clicks.

8. Nate Clements
Clements was benched briefly last season, less than three years into his monster contract in San Francisco. He’s firmly on the hot seat once again, but luckily for him the 49ers secondary is extremely thin. Given the size of his contract though, the 49ers may be quick to cut ties with him if he fails to perform up to expectations.

7. James Harrison
Two years removed from Defensive Player of the Year honors, the clock is ticking loudly for the 32 year old Harrison. His starting position may not be in jeopardy yet but he’ll likely start to lose snaps to rookie Jason Worilds, who is being groomed as his replacement.

6. Chad Clifton
The 34-year-old Clifton returns for another season in Green Bay, but 1st-round pick Byran Bulaga is breathing down his neck. The starting job belongs to Clifton for now, but at the first sign of struggles Bulaga could get the call.

5. Albert Haynesworth
Haynesworth and Mike Shanahan haven’t exactly gotten off on the right foot, making him an obvious addition to the list. The only reason he isn’t higher is the fact that an adequate replacement isn’t readily available. The decline in talent from Haynesworth to Jeremy Jarmon, Ma’ake Kemoeatu or Darrion Scott is significant.

4. Jake Delhomme
Since returning to the NFL in 1999, only one Browns quarterback has started 16 games (Tim Couch, 2001) and Delhomme isn’t likely to join the list. Browns fans will be calling for Seneca Wallace (or even Colt McCoy) after every interception.

3. Darren Sharper
For much of the offseason it looked as though the Saints weren’t even interested in bringing Sharper back for another season. It now looks as though he’ll be playing in New Orleans, but his job may not be safe. 2009 1st-round pick Malcolm Jenkins has switched over to free safety and should see significant playing time, even if it is in a reserve role.

If he doesn't return to form, it could be "lights out" for Merriman in San Diego

2. Brandon Jacobs
The Giants have become frustrated with Jacobs, who seems to have worn down faster than the average running back. He’s 28 years old and is coming off a disappointing season in which he averaged just 3.7 yards per carry. Ahmad Bradshaw, who has averaged 5.2 yards per carry for his career, could steal away a significant chuck of his carries this season.

1. Shawne Merriman
Health issues and a steroid suspension have derailed Merriman’s once promising career. After missing nearly the entire 2008 season, Merriman totaled just four sacks in 14 games in 2009. The Chargers expect to compete for a Super Bowl title this season, so they’ll waste no time turning over Merriman’s duties to 2009 1st-round pick Larry English if necessary.

That’s obviously bad news for the Broncos, but you have to look at the stats to realize just how much of an impact his loss will have on their pass rush.

Can Moss revive his career in Dumervil's absence?

According to ProFootballFocus.com, the Broncos had seven players rush the passer at least 125 times last season. Dumervil led the way with 470, recording a sack, hit or pressure 55 times – a rate of 13.1 percent. Of those seven players, the next best Bronco was Robert Ayers, well off Dumervil’s pace at 8.7 percent.

But Ayers, who started opposite Dumervil for most of 2009, won’t be replacing him. Those duties will likely fall to 2007 1st-round pick bust Jarvis Moss. Three years into his career Moss has participated in 226 pass rush plays, recording a sack, hit or pressure just 5.3 percent of time.

In other words: it’s not looking good for Don Martindale’s defense.