Backyard Banter's 2013 All-Surprise NFC Team

By: Matt Harmon
August 23, 2013

Quarterback: Carson Palmer, QB, Arizona Cardinals
  • There seems to be a narrative amongst folks that Palmer is cooked. I do not think that is the case yet. Palmer is moving from the dreadful Raiders to a Cardinals team that has talent, but was subjected to the worst quarterback play this side of Tim Tebow. The great Greg Cosell noted that no quarterback threw a higher percentage of his passes when his team was trailing than did Palmer. Moving to the Cardinals should reenergize a Carson Palmer who has not seemed comfortable with a situation since he talked himself out of Cincinnati. Throwing to Larry Fitzgerald and playing in Bruce Arians’ vertical heavy scheme shouldn’t hurt either. I am not saying Palmer returns his Pro Bowl type days, but he will play better than expectations.

Running back: Daryl Richardson, RB, St. Louis Rams
  • Having recently emerged from the pack in the St. Louis backfield, Richardson is in prime position to take a big leap this season. I was impressed with him in limited action last year, and was not surprised to see him snag the top spot on the depth chart. Richardson is a smaller back who runs with physicality and toughness, and can contribute in the passing game. With the Rams moving to a more air and space type spread offense to mimic Same Bradford’s college days, Richardson could be a perfect fit. Do not be surprised to see Richardson top 1,500 yards from scrimmage. 

Wide Receiver: Chris Givens, WR, St. Louis Rams
  • Another second year Rams player who will greatly benefit from the new toys and scheme in St. Louis. Givens seems to have become something of a forgotten man with the additions of Tavon Austin and Jared Cook. However, Givens made a ton of plays down the field as a rookie, showing tremendous speed to get behind the defense. With a few more opportunities, Givens could do well to add a lot to his 42 catches 698 yars he compiled as a rookie. Despite the other additions, I would not be surprised to see Givens continue to emerge as a potent deep threat for Sam Bradford in what could be a very high flying offense. Another thing, keep an eye on Austin’s college teammate, Stedman Bailey, in the Rams receiving core as well. He was ridiculously productive in college and could emerge quickly. 

Tight End: James Casey, TE, Philadelphia Eagles
  • This one almost feels too easy for it to work out. James Casey as a very underutilized player that was fit into a weird role for the Houston Texans. He thrived as a pass catching fullback/tight end/h-back for the Texans, but it always seemed he was capable of more. Dripping with talent, Casey is taking his talents to Philly to play under new head coach Chip Kelly. He is not the only talented tight end on the roster, but Kelly has shown he wants to involve the position as much as possible in his offense; he even broke out a four tight end set in the preseason. There is plenty of room for Casey to contribute, and considering he was clearly a priority free agent for Kelly, I bet he does just that.

Offensive Line: Charles Brown, LT, New Orleans Saints
  • This selection probably has more to do with the scheme than Brown’s talent level. A second round pick out of USC in 2010, Brown was considered a draft steal and a highly ranked offensive tackle prospect, but he has not made his mark in the league yet. With Jermon Bushrod moving on to Chicago, Brown has finally been tabbed to protect the blindside of Drew Brees. The aforementioned Bushrod was a mediocre talent who became regarded as a Pro Bowl player by being the left tackle for Brees. The scheme in New Orleans is designed to hide weaknesses at tackle, and Brees gets rid of the ball so quickly, that the left tackle almost always looks good. Charles Brown is certainly a better talent than Bushrod, and if he plays up to that talent, he could be the next Saints tackle to boost his reputation around the league. 

Defensive Line: Fletcher Cox, DE, Philadelphia Eagles
  • Fletcher Cox already sort of broke out as a rookie. He had 4.5 sacks and had plenty of moments where he flashed on a poor Eagles defense. However, the Eagles are moving to a 3-4 defense under Chip Kelly this year and that means Cox is transitioning to the five-technique position. I think if Billy Davis plays an attack based, one gap 3-4 defense, Cox could wrack up the sacks in a J.J. Watt type role. He size and speed are terrific for that role, so lets see how he is used. 

Linebacker: Bruce Carter, OLB, Dallas Cowboys
  • Bruce Carter has all the talent in the world, but like his running mate Sean Lee, his problem is staying on the field. He had injury problems dating back to his UNC days, and missed part of last year with an injury. So basically this entire section is predicated on him staying healthy, because if he does, he could be in for a monster year. With the Cowboys moving to a Tampa-Two style 4-3 defense, Bruce Carter is set to play the weak side linebacker position in the mold of Derrick Brooks. Carter’s skill set could not fit that role any more perfectly. Is he stays on the field, I expect Carter to pile up tackles and big plays at the linebacker spot, all while excelling in coverage plays. 

Defensive Back: Darius Slay, CB, Detroit Lions
  • Everyone knows the Lions have the talent on the defensive line to be a dominant pass rushing defense, but their problem has been matching that talent in the secondary. This offseason, Detroit has put resources into that unit by signing Glover Quinn and drafting Darius Slay at the top of the second round. Slay was one of my favorite corners in the draft, and as a fast corner with size he has the potential to hold coverage long enough for that defensive line to get to the quarterback. He also showed some ball hawking skills at Mississippi State, and could rack up turnovers if quarterbacks are making errant throws under pressure. He will be an impact rookie who is not being talked about enough. 



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