By Bryan Douglass
July 20, 2009 10:30am CDT

The Fanball Sports Network, currently the home to more than 70 blogs about fantasy sports, features some of the internet's best and most thought provoking team writers. This will be a weekly series profiling the recent Fanball Sports Network NFL blog posts and news, as well as how this news and analysis impacts fantasy owners.

The Breakdown is also available on Owner's Edge for the Fanball Sports Network suite of MLB, NBA and NHL blogs as well.

RealBitsOfPanthers.com - Fantasy Impact: Carolina Panthers

Carolina Panthers correspondent Bryan Brackney checks in with a slant for the fantasy-minded Panther fan, offering insights on several of the team's top offensive weapons. He includes rusher Jonathan Stewart with a quick-yet-focused analysis.

"Stewart made the most of his shared carries last season, and I expect him to continue to do that. He dished out plenty of touchdowns and yards last season, and is a safe early fifth round pick. Stewart is the Panthers goal line rusher, which adds to his value."

Impact: The Panthers are blessed with depth at the running back position, touting DeAngelo Williams and Stewart as well as rookie addition Mike Goodson, noted a likely special-teams contributor in this piece by Brackney. The offense for this squad could be rather formidable if quarterback Jake Delhomme can get back on track, giving fans and fantasy owners plenty to praise this season. Brackney will keep you up to date on the latest from Charlotte, so bookmark the site and make sure you check back.


RespectTheStar.com - A Deeper Look at the Running Back Committee

Dallas Cowboys correspondent Don Potts offers some insight and analysis of the enticing running back corps in the Big D, including Tashard Choice as he enters his second year in the league, a surprisingly-effective contributor in spot action during the 2008 campaign.

"Strengths - Best vision of the three, Agility that reminds me of Emmitt Smith, Good all around back with plus pass catching abilities and plus running abilities to all zones. Weaknesses - Lacks breakway speed, small frame leaves him an only average blocker."

Impact: With Marion Barber leading the charge and Felix Jones hoping to make a bigger impact during his second season, the potential for Choice seems limited. However, the Cowboys have enjoyed success with multiple rushers before and offensive coordinator Jason Garrett should find a way to employ the various skills each of these rushers brings to the table. It will be one of the more intriguing offensive backfields to watch this season and Potts will keep you posted on their progress.


WhoDatBlog.com - Five Saints who may Surprise in '09

Fanball IDP guru Mark Hooper has joined us on the Network, covering the New Orleans Saints. This week he offered an outstanding review of some of the hidden gems on the 'Nawlins roster for 2009, including linebacker Jonathan Vilma.

"Vilma surprised many last year by putting up some serious tackle numbers after two disappointing years in New York. Many thought his big '05 season with the Jets was a fluke, and some lamented the fact that the Saints signed him. But after a big year with 98 solos, he's back on the fantasy map. He is currently going highly in drafts and is placed high on ranking tables, and my only issue is where he stands."

Impact: If you want to read Hooper's full thoughts on Vilma make sure you hit up WhoDatBlog.com. You'll find some of the best analysis on the Network coming from Hoops who also contributes to a specialized fantasy football blog on the Network, IDPZone.com.


FlockOfSeahawks.com - Position Preview: Wide Receivers/Tight Ends

John Gentile checks in for the fans in the great northwest with a preview of the receiving targets in Seattle, starting with newly-acquired weapon T.J. Houshmandzadeh.

"By far the best hands in the NFL, Housh hopes to lead the Seahawks to the Promised Land. He came to Seattle this offseason and has earned a spot as a number one receiver for the first time in his career. He will no longer hide in the shadows of Ocho Cinco and have an opportunity to be the best. Expect T.J. to have a career year getting many balls thrown to him from Hasselbeck."

Impact: If the Seahawks are going to get right this season they need to make serious progress in their offensive efforts. As we stand today, Houshmandzadeh appears to be the squad's greatest source of inspiration. Gentile offers a full breakdown of all of the positions you'll need for your fantasy leagues this season and will continue to offer top-notch insights on the Seahawks this season. Check him out today.


RaidersRadar.com - Johnnie Lee Good... Schilens, too

Stu Rosenberg has come in to cover the Oakland Raiders for us (you may know him from the NFL section at Fanball) and offers this thoughtful analysis on two of the more talented and unproven receivers on the Oakland Roster, Johnnie Lee Higgins and 4th-round draft pick Chaz Schilens.

"While their overall numbers were nothing to write home about, both Higgins and Schilens were key contributors down the stretch when the Raiders won three of their last six games, including two straight to close the season, and finally began to resemble a team with a purpose and a clue. Higgins, who also returned three punts for touchdowns, caught TD passes in each of Oakland's final three games while finishing with a combined 12 receptions for 174 yards. Schilens, too, finished strong, snagging TD passes in each of Oakland's last two games."

Impact: The problems in Oakland seem so deep that fans and fantasy owners may feel lost in the mire, but Rosenberg notes two potential contributors with a ton of upside. Higgins comes off a very promising '08 campaign and could prove a valuable commodity for fantasy owners in need of help at receiver. Rosenberg is going to be tracking the situation as it unfolds out in Cali. Check in for regular updates, insights, and analysis.


BearsHibernation.com - Three Reasons why the Bears Won't Make the Playoffs

Ismael Seguban is our man for the beloved Chicago Bears and, despite the addition of what may be the best quarterback in the Windy City since Sid Luckman, is starting to wonder if this team has what it takes to be a contender in 2009.

"Although immensely talented, Cutler has also been known to turn the ball over and we all remember how we felt when Rex Grossman was here. Cutler's talent should only be used as another weapon that helps the Bears offense. Matt Forte is a special back that can do everything the Bears need and he needs to be the centerpiece of the offense."

Impact: Seguban also notes the questionable offensive line and several concerns on the defensive side of the ball in building his debate against the Bears as a postseason contender in 2009, and his case is pretty solid. Look for Seguban to give you more on the Bears as training camp nears and the NFC North becomes a point of serious interest.