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Missing pieces Loss of skill players can have major impact
Updated: Wednesday June 20, 2001 11:17 PM
Teams lose offensive weapons left and right during the offseason. Sure, those holes are filled, but sometimes we forget to measure the effect those losses have on the players who remain. Just ask Vinny Testaverde how things were without Keyshawn Johnson last season. Last year, Donovan McNabb managed to lead the Eagles to the playoffs without the services of running back Duce Staley for most of the season. With Staley back this fall, expectations will be even higher for McNabb. But Philadelphia lost two veteran receivers and it will take time for the quarterback to jell with the new wideouts. Jeff Garcia had a breakout season in 2000 but the 49ers' cupboard is now bare. The greatest receiver of all time, Jerry Rice, has moved across the bay; top back Charlie Garner no longer wears a Niners uniform; and offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg is now head coach in Detroit. Garcia could take a step backward without these weapons at his disposal.
Jeff George will be under the microscope all season in Washington, though I suspect no one will mention that the Redskins got rid of both of their starting guards. The team also let four receivers go in free agency, and sent backs Larry Centers and Skip Hicks out the door. George needs to play very well to keep criticism down. He may not get much help from his depleted arsenal. On the other hand, Drew Bledsoe and Rich Gannon should improve their numbers this year with the playmakers recently added to their teams' rosters. Back in April, Chicago's personnel director told me they needed to give Cade McNown some more weapons before they could truly evaluate him as a quarterback. Then the Bears went out and drafted Michigan receiver David Terrell with their first pick. Now McNown finally has a go-to guy, so what he doesn't have is any more excuses. Pat Kirwan, who spent 12 years as a pro football coach, scout and personnel administrator, is an NFL analyst for CNN/Sports Illustrated and a regular contributor to CNNSI.com.
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