Searching the Scrap Heap

By Ralph Mancini, Draft Bible Senior Writer

BRODIE CROYLE (KC-QB)- Despite failing to the light up the stat sheet (19 completions, 169 yards and a touchdown), the Chiefs’ newly-installed starter did enough to earn the confidence of his coaching staff by masterfully spreading the ball to his supporting cast and out producing his counterpart Peyton Manning. The strong-armed Croyle displayed nice touch on his 19-yard scoring toss to Dwayne Bowe. The strong-armed 24-year-old faces off versus a fading Oakland Raider team next week that has lost six straight contests.

RON DAYNE (HOU-RB)- Yes, he’s fat and painfully slow, but with Ahman Green possibly out for the remainder of the season, the much-maligned Ron Dayne is the man the Houston Texans are hitching their wagon to. The 1999 Heisman Trophy winner convincingly cemented himself as the team’s lead runner by gaining 89 yards on 21 carries along with three receptions for 26 yards versus the Saints. Dayne seems very comfortable running behind coach Gary Kubiak’s zone-blocking offensive line.

DREW CARTER (CAR-WR)- Since scoring two touchdowns in week one, Carter’s performances have been rather non-descript until this week’s explosion against the Green Bay Packers, which saw the 6’ 3” wide out record five catches for 132 yards and one touchdown. While it’s fair to point out that Carter’s production may at least partly be due to the absence of Steve Smith, it’s also worth mentioning that the former Ohio State standout does possess excellent deep speed which could pose problems for defenders with the cannon-armed Vinny Testaverde behind center.

TED GINN JR. (MIA-WR)- Previously highlighted in Ones to Watch, rookie Ted Ginn Jr. is beginning to show why the Dolphins thought so highly of him when selecting the speedster with their ninth overall selection in last April’s draft. In addition to scoring Miami’s lone touchdown versus the Eagles on an 87-yard punt return, Ginn also had four catches for 52 yards. With Chris Chambers out of the picture, there’s no reason why this rookie can’t become the focal point of the Dolphin passing game. Look for coach Cam Cameron to continue devising ways to utilize Ginn’s game-breaking abilities.

MARCUS POLLARD (SEA-TE)- After missing two games due to injury, Pollard has slowly been rounding into form. In Seattle’s latest win over Chicago, the 35-year-old gained 33 yards on two receptions. Pollard may be useful in Mike Holmgren’s wide-open offense where quarterback Matt Hasselbeck has attempted forty or more passes in four of his last five games.

ARIZONA DEFENSE – Defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast did a phenomenal job of tutoring his players on how to properly defend the variety of square-ins and dig routes typically run by Cincinnati’s receivers. The Cardinals defensive unit gave Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer fits and forced him into throwing a career-high four interceptions---three of which were registered by defensive back Antrel Rolle. Imagine the possibilities when the Trent Dilfer-led 49ers come to visit in week 12