Today's review covers two 2006 coaches with a total improvement of 8 games. That's why you bring in a new coach.
Scott Linehan - St. Louis Rams
2005 Fantasy Impact: QB Marc Bulger, RB Steven Jackson, WR Torry Holt, WR Kevin Curtis, LB Pisa Tinoisamoa, DL Leonard Little, DB Adam Archuleta
2006 Fantasy Impact: Bulger, Jackson, Holt, WR Isaac Bruce, LB Will Witherspoon, Little, DB Corey Chavous
What Happened? - Isaac Bruce came back from injury, Steven Jackson became one of the top three fantasy running backs and "The Greatest Show on Turf" returned for fantasy players. Their defense produced several fantasy options as they improved from 6-10 to 8-8. Despite a five game losing streak, they won their final three averaging 32 pts a game.
Who could be this year's Scott Linehan? - Cam Cameron in Miami. Sure, I said Trent Green might be done, but I don't think he is. Instead, I expect he'll invigorate the passing offense, which will take pressure off Brown, which should take pressure off the defense. And then the Dolphins improve their record by 2 or 3 games this season.
Eric Mangini - New York Jets
2005 Fantasy Impact: RB Curtis Martin, WR Laveranues Coles, LB Jonathon Vilma, DB Erik Coleman
2006 Fantasy Impact: Pennington, RB Leon Washington, Coles, WR Jerricho Cotchery, Vilma, Coleman, LB Eric Barton, LB Victor Hobson, DE Bryan Thomas, DB Kerry Rhodes
What Happened? - Pennington came back healthy, a three-headed RB monster did the job until rookie Leon Washington established himself and Mangini created half a dozen new fantasy defensive stars. The Jets went from 4-12 to 10-6 and earned Mangini a Coach of the Year award.
Who could be this year's Eric Mangini? - Bobby Petrino in Atlanta. Things may not be so Kubiak-like (Kubiakesque?) for Petrino after all. If Vick plays all 16 games and if Petrino has "reached" him, Atlanta may have a decent passing game. Add in the new Petrino offense and a young, hungry defense and the Falcons could improve the three or four games needed for a wild card spot.