As the second half of the NFL season approaches, some of the players who switched teams in the offseason have provided instant results for their new teams.
In Baltimore, wide receiver ANQUAN BOLDIN, who was acquired via trade by the Ravens in March, has certainly impressed his new coaches and teammates. Through 7 games, Boldin leads the team in catches (38), receiving yards (518) and touchdowns (five).
"I feel like I fit in pretty good," says Boldin. "I think it's been a pretty smooth transition for me overall, just getting familiar with new surroundings. I've been in one place for seven years, so, I think its gone smoothly."
Tennessee defensive end JASON BABIN, who was signed by the Titans as a free agent in March has flourished in Nashville. Babin, who spent last season with Philadelphia, is tied for the AFC lead and tied for fourth in the NFL with a career-best seven sacks.
"The journey that I took has really made me who I am today," says Babin. "I'm more humble and more respectful than I was when I started. I really cherish practice, working out and every play on the field."
A look at some of the notable players who changed teams this offseason:
|
PLAYER |
2009 Team |
2010 Team |
QUOTABLE |
|
WR Anquan Boldin |
Cardinals |
Ravens |
" He's so strong, so physical and uses his size and strength to intimidate defenses. He's the guy who wants the ball and the opportunity to get the team going. Now to be with a team that's right on the verge, he can help get the Ravens over the top." - NFL Network analyst KURT WARNER |
|
DE Jason Babin |
Eagles |
Titans |
"We felt like he would fit into our system. We thought that he would play well because he's very explosive, he's got good strength for his size and leverage and he's relentless. He's productive for us in the run as well as in the pass rush situations." - Titans head coach JEFF FISHER |
|
CB Antonio Cromartie |
Chargers |
Jets |
"He has all the tools. His ball skills are God given. That's why he gets all those interceptions. Don't forget he can reach out six feet. He's a rare guy." - Jets head coach REX RYAN |
|
RB Thomas Jones |
Jets |
Chiefs |
"I've said from day one, he's off the charts. From the first day he walked in here when he was on our list of potential free agents and he came and visited and we spent a bunch of time in my office, it was wow, this guy is something. He really is. He is a special character." - Chiefs head coach TODD HALEY |
|
WR Brandon Marshall |
Broncos |
Dolphins |
"His size definitely stands out and I think just the way he goes up and gets the ball, it's his ball in the air when you throw it up there. When he gets yards after catch he's not looking to run out of bounds, he's more going after the corners because he's 6-foot-4 (230 pounds) and a lot of guys are scared of him out there in the open field." - Dolphins quarterback CHAD HENNE |
|
WR Terrell Owens |
Bills |
Bengals |
"I think he's done a good job in the receiver group. When you add good players, they push other good players, because other good players don't like to get outdone and unseated, so that competition is always great." - Bengals head coach MARVIN LEWIS |
|
RB LaDainian Tomlinson |
Chargers |
Jets |
" There are very few LaDainian Tomlinson's out there. He's just a great teammate. I know one thing, he's lifted not just the offense, but the defense as well. He's one of those rare players who has that kind of gift." - Jets head coach REX RYAN |
The season leaders in several key statistical categories for a player in his first year with a new team (minimum 10 starts with prior team) :
MOST PASSING YARDS
|
PLAYER |
TEAM |
YEAR |
PASSING YARDS |
|
Drew Brees |
New Orleans |
2006 |
4,418 |
|
Drew Bledsoe |
Buffalo |
2002 |
4,359 |
|
Warren Moon |
Minnesota |
1994 |
4,264 |
MOST RUSHING YARDS
|
PLAYER |
TEAM |
YEAR |
RUSHING YARDS |
|
Ricky Williams |
Miami |
2002 |
1,853 |
|
Corey Dillon |
New England |
2004 |
1,635 |
|
Priest Holmes |
Kansas City |
2001 |
1,555 |
MOST RECEIVING YARDS
|
PLAYER |
TEAM |
YEAR |
RECEIVING YARDS |
|
Randy Moss |
New England |
2007 |
1,493 |
|
Santana Moss |
Washington |
2005 |
1,483 |
|
Henry Ellard |
Washington |
1994 |
1,397 |
MOST INTERCEPTIONS
|
PLAYER |
TEAM |
YEAR |
INTERCEPTIONS |
|
Ty Law |
New York Jets |
2005 |
10 |
|
Dave Whitsell |
New Orleans |
1967 |
10 |
|
Darren Sharper |
New Orleans |
2009 |
9 |
|
Darren Sharper |
Minnesota |
2005 |
9 |
|
Ryan McNeil |
St. Louis |
1997 |
9 |
SACKS
|
PLAYER |
TEAM |
YEAR |
SACKS |
|
Bryce Paup |
Buffalo |
1995 |
17.5 |
|
Derrick Burgess |
Oakland |
2005 |
16.0 |
