Muhsin Muhammad

Muhammad returns to the Panthers after four seasons with the Bears where he failed to match the production that became regular in Carolina. In 2004, his last season with Carolina, Muhammad set career highs in yards (1405) and TDs (16). Muhammad will be the third option behind Steve Smith and D.J. Hackett, but should still receive his fair share of red zone targets. Reuniting with Jake Delhomme could help Muhammad make a return to being an impact fantasy receiver.

After an abysmal first year in Chicago when he averaged a paltry 5.51 yards per target with then rookie Kyle Orton slinging him the ball, Muhammad came back to a more acceptable level a year ago, boosting his per-play average to 7.4. At age 34, Muhammad’s not likely to get any better, and though Rex Grossman was a marked upgrade over Orton, we’re still talking about a middle-of-the-pack quarterback with erratic decision-making skills. As for Muhammad, he’s not fast, and he’s not particularly quick, but his size, strength and toughness should make him a useful possession receiver for the Bears.

After shocking the world with 1,400 yards and 16 touchdowns two years ago, Muhammad found himself in the passing-game Antarctic in Chicago last season. Muhammad’s 5.51 yards per target ranked him second to last in the NFL among receivers with 100 or more, as he was able to bring in just 47 percent of the balls thrown his way, thanks in part to his NFC-leading 11 drops. Of course, playing on a run-first, defensive-oriented, cold-and-windy weather team with a rookie quarterback was mostly responsible for Muhammad’s abysmal season, but the only one of those factors expected to improve is the quarterback position, and the Rex Grossman/Brian Griese combo is still below average. Muhammad is a big, physical receiver that can make plays down the field with his size, leaping ability and body control. He’s not a great route runner, and he’s not particularly quick, but he can the catch ball over the middle and shows good awareness near the sidelines, keeping his feet in bounds. But unless the Bears passing game shows signs of life, none of that matters much.

Anyone who says he saw Muhammad’s 2004 campaign coming is probably lying. We had him 28th among receivers last season, and, according to our research, that was the highest any fantasy magazine ranked him. The Panthers looked to Muhammad 27 times in the red zone (2nd) and he converted 11 of those passes into touchdowns (1st). Muhammad saw just five passes at the goal line, but converted two into scores. Muhammad also led the league in pass plays of 20 yards or more with 24. This season, Muhammad will take his act to Chicago where he’ll try to jumpstart the lowest-ranked passing attack in the league. With Rex Grossman back from a torn ACL, the offense should improve, but don’t expect an instant rapport with Grossman like Muhammad had with Jake Delhomme. At 6-2, 217 pounds, Muhammad can go up and get the ball in traffic, and he’s tough to tackle in the open field. While not a burner, he has enough size and speed to get behind defenses and make big plays. Muhammad lacks great quickness or change of direction skills, and he’s not a great route-runner, but he’s a consistent downfield threat.

Muhammad came on in the second half of ‘03, with 36 catches for 575 yards. Don’t forget Muhammad’s 15 catches for 352 yards and two scores during the postseason. Despite his reputation as a plodder, Muhammad’s size makes him a very effective downfield weapon (third in the NFL in yards per catch among WRs with at least 50 catches). The soon-to-be free agent is also playing for his next contract, which did wonders for Steve Smith last year. Muhammad was targeted 100 times and caught 54 percent of those attempts last season.

It wasn't the smoothest of seasons for the man known as Moose. Hamstring, knee, shoulder and ankle problems kept him from being 100 percent, and he scored just three times. Nonetheless, Muhammad finished with 823 yards and three 100-yard games, not bad production considering how bad the Carolina QB play was for much of the year. Muhammad should stay with the Panthers with Kevin Dyson out for the year (he may need to redo his contract to do so still), and you can look for a mild rebound from him; while Rodney Peete and Jake Delhomme aren't Pro Bowl quarterbacks, at least the Panthers won't have to trot out Randy Fasani and Chris Weinke this season.