Why previously irrelevant preseason gains significance in 2011
Brett Davis/US Presswire Mario Williams' switch from defensive
end to 3-4 outside linebacker is worth monitoring this
preseason.  Typically, the third preseason game was the only one
that meant much. Starters compete through the first half,
coaches stretch their playbooks a little bit, and we get a
glimpse at what players are poised to play ball â- and strike
it big for fantasy football players.  More than any time in the
recent past, the four preseason games that typically donât
mean much -â remember, the NFL flirted with only playing two
because they seemed so irrelevant -- will have significant
importance this year.  The lockout stripped coaches from working
with players and kept players from getting optimal medical
advice and, in some cases, treatment from team trainers. It also
didnât allow free agent movement or trades, keeping players
that have to learn new systems, new teammates, new addresses.
These players are going to need to p