Sooooo ready for the 2007 NFL football season!!
I guess it's time for me to tell you all how things are going to shake out this year and why. Don't forget to bookmark this site, because at years end you will be amazed at how close my pre-season prediction come to the actualy outcome.
AFC East:
1)New England Patriots: Was there really any doubt? The rich get richer, as the Pats add some quality help at wide-out. Randy Moss, onte Stallworth, and Wes Welker give the Patriots more than enough fire-power to keep defenders away from the line of scrimmage and all of things they love to do with star running back Laurence Marouney. This gives the best QB in the game, Tom Brady, a lot to work with. Good news for the rest of the league, stud quarterbacks should be in grand supply as long as Brady is intent on scattering his DNA across theis vast country of ours. The question remaining is weather or not an aging defense has been ignored too much this off-season.
2) New York Jets: Don't be surprised to see the Jets give the Patriots a run for their money in the East thiss year. Pennington orchestrates a tremendous passing attack with Coles, and Cotchery. The addition of Thomas Jones at running back should add stability and a sound running game, as opposed to last years everybody try one or two running plays a quarter and see if anybody does anything good policy. Jets defense lacked adeqaute pass coverage, but a revamped secondary should improve that. Pass defense always takes time to gel, so don't expect New York to turn around too dramatically in one season, although a wild-card spot is not out of the question here.
3) Miami Dolphins: This is the difficult call, in the division. Miami and Buffalo could easily flip-flop here at 3 and 4, but for now I have to with
Miami. Adding Trent Green was a superb move, and Ronnie Brown is going to be a very good runner. If the Dolphins can pass block a little bit the also have a couple of pretty darn good receivers in Chris Chambers and Marty Booker. The only problem is they let tight-end Randy McMichael leave to St. Louis. McMichael is a very good pass-catching tight-end and Trent Green loves his tight-ends. On defense the Fish are always fairly sound, and that should improve even further under Dom Cappers direction.
4)Buffalo Bills: Letting Willis McGahee go was more than a bit puzzling, and I don't even think Buffalo got enough for him. Dick Juron isn't what I would consider an A-list coach, and by not A-list I mean he sucks. However; his players always seem to love him, so given enough talent, I'm sure he can provide some competitive football. Lossman is coming around, and has a couple of pretty fair WR's but its really up to Anthony Thomas and the running game. If the A-train can muster enough of a running game to keep the dogs oof of Lossman, the Bills will be competitive. Buffalo has a very talented young secondary, but a lack of leadership and experiance at the linebacker position will hamper the unit and intensify their growing pains, especially early in the season. Other than that...I guess there is an applebee's.
AFC NORTH
1) Pittsburgh Steelers: "Big" Ben Rothelisburger, and "Fast" Willie Parker have both cool nicknames and talent. I expect the Steeler offense to improve dramatically this season with Rothlisberger not suffering severe head trauma prior to the season. Parker is a very underrated RB, and he can used out of the backfield as well. Lets not forget about the Pittsburgh rock, Hines Ward. Steelers D won't be dominating, but they they do have enough playmakers to win a lot of football games.
2) Baltimore Ravens: Old school footbal is always in-vougue in the NFL, and few aer going to do it better than B-more this season. A punishing defense with stagerring pass rushers, and playmakes in the secondary make Ravens defense very stout. Baltimore can also pursue the run game of their glory days (day) with Willis Mcgahee at running back. McNair can still lead an offense, and make plays, but how long he can last as the starter remains to be seen. If McNair stays healthy and the Ravens can run-block and work play-action with, also oft injurred TE Todd Heap, than the Ravens will be a force to be dealt with. Also don't miss the Ray Lewis, O.J Simpson charity stabbing competition on Sept 12.
3) Cincinnati Bengals: I know, I know, I can hear you all now; "Bull crap, Carson Palmer and ocho Stinko, blah blah blah...." Let me tell you something friends. The game of football has changed in many, many ways but one thing has never changed. If you can't stop anybody, you can't beat anybody. Not only does Cincinnati have a lousy crap defense, but they haven't even attempted to adressee it, at least not in recent memory.
4) Cleveland Browns: Romeo Crenel has this franchise pointed in the right direction, I just hope they give him enough time to finish the job. Rock solid receiving core. Braylon Edwrads provides the big play, while Joe Jerivicus is the posession receiver. It still remains to be seen, wheather or not Super Dave will be a good TE or not, maybe well get the answers to that this season. In the end Cleveland has the most problems in the trenches, I still think Charlie Fry could be a very good QB if given enough protection.
AFC SOUTH
1) Jacksonville Jaguars: Old school football at it's finest. Fred Taylor and Jones Drew Maurice provide a sensational rushing attack, and Byron "Fat Albert" Leftwhich an be as effective as anyone with enough support. Defensively the Jags have a virtuaslly impenitrable run defense with Stroud and Henderson in the middle of the D-line. They also have a shut down corner, and one of the most underrated players in the game today in Rashean Mathis.
2) Indianapolis Colts: The offense is as poweful as ever, but you can't lose players on defense when you have zero depth to begin with. Look for the same-old Colts this year, to lose a lot of high scoring games.
3) Tenneesse Titans: Jeff Fisher is definately one of the most under-rated coaches in the game of football today. He consistently has the Titans competing, and playing hard late into the season despite a serious talent defeciency.The Titans have been mired in salary cap hell since their superbowl run. Even though Vince Young looks great as a young quarterback, the Titans are still a ways away from playoff contention. I just hope Fisher gets a chance to still be the coach when they turn the corner.
4) Houston Texans: I don't care who the QB is, if Houton can't protect him he won't be successful. I really feel like the Texans made a mistake with David Carr, if he hadn't been sacked two billion times he would have been very successful in Houston. As it is the Texans have far too many holes to fill, to be bringing in veteran quarterbacks.
AFC WEST
1) Sandiego Chagers: There is a lot to worry about when facing the Chargers. Tomlinson, Gates, and Rivers are as talented as any offensive tri in the game today. Chargers also benefit from a phenominal o-line and a great pass-rush. In the defensive secondary Quinten Jammer is a very underrated corner, and could be poised for a break-out year. Jammer also plays in the AFC West where there aren't a tremendous amount of good WR's to face.
2) Denevr Bronco's: Denver will push Sandiego for the top spot in the west. Javon Walker is a very good threat at wide-out, and Travis Henrey can still be a stud runner, especially in Denver where Broncos are consistently the best run blocking team in the NFL. Rookie quarterback Jay Cutler will have his share of growing pains, and in the end that will be the difference between play-offs and not. Denver always plays solid defense, do I relly have to mention Champ Baily? I didn't think so.
3) Kansas city Chiefs: It seems Larry Johnson is about reay to re-join his mates in K.C and it's a good thing because there isn't much there. An aging Chiefs offense features Tony Gonzalez, and Edddie Kennison. These players are fine, and I love Gonzo as much as the next guy buy they are most definately on the downsides of their career. You can have an offense with veterans skill players like that, but only if you are featuring a smart veteran quarterback.....like Trent Green for instance. In his absence I just don't see how this K.C offense will work at all, it's a complex scheme that works but a rookie QB is going to need better WR's than the Cheifs have. Defensively the Cheifs upgraded several positions, but they still look far too vulnerable against the run, they have a ways to go.
4)Oakland Raiders: You have to give Rex Ryan and his defense some accolades for last season. Raiders d performed exceptionally well, especially considering the fact that they were well out of contention early in the season. Oaklands run defense will sorely miss big Ted Washington in the middle, but they have a lot of young talent at linebacker. Offensivley this is another team like Houston and Cleveland that needed an up-grade on the o-line sorely. Wheathers it's culpepper, Russel, or McCown they will have a tough time throwing the football behind that swiss cheese line.
NFC EAST
1) Dallas Cowboys: This is a pick that I trust the least. Dallas certainly has a very talented young football team, without glarring weakness. However; Wade Phillips is just plain dumb. Dallas had a chance to land a good young coach, but insisted they needed a coach with experiance. What good is experiance, when it comes with a lot of getting fired and loseing big games? Dallas is picked first becasue I love Tony Romo, Owens, Jones, Glenn, and Witten. But I wouldn't be all that surprised to see the Boys get out-coached in a few key games and let Philly win this division again. Defensively Dallas should be very sound despite short comings in coverage. Phillips is good at masking that with a nice pass-rush, and he has the tols to do that here.
2) Philadelphia Eagles: With a very solid offensive line, Brian Westbrook and one of my favrite young tight ends in L.J Smith, the Eagles will be just fine. If Greg Lewis can emerge into a consistent speed threat McNabb will be a happy camper. Brian Dawkins still anchors a tough Philly defense, but this unit will show signs of wear and tear this year. Kurse and McDougle could be an imposeing pair of pass-rushers, if they are the players they were before serious injurry.
3) Washington Redskins: On paper this is a team that should challenge Dallas, but the skins always look good on paper. Santanna Moss, Clinton Portis, Chris Cooley, Brandon Lloyd, Antwaan Randel El, and a very solid group of veteran offensive lineman. The defense always plays very well under the direction of Gregg Williams. I guess the only real question is did the game pass Joe Gibbs by? If it didn't than this Redskins team is a Lion waiting the bushes.
4) New York Giants: Head coach Lame Duck has his work cut out for him with this re-building franchise. Eli Manning and the passing game will probably make manny teams nervous this year, Manning is poised to take another step forward and he the receiving help to do it. I like Rueben Droughns as a running back, but he certainly can't do all of things that Barber did for N.Y especially in the passing game. Defensively the Giants have manny problems. New York has a very good pass rush, which shows us just how bad that secondary really is. Gianst biggest problmes will be at linebacker. There isn't much in the way of talent here, and opposing teams will shove those pass-rushing ends up field and attack New York right up the gut where they don't have an answer. There are many different ways I could see the NFC East turning out by years end, but all of the scenarious have the G-men in the basement.
NFC NORTH
1) Chicago Bears: I see no reason why the Bears shouldn't once again be annointed the kings of the NFC. I think Dennis Green said it best; "You wanna crown, than cron their ass." Devestating defense, especially when a healthy Tomas Harris can cause havic in the middle of that D-line, tremendous special teams, and an offense with numerous young weapons. As long as Rex Grossman improves the Bears should have no problem mowing down the North.
2) Minnesota Vikings: The Vikings got the steal of the draft when Peterson fell into thier laps. Peterson will provide the perfect compliment to RB Chester Talyor who does the power game, and wears out defenses. A very talented young Vikings defense should Minnesota in a lot of games, but their inexperianced QB will lose some of them.
3) Detroit Lions: Tatum Bell, and a talented receiving core certainly make the Lions look like an imposeing force, but they still haven't adressed a very average o-line or a spotty defense. Look for John Kitna to have a lot of great efforts in defeat.
4) Green Bay Packers: Is it too soon to start asking about wheather or not Brett Favre will retire next year? Aside from that on going drama there isn't much in the way of good football to talk about concerning the Pack. Al Harris and A.J Hawk are good players, but they won't shine without more help from that D-line. Offensively the Packers will be looking to put all of the load of Favre, without a devent running game to turn to. Normally Favre can make plays with very little talent, but with only Donald Driver to lean on things could get tough. The Packers relly needed to find a good receiving TE this offseason to help Favre, but they faied miserably.
NFC SOUTH
1) New Orleans Saints: Tough call here, but the Saints have too much power for an underachieving Pathers defense. Brees, Bush, and Colston should be able to score enough points to keep their division rivals at bay, but this should be a hotly contested division. The Saints have plenty of holes on defense, but it shouldn't matter much in the South. They will not be a factor in the play-offs.
2) Carolina Panthers: Offensively the Panthers have enough talent to have a good year. Steve Smith must be respected, and Foster can be a very good back (when healthy). The problem for Carolina is a defense that never quite rises to expectations. Despute talent up front and good corners and safties, the Panthers never turn into that dominating force they should be. I hate to say this because I have been a hugh John Fox fan, but perhaps his unit gets out-schemed far too often.
3) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Thats right folks!! I'm calling for TB to edge out the Falcons. Jeff Garcia will run Gruedens offense to perction, and he has plenty of help. The Bucs have been quietly assembling a nice little offense down there in the Bay. Joey Galloway has really shined since joiing Tampa, and Michael Clayton should emerge into a teriffic posession receiver. Alex Smith is a promising youg TE, and the O-line is slightly revamped. Even if the Buc's line isn't as patched up as it outgh to be, Garcia will help mask that defeciency with his ability to move around and scramble. Tampa will have to most problems of defense but solid leadreship at LB and in the secondary will help this unit continue to be competitive. Next season the Bucs will be the trendy break-out team.
4) Atlanta Falcons: There hasn't been much talk about Atlanta aside from Michael Vick and his propensity for mistreating four legged animals. I am not a huge Vick fan, I don't think he is a very good passer, and often hampers this team. Unfortunately the Falcons signed the only available quarterback who would not be an upgrade in the passing game. Bringing Joey Harrington aboard was not a great move for this club, they should have held onto to Schaub. The erratic Harrinton will be looking to aging WR Joe Horn who is just a shaddow of his former self. Atlanta defense loooks good on paper, but they will not overcome the offenses turnovers, and lack of time of posession.
NFC WEST
1) Seattle Seahawks: This is a rock solid football team, and the only club will legitimately challenge Chicago for the NFC title. A healthy Matt Hasselbeck armed with a tremendous power run game, and a more acclimated Deion Branch will be a force to be dealt with. Seattle defense is un-spectacular but solid, and that all it will take to be a force in the NFC. Rocky Bernard, and Patrick Kerney will help a nice front four, while Marcus Traufant provides the good man coverage. Hawks linebackers aren't the most talented in the league, but they play smart. Seattle rarely gives up the big play.
2) St. Louis Rams: I love what the St. Louis Rams are doing. A pwer run game powered b mac truck Steven Jackson, accompanied by the most under-appreciated QB in the NFL. Marc Bulger is a tremendous passer, he never quite gets his due, but should. The receivers are aging a shade in Tory Holt, and Sir Issac Bruce but with a veteran signal caller, they will beable to best most opponents. I also really like the addition of tight end Randy McMichael. The Rams also boast a defense that could really break out in 07. Leonard Little, and Le'roi Glover should provide a substantial pass rush up-front, and a talented linebacking core should continue to progress. The real problem here is in the secondary where there really aren't any good corners, but Chavious should help at safety.
3) San Francisco 49er's: I know this is the trendy pick to be the new team, I still see the 49er's as a year or two away from serious play-off contention. I certainly see the potential for a threatening offense with Gore, Davis, and Jackson, but Alex Smith will have a difficult year two with mounting pressure for success. The 49er's defense is without recognizeable names, accept for the over-achieving CB Walt Harris. This is a franchise headed in the right direction, but they still need help.
4) Arizona Cardinals: Exactly who I thought they were. They suck.
AFC East:
1)New England Patriots: Was there really any doubt? The rich get richer, as the Pats add some quality help at wide-out. Randy Moss, onte Stallworth, and Wes Welker give the Patriots more than enough fire-power to keep defenders away from the line of scrimmage and all of things they love to do with star running back Laurence Marouney. This gives the best QB in the game, Tom Brady, a lot to work with. Good news for the rest of the league, stud quarterbacks should be in grand supply as long as Brady is intent on scattering his DNA across theis vast country of ours. The question remaining is weather or not an aging defense has been ignored too much this off-season.
2) New York Jets: Don't be surprised to see the Jets give the Patriots a run for their money in the East thiss year. Pennington orchestrates a tremendous passing attack with Coles, and Cotchery. The addition of Thomas Jones at running back should add stability and a sound running game, as opposed to last years everybody try one or two running plays a quarter and see if anybody does anything good policy. Jets defense lacked adeqaute pass coverage, but a revamped secondary should improve that. Pass defense always takes time to gel, so don't expect New York to turn around too dramatically in one season, although a wild-card spot is not out of the question here.
3) Miami Dolphins: This is the difficult call, in the division. Miami and Buffalo could easily flip-flop here at 3 and 4, but for now I have to with
Miami. Adding Trent Green was a superb move, and Ronnie Brown is going to be a very good runner. If the Dolphins can pass block a little bit the also have a couple of pretty darn good receivers in Chris Chambers and Marty Booker. The only problem is they let tight-end Randy McMichael leave to St. Louis. McMichael is a very good pass-catching tight-end and Trent Green loves his tight-ends. On defense the Fish are always fairly sound, and that should improve even further under Dom Cappers direction.
4)Buffalo Bills: Letting Willis McGahee go was more than a bit puzzling, and I don't even think Buffalo got enough for him. Dick Juron isn't what I would consider an A-list coach, and by not A-list I mean he sucks. However; his players always seem to love him, so given enough talent, I'm sure he can provide some competitive football. Lossman is coming around, and has a couple of pretty fair WR's but its really up to Anthony Thomas and the running game. If the A-train can muster enough of a running game to keep the dogs oof of Lossman, the Bills will be competitive. Buffalo has a very talented young secondary, but a lack of leadership and experiance at the linebacker position will hamper the unit and intensify their growing pains, especially early in the season. Other than that...I guess there is an applebee's.
AFC NORTH
1) Pittsburgh Steelers: "Big" Ben Rothelisburger, and "Fast" Willie Parker have both cool nicknames and talent. I expect the Steeler offense to improve dramatically this season with Rothlisberger not suffering severe head trauma prior to the season. Parker is a very underrated RB, and he can used out of the backfield as well. Lets not forget about the Pittsburgh rock, Hines Ward. Steelers D won't be dominating, but they they do have enough playmakers to win a lot of football games.
2) Baltimore Ravens: Old school footbal is always in-vougue in the NFL, and few aer going to do it better than B-more this season. A punishing defense with stagerring pass rushers, and playmakes in the secondary make Ravens defense very stout. Baltimore can also pursue the run game of their glory days (day) with Willis Mcgahee at running back. McNair can still lead an offense, and make plays, but how long he can last as the starter remains to be seen. If McNair stays healthy and the Ravens can run-block and work play-action with, also oft injurred TE Todd Heap, than the Ravens will be a force to be dealt with. Also don't miss the Ray Lewis, O.J Simpson charity stabbing competition on Sept 12.
3) Cincinnati Bengals: I know, I know, I can hear you all now; "Bull crap, Carson Palmer and ocho Stinko, blah blah blah...." Let me tell you something friends. The game of football has changed in many, many ways but one thing has never changed. If you can't stop anybody, you can't beat anybody. Not only does Cincinnati have a lousy crap defense, but they haven't even attempted to adressee it, at least not in recent memory.
4) Cleveland Browns: Romeo Crenel has this franchise pointed in the right direction, I just hope they give him enough time to finish the job. Rock solid receiving core. Braylon Edwrads provides the big play, while Joe Jerivicus is the posession receiver. It still remains to be seen, wheather or not Super Dave will be a good TE or not, maybe well get the answers to that this season. In the end Cleveland has the most problems in the trenches, I still think Charlie Fry could be a very good QB if given enough protection.
AFC SOUTH
1) Jacksonville Jaguars: Old school football at it's finest. Fred Taylor and Jones Drew Maurice provide a sensational rushing attack, and Byron "Fat Albert" Leftwhich an be as effective as anyone with enough support. Defensively the Jags have a virtuaslly impenitrable run defense with Stroud and Henderson in the middle of the D-line. They also have a shut down corner, and one of the most underrated players in the game today in Rashean Mathis.
2) Indianapolis Colts: The offense is as poweful as ever, but you can't lose players on defense when you have zero depth to begin with. Look for the same-old Colts this year, to lose a lot of high scoring games.
3) Tenneesse Titans: Jeff Fisher is definately one of the most under-rated coaches in the game of football today. He consistently has the Titans competing, and playing hard late into the season despite a serious talent defeciency.The Titans have been mired in salary cap hell since their superbowl run. Even though Vince Young looks great as a young quarterback, the Titans are still a ways away from playoff contention. I just hope Fisher gets a chance to still be the coach when they turn the corner.
4) Houston Texans: I don't care who the QB is, if Houton can't protect him he won't be successful. I really feel like the Texans made a mistake with David Carr, if he hadn't been sacked two billion times he would have been very successful in Houston. As it is the Texans have far too many holes to fill, to be bringing in veteran quarterbacks.
AFC WEST
1) Sandiego Chagers: There is a lot to worry about when facing the Chargers. Tomlinson, Gates, and Rivers are as talented as any offensive tri in the game today. Chargers also benefit from a phenominal o-line and a great pass-rush. In the defensive secondary Quinten Jammer is a very underrated corner, and could be poised for a break-out year. Jammer also plays in the AFC West where there aren't a tremendous amount of good WR's to face.
2) Denevr Bronco's: Denver will push Sandiego for the top spot in the west. Javon Walker is a very good threat at wide-out, and Travis Henrey can still be a stud runner, especially in Denver where Broncos are consistently the best run blocking team in the NFL. Rookie quarterback Jay Cutler will have his share of growing pains, and in the end that will be the difference between play-offs and not. Denver always plays solid defense, do I relly have to mention Champ Baily? I didn't think so.
3) Kansas city Chiefs: It seems Larry Johnson is about reay to re-join his mates in K.C and it's a good thing because there isn't much there. An aging Chiefs offense features Tony Gonzalez, and Edddie Kennison. These players are fine, and I love Gonzo as much as the next guy buy they are most definately on the downsides of their career. You can have an offense with veterans skill players like that, but only if you are featuring a smart veteran quarterback.....like Trent Green for instance. In his absence I just don't see how this K.C offense will work at all, it's a complex scheme that works but a rookie QB is going to need better WR's than the Cheifs have. Defensively the Cheifs upgraded several positions, but they still look far too vulnerable against the run, they have a ways to go.
4)Oakland Raiders: You have to give Rex Ryan and his defense some accolades for last season. Raiders d performed exceptionally well, especially considering the fact that they were well out of contention early in the season. Oaklands run defense will sorely miss big Ted Washington in the middle, but they have a lot of young talent at linebacker. Offensivley this is another team like Houston and Cleveland that needed an up-grade on the o-line sorely. Wheathers it's culpepper, Russel, or McCown they will have a tough time throwing the football behind that swiss cheese line.
NFC EAST
1) Dallas Cowboys: This is a pick that I trust the least. Dallas certainly has a very talented young football team, without glarring weakness. However; Wade Phillips is just plain dumb. Dallas had a chance to land a good young coach, but insisted they needed a coach with experiance. What good is experiance, when it comes with a lot of getting fired and loseing big games? Dallas is picked first becasue I love Tony Romo, Owens, Jones, Glenn, and Witten. But I wouldn't be all that surprised to see the Boys get out-coached in a few key games and let Philly win this division again. Defensively Dallas should be very sound despite short comings in coverage. Phillips is good at masking that with a nice pass-rush, and he has the tols to do that here.
2) Philadelphia Eagles: With a very solid offensive line, Brian Westbrook and one of my favrite young tight ends in L.J Smith, the Eagles will be just fine. If Greg Lewis can emerge into a consistent speed threat McNabb will be a happy camper. Brian Dawkins still anchors a tough Philly defense, but this unit will show signs of wear and tear this year. Kurse and McDougle could be an imposeing pair of pass-rushers, if they are the players they were before serious injurry.
3) Washington Redskins: On paper this is a team that should challenge Dallas, but the skins always look good on paper. Santanna Moss, Clinton Portis, Chris Cooley, Brandon Lloyd, Antwaan Randel El, and a very solid group of veteran offensive lineman. The defense always plays very well under the direction of Gregg Williams. I guess the only real question is did the game pass Joe Gibbs by? If it didn't than this Redskins team is a Lion waiting the bushes.
4) New York Giants: Head coach Lame Duck has his work cut out for him with this re-building franchise. Eli Manning and the passing game will probably make manny teams nervous this year, Manning is poised to take another step forward and he the receiving help to do it. I like Rueben Droughns as a running back, but he certainly can't do all of things that Barber did for N.Y especially in the passing game. Defensively the Giants have manny problems. New York has a very good pass rush, which shows us just how bad that secondary really is. Gianst biggest problmes will be at linebacker. There isn't much in the way of talent here, and opposing teams will shove those pass-rushing ends up field and attack New York right up the gut where they don't have an answer. There are many different ways I could see the NFC East turning out by years end, but all of the scenarious have the G-men in the basement.
NFC NORTH
1) Chicago Bears: I see no reason why the Bears shouldn't once again be annointed the kings of the NFC. I think Dennis Green said it best; "You wanna crown, than cron their ass." Devestating defense, especially when a healthy Tomas Harris can cause havic in the middle of that D-line, tremendous special teams, and an offense with numerous young weapons. As long as Rex Grossman improves the Bears should have no problem mowing down the North.
2) Minnesota Vikings: The Vikings got the steal of the draft when Peterson fell into thier laps. Peterson will provide the perfect compliment to RB Chester Talyor who does the power game, and wears out defenses. A very talented young Vikings defense should Minnesota in a lot of games, but their inexperianced QB will lose some of them.
3) Detroit Lions: Tatum Bell, and a talented receiving core certainly make the Lions look like an imposeing force, but they still haven't adressed a very average o-line or a spotty defense. Look for John Kitna to have a lot of great efforts in defeat.
4) Green Bay Packers: Is it too soon to start asking about wheather or not Brett Favre will retire next year? Aside from that on going drama there isn't much in the way of good football to talk about concerning the Pack. Al Harris and A.J Hawk are good players, but they won't shine without more help from that D-line. Offensively the Packers will be looking to put all of the load of Favre, without a devent running game to turn to. Normally Favre can make plays with very little talent, but with only Donald Driver to lean on things could get tough. The Packers relly needed to find a good receiving TE this offseason to help Favre, but they faied miserably.
NFC SOUTH
1) New Orleans Saints: Tough call here, but the Saints have too much power for an underachieving Pathers defense. Brees, Bush, and Colston should be able to score enough points to keep their division rivals at bay, but this should be a hotly contested division. The Saints have plenty of holes on defense, but it shouldn't matter much in the South. They will not be a factor in the play-offs.
2) Carolina Panthers: Offensively the Panthers have enough talent to have a good year. Steve Smith must be respected, and Foster can be a very good back (when healthy). The problem for Carolina is a defense that never quite rises to expectations. Despute talent up front and good corners and safties, the Panthers never turn into that dominating force they should be. I hate to say this because I have been a hugh John Fox fan, but perhaps his unit gets out-schemed far too often.
3) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Thats right folks!! I'm calling for TB to edge out the Falcons. Jeff Garcia will run Gruedens offense to perction, and he has plenty of help. The Bucs have been quietly assembling a nice little offense down there in the Bay. Joey Galloway has really shined since joiing Tampa, and Michael Clayton should emerge into a teriffic posession receiver. Alex Smith is a promising youg TE, and the O-line is slightly revamped. Even if the Buc's line isn't as patched up as it outgh to be, Garcia will help mask that defeciency with his ability to move around and scramble. Tampa will have to most problems of defense but solid leadreship at LB and in the secondary will help this unit continue to be competitive. Next season the Bucs will be the trendy break-out team.
4) Atlanta Falcons: There hasn't been much talk about Atlanta aside from Michael Vick and his propensity for mistreating four legged animals. I am not a huge Vick fan, I don't think he is a very good passer, and often hampers this team. Unfortunately the Falcons signed the only available quarterback who would not be an upgrade in the passing game. Bringing Joey Harrington aboard was not a great move for this club, they should have held onto to Schaub. The erratic Harrinton will be looking to aging WR Joe Horn who is just a shaddow of his former self. Atlanta defense loooks good on paper, but they will not overcome the offenses turnovers, and lack of time of posession.
NFC WEST
1) Seattle Seahawks: This is a rock solid football team, and the only club will legitimately challenge Chicago for the NFC title. A healthy Matt Hasselbeck armed with a tremendous power run game, and a more acclimated Deion Branch will be a force to be dealt with. Seattle defense is un-spectacular but solid, and that all it will take to be a force in the NFC. Rocky Bernard, and Patrick Kerney will help a nice front four, while Marcus Traufant provides the good man coverage. Hawks linebackers aren't the most talented in the league, but they play smart. Seattle rarely gives up the big play.
2) St. Louis Rams: I love what the St. Louis Rams are doing. A pwer run game powered b mac truck Steven Jackson, accompanied by the most under-appreciated QB in the NFL. Marc Bulger is a tremendous passer, he never quite gets his due, but should. The receivers are aging a shade in Tory Holt, and Sir Issac Bruce but with a veteran signal caller, they will beable to best most opponents. I also really like the addition of tight end Randy McMichael. The Rams also boast a defense that could really break out in 07. Leonard Little, and Le'roi Glover should provide a substantial pass rush up-front, and a talented linebacking core should continue to progress. The real problem here is in the secondary where there really aren't any good corners, but Chavious should help at safety.
3) San Francisco 49er's: I know this is the trendy pick to be the new team, I still see the 49er's as a year or two away from serious play-off contention. I certainly see the potential for a threatening offense with Gore, Davis, and Jackson, but Alex Smith will have a difficult year two with mounting pressure for success. The 49er's defense is without recognizeable names, accept for the over-achieving CB Walt Harris. This is a franchise headed in the right direction, but they still need help.
4) Arizona Cardinals: Exactly who I thought they were. They suck.
posted by sanpiper at 6:41 AM
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