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It is a crazy time in the NFL these days, most of the
teams in the league are good. I'm not saying parody
has sprung upon us like DVD's, reality TV, and gum,
but there are so many good teams in the NFL, every week
has become a battle so intense, anything can happen.
This season preview, prior to the draft, is exactly
how I see things leveling out during the 2007-2008 season.
I've taken into account schedules, last seasons outcome,
and free agency up until the most recent happenings
around the league. What a year it will be!
NFC
Predictions
NFC
North
1.
Chicago Bears:
(11-5) While I don't think the Chicago Bears will
make it back to the NFC Finals, I do think they are
the toast of the NFC North. The Packers are getting
better, especially defensively, but I really don't see
the Pack threatening the Bears for the North Crown.
2. Green Bay
Packers: (8-8) I love the young Packer defense.
Truly, they're only getting better, and when draft day
comes around, I'm sure they'll start getting more athletic
too. The truth is, while the Packers didn't improve
greatly through free agency, their primarily rookie
offensive line of a year ago is now a year older, that
will help Brett Favre, and whomever gets the starting
RB job in Green Bay.
3. Detroit Lions:
(6-10) I don't like the Lions, but I like the Vikings
less. At least the Lions have made a few moves that
could caulk some leaks. Offensively, the Lions have
plenty of talent, but I have yet to see much from the
team defensively, especially now that Dre Bly finds
himself locked and loaded to a new contract in Denver.
4. Minnesota
Vikings: (2-14) It seems as the Minnesota and
their Brass have no idea what they're going to do offensively
next season. Either that, or they know something I don't.
See, right now, all they have is a rushing attack, an
inexperienced quarterback, and 3 wide receivers, none
of which have proven worthy of being starters.
NFC
East
1.
Philadelphia
Eagles: (12-4) If and when Donovan McNabb returns
to full health, the Eagles certainly have the best,
most consistent, and least problematic team in the NFC
East, and quite possibly all of the NFC. With Westbrook
turning into a sure-thing back, and Kearse returning,
as well as adding a playmaker like Takeo Spikes, the
Eagles are primed for a run at the NFC title.
2. Dallas Cowboys:
(10-6) While the Cowboys have gone through quite
the offseason coaching change, I have a feeling Wade
Phillips' style will help a Cowboys team that wasn't
really down with Parcells' old school mid games. The
bottom line is, Phillips sticks with his guns, and the
Cowboys have plenty of ammo. Expect them to push the
Eagles in the East.
3. Washington
Redskins: (7-9) The Redskins may have purchased
themselves a few more wins this off season, but I don't
see their team improving to the point of a playoff run.
Sooner or later, the Skins will realize that trading
away all their draft picks and picking up older "proven"
players doesn't always translate to team unity and playoff
victories.
4. New York Giants:
(6-10) The Giants are being led by a lame-duck coach,
they lost their biggest offensive weapon, and their
defense and offensive line is aging. Did I mention their
secondary has more question marks than a Dr. Seuss book?
You betcha. Expect this talented team to have mucho
turmoil at ever turn.
NFC
West
1.
Seattle Seahawks:
(10-6) The Seahawks struggled a year ago, and while
I think they'll be better in 2007, the fact is, their
once easy-does-it conference has transformed into a
bunch of teams ready to give the Hawks a run. For at
least one more year, Alexander and the Hawks will make
just enough moves to finish atop the West, and quite
possibly squirt toward a meeting with the Eagles in
the NFC Championship.
2. St. Louis Rams:
(9-7) The Rams offense is filthy. In their second
season under coach Linehan, Marc Bulger, Torry Holt,
Steven Jackson and company will be ready to challenge
for a playoff spot. If the Rams can add two to three
starters to a young defense, by years end, they could
be looking a playoff spot right in the eye.
3. San Francisco
49ers: (8-8) I don't think the 49ers will morph
into a playoff team this season, but .500 is there for
the taking. Without Norv Turner around, its not like
Alex Smith will melt. But, with or without Norv, I expect
Smith to be yet another year away from having the game
control to make the Niners a playoff team.
4. Arizona
Cardinals: (6-10) I love the additions of the
former Pittsburgh coaching staff, but will that immediately
make the Cards a playoff hopeful? Hopeful, maybe, but
contender? I'm not completely sold. Leinart looked good
at times last year, and with Boldin and Fitz on the
edges, how long will it be before Matt is tossing 300
yard games? Whisenhunt knows he needs some more defense
before the playoffs are possible, but they're closer
than many think.
NFC
South
1.
Carolina Panthers:
(11-5) While the South is surely a very tough conference,
and the Panthers have done nothing but disappoint me
over the past years, I still see a team that has it
all. With Delhomme coming back, Steve Smith and who
cares at receiver, Foster and D'Angelo in the backfield;
these Panthers can be deadly. And that's just on offense.
No other team in this division has as many playmakers
on defense as the Panthers. Health is key. If they stay
healthy, 13 wins isn't out of the question. Adding some
depth has given me hope, even if a guy or two goes down.
2. New Orleans
Saints: (10-6) The Saints are coming off quite
the season yester year, nearly finding themselves in
the Super Bowl. Offensively, the Saints have it all,
but defensively, this is a team with plenty of holes.
I think the Saints will take a small step backwards
this year, to everyone's surprise, but hey, that's what
happens from time to time, and people often get surprised.
3. Atlanta Falcons:
(7-9) I don't really like the Falcons. I love Jerious
Norwood, but the Falcons seem reluctant to give this
back, a kid who averaged 6+ yards a carry, the ball.
Nice move. Their new coach wants a big back, and right
now, Dunn (160lbs) and Norwood are their best offensive
weapons this side of Mike Vick. Hmm. Seems like a recipe
for close but not good enough.
4. Tampa
Bay Buccaneers: (6-10) And now I get to the
Bucs. Its interesting because, if this and that happens,
I can see any of the teams in this division walking
into the playoffs. Even the Bucs, who are aging defensively,
and are offensively stagnant, have done some things
to make me ooh and ah. Caddy will bounce back this year,
as more emphasis has been placed on the line. Defensively,
the Bucs are always solid. It all comes down to quarterback,
and while I'm predicting a seasons worth of close calls
and 10 losses, that could just as easily go the other
way in Tampa. Stay tuned to this division, its intriguing.
AFC
Predictions
AFC
North
1.
Cincinnati
Bengals: (11-5) The Bengals are my most exciting
team in the AFC. The Patriots have done more to make
themselves great, the Colts just won a Super Bowl, and
the Broncos have built an elite secondary, but I think
the Bengals could very well walk away with the 1 seed
heading into the playoffs next season. However, I put
them at 11-5 because they could also very well implode,
all go steal some stuff, and go to jail. I'm betting
on the former, but that's just a hunch.
2. Pittsburgh
Steelers: (10-6) Mike Tomlin is a solid coach,
and will end up doing great things with the Steelers.
He'll start by taking a 3-4 defense, transforming it
to a 4-3, change the offense around, complete the entire
switcheroo that has gone down in Pittsburgh, and still
put the Steelers in the playoffs. Whew.
3. Baltimore
Ravens: (9-7) The Ravens are an interesting
story going into 2007. They lost Adalius Thomas, whom
was more than just an outside linebacker, but have a
good unknown backup waiting in the wings. Steve McNair
is getting older, but McGahee has come in to lessen
the load, plus Boller might be ready to step in if Air
McNair goes down. Defensively, the Ravens are too talented
to get handled in any game, meaning they could go 9-7
or get lucky 4 times and go 13-3. What a great division.
4. Cleveland
Browns: (5-11) The Browns will attempt to give
this division a flat tire, as surely, they aren't on
the same level as the top 3 teams, all of which have
a shot at the playoffs. The Browns are set up to struggle
next season, regardless of where they got with their
1st draft pick. Te AFC is too tough, and this division
especially makes line no-fair for the Brownies. Giving
up on Charlie Frye reeks of what the Chargers were planning
on doing with Drew Brees.
AFC
East
1.
New England
Patriots: (12-4) The Patriots did all the right
things in the offseason, and while they very well might
have overpaid a couple times, they seemed to know what
they wanted, and they got it. The players New England
got, they either paid what the players' talent insisted,
or paid a few extra coin to add strong personality guys,
Belichick guys. Brady has new weapons, and Maroney will
be the man carrying the rock in NE.
2. New York Jets:
(10-6) After the Jets made a stunning reversal,
going from 4-12 to playoff team in Eric Mangini's first
season, (btw how didn't he win coach of the year?) the
Jets look to keep on rockin' on way to another playoff
bout. I can only imagine, with a year under D'Brick
and Mangold's uni, the Jets rushing attack will explode
with Thomas Jones and Leon Washington sharing 4 to 1
backfield duties. With a running attack that will get
some attention, maybe Coles and Cotchery will get more
chances to succeed for big plays?
3. Miami Dolphins:
(7-9) While I think Cam Cameron was a very good
hire in Miami, I don't think that it will make the Dolphins
a playoff contributor. Miami put some good money into
free agency, coming away with Joey Porter to pair with
Jason Taylor as edge rushers, but I'm not sure Miami's
aging group can hold up. And they still need help bad
in the secondary.
4. Buffalo Bills:
(5-11) The Bills went into free agency as a team
ready to do work, but I'm not so sure any more. Who
will run for Buffalo? That question might not be answered
until draft day. Is there someone to pair with Lee Evans
that will strike a little fear into defenses? No, not
Peerless Price. And how about replacing Nate Clements
and Takeo Spikes? Leaders, best defensive players? Hey,
at least they have Darnell Dockery. I like Losman's
growth, and Evans is this close to becoming Steve Smith,
but the Bills are sledding on concrete with a tough
off season.
AFC
West
1.
Denver Broncos:
(11-5) The Broncos didn't make the playoffs last
season, and that just won't happen again. The Chargers
are the most talented bunch in this division, but overall
the Broncos have more symmetry, through the air (Walker,
Smith, Williams, and Cutler), via the ground (Bronco
offense, Travis Henry, Mike Bell) and on defense (Champ
Bailey and Dre Bly) all they need is defensive line,
something they'll add on draft day. I hate the Broncos,
but must admit, this could be a good year for the Shredder
and his merry men.
2. San Diego
Chargers: (10-6) The Chargers have so much talent,
its hard to believe that they'll take a step back this
season, but that's my prediction. Losing your entire
coaching staff, regardless of how solid your players
are, often takes a toll on your team. And while Marty
didn't win the big one, surely, his players believed
in him 100%. That's tough to lose.
3. Kansas
City Chiefs: (8-8) Larry Johnson is one of my
favorite runners, but the kid can't do it all for the
Chiefs. They're making the right move getting rid of
Green, they should have done that half way through last
season, but oh well. What I know is the Chiefs need
help on defense and at receiver, two things that will
continue to be the bane of their existence this season.
4. Oakland Raiders:
(2-14) The Raiders are the worst team in football.
You know how bad they are? They could take of the best
offensive weapons in the draft and still be the worst
offensive team in the league. Unless Lane Kiffin has
some serious Prestige type Kenny Rogers hybrid Barry
Bonds horse pills up his sleeve, I don't see the Raiders,
even with a good defense, winning more than a couple
ball games.
AFC
South
1.
Indianapolis
Colts: (10-6) First of all, I don't see the
Colts flying back to the Super Bowl, they've lost enough
guys to struggle just enough to putter out near the
end, plus they've already won one, and going back to
back takes down right brilliance. However, they're still
good enough to take the South, even with the jags and
Titans pushing their way to the top. Peyton gets enough
done in a down year to push the Colts into the 2nd round.
2. Jacksonville
Jaguars: (10-6) The Jaguars have some questions
at quarterback, but they could help answer some of those
with the addition of someone like Ted Ginn Jr. or Steve
Smith. Ted would stretch the field, and Smith is just
good enough in space to separate and give Lefty a place
to throw the rock comfortably. I like that Jags, their
offense has too many weapons, and their defense is only
a player or two away from becoming dominant.
3. Tennessee
Titans: (7-9) The Titans are everyone's sexy
pick to slip into the playoffs next season, and while
their opening schedule seems easy enough, I just don't
see it happening. Too many last minute amazings had
to happen to get them the 8 wins they got last season,
I just don't see the magic happening again. Vince Young
is the real deal, but until their receivers grow up
a little, passing will be tough for the Titans, and
without a true #1 RB, like Travis Henry was last season,
the Titans defense will struggle staying on the field.
4. Houston
Texans: (6-10) The Texans aren't as far away
from success as many want to think. Sure, they gave
up on the chance to draft Vince Young and Reggie Bush,
but stud defensive ends are tough to come by, and go
for tons of money in free agency these days. However,
the Texans need help offensively. This year, they should
get Levi Brown, or more help defensive with their 1st
pick. After that, a receiver to help Andre Johnson could
be waiting in Round 2. I think the running game and
passing attack will be better in year 2 under Kubiak,
and Matt Schaub will prove to be a nice addition, but
these Texans need another year, and another solid year
of draft picks to begin to contend.
2006 NFL Season
Preview - keep in mind these predictions were
done well in advance of the 2006 NFL season.
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