Journal NFLFan's Journal: NFC Preview 2
It is that time of the year again. Here are some quick thoughts about the NFC. I have ordered each team according to how I think they will finish in their division. It is too early to try and figure out seeds. This is a little stale and does not really consider the developments of the past month. Week 1 picks coming tomorrow.
East
Washington Redskins- The defense is already there and with the addition of Al Saunders the offense should soon follow. Clinton Portis's shoulder situation is definitely troubling but I like T.J. Duckett. Sounds like they might have quarterback troubles also but somehow I see them floating to the top of the East right now.
Dallas Cowboys- I know Parcells has recently voiced his displeasure with the way things are going but I think they will be in the hunt in the end. The Cowboys just need to find a running game. Do not read too much into that Drew Bledsoe vs. Tony Romo thing; Drew is the Tuna's guy.
New York Giants- Probably the best all-around team in the East. If Tiki Barber can have another huge year and Eli Manning can take that next step and put together a full season then they should easily win the division. Right now there are just too many ifs surrounding this team.
Philadelphia Eagles- McNabb is probably the best quarterback in the East and that has got to mean something. However, when a team loses their best or second best player they cannot be better off. The Eagles are probably as good as they were 3 or 4 years ago but the rest of the East has improved significantly more so.
North
Chicago Bears- I expect another big year from the Bears. The defense should be about the same or perhaps even better. The big question with this team will be their ability to put points on the board. Their quarterback situation is better than last year, hopefully Thomas Jones and Cedric Benson will contribute something this year (that could be huge and really make the Bears special), and Mushin Mohamed claims to be in the best shape of his life!
Minneapolis Vikings- When was the last time Brad Johnson was able to play a complete regular season? And he is 37 now! Chester Taylor can be a good running back but I heard he showed overweight. Could be a surprise team but they are also obviously flawed.
Detroit Lions- I actually think the Lions will improve this year. I am not sure that means more wins though. Getting Mike Martz as the offensive coordinator should be gold.
Green Bay Packers- Maybe this is the most talented Packers team that Brett Favre has been on! The problem is that at this junction in his career he is one of the weaker links among the starters.
South
Carolina Panthers- If Kris Jenkins, Steve Smith, and the running game can stay healthy then expect big things from the Panthers.
Atlanta Falcons- I feel Michael Vick is the most exciting player in the NFL but I do not know if I want him quarterbacking my team. Vick is a winner though and do not be put off by him not giving it his all in that last game last year. Last year, injuries to the defense and Vick hurt the Falcons. This year they are already looking a little fragile on offense but if they can right the ship then watch out!
Tampa Bay Buccaneers- I just think it is going to be an off year for the Bucs. The defense is aging and Chris Sims probably could use some more seasoning.
New Orleans Saints- Perhaps the ultimate boom or bust team. I am expecting another bust because that is what the Saints do. If Drew Brees is healthy then that can make for an interesting team. The potential for a real dynamic offense is certainly there. I am not so sure about the defense.
West
Seattle Seahawks- The Seahawks played good consistent football last year coupled with a little luck and an easy schedule. I only caught a handful of their games but they never looked great to me.
Arizona Cardinals- I do not know why but I have always really liked Denny Green. So does that mean that I like the Cardinals? Not this year. It is definitely exciting what they are building towards on offense but Arizona is a place where running backs seem to go to retire. The Oliver Ross injury could be huge because offensive line is perhaps their biggest weakness but Ross is overrated and much better suited to being a backup.
St. Louis Rams- It saddens me to hear that one of my favorite all-time players, Marshall Faulk, will be sitting out the year but it has been a while since he was really something special. I have heard good things about Scott Linehan but for some reason I think his hiring is a set back to the team.
San Francisco 49ers- The 49ers were probably the worst team in football last year. Don't let their record fool you. I am not a Mike Nolan fan and am not sure how exactly he got the job. The 49ers are probably a team on the way up though! Only because it is probably more difficult to continue going down or staying so low. Why did the 49ers make Vernon Davis (reportedly) the highest paid tight end in the league?
I'm worried about my Lions (Score:2)
My favorite quote from this piece [freep.com]:
It can always get worse.
The Latin derivative of that statement is the Lions' organizational motto.
yo fan... (Score:1)
Just click that last journal entry link below my name and tell me what you think.
Just be warned, I drafted a month ago.
Injuries...= teh suck.