Better late than never, here is one way the NFC could shake out during the 2010 NFL season.
East - NY Giants, Dallas, Philadelphia, Washington
Comment: Last season was a blip on the radar for the Giants, and I think a healthy defense will fix many of their 2009 problems. One concern is their aging o-line, but they have a versatile offense that can hurt teams on the ground or through the air. ... Same concern for the Cowboys - will the o-line hold up? I like the Dallas D, and I think the passing game should be spectacular if QB Tony Romo remains upright. ... Too many changes in Philly for the Eagles to contend. They took a massive risk trading Donovan McNabb within the division, and it may well cost them a playoff spot. The key question is can they gel? ... I like many of the Redskins' moves, particularly bringing in McNabb and turning over an aging, ineffective roster, but they appear to be a year away.
North - Green Bay, Minnesota, Detroit, Chicago
Comment: This is based upon two factors - the Packers' continued development of their young players and the Vikings' over-reliance on a QB (Brett Favre) who won't come close to duplicating his magical 2009 season. ... The Packers' offense should be near unstoppable. Two concerns are a porous secondary and horrendous special teams. If those are average, they're going deep in the playoffs. ... Losing WR Sidney Rice robs Favre of one of his safety valves. But Favre probably will take a month or so to get in sync after again missing most of camp. The defense should be strong, but there are concerns on the corner in a pass-heavy division. ... I love the Lions' offseason signings, and they appear to have had another excellent draft. I don't think 6-7 wins are out of the question. ... The Bears, conversely, did almost nothing to address their issues (secondary, o-line, front office). Signing DE Julius Peppers got a lot of attention, but I actually think RB Chester Taylor could do more to help the Bears this season. Chicago's problem is most of their best players now are 30 or older.
South - New Orleans, Atlanta, Carolina, Tampa Bay
Comment: If the Saints improve their defense at all, they're going to be there right at the end again. Their offense is lethal. ... The Falcons are primed to make the playoffs, but can they get past the Saints? Much of the answer hinges on their improvement on defense. ... The Panthers still have passing game concerns, and now they won't have LB Thomas Davis (knee injury) and DE Julius Peppers (free agency) on defense. I don't see the leap for them that many predict. ... The Bucs had a good draft. They need two more. Their defense will have to be incredible to make up for a lackluster offense.
West - San Francisco, Arizona, Seattle, St. Louis
Comment: More questions than answers. ... Can the 49ers pass the ball? How do the Cardinals replace QB Kurt Warner, WR Anquon Boldin, LB Carlos Dansby, and S Antrel Rolle? How far will positive reinforcement from new coach Pete Carroll take the Seahawks, who have fallen behind in the talent department? Will rookie QB Sam Bradford remain upright in St. Louis? ... The 49ers have the defense and running game to win what again will be the NFL's weakest division. The Cardinals still have a lot of talent, but they need a lot to go right to compete for a playoff spot. The Seahawks just don't have elite talent any more, and if you monitor many of their moves, it seems they've figured out they need to rebuild. The Rams are slowly getting some of the pieces to compete ... some day.
Showing posts with label Saints. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Saints. Show all posts
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Saturday, November 07, 2009
Week 9 Around the NFL
Do the owners' really know what they're doing?
This isn't what you think: I'm talking about picking quarterbacks. I'll leave the other stuff to someone else to determine.
You know by now the Cowboys' Jerry Jones (also the team's GM!) and the Redskins' Daniel Snyder are aggressive meddlers, and if you're a fan of either of those teams, you can thank the honchos for Tony Romo and Jason Campbell.
Now comes rumblings that the Glazers want to see first-round pick Josh Freeman start ... and so he will on Sunday vs. the Packers. Nothing against Freeman, who from all appearances is a physical marvel. But he's the team's third starter at the most important position in eight games. If the plan was to go with him, then why give Josh Johnson four games as starter? Or why sign Byron Leftwich and then banish him to the bench after three games? What's going on here?
Next up is Titans owner Bud Adams, who a few weeks back mentioned he'd like to see Vince Young start for the then 0-6 Titans after their bye week. Young's problems and personality quirks have been well-documented, but lo and behold Young played last week and the Titans got their first win of the season. Adams, the man who moved his franchise from Houston to Nashville (only to see the NFL place an expansion team in Houston, which now has a beautiful new stadium that Adams apparently couldn't get), must know something about QBs.
In the weeds
Take this to the bank. There will be some team in the middle of the pack right now that makes a move to not only earn a playoff spot and win at least one playoff game. A couple of AFC teams in that category can take big first steps in that direction in Week 9.
Some candidates:
Miami, which plays the Patriots. The Dolphins are 3-4, but have won three of their past four. All three wins came in the AFC East, including two vs. the New York Jets (4-4). A win at New England would position the Dolphins well to make a run at the AFC East. ...
Baltimore, which travels to Cincinnati. The Ravens (4-3) lost to the Bengals in the last minute of their Week 5 game at Baltimore. The next week, the Ravens missed a last-second field goal at the Metrodome that could have send Minnesota to its first loss. If Baltimore wins this game it will tie the Bengals for the AFC North lead. If Pittsburgh wins at Denver on Monday, there would be a three-way tie for first, and the Ravens and Steelers would have two meetings to come.
San Diego, which travels to New York to play the reeling Giants. The Bolts (4-3) are having a lot of problems on defense, due in large part to the season-ending injury to NT Jamal Williams and substandard play from their heralded group of linebackers. However, they're just two games behind the suddenly vulnerable Broncos, who could be 6-2 by the time Week 10 rolls around. Yes, Denver won at San Diego, but don't count the Chargers out just yet.
Top 5:
Bottom 5 (tough to limit it to five this season):
This isn't what you think: I'm talking about picking quarterbacks. I'll leave the other stuff to someone else to determine.
You know by now the Cowboys' Jerry Jones (also the team's GM!) and the Redskins' Daniel Snyder are aggressive meddlers, and if you're a fan of either of those teams, you can thank the honchos for Tony Romo and Jason Campbell.
Now comes rumblings that the Glazers want to see first-round pick Josh Freeman start ... and so he will on Sunday vs. the Packers. Nothing against Freeman, who from all appearances is a physical marvel. But he's the team's third starter at the most important position in eight games. If the plan was to go with him, then why give Josh Johnson four games as starter? Or why sign Byron Leftwich and then banish him to the bench after three games? What's going on here?
Next up is Titans owner Bud Adams, who a few weeks back mentioned he'd like to see Vince Young start for the then 0-6 Titans after their bye week. Young's problems and personality quirks have been well-documented, but lo and behold Young played last week and the Titans got their first win of the season. Adams, the man who moved his franchise from Houston to Nashville (only to see the NFL place an expansion team in Houston, which now has a beautiful new stadium that Adams apparently couldn't get), must know something about QBs.
In the weeds
Take this to the bank. There will be some team in the middle of the pack right now that makes a move to not only earn a playoff spot and win at least one playoff game. A couple of AFC teams in that category can take big first steps in that direction in Week 9.
Some candidates:
Miami, which plays the Patriots. The Dolphins are 3-4, but have won three of their past four. All three wins came in the AFC East, including two vs. the New York Jets (4-4). A win at New England would position the Dolphins well to make a run at the AFC East. ...
Baltimore, which travels to Cincinnati. The Ravens (4-3) lost to the Bengals in the last minute of their Week 5 game at Baltimore. The next week, the Ravens missed a last-second field goal at the Metrodome that could have send Minnesota to its first loss. If Baltimore wins this game it will tie the Bengals for the AFC North lead. If Pittsburgh wins at Denver on Monday, there would be a three-way tie for first, and the Ravens and Steelers would have two meetings to come.
San Diego, which travels to New York to play the reeling Giants. The Bolts (4-3) are having a lot of problems on defense, due in large part to the season-ending injury to NT Jamal Williams and substandard play from their heralded group of linebackers. However, they're just two games behind the suddenly vulnerable Broncos, who could be 6-2 by the time Week 10 rolls around. Yes, Denver won at San Diego, but don't count the Chargers out just yet.
Top 5:
- 1. New Orleans (7-0) - Trap game vs. somewhat resurgent Panthers on Sunday.
- 2. Minnesota (7-1) - Late bye week and a fairly easy schedule the rest of the way sets up the Vikings for a deep playoff run.
- 3. Indianapolis (7-0) - Injuries on defense are bound to catch up with them sooner than later, quite possibly vs. Houston this week.
- 4. Philadelphia (5-2) - Interesting game vs. Dallas this week. Eagles can establish themselves as the NFC East front-runner with consecutive victories over Giants and Cowboys.
- 5. New England (6-2) - Patriots show signs of dominance at times, and the late bye also helps them. Must beat Miami at home this weekend.
Bottom 5 (tough to limit it to five this season):
- 28. St. Louis (1-7) - The Rams get two weeks to enjoy their victory.
- 29. Oakland (2-6) - The Raiders appear to quit at times, yet they're capable of beating the Eagles? This team should have its own category.
- 30. Detroit (1-6) - You lose to the Rams at home, and you get a permanent 2009 spot in this category.
- 31. Cleveland (1-7) - Derek Anderson is playing as badly as any QB I've ever seen. Oh, and they don't have a GM for some reason now.
- 32. Tampa Bay (0-7) - As if things weren't bad enough, they're hauling out the Creamsicle uniforms this weekend.
Monday, September 07, 2009
NFC 2009 Predictions
Forgive the NFC if it has a bit of an inferiority complex this decade. Since the St. Louis Rams won the Super Bowl in 2000, the AFC has captured seven of the next nine contested this decade, including three by the New England Patriots and two by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Could this be the season the NFC begins to turn the tide? There is plenty of reason for optimism in some corners of the conference, which should feature three very strong divisions this fall.
Here is a look at each of the NFC's four divisions (*indicates playoff team):
EAST
Predicted order of finish: *NY Giants, *Philadelphia, Dallas, Washington
Fast fact: America's Team has not won a playoff game in the 21st Century
The king: The Giants simply are the toughest team in a very tough division. Outside of wide receiver, they are above average at every other position group, and terrific on the lines.
The others: There are significant ones for each of the other three teams. Philadelphia retooled its offensive line, but how well will it gel? Does having QB Michael Vick on the roster help or upset Donovan McNabb? Who replaces rising star MLB Stewart Bradley, who will miss the season due to injury? If the Eagles can answer these questions in the positive, they have the talent to go the distance. ... Dallas figures to have a good to very good defense, but it needs QB Tony Romo and RB Marion Barber to be more productive down the stretch. Romo's trend has been to play well when the games don't count as much then fade in December. How will he fare without Terrell Owens? Barber's numbers have declined the past two seasons significantly. RB Felix Jones' return from injury will help. ... Washington has a lot of holes, particularly on the offensive line and in the secondary. The former is very problematic in this division. One has to wonder how QB Jason Campbell, who is not under contract for 2010, will respond in light of the team's pursuit of Jay Cutler then Mark Sanchez in the offseason.
Bottom line: The Eagles proved last season they can beat the Giants, and given that they are more talented this season, it would not surprise to see them win the East.
NORTH
Predicted order of finish: *Minnesota, *Green Bay, Chicago, Detroit
Fast fact: The Packers' Aaron Rodgers is the only returning starting quarterback in the division
The king: Minnesota will run the ball and stop the run, as it always does. Can Brett Favre make a difference at QB? He might just enough to hold off his former team, but unless Favre has improved targets to throw to, it's hard to see the Vikings going all the way. One thing to watch will be team chemistry.
The others: Green Bay's offense should score almost at will if RB Ryan Grant plays more like the 2007 version than the 2008 one. Early returns on the Packers' new 3-4 defense are positive, and many personnel people have said it's only a question of how the d-line holds up because Green Bay has the athletes in its back eight. ... Chicago's defense has underachieved since its Super Bowl run three seasons ago, and it might be time to admit it's getting old in some places. Aside from LB Lance Briggs, the play of the Bears' other elite defenders (DT Tommie Harris, LB Brian Urlacher, CBs Nathan Vasher and Charles Tillman) has slipped due to age, injury or indifference. QB Jay Cutler will make everyone, especially RB Matt Forte and TEs Desmond Clark and Greg Olsen, better. ... Detroit has begun (again) a long rebuilding process. The Lions did a decent job drafting and in free agency, but they still have many holes along their lines. WR Calvin Johnson and RB Kevin Smith are legit, and if either Matthew Stafford and Daunte Culpepper works out at QB, Detroit could be entertaining if not victorious from time to time.
Bottom line: Minnesota's defense is the best in the division, and that's why the Vikings will win it by a game over the Packers, who will be a dangerous team.
SOUTH
Predicted order of finish: Carolina*, New Orleans, Atlanta, Tampa Bay
Fast fact: The Panthers will try to become the first team to repeat as division champ since the NFL realigned to eight four-team divisions
The king: Is Carolina as good as it appeared at times last season (very) or as awful as it looked in losing to Arizona in the playoffs when Jake Delhomme seemingly completed more passes to the Cardinals than the Panthers. I think it's the former. If Delhomme bounces back, he has an elite receiver in Steve Smith to throw to and an elite running back in DeAngelo Williams to hand off to. The o-line is very good, and the back seven on defense also are very good. The only question is can the defensive line (read Julius Peppers) generate more pressure this season?
The others: The Saints are a trendy pick to win the South, and their Drew Brees-led offense provides plenty of ammunition for that assertion. However, their defense still isn't championship quality, and for all of the recognition new coordinator Gregg Williams has heaped on him, he brings a complex scheme. That and the host of new parts will take some time to adjust to. ... The Falcons were a surprise last season, but I wonder how they will respond now that teams have a year's worth of film on QB Matt Ryan. Obtaining TE Tony Gonzalez was genius, but the defense still has a lot of holes. A very similar situation as New Orleans. ... Tampa Bay changed coaches and waved good-bye to a lot of veterans. However, the Bucs have quite a bit of talent on offense, and if their QB situation is settled, they could surprise those who don't expect much. Losing defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin and cutting LB Derrick Brooks won't help the defense.
Bottom line: Any team could win this division, including Tampa Bay, but Carolina has the fewest holes.
WEST
Predicted order of finish: San Francisco*, Arizona, Seattle, St. Louis
The king: Staying with the tough teams win theory, the 49ers have a clear advantage in that department, from coach Mike Singletary on down. San Francisco has an excellent 1-2 punch in RBs Frank Gore and Glen Coffee, and an underrated QB in Shaun Hill. The defense has talent, especially LB Patrick Willis and CB Nate Clements. If the high draft picks in the front seven play up to their capabilities, the 49ers will be much tougher than expected.
The others: Was Arizona's Super Bowl run a fluke? Maybe not. The Cardinals have a lot of talent and QB Kurt Warner and WR Larry Fitzgerald were unstoppable in the playoffs. Arizona has more issues on offense than you might think, namely can it run the ball, can Warner stay healthy and can WR Anquan Boldin stay happy? The defense has some studs in DT Darnell Dockett, LB Carlos Dansby, CB D-R Cromartie and S Adrian Wilson. But they also were in the lower third of the league in pass defense and only average vs. the run. ... Seattle is a team on the decline, with an aging offense, and a defense that took some steps back last season, both individually and collectively. The Seahawks were racked by injuries in 2008, and the thinking goes that can't possibly happen again. But part of that is a product of wear and tear on the veterans. The odd coach-in-waiting scenario also didn't help. Have the Seahawks improved the 5-6 wins it will take to win the division? I don't think they have. ... St. Louis should have a harder edge to it this season, but the Rams, who have some talented individuals, don't have enough across the board talent to contend yet.
Bottom line: San Francisco is the pick because this is a division where the power game should work especially well. However, Arizona could win the division again. But really, that's not saying a lot.
Could this be the season the NFC begins to turn the tide? There is plenty of reason for optimism in some corners of the conference, which should feature three very strong divisions this fall.
Here is a look at each of the NFC's four divisions (*indicates playoff team):
EAST
Predicted order of finish: *NY Giants, *Philadelphia, Dallas, Washington
Fast fact: America's Team has not won a playoff game in the 21st Century
The king: The Giants simply are the toughest team in a very tough division. Outside of wide receiver, they are above average at every other position group, and terrific on the lines.
The others: There are significant ones for each of the other three teams. Philadelphia retooled its offensive line, but how well will it gel? Does having QB Michael Vick on the roster help or upset Donovan McNabb? Who replaces rising star MLB Stewart Bradley, who will miss the season due to injury? If the Eagles can answer these questions in the positive, they have the talent to go the distance. ... Dallas figures to have a good to very good defense, but it needs QB Tony Romo and RB Marion Barber to be more productive down the stretch. Romo's trend has been to play well when the games don't count as much then fade in December. How will he fare without Terrell Owens? Barber's numbers have declined the past two seasons significantly. RB Felix Jones' return from injury will help. ... Washington has a lot of holes, particularly on the offensive line and in the secondary. The former is very problematic in this division. One has to wonder how QB Jason Campbell, who is not under contract for 2010, will respond in light of the team's pursuit of Jay Cutler then Mark Sanchez in the offseason.
Bottom line: The Eagles proved last season they can beat the Giants, and given that they are more talented this season, it would not surprise to see them win the East.
NORTH
Predicted order of finish: *Minnesota, *Green Bay, Chicago, Detroit
Fast fact: The Packers' Aaron Rodgers is the only returning starting quarterback in the division
The king: Minnesota will run the ball and stop the run, as it always does. Can Brett Favre make a difference at QB? He might just enough to hold off his former team, but unless Favre has improved targets to throw to, it's hard to see the Vikings going all the way. One thing to watch will be team chemistry.
The others: Green Bay's offense should score almost at will if RB Ryan Grant plays more like the 2007 version than the 2008 one. Early returns on the Packers' new 3-4 defense are positive, and many personnel people have said it's only a question of how the d-line holds up because Green Bay has the athletes in its back eight. ... Chicago's defense has underachieved since its Super Bowl run three seasons ago, and it might be time to admit it's getting old in some places. Aside from LB Lance Briggs, the play of the Bears' other elite defenders (DT Tommie Harris, LB Brian Urlacher, CBs Nathan Vasher and Charles Tillman) has slipped due to age, injury or indifference. QB Jay Cutler will make everyone, especially RB Matt Forte and TEs Desmond Clark and Greg Olsen, better. ... Detroit has begun (again) a long rebuilding process. The Lions did a decent job drafting and in free agency, but they still have many holes along their lines. WR Calvin Johnson and RB Kevin Smith are legit, and if either Matthew Stafford and Daunte Culpepper works out at QB, Detroit could be entertaining if not victorious from time to time.
Bottom line: Minnesota's defense is the best in the division, and that's why the Vikings will win it by a game over the Packers, who will be a dangerous team.
SOUTH
Predicted order of finish: Carolina*, New Orleans, Atlanta, Tampa Bay
Fast fact: The Panthers will try to become the first team to repeat as division champ since the NFL realigned to eight four-team divisions
The king: Is Carolina as good as it appeared at times last season (very) or as awful as it looked in losing to Arizona in the playoffs when Jake Delhomme seemingly completed more passes to the Cardinals than the Panthers. I think it's the former. If Delhomme bounces back, he has an elite receiver in Steve Smith to throw to and an elite running back in DeAngelo Williams to hand off to. The o-line is very good, and the back seven on defense also are very good. The only question is can the defensive line (read Julius Peppers) generate more pressure this season?
The others: The Saints are a trendy pick to win the South, and their Drew Brees-led offense provides plenty of ammunition for that assertion. However, their defense still isn't championship quality, and for all of the recognition new coordinator Gregg Williams has heaped on him, he brings a complex scheme. That and the host of new parts will take some time to adjust to. ... The Falcons were a surprise last season, but I wonder how they will respond now that teams have a year's worth of film on QB Matt Ryan. Obtaining TE Tony Gonzalez was genius, but the defense still has a lot of holes. A very similar situation as New Orleans. ... Tampa Bay changed coaches and waved good-bye to a lot of veterans. However, the Bucs have quite a bit of talent on offense, and if their QB situation is settled, they could surprise those who don't expect much. Losing defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin and cutting LB Derrick Brooks won't help the defense.
Bottom line: Any team could win this division, including Tampa Bay, but Carolina has the fewest holes.
WEST
Predicted order of finish: San Francisco*, Arizona, Seattle, St. Louis
The king: Staying with the tough teams win theory, the 49ers have a clear advantage in that department, from coach Mike Singletary on down. San Francisco has an excellent 1-2 punch in RBs Frank Gore and Glen Coffee, and an underrated QB in Shaun Hill. The defense has talent, especially LB Patrick Willis and CB Nate Clements. If the high draft picks in the front seven play up to their capabilities, the 49ers will be much tougher than expected.
The others: Was Arizona's Super Bowl run a fluke? Maybe not. The Cardinals have a lot of talent and QB Kurt Warner and WR Larry Fitzgerald were unstoppable in the playoffs. Arizona has more issues on offense than you might think, namely can it run the ball, can Warner stay healthy and can WR Anquan Boldin stay happy? The defense has some studs in DT Darnell Dockett, LB Carlos Dansby, CB D-R Cromartie and S Adrian Wilson. But they also were in the lower third of the league in pass defense and only average vs. the run. ... Seattle is a team on the decline, with an aging offense, and a defense that took some steps back last season, both individually and collectively. The Seahawks were racked by injuries in 2008, and the thinking goes that can't possibly happen again. But part of that is a product of wear and tear on the veterans. The odd coach-in-waiting scenario also didn't help. Have the Seahawks improved the 5-6 wins it will take to win the division? I don't think they have. ... St. Louis should have a harder edge to it this season, but the Rams, who have some talented individuals, don't have enough across the board talent to contend yet.
Bottom line: San Francisco is the pick because this is a division where the power game should work especially well. However, Arizona could win the division again. But really, that's not saying a lot.
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