Why does the Super Bowl matter so much to me?
Yes, I enjoy sports, especially pro football and hockey. Yes, I dedicated nearly two decades to working in an industry that provides information about sports to its subscribers. However, for me it runs a bit deeper.
It has a lot to do with beginnings, and a lot to do with history for me.
I arrived on the scene one month and eight days before the first "AFL-NFL Championship" did. I arrived in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the first of three children to two very hardworking parents.
I don't need to remind you who won what now is referred to as Super Bowl I. (or Super Bowl II for that matter). ...
Before there were 24-hour sports networks, online sports sites and enough statistical data to fill the whale that swallowed Jonah, there was one 24/7 sports operation carved into my mind and that of pretty much every other male in Northeastern Wisconsin: The Green Bay Packers.
As a child I lived close enough to Lambeau Field to ride my bike to training camp and watch practices. My godparent's daughter was "adopted" by safety Johnny Gray one summer (he rode her bike to the locker room after practice each day). She and I also met then-coach Bart Starr one summer at team photo day. 30 years later, I remember him being one of the kindest people I've ever met. We weren't special, Bart has been nice to thousands, maybe millions, of people.
Bart Starr was MVP of Super Bowls I and II. ...
While neither averse to nor in love with televised sports, my wife of 14-plus years has grown to at least tolerate them. I left her little choice on Sunday afternoons in the fall (and a lot of Saturdays). When asked recently by a co-worker to name her favorite NFL team growing up, she paused and said, "The Chiefs."
Starr and the Packers defeated the Chiefs in Super Bowl I. ...
I worked at a newspaper in Green Bay during the mid and late 1990s. To supplement my income (and build my sports apparel wardrobe) in the fall of 1996, I worked morning shifts at a sports store in a mall on the near west side of town. Many Tuesdays, various athletic-looking individuals would visit the store. We'd talk as they asked about what jerseys were selling, both Packers and players from other teams in the league. Thanks to my night job and an insatiable taste for all things NFL, I realized who many of them were instantly. I'd often joke, "We're out of the Brian Williams jerseys, or too bad they don't make Desmond Howard or Shannon Clavelle jerseys!" We'd get a good laugh and that's as much as would be said about their day jobs. Sometimes they'd buy gifts for family members "back home," ask where the nearest post office was and if we had any wrapping. Mostly, they just wanted to be regular people on their day off, and a mall at 10 a.m. in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on a Tuesday was a good place for that. ...
The Packers defeated the New England Patriots to win it all for the first time since January 1968. Quarterback Brett Favre, if ever there was a hero who fit the city he played in during the past two decades it's him, got the Packers started toward the victory, Super Bowl XXXI MVP Desmond Howard returned a kickoff for a touchdown when things got close, and the late Reggie White sealed it with three sacks in the second half to finish off Boston's best.
Desmond Howard was one of my frequent Tuesday visitors. ...
What rational person would stay up all night reading, re-reading and re-reading again the same stories? Fortunately, I was paid to do it, but given the excitement of seeing my hometown team win a Super Bowl for the first time in 29 years, I would have done it for free. A co-worker and I stayed up all night to produce updated Super Bow Champions editions and commemorative editions of the Green Bay Press-Gazette after Super Bowl XXXI. After all, there was a parade in town the next day, and we knew that we could not print enough papers that proclaimed, "The Lombardi Trophy is coming home!" ...
It was freezing! Below freezing! I think it was made worse by the lack of sleep, but it didn't matter. My brother had driven up from Chicago to watch the game in Green Bay, and we were determined to watch a Super Bowl victory parade. The newspaper building afforded us a front-row seat for a second day we will never forget.
My first "adult" Packers jersey came from my brother - a green Reggie White model. ... No. 92. I was married in '92. ... For his wedding present, my wife and I took him and his wife to a Packers game at Lambeau Field. The Packers blew an opportunity to defeat the Rams in the final minute. Two months later, we realized a victory on that unseasonably warm October day would have positioned the Packers to reach the playoffs.
My sister-in-law is a Bears fan. The Packers crushed the Bears in their final game of the season on New Year's Eve. (Had to get that jab in there.) ...
Super Bowl I was played in Los Angeles. 40 years later, taking a path that led us through a combined six states, my wife and I have found ourselves first-time homeowners in the City of Angels. We're going to a Super Bowl party with her co-workers on Sunday.
Strange how that works out, isn't it?
Thursday, February 01, 2007
A Super holiday
Let the holiday parties begin.
Super Bowl parties that is.
Sunday's game has become the United States' biggest unofficial holiday. TV ratings and advertising revenues prove it. The casual or non-football fans' sudden interest and passion about it reinforces that notion.
It's more than a game. Think about it - what do you remember most about last year's game? Seahawks tight end Jerramy Stevens' drops? Willie Parker's long runs for the Steelers? Or who you watched the game with? Your favorite commercials? Where you watched the game.
It's fitting the game falls on a Sunday, a day traditionally dedicated to gatherings of worshippers. The venues are different, but there are parallels.
Many gather with dear friends or make new ones. The messages regularly are riveting, inspiring and redemptive. The undercurrent is community. For one day, everyone belongs. Pick a team and you've got a stake. Pick a team and there is plenty to talk about, be it food, sports or other less important things in the world, and plenty of people to talk to about it.
Oh for more Super Bowls.
Super Bowl parties that is.
Sunday's game has become the United States' biggest unofficial holiday. TV ratings and advertising revenues prove it. The casual or non-football fans' sudden interest and passion about it reinforces that notion.
It's more than a game. Think about it - what do you remember most about last year's game? Seahawks tight end Jerramy Stevens' drops? Willie Parker's long runs for the Steelers? Or who you watched the game with? Your favorite commercials? Where you watched the game.
It's fitting the game falls on a Sunday, a day traditionally dedicated to gatherings of worshippers. The venues are different, but there are parallels.
Many gather with dear friends or make new ones. The messages regularly are riveting, inspiring and redemptive. The undercurrent is community. For one day, everyone belongs. Pick a team and you've got a stake. Pick a team and there is plenty to talk about, be it food, sports or other less important things in the world, and plenty of people to talk to about it.
Oh for more Super Bowls.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Surprise in the Divisional Round of NFL playoffs
The home teams held serve during Wild-Card Weekend of the NFL Playoffs, but I don't see the same thing happening this weekend in the Divisional Round. In fact, it would not surprise me to see 2 or 3 road teams win.
Indianapolis at Baltimore: The Colts are a fashionable choice to pull off an upset, and it could well happen. Their defense contained Kansas City RB Larry Johnson last week, and they have Peyton Manning directing a high-octane offense. ... However, the Ravens' defense is stout against the run and strong against the pass. QB Steve McNair gives the Ravens something they haven't had at that position - consistency, leadership and playmaking skill. No upset here. The Ravens move on.
Phiadelphia at New Orleans: The league's hottest team, the Eagles, pays a visit to the one with the best story, the Saints' resurrection after last season's Hurricane Katrina-induced nightmare. Phiadelphia has the advantage on defense, but New Orleans' offense has more playmakers and a huge homefield edge. The Saints won an earlier meeting, but Philadelphia is a better team now. The Eagles' run continues.
Seattle at Chicago: Based on the regular-season results - the Bears clobbered the Seahawks early in the season, it's easy to pick Chicago. However, the Seahawks have RB Shaun Alexander back and QB Matt Hasselbeck is hitting his stride. The Bears, meanwhile, have a lot of injuries on defense and a very unreliable quarterback in Rex Grossman. Chicago might have peaked too early, but the Bears will edge the Seahawks.
New England at San Diego: Let's see - Patriots defense vs. a young quarterback. Tom Brady vs. a secondary that clearly is the weak link on a very good defense. Seems to add up to a New England upset. The equalizer? Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson and a ferocious front seven. This might be the best matchup of the four. My head tells me that Brady and Coach Bill Belichick will find a way to win. Heart says the Chargers have the talent and drive to win it all this year. Sorry Bolts, going with my head. Patriots pull off the upset.
Indianapolis at Baltimore: The Colts are a fashionable choice to pull off an upset, and it could well happen. Their defense contained Kansas City RB Larry Johnson last week, and they have Peyton Manning directing a high-octane offense. ... However, the Ravens' defense is stout against the run and strong against the pass. QB Steve McNair gives the Ravens something they haven't had at that position - consistency, leadership and playmaking skill. No upset here. The Ravens move on.
Phiadelphia at New Orleans: The league's hottest team, the Eagles, pays a visit to the one with the best story, the Saints' resurrection after last season's Hurricane Katrina-induced nightmare. Phiadelphia has the advantage on defense, but New Orleans' offense has more playmakers and a huge homefield edge. The Saints won an earlier meeting, but Philadelphia is a better team now. The Eagles' run continues.
Seattle at Chicago: Based on the regular-season results - the Bears clobbered the Seahawks early in the season, it's easy to pick Chicago. However, the Seahawks have RB Shaun Alexander back and QB Matt Hasselbeck is hitting his stride. The Bears, meanwhile, have a lot of injuries on defense and a very unreliable quarterback in Rex Grossman. Chicago might have peaked too early, but the Bears will edge the Seahawks.
New England at San Diego: Let's see - Patriots defense vs. a young quarterback. Tom Brady vs. a secondary that clearly is the weak link on a very good defense. Seems to add up to a New England upset. The equalizer? Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson and a ferocious front seven. This might be the best matchup of the four. My head tells me that Brady and Coach Bill Belichick will find a way to win. Heart says the Chargers have the talent and drive to win it all this year. Sorry Bolts, going with my head. Patriots pull off the upset.
Friday, January 05, 2007
What's next for the AFC's non-playoff teams?
Buffalo (7-9): The Bills picked up steam as the season progressed, and they not lost their final two games could have made the playoffs. QB JP Losman improved, and RB Willis McGahee was very good when healthy. They still need another WR to complement Lee Evans, but the real problem was their run defense, which was not good and allowed opponents to control the clock.
The verdict: Buffalo seems to be on the right track. With some upgrades in the middle of their defense, they could challenge for a wild-card spot.
Cincinnati (8-8): One of the most disappointing teams in the league this season (along with Carolina, Denver and Miami in my book), the Bengals defense could stop no one, leaving them little margin for error. QB Carson Palmer wasn't himself much of the season, but few expected him to be after major knee surgery. As bad as the run defense was, the pass defense was even worsee, allowing nearly 4,000 yards. On top of that, no team had close to as many major discipline problems and run-ins with the law as the Bengals.
The verdict: This team has prime-time talent but didn't play like it very often. It lost three in a row to close the season and miss the playoffs, and two of the games were winnable. Coach Marvin Lewis seems secure for now, but another season like this and he'll want to have his resume ready.
Cleveland (4-12): Tough to see much progress here. Charlie Frye isn't the answer at QB, and RB Ruben Droughens fell off. WR Braylon Edwards and TE Kellen Winslow Jr. were healthy, and proved they're the real deal, but the optimism ends there. The defense was terrible, which is puzzling given that Coach Romeo Crennel was an outstanding defensive coordinator in past jobs and the Browns dedicated many of their free-agent dollars to defense.
The verdict: Cleveland needs a lot of help, especially on the lines and at quarterback.
Denver (9-7): The Broncos' home loss in their finale knocked them from the playoffs and then the sudden death of CB Darrent Williams compounded their pain. Despite having a lot of talent, there are more questions than answers here. Moving rookie QB Jay Cutler into a starting job at midseason might pay off down the road, but in hindsight it didn't make much sense. Acquiring WR Javon Walker was a good move, and CB Champ Bailey was the league's best cover man. The defense fell off a bit, and the running game was a bit more inconsistent. Another puzzle: Denver usually dominates at home, but only was 4-4.
The verdict: The Broncos could bounce back, but a lot will hinge on how they respond to Williams' death and Cutler's on-field leadership. Mike Shanahan is a terrific coach, but I wonder if he's run his course in the Mile High City.
Houston (6-10): If you look closely, there was some progress under first-year coach Gary Kubiak. QB David Carr improved, and the defense has a lot of young talent. Aside from WR Andre Johnson and rookie TE Owen Daniels, there isn't a lot of firepower, especially if RB Domanick Davis can't return to normal after his injury problems.
The verdict: A team that could make a move if it can add some more offense and the young defense matures.
Jacksonville (8-8): A team that was really hurt within its division. The Jaguars' defense was one of the league's better ones, and rookie RB Maurice Jones-Drew was outstanding. The offense lacks imagination and skill at the WR positions, though it did seem to improve under QB David Garrard, whose ability to elude rushers gave the Jags an element QB Byron Leftwich didn't provide.
The verdict: Team at a crossroads. RB Fred Taylor and Leftwich might be history here, and Jacksonville clearly needs to score more points. It won't get any easier in the AFC South.
Miami (6-10): Don't believe the hype. This team wasn't close to being a Super Bowl contender. It again had an excellent defense, particularly DE Jason Taylor and MLB Zach Thomas. Daunte Culpepper wasn't the answer at QB, the WRs weren't a lot better and RB Ronnie Brown fell off a bit in his second year. If Culpepper regains his health, it would be surprising to me to see Miami keep both him and Joey Harrington.
The verdict: A lot depends on whom the Dolphins hire to replace Coach Nick Saban. Whoever comes in better win soon before the core of the defense retires.
Oakland (2-14): The defense showed some signs of life in the second half of the season, but the offense was horrible. Obtaining QB Aaron Brooks was a mistake. In fact, none of the high-profile players on offense (RB LaMont Jordan, WRs Randy Moss and Jerry Porter) should be kept. At least Jordan works hard. Surprisingly, Coach Art Shell was let go. Surprising in that Oakland brass realized the game had indeed passed him by.
The verdict: The entire offense must be gutted and rebuilt, and that will take time. The Raiders likely will stay in-house for a coach, meaning things likely won't improve anytime soon.
Pittsburgh (8-8): I wondered if QB Ben Roethlisberger and the Super Bowl XL victory were flukes, but was convinced I was wrong. Now I'm having second thoughts. A tough start and injuries doomed the men of Steel, who didn't handle the pressure of being champs well. The defense, surprisingly, was more of a problem than the offense.
The verdict: It's unlikely they'll find a better coach than Bill Cowher, but the cupboard is far from bare. It will boil down to which version of the Steelers appears, the aggressive and hungry group, or the passive champions.
Tennessee (8-8): QB Vince Young is the real deal, and he says and does the things people have expected from Michael Vick for years. Jeff Fisher did the best coaching job of anyone in the league (including the Jets' Eric Mangini and the Saints' Sean Payton). The Titans played outstanding during the second half of the season and will be a popular choice as a "surprise" team in 2007.
The verdict: A lot to like here, but teams will have the book on Young next season and the defense needs to tighten up. This is a team that should improve next season, but its record might not because of a tougher schedule and not being able to sneak up on teams like it did this year.
The verdict: Buffalo seems to be on the right track. With some upgrades in the middle of their defense, they could challenge for a wild-card spot.
Cincinnati (8-8): One of the most disappointing teams in the league this season (along with Carolina, Denver and Miami in my book), the Bengals defense could stop no one, leaving them little margin for error. QB Carson Palmer wasn't himself much of the season, but few expected him to be after major knee surgery. As bad as the run defense was, the pass defense was even worsee, allowing nearly 4,000 yards. On top of that, no team had close to as many major discipline problems and run-ins with the law as the Bengals.
The verdict: This team has prime-time talent but didn't play like it very often. It lost three in a row to close the season and miss the playoffs, and two of the games were winnable. Coach Marvin Lewis seems secure for now, but another season like this and he'll want to have his resume ready.
Cleveland (4-12): Tough to see much progress here. Charlie Frye isn't the answer at QB, and RB Ruben Droughens fell off. WR Braylon Edwards and TE Kellen Winslow Jr. were healthy, and proved they're the real deal, but the optimism ends there. The defense was terrible, which is puzzling given that Coach Romeo Crennel was an outstanding defensive coordinator in past jobs and the Browns dedicated many of their free-agent dollars to defense.
The verdict: Cleveland needs a lot of help, especially on the lines and at quarterback.
Denver (9-7): The Broncos' home loss in their finale knocked them from the playoffs and then the sudden death of CB Darrent Williams compounded their pain. Despite having a lot of talent, there are more questions than answers here. Moving rookie QB Jay Cutler into a starting job at midseason might pay off down the road, but in hindsight it didn't make much sense. Acquiring WR Javon Walker was a good move, and CB Champ Bailey was the league's best cover man. The defense fell off a bit, and the running game was a bit more inconsistent. Another puzzle: Denver usually dominates at home, but only was 4-4.
The verdict: The Broncos could bounce back, but a lot will hinge on how they respond to Williams' death and Cutler's on-field leadership. Mike Shanahan is a terrific coach, but I wonder if he's run his course in the Mile High City.
Houston (6-10): If you look closely, there was some progress under first-year coach Gary Kubiak. QB David Carr improved, and the defense has a lot of young talent. Aside from WR Andre Johnson and rookie TE Owen Daniels, there isn't a lot of firepower, especially if RB Domanick Davis can't return to normal after his injury problems.
The verdict: A team that could make a move if it can add some more offense and the young defense matures.
Jacksonville (8-8): A team that was really hurt within its division. The Jaguars' defense was one of the league's better ones, and rookie RB Maurice Jones-Drew was outstanding. The offense lacks imagination and skill at the WR positions, though it did seem to improve under QB David Garrard, whose ability to elude rushers gave the Jags an element QB Byron Leftwich didn't provide.
The verdict: Team at a crossroads. RB Fred Taylor and Leftwich might be history here, and Jacksonville clearly needs to score more points. It won't get any easier in the AFC South.
Miami (6-10): Don't believe the hype. This team wasn't close to being a Super Bowl contender. It again had an excellent defense, particularly DE Jason Taylor and MLB Zach Thomas. Daunte Culpepper wasn't the answer at QB, the WRs weren't a lot better and RB Ronnie Brown fell off a bit in his second year. If Culpepper regains his health, it would be surprising to me to see Miami keep both him and Joey Harrington.
The verdict: A lot depends on whom the Dolphins hire to replace Coach Nick Saban. Whoever comes in better win soon before the core of the defense retires.
Oakland (2-14): The defense showed some signs of life in the second half of the season, but the offense was horrible. Obtaining QB Aaron Brooks was a mistake. In fact, none of the high-profile players on offense (RB LaMont Jordan, WRs Randy Moss and Jerry Porter) should be kept. At least Jordan works hard. Surprisingly, Coach Art Shell was let go. Surprising in that Oakland brass realized the game had indeed passed him by.
The verdict: The entire offense must be gutted and rebuilt, and that will take time. The Raiders likely will stay in-house for a coach, meaning things likely won't improve anytime soon.
Pittsburgh (8-8): I wondered if QB Ben Roethlisberger and the Super Bowl XL victory were flukes, but was convinced I was wrong. Now I'm having second thoughts. A tough start and injuries doomed the men of Steel, who didn't handle the pressure of being champs well. The defense, surprisingly, was more of a problem than the offense.
The verdict: It's unlikely they'll find a better coach than Bill Cowher, but the cupboard is far from bare. It will boil down to which version of the Steelers appears, the aggressive and hungry group, or the passive champions.
Tennessee (8-8): QB Vince Young is the real deal, and he says and does the things people have expected from Michael Vick for years. Jeff Fisher did the best coaching job of anyone in the league (including the Jets' Eric Mangini and the Saints' Sean Payton). The Titans played outstanding during the second half of the season and will be a popular choice as a "surprise" team in 2007.
The verdict: A lot to like here, but teams will have the book on Young next season and the defense needs to tighten up. This is a team that should improve next season, but its record might not because of a tougher schedule and not being able to sneak up on teams like it did this year.
Monday, January 01, 2007
What's next for NFC's non-playoff teams
What's next for teams in the NFC that did not make the playoffs?
Arizona (5-11): Coach Denny Green was fired after three seasons of 6-10, 5-11 and 5-11. They have playmakers all over their offense, but both of their lines stink. ... LB Carlos Dansby and S Adrian Wilson are near stars, but this team can't put it together. ... The Cardinals' new stadium didn't offer much in the way of a home-field advantage.
The verdict: This will be an attractive coaching job because with some line upgrades, this could be a good team in a hurry.
Atlanta (7-9): Coach Jim Mora paid with his job less than 24 hours after season ended, and I wonder how many players will follow him. Mora's three-year record was above .500. ... QB Michael Vick was inconsistent, and most of the high-priced free agents they've brought in on defense (LB Ed Hartwell, DE John Abraham) were injured. ... The WR corps was horrible and RB Warrick Dunn might be winding down. Rookie RB Jerious Norwood is a suitable replacement.
The verdict: This team has the talent to bounce back, but it could also really go south. If they want to rebuild, trading Vick might give them the tools to do it. Much depends on the new coach.
Carolina (8-8): Easily one of the most disappointing teams of 2006. Yes, injuries hurt them, but they fought through more injuries in 2005 and still made the playoffs. ... Spent a lot of money to shore up positions such as WR and OL with little to show for it. The offense really struggled at times, and it appears Jake Delhomme and DeShaun Foster's best days are behind them.
The verdict: 2007 will be a pivotal year for Coach John Fox and the Panthers. Clearly they need more depth because injuries are a fact of life. Another team that needs upgrades at the playmaker positions.
Detroit (3-13): The Lions played hard but do not have the talent at many positions to compete, especially in the back seven on defense. ... Detroit is paying for questionable high draft choices such as WRs Mike Williams and Charles Rogers. Coach Rod Marinelli is safe, but GM Matt Millen should be gone. He's had plenty of time to turn it around and it's arguable the Lions are in worse shape than when he took over. ... QB Jon Kitna played fairly well, WR Roy Williams is terrific. If RB Kevin Jones misses all of 2007 with injury as is speculated, they'll need an upgrade at that position, too.
The verdict: Need a lot of help in a lot of areas, especially on defense. Have to look at a QB or RB with the No. 2 overall pick.
Green Bay (8-8): Will QB Brett Favre return? It all hinges on that. The Packers will have an enormous amount of salary cap space to work with and most other signs are positive. They started four or five rookies all season and the other five rookies on the roster contributed for the league's youngest team. The defense, awful early, improved down the stretch. ... They won four in a row to finish the season and tied Chicago for the best record within the division. ... They beat teams they should and were pounded by teams who were clearly better than they were. ... RB Ahman Green played well despite many predictions to the contrary.
The verdict: If they can add playmakers at WR, RB, TE and another pass rusher on defense, they're going to be a playoff threat in 2007. Regardless of whether Favre retires or not, they need to add another quarterback because Aaron Rodgers remains an unknown quantity.
Minnesota (6-10): The VIkings fell apart down the stretch and lacked offense. Most unsettling for them is their lack of a QB and playmakers at WR. For all the money they've sunk into their secondary, it should be better. ... There is talent here, however, and Brad Childress was not overmatched as an NFL coach. ... Not the same team without Randy Moss and Daunte Culpepper - they don't scare other teams like they did a few years ago.
The verdict: Must add a quarterback in the offseason and some receivers. Not out of the question to consider them a potential playoff team.
St. Louis (8-8): The Rams' offense was very good, their defense was very bad. Sound familiar? They showed some improvement under Coach Scott Linehan, who figured out what Mike Martz was unwilling to - RB Steven Jackson is the real deal. QB Marc Bulger is, too. ... If the Rams had taken better advantage of a weak division, they would have won the division.
The verdict: They need more help on defense, particularly in the secondary and up front, and could use more OL help. ... The Rams are close to being a playoff team, and with a few more upgrades, could overtake Seattle in 2007.
San Francisco (7-9): The 49ers are another team on an upward trend. If their defense improves and QB Alex Smith continues to develop, they are going to push the Rams and Seahawks in the West. ... Coach Mike Nolan is building a team for the long haul. Still need more talent on D, however.
The verdict: Things are looking up on the field. Off it, it's another story. Will the 49ers really leave San Francisco for Santa Clara? This should be one of 2007's emerging teams with some defensive upgrades.
Tampa Bay (4-12): Yes, losing QB Chris Simms to a season-ending injury early on hurt, but this team was not going anywhere with him. RB Carnell Williams had a disappointing second season, but teams could load up against him with no passing attack to worry about. ... The defense is getting old, but is far from the only culprit here.
The verdict: Coach Jon Gruden faces a long rebuilding task here, and the Bucs don't seem to be moving in the right direction. It will be interesting to see how much longer Gruden lasts here. They need a lot of pieces on both sides of the ball to compete.
Washington (5-11): A team in transition. The Redskins took some lumps with Jason Campbell at quarterback, but he's their future. Mark Brunell's career is finished. Washington needs some upgrades at WR. ... Ladell Betts was excellent in replacing the injured Clinton Portis at RB and might make Portis expendable. ... The defense was uncharacteristcally pourous. ... The Champ Bailey for Portis deal a few years back looks like a bad move at this point. ... The 'Skins were sunk by their inability to win on the road and especially within their division.
The verdict: Yes, they'll sign free agents, but will it matter? They thought they'd addressed the same problems this past offseason.
Arizona (5-11): Coach Denny Green was fired after three seasons of 6-10, 5-11 and 5-11. They have playmakers all over their offense, but both of their lines stink. ... LB Carlos Dansby and S Adrian Wilson are near stars, but this team can't put it together. ... The Cardinals' new stadium didn't offer much in the way of a home-field advantage.
The verdict: This will be an attractive coaching job because with some line upgrades, this could be a good team in a hurry.
Atlanta (7-9): Coach Jim Mora paid with his job less than 24 hours after season ended, and I wonder how many players will follow him. Mora's three-year record was above .500. ... QB Michael Vick was inconsistent, and most of the high-priced free agents they've brought in on defense (LB Ed Hartwell, DE John Abraham) were injured. ... The WR corps was horrible and RB Warrick Dunn might be winding down. Rookie RB Jerious Norwood is a suitable replacement.
The verdict: This team has the talent to bounce back, but it could also really go south. If they want to rebuild, trading Vick might give them the tools to do it. Much depends on the new coach.
Carolina (8-8): Easily one of the most disappointing teams of 2006. Yes, injuries hurt them, but they fought through more injuries in 2005 and still made the playoffs. ... Spent a lot of money to shore up positions such as WR and OL with little to show for it. The offense really struggled at times, and it appears Jake Delhomme and DeShaun Foster's best days are behind them.
The verdict: 2007 will be a pivotal year for Coach John Fox and the Panthers. Clearly they need more depth because injuries are a fact of life. Another team that needs upgrades at the playmaker positions.
Detroit (3-13): The Lions played hard but do not have the talent at many positions to compete, especially in the back seven on defense. ... Detroit is paying for questionable high draft choices such as WRs Mike Williams and Charles Rogers. Coach Rod Marinelli is safe, but GM Matt Millen should be gone. He's had plenty of time to turn it around and it's arguable the Lions are in worse shape than when he took over. ... QB Jon Kitna played fairly well, WR Roy Williams is terrific. If RB Kevin Jones misses all of 2007 with injury as is speculated, they'll need an upgrade at that position, too.
The verdict: Need a lot of help in a lot of areas, especially on defense. Have to look at a QB or RB with the No. 2 overall pick.
Green Bay (8-8): Will QB Brett Favre return? It all hinges on that. The Packers will have an enormous amount of salary cap space to work with and most other signs are positive. They started four or five rookies all season and the other five rookies on the roster contributed for the league's youngest team. The defense, awful early, improved down the stretch. ... They won four in a row to finish the season and tied Chicago for the best record within the division. ... They beat teams they should and were pounded by teams who were clearly better than they were. ... RB Ahman Green played well despite many predictions to the contrary.
The verdict: If they can add playmakers at WR, RB, TE and another pass rusher on defense, they're going to be a playoff threat in 2007. Regardless of whether Favre retires or not, they need to add another quarterback because Aaron Rodgers remains an unknown quantity.
Minnesota (6-10): The VIkings fell apart down the stretch and lacked offense. Most unsettling for them is their lack of a QB and playmakers at WR. For all the money they've sunk into their secondary, it should be better. ... There is talent here, however, and Brad Childress was not overmatched as an NFL coach. ... Not the same team without Randy Moss and Daunte Culpepper - they don't scare other teams like they did a few years ago.
The verdict: Must add a quarterback in the offseason and some receivers. Not out of the question to consider them a potential playoff team.
St. Louis (8-8): The Rams' offense was very good, their defense was very bad. Sound familiar? They showed some improvement under Coach Scott Linehan, who figured out what Mike Martz was unwilling to - RB Steven Jackson is the real deal. QB Marc Bulger is, too. ... If the Rams had taken better advantage of a weak division, they would have won the division.
The verdict: They need more help on defense, particularly in the secondary and up front, and could use more OL help. ... The Rams are close to being a playoff team, and with a few more upgrades, could overtake Seattle in 2007.
San Francisco (7-9): The 49ers are another team on an upward trend. If their defense improves and QB Alex Smith continues to develop, they are going to push the Rams and Seahawks in the West. ... Coach Mike Nolan is building a team for the long haul. Still need more talent on D, however.
The verdict: Things are looking up on the field. Off it, it's another story. Will the 49ers really leave San Francisco for Santa Clara? This should be one of 2007's emerging teams with some defensive upgrades.
Tampa Bay (4-12): Yes, losing QB Chris Simms to a season-ending injury early on hurt, but this team was not going anywhere with him. RB Carnell Williams had a disappointing second season, but teams could load up against him with no passing attack to worry about. ... The defense is getting old, but is far from the only culprit here.
The verdict: Coach Jon Gruden faces a long rebuilding task here, and the Bucs don't seem to be moving in the right direction. It will be interesting to see how much longer Gruden lasts here. They need a lot of pieces on both sides of the ball to compete.
Washington (5-11): A team in transition. The Redskins took some lumps with Jason Campbell at quarterback, but he's their future. Mark Brunell's career is finished. Washington needs some upgrades at WR. ... Ladell Betts was excellent in replacing the injured Clinton Portis at RB and might make Portis expendable. ... The defense was uncharacteristcally pourous. ... The Champ Bailey for Portis deal a few years back looks like a bad move at this point. ... The 'Skins were sunk by their inability to win on the road and especially within their division.
The verdict: Yes, they'll sign free agents, but will it matter? They thought they'd addressed the same problems this past offseason.
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