Tuesday, September 30, 2008
White Sox and Twins benefit from 1 game playoff
Last season we saw the Colorado Rockies come out of nowhere to make a playoff push. The Rockies beat the Padres in a 1 game playoff that shot them right into the World Series. Colorado had been playing well all September and played like they had to win every game. I think the fact that Chicago and Minnesota are playing an extra game will help them. They have to win or go home and that puts them in a mind set for the post season. Tampa Bay had a week to relax which can put a team a step behind coming into a series. Look at Colorado after they made it to the World Series and had so much time in between. They came out flat in game one and got dominated by Josh Beckett and the Red Sox. I'm not saying a one game playoff is an automatic for the World Series. But it could definitely pay off in the first round. Especially in a 5 game series.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Building a Cassel in New England
It was Sunday September 7th around 2:00pm. My wife and I were leaving brunch to celebrate our second anniversary. I turned on the radio to listen to the Patriots. The first thing i heard is "Cassel takes the snap". I gasped and my heart sank. I thought to myself, is Brady's foot injury that bad? Then I heard Brady had gooten hit in the leg and came out. I figured he would be back soon. But Matt Cassel had led the Pats from their own 2 yard line to score. I got home and watched Matt Cassel play efficient football. It wasn't brilliant or game breaking. The Patriots beat the Chiefs. Kansas City also had a quarterback injury. But it looks like that may be for the better. Todd Collins is an old vet who has always played decent football when called apon. Brady Croyle is a young never has been. But there is no replacing a guy coming off a 50 touchdown season. Matt Cassel is by no means anywhere near Tom Brady's caliber. New England still has a great unclius of talent all over the depth chart. Cassel has the privilege of throwing to Randy Moss and Wes Welker. Sammy Morris and Lawrence Maroney have to step up and both be productive. I think we will see Lamont Jordan play well in some games this year also. Both offensive and Defensive lines are strong. They need to stay healthy on the offensive line especially. The Linebackers are also very talented. The secondary scares me a little. Especially with Ellis Hobbs already banged up. I do not think the Patriots will win the super bowl this year. But if Matt Cassel and play efficient mistake free football I think they will make the playoffs. Week 2 against the Jets is a big test. But it is still week two of a long season. Hey, even the 49ers were two and zero at this point last year. Thanks to them we now have Jerod Mayo. Anything is possible in Foxborough.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
NFC WEST
1. Seattle Seahawks - (12 - 4) The steady Matt Hasslebeck is back behind center. Seattle will need Nate Burleson to step up and earn his money. He had a decent year last year. Deion Branch is still recovering from an injury he suffered in the playoffs in 07'. Top 2007 receiver Bobby Engram is also banged up and will miss time early in the season. John Carlson a rookie tight end out of Notre Dame may be needed to block and catch. The Shaun Alexander days are over in Seattle. Julius Jones and T.J. Duckett will combine for a size and speed duo. Jones has had many issues staying healthy. Rookie Justin Forsett out of Cal could be a factor this season as well. The offensive line hopes to rebound after a down year in 2007. Mike Solari was hired to bring this unit back to a higher level. Mike Wahle was singed as a free agent and will bring a pro bowler to the left guard position.
The defense is very good. Patrick Kerney is a hard nosed player at defensive end. He had 14.5 sack last season. First round pick Lawrence Jackson will try to win the other end spot. Red Bryant another rookie will work in a rotation adding some much needed bulk to the defensive front. The Linebackers are the heart of the defense. The fiery Lofa Tatupu is all over the field making tackles from his middle linebacker spot. Julian Peterson is a tremendous pass rusher and can line up at either outside linebacker or end. Leroy Hill is another asset to the D. Hill can play weak and strong side very well. Cornerback Marcus Trufant been a great player for Seattle since being selected in the first round in 2003. Brian Russell and Deon Grant played very well at the safety spots a year ago which was a concern until their arrivals. Kelly Jennings is turning into a fine player and will start at right corner.
2. St. Louis Rams - ( 8 - 8 ) The offense needs to be a lot better after a disastrous season a year ago. The offensive line suffered major injuries. They need left tackle Orlando Pace to stay healthy for this offense to click. Free agent pick up Jacob Bell was added to play guard. The Rams also selected John Greco in the third round to add depth to the line. Marc Bulger will try to come back mentally and physically after a rough season. Torry Holt claims to be in the best shape he's been in in years. The Rams also got younger at wide out taking Donny Avery and Keenan Burton in April's draft. Steven Jackson is a very talented runner with excellent hands as well. He can be one of the leagues best backs if the line doesn't completely fall apart. Brian Leonard is a hard runner who can get short yards when Jackson needs a blow.
Chris Long was the number 2 overall selection in this years draft. Long and Leonard little should form a pair of top tier ends. Chris Draft and Will Witherspoon will try to make the linebacking unit relevant. This was an area of the defense that was not to productive last season. Tye Hill enters his second season at corner. Frre safety Oshiomogho Atogwe had 8 interceptions which was an NFC high. Corey Chavous is aging but still very effective at strong safety. Fakhir Brown and Ron Bartell will both play Corner for the team. If the Line can stay healthy and the defense can step up. The Rams have a shot at the playoffs.
3. Arizona Cardinals - ( 6 - 10 ) Kurt Warner will get the early nod at quarterback. Matt Leinert will be in quick if Warner stumbles. Larry Fitzgerald is one of the leagues premiere talents at wide receiver. Anqaun Boldin is also so very talented. But Boldin and head coach Ken Wisenhunt have not got along very well. Boldin has made numerous trade requests. Let's just hope he doesn't change his name to "ocho uno". Edgerrin James is not the player he was in Indianapolis. Tim Hightower a rookie has played well behind James and could get alot of carries this year. The offensive line has always been a weak spot on the team. Last year the unit looked better. Mike Gandy played well at left tackle. Duece Latui and Levi Brown anchor the right side. The offensive line remains intact from a year ago. This could be a major boost for the offense if they can remain healthy.
Darnell Dickett had 8 sacks and made the pro bowl in 07'. Calias Campbell Hopes to win the other end spot in his rookie year. The Cardinals lost Calvin Pace to free agency this offseason. Pace was a major contributor to the pass rush. To counter his loos the team signed Travis Laboy who can also play end in passing situations. Karlos Dansby is an excellent defender from the weak side. Gerald Hayes is a tough gritty competitor from the strong side. Antrel Rolle is being moved from corner to safety. This move will. Allow Dominick Rodgers-Cromartie the teams first round pick to start if he can beat out Roderick Hood or Eric Green. Adrian Wilson can be one of the leagues best safeties when healthy. The Cardinals have a relatively tough schedule making it tough to reach the post season. It is not out of the question for them to make a playoff push in 2008.
4. San Francisco 49ers ( 2 - 14 ) J.T. O'Sullivan has won the starting nod at QB. Frank Gore will be the centerpiece in Mike Martz's offense. There isn't an abundance of talent at wide receiver. Issac Bruce was brought in via free agency. Bruce played for Martz with the Rams during the "greatest show of turf" era and knows the system. Bruce is aging but still a high quality player. More of a number two receiver at this point. The problem is San Francisco doesn't have a legit number one. Tight end Vernon Davis will need to be a big part of the passing game. He hasn't lived up to the high expectations yet. His numbers have improved each year and the offense he has been playing in isn't exactly that of the Colts or Patriots. The offensive line was a mess last year. Joe Staley will move from right to left tackle. Erik Hietmann is back at center. Adam Snyder and David Bass hope to win spots on the offensive live but nothing is set in stone at this point.
New comer Justin smith and rookie Kentwan Balmer should help make the defensive line solid. Patrick Willis came in as a rookie last year and played like Ray Lewis at the top of his game. Willis led the NFL in tackles. Willis was named "Defensive rookie of the year". Manny Lawson will try to bounce back after a season ending ACL tear. Lawson has been a bit of a disappointment since being drafted in the first round a few years ago. Nate Clements heads the secondary at the corner position. Teams tried to throw away from him last year. Walt Harris will play the other corner spot. He is still playing well at 34 years old. Michael Lewis is a very good stong safety. Mark Roman is the free safety and also a solid contributor. Patrick Willis is going to have to make alot of tackles again this year. There is to much uncertainty on the offense and defense. The 49ers best shot at being number one in the league is have the first pick in the 2009 draft.
The defense is very good. Patrick Kerney is a hard nosed player at defensive end. He had 14.5 sack last season. First round pick Lawrence Jackson will try to win the other end spot. Red Bryant another rookie will work in a rotation adding some much needed bulk to the defensive front. The Linebackers are the heart of the defense. The fiery Lofa Tatupu is all over the field making tackles from his middle linebacker spot. Julian Peterson is a tremendous pass rusher and can line up at either outside linebacker or end. Leroy Hill is another asset to the D. Hill can play weak and strong side very well. Cornerback Marcus Trufant been a great player for Seattle since being selected in the first round in 2003. Brian Russell and Deon Grant played very well at the safety spots a year ago which was a concern until their arrivals. Kelly Jennings is turning into a fine player and will start at right corner.
2. St. Louis Rams - ( 8 - 8 ) The offense needs to be a lot better after a disastrous season a year ago. The offensive line suffered major injuries. They need left tackle Orlando Pace to stay healthy for this offense to click. Free agent pick up Jacob Bell was added to play guard. The Rams also selected John Greco in the third round to add depth to the line. Marc Bulger will try to come back mentally and physically after a rough season. Torry Holt claims to be in the best shape he's been in in years. The Rams also got younger at wide out taking Donny Avery and Keenan Burton in April's draft. Steven Jackson is a very talented runner with excellent hands as well. He can be one of the leagues best backs if the line doesn't completely fall apart. Brian Leonard is a hard runner who can get short yards when Jackson needs a blow.
Chris Long was the number 2 overall selection in this years draft. Long and Leonard little should form a pair of top tier ends. Chris Draft and Will Witherspoon will try to make the linebacking unit relevant. This was an area of the defense that was not to productive last season. Tye Hill enters his second season at corner. Frre safety Oshiomogho Atogwe had 8 interceptions which was an NFC high. Corey Chavous is aging but still very effective at strong safety. Fakhir Brown and Ron Bartell will both play Corner for the team. If the Line can stay healthy and the defense can step up. The Rams have a shot at the playoffs.
3. Arizona Cardinals - ( 6 - 10 ) Kurt Warner will get the early nod at quarterback. Matt Leinert will be in quick if Warner stumbles. Larry Fitzgerald is one of the leagues premiere talents at wide receiver. Anqaun Boldin is also so very talented. But Boldin and head coach Ken Wisenhunt have not got along very well. Boldin has made numerous trade requests. Let's just hope he doesn't change his name to "ocho uno". Edgerrin James is not the player he was in Indianapolis. Tim Hightower a rookie has played well behind James and could get alot of carries this year. The offensive line has always been a weak spot on the team. Last year the unit looked better. Mike Gandy played well at left tackle. Duece Latui and Levi Brown anchor the right side. The offensive line remains intact from a year ago. This could be a major boost for the offense if they can remain healthy.
Darnell Dickett had 8 sacks and made the pro bowl in 07'. Calias Campbell Hopes to win the other end spot in his rookie year. The Cardinals lost Calvin Pace to free agency this offseason. Pace was a major contributor to the pass rush. To counter his loos the team signed Travis Laboy who can also play end in passing situations. Karlos Dansby is an excellent defender from the weak side. Gerald Hayes is a tough gritty competitor from the strong side. Antrel Rolle is being moved from corner to safety. This move will. Allow Dominick Rodgers-Cromartie the teams first round pick to start if he can beat out Roderick Hood or Eric Green. Adrian Wilson can be one of the leagues best safeties when healthy. The Cardinals have a relatively tough schedule making it tough to reach the post season. It is not out of the question for them to make a playoff push in 2008.
4. San Francisco 49ers ( 2 - 14 ) J.T. O'Sullivan has won the starting nod at QB. Frank Gore will be the centerpiece in Mike Martz's offense. There isn't an abundance of talent at wide receiver. Issac Bruce was brought in via free agency. Bruce played for Martz with the Rams during the "greatest show of turf" era and knows the system. Bruce is aging but still a high quality player. More of a number two receiver at this point. The problem is San Francisco doesn't have a legit number one. Tight end Vernon Davis will need to be a big part of the passing game. He hasn't lived up to the high expectations yet. His numbers have improved each year and the offense he has been playing in isn't exactly that of the Colts or Patriots. The offensive line was a mess last year. Joe Staley will move from right to left tackle. Erik Hietmann is back at center. Adam Snyder and David Bass hope to win spots on the offensive live but nothing is set in stone at this point.
New comer Justin smith and rookie Kentwan Balmer should help make the defensive line solid. Patrick Willis came in as a rookie last year and played like Ray Lewis at the top of his game. Willis led the NFL in tackles. Willis was named "Defensive rookie of the year". Manny Lawson will try to bounce back after a season ending ACL tear. Lawson has been a bit of a disappointment since being drafted in the first round a few years ago. Nate Clements heads the secondary at the corner position. Teams tried to throw away from him last year. Walt Harris will play the other corner spot. He is still playing well at 34 years old. Michael Lewis is a very good stong safety. Mark Roman is the free safety and also a solid contributor. Patrick Willis is going to have to make alot of tackles again this year. There is to much uncertainty on the offense and defense. The 49ers best shot at being number one in the league is have the first pick in the 2009 draft.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
NFC SOUTH
1. Carolina Panthers - ( 11 - 5 ) Carolina looks to rebound after a 7-9 season. Quarterback Jake Delholmme is back after having surgery on his throwing arm. All reports say he looks better than he has in years. Steve Smith is still the main target. D.J. Hackett and Mushin Muhammed were added in the off season to add depth to the passing game. The Panthers drafted Jonathon Stewart a tough power back out of the University of Oregon. He will be a great change of pace for counter part DeAngelo Williams. Williams is lightning fast and can not take the abuse of a single back system. The Panthers also added Jeff Otah in the first round. He will play right tackle and should make this young, up and coming line even stronger. Second year player Ryan Kalil will take over at center. If the O-Line can mess this will be a very strong unit.
The Defense is good but not great. Julius Peppers had a down year in 07'. He needs to rebound and have more than 2.5 sacks. The D-Line will need Maake Kemoeatu and Damione Lewis to fill in for the departed Mike Rucker and Kris Jenkins. Jon Beason had a fantastic rookie season at Linebacker. He was third in the NFL in Tackles(140). Thomas Davis is turning into the player Carolina hoped he would be. Na'ill Diggs and Landon Johnson are competing for the weak side position. Strong safety Chris Harris leads the secondary. He was second on the team in tackles and had 8 forced fumbles. Free safety is wide open. Terrence Holt is the front running to take the position. Charles Godfrey a third round pick out of Iowa will also compete for the spot. Richard Marshall lead the team in interceptions at corner. The other spot will be either Ken Lucus or Chris Gamble. If the defense can put it together and the offensive line gels. The Panthers will have a great season. They play the Saints December 28th in what could be a factor for both teams in a playoff run.
2. New Orleans Saints - ( 10 - 6 ) The Saints love to air it out. Drew Brees led the league in passing attempts. The addition of tight end Jeremy Shockey could be a big boost for the offense. It will give Brees an added weapon. Marques Colston had an even better second season at wide receiver. Look for Robert Meachem to be more of a factor this year. David Patton is back, he had a good year catching the ball. Reggie Bush is also a factor in the passing game out of the backfield. He needs to become more of a runner. The oft injured Deuce McAllister needs to stay healthy. He is a strong runner when he is on the field. The offensive line should be good. Center Jeff Faine will be be replaced by Jonathon Goodwin who the teams really likes. Jamaal Brown was a pro bowler two years ago and hopes to return to that form this season. Jon Stincolmb and Jamar Nesbit are quality veterans and smart players.
The defense is not as good as the offense. The defensive line is the stronger unit on the defense. Will Smith and Charles Grant are the book ends. They both had down years in 07' but should play at a higher level this year. Jonathon Vilma is back from injury. Vilma is one of the better linebackers in the game when healthy. Scott Fujita is a reliable and tough veteran. The Saints added Dan Morgan. But Morgan's Career is in jeopardy if he gets any more concussions. Randell Gay was also added in free agency. Gay is a smart player but a nickle back at best. Veteran Aaron Glenn and rookie Tracy Porter were also added to the roster. The secondary was a major flaw on the team last year.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - ( 9 - 7 ) Jeff Garcia is still playing at a high level even though he is 38. Another aging vet Joey Galloway is coming off a strong year at wide receiver. He doesn't have much help though. Ike Hilliard is the number two guy and he took some pressure off Galloway. But not enough to keep double teams away. Ernest Graham filled in nicely at running back. Warrick Dunn returns to Tampa, he has always been a productive back. The offensive line looks good. Jeff Faine got a big contract to come over from New Orleans. Aaron Sears and Davin Joseph will play next to Faine and form a strong front.
The Defense is excellent. Linebacker is the major strength. Perrennial Derrick Brooks still Romes the field making tackles. Barrett Ruud led the team in tackles last year and Cato June played great in his first season in Tampa. Gaines Adams had six sacks last season. He should improve those numbers in his second year in the league. Chris Hovan is still a monster at nose. The secondary got deeper in the draft with the addition of Aqib Talib. Ronde Barber is still playing at a pro bowl level despite his age. Look for Sabby Pisceitelli to step into a safety roll this season. Tampa has a good of a chance of any team in this division to win.
4. Atlanta Falcons - ( 2 - 14 ) There is a major over haul going on in Atlanta. Rookie Matt Ryan the third overall pick in the 2008 draft will get his chance to start early. He has some weapons to throw to which is something he didn't have at Boston College. Roddy White had an excellent season last year with zero talent at quarterback. Michael Turner was brought in to power the running game. Jerious Norwood is a great change of pace, third down type back. Michael Jenkins also stepped up at wide receiver last year. The offensive line is a major question mark. Giving up 47 sacks in 2007. Atlanta added Tackle Sam Baker, there second pick in the first round to help out the line.
The defensive line is as weak as the offensive line. If not weaker. Last years first round pick Jamaal Anderson did not get a sack from his defensive end position. The Falcons released both starting tackles from last season. Rashad Moore and Kendall Moorhead were brought in to replaced them but have never been significant players with other teams. Linebacker is a much stronger unit. Curtis Lofton, another rookie was added and can play middle and strong side. Kieth Brooking is back in the middle and Michael Boley has developed into an excellent player on the strong side. Second year player Stephan Nichols will start on the weak side. The secondary is in transition. Lawyer Milloy is back at safety. Eric Coleman will play the other safey position. He is a free agent pick up from the Jets. Chris Houston is in his second season and will start at corner. Rookie Chevous Jackson out of LSU could win the other corner spot. The Falcons are a few years from being relevant again. 2008 will be tough, but they are headed in the right direction.
The Defense is good but not great. Julius Peppers had a down year in 07'. He needs to rebound and have more than 2.5 sacks. The D-Line will need Maake Kemoeatu and Damione Lewis to fill in for the departed Mike Rucker and Kris Jenkins. Jon Beason had a fantastic rookie season at Linebacker. He was third in the NFL in Tackles(140). Thomas Davis is turning into the player Carolina hoped he would be. Na'ill Diggs and Landon Johnson are competing for the weak side position. Strong safety Chris Harris leads the secondary. He was second on the team in tackles and had 8 forced fumbles. Free safety is wide open. Terrence Holt is the front running to take the position. Charles Godfrey a third round pick out of Iowa will also compete for the spot. Richard Marshall lead the team in interceptions at corner. The other spot will be either Ken Lucus or Chris Gamble. If the defense can put it together and the offensive line gels. The Panthers will have a great season. They play the Saints December 28th in what could be a factor for both teams in a playoff run.
2. New Orleans Saints - ( 10 - 6 ) The Saints love to air it out. Drew Brees led the league in passing attempts. The addition of tight end Jeremy Shockey could be a big boost for the offense. It will give Brees an added weapon. Marques Colston had an even better second season at wide receiver. Look for Robert Meachem to be more of a factor this year. David Patton is back, he had a good year catching the ball. Reggie Bush is also a factor in the passing game out of the backfield. He needs to become more of a runner. The oft injured Deuce McAllister needs to stay healthy. He is a strong runner when he is on the field. The offensive line should be good. Center Jeff Faine will be be replaced by Jonathon Goodwin who the teams really likes. Jamaal Brown was a pro bowler two years ago and hopes to return to that form this season. Jon Stincolmb and Jamar Nesbit are quality veterans and smart players.
The defense is not as good as the offense. The defensive line is the stronger unit on the defense. Will Smith and Charles Grant are the book ends. They both had down years in 07' but should play at a higher level this year. Jonathon Vilma is back from injury. Vilma is one of the better linebackers in the game when healthy. Scott Fujita is a reliable and tough veteran. The Saints added Dan Morgan. But Morgan's Career is in jeopardy if he gets any more concussions. Randell Gay was also added in free agency. Gay is a smart player but a nickle back at best. Veteran Aaron Glenn and rookie Tracy Porter were also added to the roster. The secondary was a major flaw on the team last year.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - ( 9 - 7 ) Jeff Garcia is still playing at a high level even though he is 38. Another aging vet Joey Galloway is coming off a strong year at wide receiver. He doesn't have much help though. Ike Hilliard is the number two guy and he took some pressure off Galloway. But not enough to keep double teams away. Ernest Graham filled in nicely at running back. Warrick Dunn returns to Tampa, he has always been a productive back. The offensive line looks good. Jeff Faine got a big contract to come over from New Orleans. Aaron Sears and Davin Joseph will play next to Faine and form a strong front.
The Defense is excellent. Linebacker is the major strength. Perrennial Derrick Brooks still Romes the field making tackles. Barrett Ruud led the team in tackles last year and Cato June played great in his first season in Tampa. Gaines Adams had six sacks last season. He should improve those numbers in his second year in the league. Chris Hovan is still a monster at nose. The secondary got deeper in the draft with the addition of Aqib Talib. Ronde Barber is still playing at a pro bowl level despite his age. Look for Sabby Pisceitelli to step into a safety roll this season. Tampa has a good of a chance of any team in this division to win.
4. Atlanta Falcons - ( 2 - 14 ) There is a major over haul going on in Atlanta. Rookie Matt Ryan the third overall pick in the 2008 draft will get his chance to start early. He has some weapons to throw to which is something he didn't have at Boston College. Roddy White had an excellent season last year with zero talent at quarterback. Michael Turner was brought in to power the running game. Jerious Norwood is a great change of pace, third down type back. Michael Jenkins also stepped up at wide receiver last year. The offensive line is a major question mark. Giving up 47 sacks in 2007. Atlanta added Tackle Sam Baker, there second pick in the first round to help out the line.
The defensive line is as weak as the offensive line. If not weaker. Last years first round pick Jamaal Anderson did not get a sack from his defensive end position. The Falcons released both starting tackles from last season. Rashad Moore and Kendall Moorhead were brought in to replaced them but have never been significant players with other teams. Linebacker is a much stronger unit. Curtis Lofton, another rookie was added and can play middle and strong side. Kieth Brooking is back in the middle and Michael Boley has developed into an excellent player on the strong side. Second year player Stephan Nichols will start on the weak side. The secondary is in transition. Lawyer Milloy is back at safety. Eric Coleman will play the other safey position. He is a free agent pick up from the Jets. Chris Houston is in his second season and will start at corner. Rookie Chevous Jackson out of LSU could win the other corner spot. The Falcons are a few years from being relevant again. 2008 will be tough, but they are headed in the right direction.
Monday, September 1, 2008
NFC NORTH
1. Green Bay Packers ( 11-5) The success of this team is all on Aaron Rodgers shoulders. If he can step in and play efficient mistake free football the offense is going to be very tough to stop. The wide receivers are loaded. Greg Jennings is entering his third NFL season. He is the new go-to guy in the passing game. Veteran Donald driver is a very good number 2. James Jones, Donald Lee and rookie Jordy Nelson will all be making contributions as well. Ryan Grant will try to pick up were he finished last season. Grant came out of nowhere to have an excellent season. Brandon Jackson will be back from injury to help take the load off of Grant. The offensive line is okay but aging. Chan Clifton had an outstand year but is getting older. Right tackle Mark Tauscher is very good.
The defense is very good starting with the defensive line. Aaron Kampman is one of the games most dynamic pass rushers. The pack will look for 07' first round pick Justin Harrell to take another step forward in his game. Johnny Jolly will be back from injury adding toughness. The linebackers are a strong unit. Nick Barnett led the team with tackles with 165. A.J. Hawk had a good season making 129 tackles. The defensivebacks are also solid. Charles Woodson and Al Harris are still playing at a high level despite there age. Atari Bigby had a good first season as a starter. Aaron Rouse will try to take the other safety spot from Nick Collins. Green Bay could find themselves back in the NFC championship game if Rodgers can play well and the O=line can stay healthy.
2. Minnesota Vikings (10-6) Smash mouth football comes to mind when I think of the Vikings. Adrian Peterson had a sensational rookie season. It will be tough to repeat becuase Bryant McKinney is out for four games due to a Violation of the leagues substance abuse policy. Also the passing game wont be much better than last year. Chester Taylor is a great back up to Peterson and could start for alot of teams. Tavaris Jackson will be back at QB. He needs to play more mistake free football. The wide outs aren't very strong. Bernard Berrian was signed from Chicago and gives them a legit number one guy. Something they lacked last year. But he will find frequent double teams. Sidney Rice enters his second and should be able to stretch the field with his blazing speed. The O-Line is dominant but the loss of left tackle McKinney for four games will hurt.
The Defense may be the best in the NFL. The D-Line is huge. Pat and Kevin Williams are beasts at the tackle position. Minnesota also added Jared Allen in an off season trade. He had 12.5 sacks for Kansas City in 07'. E.J. Henderson had a great season at middle linebacker. Former first round pick Chad Greenway stayed healthy last year and also played well. The Defensive backs are very good. Madeau Williams was added via free agency and should step right into the safety position. Darren Sharper will start at the other safety position. But don't be surprised to see rookie Tyrell Johnson take over for sharper toward seasons end. Antoine Winfield and Cedric Griffin will start at corner and are an excellent duo.
3. Detroit Lions (5-11) Jon Kitna is still a decent quarterback. He has many weapons like Calvin Johnson and Roy Williams to throw to. The question is if the O-Line can give him any time to throw. Jeff Backus should be more effective at left tackle now that he is out of Mike Martz's offense. They will need Rookie Gosder Cherilous to play well on the right side. The running game is a bit of a question mark. Artrose Pinner looks to be the early starter. Rookie Kevin Smith will battle for the starting role during the season. Shaun McDonald looks like he is back after knee surgery. He was a very good possession receiver and punt returner.
The defense is very different from last year. Gone are starters Kalimba Edwards and Shaun Rogers. This is a big weakness for the team. Corey Redding will have to move inside from end. Dewayne White will be the teams best pass rusher. But he is not elite by any means. Jordan Dizon will be put in the middle linebacker spot to do what he does best, Make tackles. Ernie Sims will play the weak side and could be a pro bowler in the near future. Paris Lenon will be moved back to strong side where he fits best. Leigh Bodden was a major boost for the defensive backfield. Bodden is the most underrated corner in the game. Veteran Brian Kelly will play the other corner spot. The Lions signed safety Dwight Smith from rival Minnesota boosting the safety position. No playoffs for the Lions but they could be better than people think. Not that will take a whole lot!
Chicago Bears (4-12) There is still no answer at QB. Why they didn't try to address it is a mystery. Losing Bernard Berrian is a major hit to the receiving core. Earl Bennett who was drafted in the third round could step in and be a play maker. But who can get him the ball. I'm sure we will see Orton and Grossman this season. Matt Forte and Kevin Jones we added to the running game which was a major flaw in 07'. The O-line is O-k. They took Chris Williams in the first round in the draft. Williams and Bennett were teammates at Vanderbilt. But Williams health is an issue early in camp. Center Olin Kreutz is still the main guy. He is as good as it gets. The rest of the line is in transition.
The D-Line is still good. Adewale Ogunleye has been great since coming over from Miami. Tommy Harris is a rock at tackle but tends to wear down at the end of seasons. Brian Urlacher is in a contract dispute with the team. He also has an arthritic lower back. Lance Briggs is a perennial pro bowler and Hunter Hillenmeyer will soon be. The D-backs are the weakness. Mike Brown is always hurt. Only time will tell if he can make it back 100% from a week 1 injury last year. The corners are great but injuries have been a problem. Vasher missed 12 games in 07'. Charles Tillman is a very good corner and doesn't get the credit he deserves. This unit could make or break the defense. If the D can play strong and stay healthy and the quarterback situation gets a little better. The bears could make a playoff push. But i don't see it happening.
The defense is very good starting with the defensive line. Aaron Kampman is one of the games most dynamic pass rushers. The pack will look for 07' first round pick Justin Harrell to take another step forward in his game. Johnny Jolly will be back from injury adding toughness. The linebackers are a strong unit. Nick Barnett led the team with tackles with 165. A.J. Hawk had a good season making 129 tackles. The defensivebacks are also solid. Charles Woodson and Al Harris are still playing at a high level despite there age. Atari Bigby had a good first season as a starter. Aaron Rouse will try to take the other safety spot from Nick Collins. Green Bay could find themselves back in the NFC championship game if Rodgers can play well and the O=line can stay healthy.
2. Minnesota Vikings (10-6) Smash mouth football comes to mind when I think of the Vikings. Adrian Peterson had a sensational rookie season. It will be tough to repeat becuase Bryant McKinney is out for four games due to a Violation of the leagues substance abuse policy. Also the passing game wont be much better than last year. Chester Taylor is a great back up to Peterson and could start for alot of teams. Tavaris Jackson will be back at QB. He needs to play more mistake free football. The wide outs aren't very strong. Bernard Berrian was signed from Chicago and gives them a legit number one guy. Something they lacked last year. But he will find frequent double teams. Sidney Rice enters his second and should be able to stretch the field with his blazing speed. The O-Line is dominant but the loss of left tackle McKinney for four games will hurt.
The Defense may be the best in the NFL. The D-Line is huge. Pat and Kevin Williams are beasts at the tackle position. Minnesota also added Jared Allen in an off season trade. He had 12.5 sacks for Kansas City in 07'. E.J. Henderson had a great season at middle linebacker. Former first round pick Chad Greenway stayed healthy last year and also played well. The Defensive backs are very good. Madeau Williams was added via free agency and should step right into the safety position. Darren Sharper will start at the other safety position. But don't be surprised to see rookie Tyrell Johnson take over for sharper toward seasons end. Antoine Winfield and Cedric Griffin will start at corner and are an excellent duo.
3. Detroit Lions (5-11) Jon Kitna is still a decent quarterback. He has many weapons like Calvin Johnson and Roy Williams to throw to. The question is if the O-Line can give him any time to throw. Jeff Backus should be more effective at left tackle now that he is out of Mike Martz's offense. They will need Rookie Gosder Cherilous to play well on the right side. The running game is a bit of a question mark. Artrose Pinner looks to be the early starter. Rookie Kevin Smith will battle for the starting role during the season. Shaun McDonald looks like he is back after knee surgery. He was a very good possession receiver and punt returner.
The defense is very different from last year. Gone are starters Kalimba Edwards and Shaun Rogers. This is a big weakness for the team. Corey Redding will have to move inside from end. Dewayne White will be the teams best pass rusher. But he is not elite by any means. Jordan Dizon will be put in the middle linebacker spot to do what he does best, Make tackles. Ernie Sims will play the weak side and could be a pro bowler in the near future. Paris Lenon will be moved back to strong side where he fits best. Leigh Bodden was a major boost for the defensive backfield. Bodden is the most underrated corner in the game. Veteran Brian Kelly will play the other corner spot. The Lions signed safety Dwight Smith from rival Minnesota boosting the safety position. No playoffs for the Lions but they could be better than people think. Not that will take a whole lot!
Chicago Bears (4-12) There is still no answer at QB. Why they didn't try to address it is a mystery. Losing Bernard Berrian is a major hit to the receiving core. Earl Bennett who was drafted in the third round could step in and be a play maker. But who can get him the ball. I'm sure we will see Orton and Grossman this season. Matt Forte and Kevin Jones we added to the running game which was a major flaw in 07'. The O-line is O-k. They took Chris Williams in the first round in the draft. Williams and Bennett were teammates at Vanderbilt. But Williams health is an issue early in camp. Center Olin Kreutz is still the main guy. He is as good as it gets. The rest of the line is in transition.
The D-Line is still good. Adewale Ogunleye has been great since coming over from Miami. Tommy Harris is a rock at tackle but tends to wear down at the end of seasons. Brian Urlacher is in a contract dispute with the team. He also has an arthritic lower back. Lance Briggs is a perennial pro bowler and Hunter Hillenmeyer will soon be. The D-backs are the weakness. Mike Brown is always hurt. Only time will tell if he can make it back 100% from a week 1 injury last year. The corners are great but injuries have been a problem. Vasher missed 12 games in 07'. Charles Tillman is a very good corner and doesn't get the credit he deserves. This unit could make or break the defense. If the D can play strong and stay healthy and the quarterback situation gets a little better. The bears could make a playoff push. But i don't see it happening.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)