If I had to pick a worst division in football, it could quite possibly be this one. So much turmoil, so little time.
Seahawks- The most stable team in the running here. Matt Hasselbeck is still his same old self, presumably. He is starting to get a bit up there in age, but he's never relied too heavily on physical assets to get hit job done, so he should age gracefully compared to select other quarterbacks. Bobby Engram is a solid safety blanket of a possession receiver for him on the outside, and Nate Burlson figures to stretch defenses or at least thats his aim. He has speed to burn, and that makes him a threat, even if he doesn't actually perform too well. Slot duties are still up in the air in training camp, but Courtney Taylor and Logan Payne both figure to be adequate as a third receiver, with plus athleticism. John Carlson, a second round draft pick, is expected to help with checkdowns for Hasselbeck when pressure is on. The offensive line is aging but still talented, led by Walter Jones. Julius Jones and Maurice Morris are good runners out of the backfield and Linebacker sized "halfback" TJ Duckett figures to pick up 2-3 yards any time they're needed. Leonard Weaver has also been reportedly incredibly impressive blocking in camp. A strong running game, but if you're a fantasy player, you should probably avoid it because no one figures to be really a lead producer. The defensive line features talent all over, although Patrick Kerney is the only one really acknowledged for it. Rocky Bernard and Brandon Mebane are just plain not easy to move when you try to run, and Darryl Tapp has a nose for the big play, certainly not bad for the teams second best end. Lofa Tatupu teams up with Julian Peterson and Leroy Hill to form quite a scary set of linebackers, and an overall frightening front 7 to have to play against. The secondary is mostly known quantities and figures to be near the middle of the league.
Forty-Niners- Yeah, I actually have those same Niners as my second place team in this division this year. Joe Staley is an unknown quantity as the blindside protector this year, but the rest of the linemen are somewhat proficient at their positions, and Mike Martz knows a bit about making an offense run. He brought in Isaac Bruce to help teach the offense to his other receivers. Frank Gore is a top notch running back and there's really no reason to expect anything less than a great season from him. Vernon Davis figures to put up the best numbers of his career in a high octane offense, although poor/inconisistent QB play could sabotage just about everyone in this offseason. Gore is really the only one with immunity, and his only extends so far because the 8-man front is tough to run through. The defense is what really excites me about this team though. Incredible levels of talent. Patrick Willis could probably tackle a rhinocerous if he got a chance to square it up, and Jeff Ulbrich will do a good job of taking out leadblockers when in a 3-4 look. Manny Lawson had a solid rookie campaign and looked promising last year before an injury left him out in the cold just two games into the season. Tully Banta-Cain certainly looks to be the weakest link, added last year after excelling as a specialist in New England. He didn't perform quite how it was hoped, but that can be overlooked in favor of all the skills everyone else has. Kentwan Balmer is hit or miss as a lineman picked up in the first round, and Justin Smith is the engine that makes it move. Hes been getting looks on each end of the line, in the middle of it, and with his hands up in training camp. The secondary doesn't feature a whole lot of talent, after Nate Clements they seem to mostly be marginal players. That isn't to say they can't turn in serviceable years though. I have this team as my biggest surprise in the conference, complimenting the Texans in the AFC.
Rams- This team could easily be a trainwreck. Orlando Pace is the only real good, consistent lineman on the offense and hes about 400 years old. Marc Bulger fell off last season. Drew Bennett is expected to start this year and replace Isaac Bruce, which is about as likely to work out well as Kyle asking Megan Fox to fuck his brains out. Steven Jackson is human, which will probably be his downfall behind that offensive line and in that offense in general really. Brian Leonard is a useful piece in the backfield, but is expected to transition more to full time fullback this year, severely limiting his abilities as a handcuff for Jackson in fantasy leagues. The defense is devoid of playmakers and is really the most underwhelming thing since Keanu Reeves in "Little Buddha" Adam Carriker showed skill and an understanding of the way the game works last year, but James Hall, at 31, is the next youngest starting lineman. The linebackers aren't overly impressive. While Pisa Tinoisamoa has skill, he doesn't do a great job of putting it together for seasons at a time, and Will Witherspoon can only be counted on to make so many plays. Quinton Culberson.....well, have YOU heard of him before now? Chris Long is obviously good to have, and figures to be the first player in off the bench if he doesn't pass James Hall before the season begins. The defensive backfield is full of such illustrious players as Fakhir Brown and Tye Hill. Oshiomogho Atogwe (I believe he goes by OJ for short) however, is a force back there, flying around tackling and picking passes off with what one could call wreckless abandon. In any case however, its wholly unimpressive as a starting squad.
Cardinals- I really don't feel like doing this. Edgerrin James is gonna crap out this year, and I'm callin it. He has nothing left in the tank and is a year or two away from being Shaun Alexander. Obviously, the passing game should be average at worst because Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin are still there. It could be a top 5 if Matt Leinart really has picked up the offense more this year the way he says he has. The offensive line is still basically the same underachievers who were supposed to make big strides last year and the year before that. They haven't picked up the scheme the way they were supposed to, to say the least. The defense sees no talent on the line but, and has flashes in the defensive seconday, but has real ability in the linebackers and that can really cover up a poor line. I would hardly expect great things out of a team that is starting Gerald Hayes as the apparent replacement for Calvin Pace's monster year, but these linebackers aren't easy to peg. While Hayes has flashes of brilliance he is anything but consistent and is flanked by hybrid SLB/DE Chike Okeafor, who is getting up there in age, and talented but fragile Karlos Dansby, who has yet to play a full 16 games in his four year career. Overall, I expect a general lack of performance, although there could be some nuggets of IDP gold in amongst the Antonio Smiths of the world.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
AFC East Preview
We all know how competitive this one is likely to be. The race to keep out of the basement.
Patriots- I really don't feel like talking about them, due to my innate hatred of all things Bostonian, but I suppose I'll have problems if I don't. Tom Brady is still going to put up good numbers, although to expect anything like last years offense is a bit much. Randy Moss is still Randy Moss, able to leap three defenders in a single bound and catch a ball while hes up there, and to rip the time-space continuum when he goes into a full sprint. Laurence Maroney is a strong back, and while it isn't really known if he could carry a full rushing load, he doesn't have to because of LaMont Jordan, Kevin Faulk, and Sammy Morris. Welker Gaffney and all the rest of the receiving corp figure to perform fine, and the offensive line, while aging, is still a solid group of players (although questions could be raised after Nick Kaczur was found with 200 some-ought oxy-contin pills this offseason). The defense is going to have serious durability concerns, with an AARPpai of starting Linebackers. Jerod Mayo should be able to help, and the addition of Adalius Thomas from last season helps with keeping the energy up, but for all we know the other backers in question will wanna stop halfway through the third quarter to curl up in a chair and watch their stories. The D-line has depth questions (#2 nose tackle is named LeKevin: I shit you not) and corner is shaky after Hobbs, but overall this team could win just about any division in football, and they get to play Miami and Buffalo twice a year.
Jets- This team will definitely be fun to watch, althoug slightly less so if Chad Pennington and his perfect game manager skill set are at the helm as opposed to struggling Kellen Clemens. A strong set of big nastys in the trenches, including a downright scary left side (D'Brickashaw Ferguson, Alan Faneca). They should help open holes for Thomas Jones and Leon Washington, and really anyone else who runs to that side. That should in turn bring safeties into the box and free up Laveranues Coles to run deep one on one with opposing corners. They also feature a slew of talented tight ends, headlined by disgruntled Chris Baker and they brought in Dustin Keller through the draft. The defense is what will really be entertaining with Kris Jenkins brought in to clog up the middle, thus freeing up space to let loose Calvin Pace and absolute monster rookie Vernon Gholston. Eric Barton and David Harris figure to start inside. Barton is a solid player, but David Harris went absolutely insane after moving into the starting lineup last year, recording a reported 98 tackles in 9 starts. He also notched 5 sacks, although none came against particularly imposing offensive lines other than one versus Pittsburgh week 11. The men manning the outside, second year talent Darrelle Revis and former kick returner turned starting corner Justin Miller, are fun to watch if they get the ball in their hands, and should do a fine job keeping up with speed threats of the division Lee Evans and Randy Moss. They could face problems with more physical wideouts though (see Hardy, James and Wilford, Ernest). The safeties like to fly around and make things happen, which can make problems, but seems like it embodies the skill sets of this whole unit.
Bills- The Bills are the modern league poster boy for why you need stable quarterback play. They have Trent Edwards and JP Losman battling in camp, although I expect Edwards to start, if not the opener then by week 3. Marshawn Lynch showed last year why he was the first human tailback taken, as Android Adrian Peterson had already been claimed by the Vikings. He was very productive running the ball and figures for more of the same this year, and he also had good production on his catches, although they were few and far between. Lynch is, however, noted for having good hands for a back, so that was just a coincidence, a statistical anomaly of sorts. The aforementioned Lee Evans and James Hardy, along with Roscoe Parrish will provide genuine options on the outside for Trent Edwards to throw to, and if Jason Peters gets back with the team by week 1, he should have time to throw it to them too. The rest of the linemen are shaky, with no real consistent performers. The defense is anchored up the gut by Marcus Stroud and Paul Posluszny. They have talent sprinkled over the rest of the field, with free agent signing Kawika Mitchell coming in to man the weak side and Terrence McGee still lining up outside to try and shut down opposing #1 receivers. Aaron Schobel is still counted to disrupt timing in other teams passing games and figures to be fine in that capacity. Overall, this squad has some talented pieces, but just isn't ready to really compete yet.
Dolphins- lol
Seriously, though, they are a veritable train wreck of football suckdom; and while Jake Long was a good pick, he will NOT be able to turn this team around. It's just the nature of his position. A blindside protector is incredibly important, but reports out of Dolphins camp are telling me that John Beck wants Long to keep opposing rushers off of him for way too long to expect a human to do it (another use for Adrian "The Terminator" Peterson?). Ronnie Brown is still a talented runner and should help power a running game that could turn out respectably if the Dolphins linemen get mean this year. Changes need to be made to that set of blockers regardless because even if they DO end up getting right mentally, they still basically suck in pass protection by NFL standards. The offense also doesn't feature a lot of options in the passing game, with Ted Ginn Jr. and Ernest Wilford expected to be the weapons on the outside. Ginn can't hold on to passes enough to be a #1 and Wilford can't run well enough to be a real central cog of a passing game. They need help on the defensive side of the ball with a general lack of talent on the line and Vonnie Holliday slated to start again, even though at his age, he should be getting faded out slowly. The defensive backfield lacks leadership and really needs help at corner with Will Allen the #1 and Mike Lehan #2 (if you don't know who he is, join the rest of us). Overall, I can't foresee much more than another season of epic phailure
Patriots- I really don't feel like talking about them, due to my innate hatred of all things Bostonian, but I suppose I'll have problems if I don't. Tom Brady is still going to put up good numbers, although to expect anything like last years offense is a bit much. Randy Moss is still Randy Moss, able to leap three defenders in a single bound and catch a ball while hes up there, and to rip the time-space continuum when he goes into a full sprint. Laurence Maroney is a strong back, and while it isn't really known if he could carry a full rushing load, he doesn't have to because of LaMont Jordan, Kevin Faulk, and Sammy Morris. Welker Gaffney and all the rest of the receiving corp figure to perform fine, and the offensive line, while aging, is still a solid group of players (although questions could be raised after Nick Kaczur was found with 200 some-ought oxy-contin pills this offseason). The defense is going to have serious durability concerns, with an AARPpai of starting Linebackers. Jerod Mayo should be able to help, and the addition of Adalius Thomas from last season helps with keeping the energy up, but for all we know the other backers in question will wanna stop halfway through the third quarter to curl up in a chair and watch their stories. The D-line has depth questions (#2 nose tackle is named LeKevin: I shit you not) and corner is shaky after Hobbs, but overall this team could win just about any division in football, and they get to play Miami and Buffalo twice a year.
Jets- This team will definitely be fun to watch, althoug slightly less so if Chad Pennington and his perfect game manager skill set are at the helm as opposed to struggling Kellen Clemens. A strong set of big nastys in the trenches, including a downright scary left side (D'Brickashaw Ferguson, Alan Faneca). They should help open holes for Thomas Jones and Leon Washington, and really anyone else who runs to that side. That should in turn bring safeties into the box and free up Laveranues Coles to run deep one on one with opposing corners. They also feature a slew of talented tight ends, headlined by disgruntled Chris Baker and they brought in Dustin Keller through the draft. The defense is what will really be entertaining with Kris Jenkins brought in to clog up the middle, thus freeing up space to let loose Calvin Pace and absolute monster rookie Vernon Gholston. Eric Barton and David Harris figure to start inside. Barton is a solid player, but David Harris went absolutely insane after moving into the starting lineup last year, recording a reported 98 tackles in 9 starts. He also notched 5 sacks, although none came against particularly imposing offensive lines other than one versus Pittsburgh week 11. The men manning the outside, second year talent Darrelle Revis and former kick returner turned starting corner Justin Miller, are fun to watch if they get the ball in their hands, and should do a fine job keeping up with speed threats of the division Lee Evans and Randy Moss. They could face problems with more physical wideouts though (see Hardy, James and Wilford, Ernest). The safeties like to fly around and make things happen, which can make problems, but seems like it embodies the skill sets of this whole unit.
Bills- The Bills are the modern league poster boy for why you need stable quarterback play. They have Trent Edwards and JP Losman battling in camp, although I expect Edwards to start, if not the opener then by week 3. Marshawn Lynch showed last year why he was the first human tailback taken, as Android Adrian Peterson had already been claimed by the Vikings. He was very productive running the ball and figures for more of the same this year, and he also had good production on his catches, although they were few and far between. Lynch is, however, noted for having good hands for a back, so that was just a coincidence, a statistical anomaly of sorts. The aforementioned Lee Evans and James Hardy, along with Roscoe Parrish will provide genuine options on the outside for Trent Edwards to throw to, and if Jason Peters gets back with the team by week 1, he should have time to throw it to them too. The rest of the linemen are shaky, with no real consistent performers. The defense is anchored up the gut by Marcus Stroud and Paul Posluszny. They have talent sprinkled over the rest of the field, with free agent signing Kawika Mitchell coming in to man the weak side and Terrence McGee still lining up outside to try and shut down opposing #1 receivers. Aaron Schobel is still counted to disrupt timing in other teams passing games and figures to be fine in that capacity. Overall, this squad has some talented pieces, but just isn't ready to really compete yet.
Dolphins- lol
Seriously, though, they are a veritable train wreck of football suckdom; and while Jake Long was a good pick, he will NOT be able to turn this team around. It's just the nature of his position. A blindside protector is incredibly important, but reports out of Dolphins camp are telling me that John Beck wants Long to keep opposing rushers off of him for way too long to expect a human to do it (another use for Adrian "The Terminator" Peterson?). Ronnie Brown is still a talented runner and should help power a running game that could turn out respectably if the Dolphins linemen get mean this year. Changes need to be made to that set of blockers regardless because even if they DO end up getting right mentally, they still basically suck in pass protection by NFL standards. The offense also doesn't feature a lot of options in the passing game, with Ted Ginn Jr. and Ernest Wilford expected to be the weapons on the outside. Ginn can't hold on to passes enough to be a #1 and Wilford can't run well enough to be a real central cog of a passing game. They need help on the defensive side of the ball with a general lack of talent on the line and Vonnie Holliday slated to start again, even though at his age, he should be getting faded out slowly. The defensive backfield lacks leadership and really needs help at corner with Will Allen the #1 and Mike Lehan #2 (if you don't know who he is, join the rest of us). Overall, I can't foresee much more than another season of epic phailure
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
AFC South Preview
This division was selected at random by 4 out of 5 jerkoffs. Soooooooo here it goes (again).
Colts- If they aren't your favorite, you either plan to assassinate Peyton before the season, you're really high on David Garrard, or we need to operate on your brain pronto. Manning is the top QB in the league (yeah, screw Tom Brady, I freakin said it) and while there are questions about Marvin, even if he's missing the passing game won't lack options with Addai being a solid receiver out of the backfield and Reggie Wayne moving up to the top spot, Anthony Gonzalez moving up to start and Roy Hall being the slot receiver (essentially the 5th option after TE Dallas Clark and HB Joseph Addai). The line returns 4 starters, Jake Scott having fled to Tennessee in free agency, with Charlie Johnson and Mike Pollak battling to replace him. The defense is also returning most of a solid core. The only exceptions are Dwight Freeney, sidelined after a procedure on his foot this offseason and a new player being plugged into the never ending Colts merry-go-round at Weakside Linebacker, Tyjuan Hagler the starter at this juncutre. Regardless, they figure to do fine on both sides of the ball, and have to still be a favorite for a first round bye week.
Texans- I'm higher on the boys from Houston than most, and not just because Kyle's tactical twelve gauge is aimed at my temple whilst I'm typing this. There still is no apparent skill in the offensive backfield, but a cobbled together stable of running backs should do fine behind a Kubiak and Gibbs offensive line. Andre Johnson is still an electric threat on the outside and figures to keep opposing DBs backpedaling and then running for their lives (or jobs). Kevin Walter while certainly not brand name, proved to be a serviceable number two receiver, particularly with the help of Owen Daniels from the end of the line. The defense is really molding into something special with Super Mario, Amobi "The New Nightmare" Okoye and Travis Johnson infusing truckloads of talent (and size) into the front seven. They're backed by an overachieving core of linebackers led by former rookie of the year and Crimson Tide alum Demeco Ryans. The defensive backfield has a few questions at safety with CC Brown and an aging Will Demps, but don't figure to be able to hold back the obvious athleticism of Fred Bennett and Dunta Robinson (although Jacque Reeves is expected to start while Robinson continues to come back from a terrible leg injury last season). Overall, they figure to surprise some people this season.
Jaguars- What is there to say that you don't already know? Athletic receivers who can't seem to put it together seems to be the new trademark of this franchise, although David Garrard does his best Donovan McNabb (circa 2002) impression with somehow drawing good seasons out of those receiving cores and leaning on his ability to make things happen with his own legs. He has a little help in the backfield though, in the form of Fred Taylor, a possible hall-of-famer and his blooming understudy, Maurice Jones-Drew, who runs incredibly hard for someone who barely outranks my 14 year old brother in size. How he does it I'll never know, but lets just hope it isn't the same way LT was able to slam bodies and seemingly not feel pain. The offensive line returns most of the same bodies, but isn't particularly stable with a plethora of athletic, up and down maulers. The defense features new pass rushing rookies Derrick Harvey and Quentin Groves, who both come out of the SEC, so you know they have real talent. Strong performances from the linebacking corp last year was very encouraging, and the defensive backs should be fine, with Drayton Florence being brought in to start opposite Rashean Mathis. The safeties figure to hold up well, Reggie Nelson heading into a second year that hopes to see improvement and Brian Williams moving to safety after being a corner previously in his career. I see them falling short of the playoffs, but as one of the better teams to do so.
Titans- Ahhhhh Tennessee. You never cease to baffle me. LenDale White has a fine season, certainly good enough to pin a starting title to his name, aaaaaaand they proceed to pick up another workout warrior paper half back in the first round. Vince Young has reportedly impressed as a passer this offseason and has been noted as wanting to not be one of those running backs who throws. However, he'll probably have to run quite a bit this year with a lackluster set of options in the receiving game (Alge Crumpler was the big weapon they brought in for him?). He should do alright in that capacity, though, as the Titans are starting to lay the foundation to have a very strong set of linemen for years to come, and Michael Roos, a promising tackle, has been locked up. The defense figures to drop off a good bit, with Jevon Kearse being expected to replace Antwan Odom and Travis LaBoy and their fourteen sacks last season. Kyle Vanden Bosch and Albert Haynesworth are still in town, though, so it can only be so bad to be a Titan in the trenches. Outside Linebackers Keith Bulluck and David Thornton figure to each turn in another top notch season, but Ryan Fowler is a question mark in the middle, both in terms of ability and ability to stay on the field. They also haven't invested in quality corners, and I imagine that to be their big downfall.
Tune in tomorrow for more football preseason madness.
Colts- If they aren't your favorite, you either plan to assassinate Peyton before the season, you're really high on David Garrard, or we need to operate on your brain pronto. Manning is the top QB in the league (yeah, screw Tom Brady, I freakin said it) and while there are questions about Marvin, even if he's missing the passing game won't lack options with Addai being a solid receiver out of the backfield and Reggie Wayne moving up to the top spot, Anthony Gonzalez moving up to start and Roy Hall being the slot receiver (essentially the 5th option after TE Dallas Clark and HB Joseph Addai). The line returns 4 starters, Jake Scott having fled to Tennessee in free agency, with Charlie Johnson and Mike Pollak battling to replace him. The defense is also returning most of a solid core. The only exceptions are Dwight Freeney, sidelined after a procedure on his foot this offseason and a new player being plugged into the never ending Colts merry-go-round at Weakside Linebacker, Tyjuan Hagler the starter at this juncutre. Regardless, they figure to do fine on both sides of the ball, and have to still be a favorite for a first round bye week.
Texans- I'm higher on the boys from Houston than most, and not just because Kyle's tactical twelve gauge is aimed at my temple whilst I'm typing this. There still is no apparent skill in the offensive backfield, but a cobbled together stable of running backs should do fine behind a Kubiak and Gibbs offensive line. Andre Johnson is still an electric threat on the outside and figures to keep opposing DBs backpedaling and then running for their lives (or jobs). Kevin Walter while certainly not brand name, proved to be a serviceable number two receiver, particularly with the help of Owen Daniels from the end of the line. The defense is really molding into something special with Super Mario, Amobi "The New Nightmare" Okoye and Travis Johnson infusing truckloads of talent (and size) into the front seven. They're backed by an overachieving core of linebackers led by former rookie of the year and Crimson Tide alum Demeco Ryans. The defensive backfield has a few questions at safety with CC Brown and an aging Will Demps, but don't figure to be able to hold back the obvious athleticism of Fred Bennett and Dunta Robinson (although Jacque Reeves is expected to start while Robinson continues to come back from a terrible leg injury last season). Overall, they figure to surprise some people this season.
Jaguars- What is there to say that you don't already know? Athletic receivers who can't seem to put it together seems to be the new trademark of this franchise, although David Garrard does his best Donovan McNabb (circa 2002) impression with somehow drawing good seasons out of those receiving cores and leaning on his ability to make things happen with his own legs. He has a little help in the backfield though, in the form of Fred Taylor, a possible hall-of-famer and his blooming understudy, Maurice Jones-Drew, who runs incredibly hard for someone who barely outranks my 14 year old brother in size. How he does it I'll never know, but lets just hope it isn't the same way LT was able to slam bodies and seemingly not feel pain. The offensive line returns most of the same bodies, but isn't particularly stable with a plethora of athletic, up and down maulers. The defense features new pass rushing rookies Derrick Harvey and Quentin Groves, who both come out of the SEC, so you know they have real talent. Strong performances from the linebacking corp last year was very encouraging, and the defensive backs should be fine, with Drayton Florence being brought in to start opposite Rashean Mathis. The safeties figure to hold up well, Reggie Nelson heading into a second year that hopes to see improvement and Brian Williams moving to safety after being a corner previously in his career. I see them falling short of the playoffs, but as one of the better teams to do so.
Titans- Ahhhhh Tennessee. You never cease to baffle me. LenDale White has a fine season, certainly good enough to pin a starting title to his name, aaaaaaand they proceed to pick up another workout warrior paper half back in the first round. Vince Young has reportedly impressed as a passer this offseason and has been noted as wanting to not be one of those running backs who throws. However, he'll probably have to run quite a bit this year with a lackluster set of options in the receiving game (Alge Crumpler was the big weapon they brought in for him?). He should do alright in that capacity, though, as the Titans are starting to lay the foundation to have a very strong set of linemen for years to come, and Michael Roos, a promising tackle, has been locked up. The defense figures to drop off a good bit, with Jevon Kearse being expected to replace Antwan Odom and Travis LaBoy and their fourteen sacks last season. Kyle Vanden Bosch and Albert Haynesworth are still in town, though, so it can only be so bad to be a Titan in the trenches. Outside Linebackers Keith Bulluck and David Thornton figure to each turn in another top notch season, but Ryan Fowler is a question mark in the middle, both in terms of ability and ability to stay on the field. They also haven't invested in quality corners, and I imagine that to be their big downfall.
Tune in tomorrow for more football preseason madness.
NFC East preview
So I figured it was close enough to preseason for this procrastinator to start up with the speculation. Naturally, I'm starting with the division I know best, the National Football Conference Eastern Division.
Cowboys- Obviously, they have to be the favorite. I hate them as much as any other person in this country, but their entire offensive line has a real mean streak to knock opposing lines right outta the way. That'll help pave the way for Marion Barber and talented rookie Felix Jones, who excelled in a running back by committee role in college with the more heralded Darren McFadden, to run crazy all over most defenses. Defensively, they return most of a strong cast, the most notable loss being Jason Ferguson, a nose tackle who played sparingly last year due to injury who was traded to the Dolphins earlier this offseason. That was countered, in terms of additions, with Inside Linebacker Zach Thomas being signed away from those same Dolphins, a guarantee to provide leadership, and a trade that brought in super athletic, although troubled, corner Adam Jones from Tennessee. There are worries about the wide receiver position though, with Patrick Crayton slated to start and Sam Hurd battling Miles Austin to man the slot, Isaiah Stanback being considerably farther behind.
Eagles- Not so obviously, is where the rest of the division falls (or even where Dallas does, as this division is very dependent on young players). I'm sliding the Eagles into the number two spot, but their whole season basically revolves around Donovan McNabb. If he plays most of the season (hold your breath) then he can easily McGuyver together a passing attack from Reggie Brown, Kevin Curtis, LJ Smith, and his secret weapon, Brian Westbrook- the ultimate scatback. However, Kevin Kolb or AJ Feeley would be considerably worse off, with neither being, frankly, as talented or experienced. Not to say Kolb won't be able to be a productive NFL QB, but in terms of his athleticism, he pales in comparison. The defensive side of the ball is considerably more confusing, as they're expected to run from a nickel back quite often this season due to the presence of three pro-bowl corners. The front seven is full of young talents, a stark contrast to the defensive backfield. It projects as a solid squad, and a favorite to be near the top of the league in turnovers created.
Giants- How often can a team win a Super Bowl and be an honest possibility to not even finish top two in their own division? The G-Men have retained most of their talented offensive line, and return most of their skill position players on offense. Ahmad Bradshaw missed a good deal of time this offseason in jail for a probation violation though, and Brandon Jacobs had surgery on his left wrist earlier this offseason, which may be a slight cause for concern since it could break again and there is a possibility it affects his ball-carrying. The New York Football Giants defense was pillaged this offseason, as they lost Kawika Mitchell, Reggie Torbor, and Gibril Wilson to free agency and didn't make great strides to replace them, going with Mathias Kiwanuka, Gerris Wilkenson and Kenny Phillips/Michael Johnson/Sammy Knight. This could be a problem for them, although Justin Tuck should do a fine job replacing Michael Strahan in terms of on-field production. Strahan's leadership being replaced could be a bigger problem though, as he had quite a bit of experience.
Redskins- The most absolutely confusing of the teams in the division. The Redskins will be fun to watch this year, be it for fans of Washington or the opposing team. They have Jason Campbell learning another offensive system this year, but if nothing else he's proven a quick learner and quite intelligent. He also has a strong arm and is mobile enough to make a defense pay if they drop seven into coverage. The offense could have problems with Chris Cooley expected to be an offensive force who certainly doesn't have speed to burn. Malcolm Kelly is supposed to man the second receiver spot, and while he is promising, it would be ideal if a team wasn't relying on him as a starting wideout in his rookie year. The Redskin defense is gonna be hard to project, because they have talent, with Jason Taylor and London Fletcher up front, but the loss of Sean Taylor kind of leaves the D without a real face or identity. LaRon Landry, last seasons first rounder for the Skins, is expected to slide over and pick up the spot vacated by Taylor, with Reed Doughty and Stuart Schwiegert battling to be the starting strong safety. This team can really epitomize the division: dependent on young players.
Other divisions should follow soon. It's not like I have much else to do in the summer, anyway.
Cowboys- Obviously, they have to be the favorite. I hate them as much as any other person in this country, but their entire offensive line has a real mean streak to knock opposing lines right outta the way. That'll help pave the way for Marion Barber and talented rookie Felix Jones, who excelled in a running back by committee role in college with the more heralded Darren McFadden, to run crazy all over most defenses. Defensively, they return most of a strong cast, the most notable loss being Jason Ferguson, a nose tackle who played sparingly last year due to injury who was traded to the Dolphins earlier this offseason. That was countered, in terms of additions, with Inside Linebacker Zach Thomas being signed away from those same Dolphins, a guarantee to provide leadership, and a trade that brought in super athletic, although troubled, corner Adam Jones from Tennessee. There are worries about the wide receiver position though, with Patrick Crayton slated to start and Sam Hurd battling Miles Austin to man the slot, Isaiah Stanback being considerably farther behind.
Eagles- Not so obviously, is where the rest of the division falls (or even where Dallas does, as this division is very dependent on young players). I'm sliding the Eagles into the number two spot, but their whole season basically revolves around Donovan McNabb. If he plays most of the season (hold your breath) then he can easily McGuyver together a passing attack from Reggie Brown, Kevin Curtis, LJ Smith, and his secret weapon, Brian Westbrook- the ultimate scatback. However, Kevin Kolb or AJ Feeley would be considerably worse off, with neither being, frankly, as talented or experienced. Not to say Kolb won't be able to be a productive NFL QB, but in terms of his athleticism, he pales in comparison. The defensive side of the ball is considerably more confusing, as they're expected to run from a nickel back quite often this season due to the presence of three pro-bowl corners. The front seven is full of young talents, a stark contrast to the defensive backfield. It projects as a solid squad, and a favorite to be near the top of the league in turnovers created.
Giants- How often can a team win a Super Bowl and be an honest possibility to not even finish top two in their own division? The G-Men have retained most of their talented offensive line, and return most of their skill position players on offense. Ahmad Bradshaw missed a good deal of time this offseason in jail for a probation violation though, and Brandon Jacobs had surgery on his left wrist earlier this offseason, which may be a slight cause for concern since it could break again and there is a possibility it affects his ball-carrying. The New York Football Giants defense was pillaged this offseason, as they lost Kawika Mitchell, Reggie Torbor, and Gibril Wilson to free agency and didn't make great strides to replace them, going with Mathias Kiwanuka, Gerris Wilkenson and Kenny Phillips/Michael Johnson/Sammy Knight. This could be a problem for them, although Justin Tuck should do a fine job replacing Michael Strahan in terms of on-field production. Strahan's leadership being replaced could be a bigger problem though, as he had quite a bit of experience.
Redskins- The most absolutely confusing of the teams in the division. The Redskins will be fun to watch this year, be it for fans of Washington or the opposing team. They have Jason Campbell learning another offensive system this year, but if nothing else he's proven a quick learner and quite intelligent. He also has a strong arm and is mobile enough to make a defense pay if they drop seven into coverage. The offense could have problems with Chris Cooley expected to be an offensive force who certainly doesn't have speed to burn. Malcolm Kelly is supposed to man the second receiver spot, and while he is promising, it would be ideal if a team wasn't relying on him as a starting wideout in his rookie year. The Redskin defense is gonna be hard to project, because they have talent, with Jason Taylor and London Fletcher up front, but the loss of Sean Taylor kind of leaves the D without a real face or identity. LaRon Landry, last seasons first rounder for the Skins, is expected to slide over and pick up the spot vacated by Taylor, with Reed Doughty and Stuart Schwiegert battling to be the starting strong safety. This team can really epitomize the division: dependent on young players.
Other divisions should follow soon. It's not like I have much else to do in the summer, anyway.
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