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Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Questioning the NFC
After a good defensive battle Thursday night between the Steelers and Titans, the rest the NFL gets underway over the next two days.
In the parity-era of the league no team is complete, every club has a question that will only be answered in the grind of a full season.
The AFC queries were dealt with before its schedule got underway the other night in the Steel City. Now its time for the NFC clubs to face their imperfections.
First, one issue the NFL will have to face: What's the league going to say when the ridiculous scoreboard in Dallas changes a game? A do-over will work -- playgroundesque as it is -- for a while. But, what if a punter hits the massive thing four or five times and then shanks one that goes 17 yards.
Or, a worst case scenario would be, after four or five do-overs everyone on the field is winded from going back-and-forth. Everyone except the returner that is, he is the only one who would barely have moved. As the only fresh legs on the field, the punt is returned for a touchdown. Then what? How a $1.5 billion stadium could have such an easily diagnosed issue is remarkable.
Teams appear in order of predicted finish.
NFC EAST:
Giants:
Who's going to catch it?
The Giants don't have a receiver that will keep a defensive coordinator up at night. Big Blue will run the ball with the best of them. The D-line gets after the quarterback better than any team in the league. But, as we saw in the second half of last season, Eli Manning needs a big time receiver to throw to. If none of the pass-catchers on the roster have a break-out year, the Giants will not represent the NFC in the Super Bowl.
Cowboys:
Will Tony Romo improve without T.O.?
After getting off to good starts the past few seasons, the Cowboys have played shoddy football in the latter half of the schedule. Did Terrell Owens' antics contribute to the drop-off? If Tony Romo doesn't show he can win in the playoffs this season, the 'Boys will have to rethink the QB position before next season.
Eagles:
Mind? Heart? Soul?
While most are focusing on the offensive side of the ball and the addition of Michael Vick, the bigger change is on the defensive side of the ball. Defensive coordinator Jim Johnson's passing (mind), MLB Stewart Bradley's season-ending injury (heart), and Brian Dawkins' departure to the Broncos (soul) in the offseason has been underplayed. Johnson was one of the best coordinators in football. Bradley isn't that well-known but that is because his reputation has yet to get around. Dawkins has long been one of the fiercest hitters around.
Redskins:
Is Jason Campbell the real deal?
The 'Skins have been propping up Campbell for a few years now, but the QB has yet to take any major steps. On defense, it's not a question of will Albert Haynesworth miss games, rather how many?
NFC NORTH:
Vikings:
What does Favre have left in the tank?
The best run-defense and number one running back will be enough for the Vikes to take this solid but overrated division. Whether or not the team does anything in the postseason will depend on what Favre has at the end of a long season. The Indecisive One got off to a fine start with the Jets then fell apart late. Another thing Favre will have to contend with is a thin receiving corps which may push Brett to force more throws than usual -- if that's at all possible.
Bears:
Who is Jay Cutler throwing the ball to?
Sure, Jay Cutler is the best quarterback to play for the Bears in a long time, but a glance at the pass caching depth chart will not exactly strike fear in opponents' heart. Devin Hester is the number one receiver on this squad, and no doubt he's a tough guy to bring down in the open field, however catching the ball from someone who throws with the velocity of Cutler is no easy task.
Packers:
Will Aaron Rodgers take the next step?
Aaron Rodgers showed us that the Packers weren't nuts for thinking they had a replacement for Favre. If he can be a top-of-the-line QB remains to be seen. The club is good, if not great, at just about every other position. If Rodgers takes a significant step-up, the Pack will be a team to deal with for many years to come.
Lions:
Last season was rock-bottom, right?
It's hard to imagine this team not improving at all. Matthew Stafford is an upgrade at QB, as is Jim Schwartz as head coach. If you're looking for something to keep an eye on with this team, how about the first team that loses to the Lions this season? That's going to be embarrassing.
NFC SOUTH:
Falcons:
Can the defense catch-up to the offense?
Who would think that with the cards this franchise was dealt just a few years ago it would turn into one of the best stories of last season. Rookie QB plus rookie head coach = no problem. Roddy White is one of the best big-play receivers in the league. The addition of Tony Gonzalez adds to an already fine offensive unit. However, for this team to make any noise in the playoffs the defense will have to show significant improvement.
Panthers:
Will the Julius Peppers saga disrupt the team?
It's hard to find a weakness on this team offensively. DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart make-up the best running tandem in football. The defense is solid but needs Peppers to play at his best to be most effective. He wasn't happy with the contract situation in the offseason, if it brings down his performance on the field in any way the whole team will feel it.
Saints:
Is Reggie Bush a premiere running back?
Coming out of USC, Bush was supposed to be the next great thing. After three years in the league that has yet to come to fruition. Running backs have short careers, Bush has already missed a significant number of games over the last two seasons. The Saints will be better off moving Bush to receiver, he's at his best when he has the ball in space and that is not something running backs get in this league.
Buccaneers:
Is there a QB in the house?
Want to know the importance of a quarterback to an NFL franchise, look no further than the Bucs. Even though there is good talent at the other offensive positions, there is no chance at a playoff run because there's a big hole at QB. Byron Leftwich has not won a game as a starter since 2006 with Jacksonville. Another thing worth watching in Tampa is rookie coach Raheem Morris who is only 33-years-old and was never a head coach at any level.
NFC WEST:
Cardinals:
Was last season an aberration?
The Cards got into the postseason because they reside in an incredibly weak division -- the 49ers finished in second place, enough said -- and took off from there. The defense is suspect at several spots and there isn't much of a running game. Will the best trio of receivers do enough to keep the team afloat? If 38-year-old QB Kurt Warner misses time, does Matt Leinart have what it takes to lead the team?
Seahawks:
Was last season an aberration?
The class of the AFC West since 2003 completely fell apart last season. Matt Hasselbeck played in only seven games. The leading receiver on the squad was rookie tight end John Carlson. If this team is a little luckier on the injury front, there will be a significant improvement on last season's 4-12 record. T.J. Houshmandzadeh is an instant upgrade at wide receiver. What kind of job will Jim Mora do at head coach?
49ers:
Can Mike Singletary straighten out a franchise?
Singletary came in mid-season and went 5-4 in his nine games at the helm. No doubt he will make the team tougher, but for a franchise that had a good-to-great QB from 1981 through 2003 (Montana-Young-Garcia) the last few year have left a lot to be desired. Michael Crabtree's holdout is not the way for a tremendously talented receiver to start his pro-career.
Rams:
Can Spags turn around this mess?
Five wins combined over the last two seasons would define a mess. It's hard to imagine this team not improving at all, there isn't much lower they can fall. Rookie head coach Steve Spagnuolo will have his hands full, but at the very least he should make this team more fun to watch -- not quite The Greatest Show on Turf, but more exciting then it's been lately.
In the parity-era of the league no team is complete, every club has a question that will only be answered in the grind of a full season.
The AFC queries were dealt with before its schedule got underway the other night in the Steel City. Now its time for the NFC clubs to face their imperfections.
First, one issue the NFL will have to face: What's the league going to say when the ridiculous scoreboard in Dallas changes a game? A do-over will work -- playgroundesque as it is -- for a while. But, what if a punter hits the massive thing four or five times and then shanks one that goes 17 yards.
Or, a worst case scenario would be, after four or five do-overs everyone on the field is winded from going back-and-forth. Everyone except the returner that is, he is the only one who would barely have moved. As the only fresh legs on the field, the punt is returned for a touchdown. Then what? How a $1.5 billion stadium could have such an easily diagnosed issue is remarkable.
Teams appear in order of predicted finish.
NFC EAST:
Giants:
Who's going to catch it?
The Giants don't have a receiver that will keep a defensive coordinator up at night. Big Blue will run the ball with the best of them. The D-line gets after the quarterback better than any team in the league. But, as we saw in the second half of last season, Eli Manning needs a big time receiver to throw to. If none of the pass-catchers on the roster have a break-out year, the Giants will not represent the NFC in the Super Bowl.
Cowboys:
Will Tony Romo improve without T.O.?
After getting off to good starts the past few seasons, the Cowboys have played shoddy football in the latter half of the schedule. Did Terrell Owens' antics contribute to the drop-off? If Tony Romo doesn't show he can win in the playoffs this season, the 'Boys will have to rethink the QB position before next season.
Eagles:
Mind? Heart? Soul?
While most are focusing on the offensive side of the ball and the addition of Michael Vick, the bigger change is on the defensive side of the ball. Defensive coordinator Jim Johnson's passing (mind), MLB Stewart Bradley's season-ending injury (heart), and Brian Dawkins' departure to the Broncos (soul) in the offseason has been underplayed. Johnson was one of the best coordinators in football. Bradley isn't that well-known but that is because his reputation has yet to get around. Dawkins has long been one of the fiercest hitters around.
Redskins:
Is Jason Campbell the real deal?
The 'Skins have been propping up Campbell for a few years now, but the QB has yet to take any major steps. On defense, it's not a question of will Albert Haynesworth miss games, rather how many?
NFC NORTH:
Vikings:
What does Favre have left in the tank?
The best run-defense and number one running back will be enough for the Vikes to take this solid but overrated division. Whether or not the team does anything in the postseason will depend on what Favre has at the end of a long season. The Indecisive One got off to a fine start with the Jets then fell apart late. Another thing Favre will have to contend with is a thin receiving corps which may push Brett to force more throws than usual -- if that's at all possible.
Bears:
Who is Jay Cutler throwing the ball to?
Sure, Jay Cutler is the best quarterback to play for the Bears in a long time, but a glance at the pass caching depth chart will not exactly strike fear in opponents' heart. Devin Hester is the number one receiver on this squad, and no doubt he's a tough guy to bring down in the open field, however catching the ball from someone who throws with the velocity of Cutler is no easy task.
Packers:
Will Aaron Rodgers take the next step?
Aaron Rodgers showed us that the Packers weren't nuts for thinking they had a replacement for Favre. If he can be a top-of-the-line QB remains to be seen. The club is good, if not great, at just about every other position. If Rodgers takes a significant step-up, the Pack will be a team to deal with for many years to come.
Lions:
Last season was rock-bottom, right?
It's hard to imagine this team not improving at all. Matthew Stafford is an upgrade at QB, as is Jim Schwartz as head coach. If you're looking for something to keep an eye on with this team, how about the first team that loses to the Lions this season? That's going to be embarrassing.
NFC SOUTH:
Falcons:
Can the defense catch-up to the offense?
Who would think that with the cards this franchise was dealt just a few years ago it would turn into one of the best stories of last season. Rookie QB plus rookie head coach = no problem. Roddy White is one of the best big-play receivers in the league. The addition of Tony Gonzalez adds to an already fine offensive unit. However, for this team to make any noise in the playoffs the defense will have to show significant improvement.
Panthers:
Will the Julius Peppers saga disrupt the team?
It's hard to find a weakness on this team offensively. DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart make-up the best running tandem in football. The defense is solid but needs Peppers to play at his best to be most effective. He wasn't happy with the contract situation in the offseason, if it brings down his performance on the field in any way the whole team will feel it.
Saints:
Is Reggie Bush a premiere running back?
Coming out of USC, Bush was supposed to be the next great thing. After three years in the league that has yet to come to fruition. Running backs have short careers, Bush has already missed a significant number of games over the last two seasons. The Saints will be better off moving Bush to receiver, he's at his best when he has the ball in space and that is not something running backs get in this league.
Buccaneers:
Is there a QB in the house?
Want to know the importance of a quarterback to an NFL franchise, look no further than the Bucs. Even though there is good talent at the other offensive positions, there is no chance at a playoff run because there's a big hole at QB. Byron Leftwich has not won a game as a starter since 2006 with Jacksonville. Another thing worth watching in Tampa is rookie coach Raheem Morris who is only 33-years-old and was never a head coach at any level.
NFC WEST:
Cardinals:
Was last season an aberration?
The Cards got into the postseason because they reside in an incredibly weak division -- the 49ers finished in second place, enough said -- and took off from there. The defense is suspect at several spots and there isn't much of a running game. Will the best trio of receivers do enough to keep the team afloat? If 38-year-old QB Kurt Warner misses time, does Matt Leinart have what it takes to lead the team?
Seahawks:
Was last season an aberration?
The class of the AFC West since 2003 completely fell apart last season. Matt Hasselbeck played in only seven games. The leading receiver on the squad was rookie tight end John Carlson. If this team is a little luckier on the injury front, there will be a significant improvement on last season's 4-12 record. T.J. Houshmandzadeh is an instant upgrade at wide receiver. What kind of job will Jim Mora do at head coach?
49ers:
Can Mike Singletary straighten out a franchise?
Singletary came in mid-season and went 5-4 in his nine games at the helm. No doubt he will make the team tougher, but for a franchise that had a good-to-great QB from 1981 through 2003 (Montana-Young-Garcia) the last few year have left a lot to be desired. Michael Crabtree's holdout is not the way for a tremendously talented receiver to start his pro-career.
Rams:
Can Spags turn around this mess?
Five wins combined over the last two seasons would define a mess. It's hard to imagine this team not improving at all, there isn't much lower they can fall. Rookie head coach Steve Spagnuolo will have his hands full, but at the very least he should make this team more fun to watch -- not quite The Greatest Show on Turf, but more exciting then it's been lately.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Questioning the AFC
If you're a Mets fan this is the day you've been waiting for since the All-Star Break: Today the NFL kicks-off its season in Pittsburgh.
The classic between the Steelers and Cardinals feels like ages ago while it also feels like it happened last week. Strange how that works.
The offseason has been a long one. Between the Draft, the trades, head coaches being fired and hired and some big players (Albert Haynesworth) moving through free-agency the NFL really doesn't have much quiet time.
Yet, after all these months, there are still questions abound.
Training camp has come and gone, meaningless football -- that fans put way too much stock into -- is over till next August, but every team in the league has at least one unsettling situation. Many have two or more.
Here are the biggest questions facing AFC teams. The NFC will take its turn before it gets its season underway Sunday.
Teams appear in order of predicted finish.
AFC EAST:
Patriots:
How's the knee?
With Tom Brady back the Pats are once again Super Bowl favorites. But, something very small can derail everything, about the size of a knee, more specifically Brady's knee. Bill Belichick is still reluctant to say which one. The other issue is: Who will run the ball? For all the talent this team stock piles, there is not a decent running back on the squad.
Dolphins:
Will Penn. need relief?
Chad Pennington is coming off his second come-back player of the year award. While that shows tremendous persistence on Chad's part, it also means he has issues staying on the field. Should the need arise, is Chad Henne ready to step in? Or will the 'Phins be forced to move to all-Wildcat offense?
Jets:
Which Matt will Mark Sanchez resemble?
Matt Ryan who carried the Falcons to the playoffs or fellow USC product Matt Leinart. To be fair, it may be difficult to judge, because the Jets also have a few questions to be answered at the receiver spot.
Bills:
When/Will T.O. .......?
When Terrell Owens is on your roster every query must involve the reality-show star. Will T.O. get along with his quarterback? How long before T.O. gets frustrated? Will T.O. cry at a press conference?
AFC NORTH:
Steelers:
Can a team repeat in this NFL?
Repeating is one of the most difficult things to accomplish in sports. Every game is the opposing team's prove-it-game. The defending champs have some clear-cut games on the schedule -- no matter what the Lions or Raiders are trying to prove they don't have a shot against the Steel Curtain. However, there is still some uncertainty on the offensive line, and don't discount a tumultuous offseason for Ben Roethlisberger.
Ravens:
Flacco? Rex? Ray?
Is Joe Flacco a fluke? Will losing Rex Ryan to the Jets hurt the defense? Is this the year Ray Lewis begins to show his age? This team will take a significant step back if any of these questions are answered to the affirmative.
Bengals:
What happened?
The franchise was a joke for a decade, then turned it around and were on the verge of big things. Now, they're back where they started. Will Carson Palmer stay on the field this year?
Browns:
Mangenius or Mangidiot?
It wasn't very long after the Jets fired Eric Mangini that the Browns hired him. Early in his head coaching career he was a genius, as time went on he became a pain in the rear. Need proof, Mangini still has not announced who his starting QB will be.
AFC SOUTH:
Colts:
Is this the year?
Losing your head coach (Tony Dungy) and one of the best receivers in history (Marvin Harrison) is going to cause some problems, there is no way around it. How big a step back the team takes -- if any -- will rest on the broad shoulders of Peyton Manning, as the franchise already does anyway.
Texans:
Is this the year?
This team has been on the verge of big things for some time now. Andre Johnson is among the top receivers in the game. The running game is dangerous. The front-seven is deep. The one piece missing is QB Matt Schaub taking the next step to being a premiere NFL passer. Come to think of it, with a top wideout, strong running game, solid pass-rushers and a QB on the verge, the club is reminiscent of a Giants squad that not too long ago beat a certain Patriots team 17-14.
Titans:
Can Kerry stay healthy?
Kerry Collins is coming off a very serviceable season. The wide receiving corps is much improved with the additions of Nate Washington and Kenny Brit but Collins' age (36) has to be taken into account. Can Vince Young step in and hold the team together if Kerry goes down. A few bad games could end their season in a very deep division.
Jaguars:
Can they rebound?
The Jags went from 11-5 to 5-11 in one season. They were one of the darling picks going into the season, but it all came apart. Coach Jack Del Rio got rid of some guys he thought were a negative to the team. It will be tough to get more than eight wins in this division but that kind of improvement will be necessary to keep the heat off Del Rio.
AFC WEST:
Chargers:
Will it -- finally -- all come together?
San Diego has long had the most talented offense it the league, now it's time for them to step-up and play like it. In a cheese cake of a division -- which should be locked up by Thanksgiving -- the Chargers should roll into the playoffs. What LaDainian Tomlinson (there is only one LT, and he played linebacker for the Giants) has left remains to be seen. And whether Shawne Merriman is pushing himself right out of football, a la Plaxico Burress, also warrants (no pun intended) keeping an eye on.
Chiefs:
Is Cassel the real deal?
Matt Cassel stepped in for Tom Brady and did a fine job. Was he a product of the system or is he legitimate NFL QB? New coach Todd Haley has brought some tough love to K.C. but long-term success for this franchise will depend on Cassel.
Broncos:
What should we expect?
Josh McDaniels replaces Mike Shanahan as coach and almost immediately the two best players on the squad are unhappy. Jay Cutler is now in Chicago and Brandon Marshal is in a contract dispute. Outside of Knowshon Moreno is there any reason to watch this team?
Raiders:
Is there a foundation in place?
Let's not forget that the Raiders went to the Super Bowl in this decade, they're not quite the Lions. It's been a disaster since then but there may be a decent base that will not fully take shape for a couple of years. Does JaMarcus Russell have anything? Is Darren McFadden a premier number-one back? Was it head coach Tom Cable who threw the punch that broke assistant coach Randy Hanson's jaw? Whenever this team does come around, it has the most unknown great player in football, Nnamdi Asomugha, at cornerback.
The classic between the Steelers and Cardinals feels like ages ago while it also feels like it happened last week. Strange how that works.
The offseason has been a long one. Between the Draft, the trades, head coaches being fired and hired and some big players (Albert Haynesworth) moving through free-agency the NFL really doesn't have much quiet time.
Yet, after all these months, there are still questions abound.
Training camp has come and gone, meaningless football -- that fans put way too much stock into -- is over till next August, but every team in the league has at least one unsettling situation. Many have two or more.
Here are the biggest questions facing AFC teams. The NFC will take its turn before it gets its season underway Sunday.
Teams appear in order of predicted finish.
AFC EAST:
Patriots:
How's the knee?
With Tom Brady back the Pats are once again Super Bowl favorites. But, something very small can derail everything, about the size of a knee, more specifically Brady's knee. Bill Belichick is still reluctant to say which one. The other issue is: Who will run the ball? For all the talent this team stock piles, there is not a decent running back on the squad.
Dolphins:
Will Penn. need relief?
Chad Pennington is coming off his second come-back player of the year award. While that shows tremendous persistence on Chad's part, it also means he has issues staying on the field. Should the need arise, is Chad Henne ready to step in? Or will the 'Phins be forced to move to all-Wildcat offense?
Jets:
Which Matt will Mark Sanchez resemble?
Matt Ryan who carried the Falcons to the playoffs or fellow USC product Matt Leinart. To be fair, it may be difficult to judge, because the Jets also have a few questions to be answered at the receiver spot.
Bills:
When/Will T.O. .......?
When Terrell Owens is on your roster every query must involve the reality-show star. Will T.O. get along with his quarterback? How long before T.O. gets frustrated? Will T.O. cry at a press conference?
AFC NORTH:
Steelers:
Can a team repeat in this NFL?
Repeating is one of the most difficult things to accomplish in sports. Every game is the opposing team's prove-it-game. The defending champs have some clear-cut games on the schedule -- no matter what the Lions or Raiders are trying to prove they don't have a shot against the Steel Curtain. However, there is still some uncertainty on the offensive line, and don't discount a tumultuous offseason for Ben Roethlisberger.
Ravens:
Flacco? Rex? Ray?
Is Joe Flacco a fluke? Will losing Rex Ryan to the Jets hurt the defense? Is this the year Ray Lewis begins to show his age? This team will take a significant step back if any of these questions are answered to the affirmative.
Bengals:
What happened?
The franchise was a joke for a decade, then turned it around and were on the verge of big things. Now, they're back where they started. Will Carson Palmer stay on the field this year?
Browns:
Mangenius or Mangidiot?
It wasn't very long after the Jets fired Eric Mangini that the Browns hired him. Early in his head coaching career he was a genius, as time went on he became a pain in the rear. Need proof, Mangini still has not announced who his starting QB will be.
AFC SOUTH:
Colts:
Is this the year?
Losing your head coach (Tony Dungy) and one of the best receivers in history (Marvin Harrison) is going to cause some problems, there is no way around it. How big a step back the team takes -- if any -- will rest on the broad shoulders of Peyton Manning, as the franchise already does anyway.
Texans:
Is this the year?
This team has been on the verge of big things for some time now. Andre Johnson is among the top receivers in the game. The running game is dangerous. The front-seven is deep. The one piece missing is QB Matt Schaub taking the next step to being a premiere NFL passer. Come to think of it, with a top wideout, strong running game, solid pass-rushers and a QB on the verge, the club is reminiscent of a Giants squad that not too long ago beat a certain Patriots team 17-14.
Titans:
Can Kerry stay healthy?
Kerry Collins is coming off a very serviceable season. The wide receiving corps is much improved with the additions of Nate Washington and Kenny Brit but Collins' age (36) has to be taken into account. Can Vince Young step in and hold the team together if Kerry goes down. A few bad games could end their season in a very deep division.
Jaguars:
Can they rebound?
The Jags went from 11-5 to 5-11 in one season. They were one of the darling picks going into the season, but it all came apart. Coach Jack Del Rio got rid of some guys he thought were a negative to the team. It will be tough to get more than eight wins in this division but that kind of improvement will be necessary to keep the heat off Del Rio.
AFC WEST:
Chargers:
Will it -- finally -- all come together?
San Diego has long had the most talented offense it the league, now it's time for them to step-up and play like it. In a cheese cake of a division -- which should be locked up by Thanksgiving -- the Chargers should roll into the playoffs. What LaDainian Tomlinson (there is only one LT, and he played linebacker for the Giants) has left remains to be seen. And whether Shawne Merriman is pushing himself right out of football, a la Plaxico Burress, also warrants (no pun intended) keeping an eye on.
Chiefs:
Is Cassel the real deal?
Matt Cassel stepped in for Tom Brady and did a fine job. Was he a product of the system or is he legitimate NFL QB? New coach Todd Haley has brought some tough love to K.C. but long-term success for this franchise will depend on Cassel.
Broncos:
What should we expect?
Josh McDaniels replaces Mike Shanahan as coach and almost immediately the two best players on the squad are unhappy. Jay Cutler is now in Chicago and Brandon Marshal is in a contract dispute. Outside of Knowshon Moreno is there any reason to watch this team?
Raiders:
Is there a foundation in place?
Let's not forget that the Raiders went to the Super Bowl in this decade, they're not quite the Lions. It's been a disaster since then but there may be a decent base that will not fully take shape for a couple of years. Does JaMarcus Russell have anything? Is Darren McFadden a premier number-one back? Was it head coach Tom Cable who threw the punch that broke assistant coach Randy Hanson's jaw? Whenever this team does come around, it has the most unknown great player in football, Nnamdi Asomugha, at cornerback.
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