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PREVIEW 2010
by Jeff Sullivan
http://www.dallascowboysstar.com/article-details&nid=3659&vid=3660&uid=35812
Our second annual NFL Preview is upon us. There are many questions and few definitive answers at this point of any season, outside of Super Bowl XLV being played at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington (NOT Dallas), Texas an the St. Louis Rams not being among the two teams vying for the Lombardi Trophy come Feb. 6.
Here's our best effort in breaking down the 91st season of the National Football League:
AFC 2010
EAST
New England Patriots 11-5
NY Jets 10-6
Miami Dolphins 9-7
Buffalo Bills 4-12
The Pats are at once aging, yet inexperienced, not to mention already lacking in depth after season-ending injuries to DE Ty Warren and CB Leigh Bodden. Throw in the holdout of Logan Mankins, a top-3 guard in the NFL, and this is definitely not the undefeated juggernaut of three seasons ago. Still, Tom Brady, Randy Moss and Wes Welker - miraculously appearing 100 percent despite a torn ACL and MCL in early-January - have no peers among pass-catch-catch trios. And there's the man in the hooded sweatshirt roaming the sideline, who, swashbuckling fourth-down play calls aside, is still arguably the most-respected head coach in the game.
First, this has been unequivocally the best season of Hard Knocks in the show's run. Have to love Rex Ryan and his defense is superb; might have been the league's best in 2009. Can't imagine "Revis Island" holding out come the regular season, but who knows. Huge fan of RB Shonn Greene this year, and WR Santonio Holmes appears on a mission, at least after his four-game suspension. Still, this is an older team, an injury or two is almost automatic, and still not completely sold on Mark Sanchez throwing the deep ball when the safety isn't biting on play-action.
Miami is among my surprise teams this year, wouldn't be stunned by the Fish winning 11 games or the division title. QB Chad Henne is better than the majority realize; he'll be among the top half of signal callers this season. Jake Long anchors a nasty, old-school offensive line and head coach Tony Sparano has proven to possess that magic formula to cajole two or three more wins than what appears for the taking.
The Bills are not good. Might win a few academic bees among quarterbacks - Trent Edwards and Ryan Fitzpatrick graduated from Stanford and Harvard, respectively - but that's not equating to on-field success. Their projected starters include Steve Johnson at wide receiver and Jonathan Stupar at tight end. In four combined seasons, the duo has managed 18 catches for 152 yards. Poor Chan Gailey.
Impact Player: S Brandon Meriweather, Patriots
A first-time Pro Bowler last season, Meriweather is anchoring likely the youngest secondary in the league this year. A crunching hitter, somewhat in the mold of Rodney Harrison, he'll need to take on more of a leadership role with rookie Devin McCourty and second-year Darius Butler expected to start at the corners.
WEST
San Diego Chargers 13-3
Denver Broncos 8-8
Oakland Raiders 7-9
Kansas City Chiefs 5-11
The last two seasons there hasn't been a better quarterback than Philip Rivers. He was my pick for NFL MVP in 2009 and could easily win the honor this time around. The last game he tallied a rating lower than 84.5 was Week 13 vs. Atlanta in 2008. That's a run of 20 games, absolutely incredible. Through 64 starts, no quarterback in the history of the league has posted a better winning percentage (.719) and a higher rating (95.8). Will say this is a better offense with WR Vincent Jackson so that could be a hindrance depending on that resolution.
The likely season-ending loss of pass-rusher extraordinaire Elvis Dumervil was crushing for Denver, not that first-year coordinator Don Martindale (Wink's son?) didn't have a daunting task to begin with. As for the Tim Tebow Watch, he could be starting by midseason and here's guessing he's all right.
Oakland is no longer brutal, and if Jason Campbell can make 16 starts and the running back tandem of Michael Bush and Darren McFadden stays healthy, the Raiders will surprise. If they didn't completely waste the 2009 NFL Draft, even more so. When he's not decking assistant coaches, Tom Cable has actually done a nice job.
Check back next year; the Chiefs are rebuilding quite nicely and should be ready to compete for a playoff berth in 2011. At least, that is, if QB Matt Cassel is the real deal under center, which he appears to be. Running backs Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones could each rush for 1,000 yards, too.
Impact Player: RB Ryan Mathews, Chargers
Norv Turner says Mathews will have at least 300 touches, which in that offense should translate to 1,500 yards from scrimmage, maybe more. He can catch, and Cowboys fans saw firsthand in the preseason that he possesses that rare combination of making would-be tacklers miss yet also being able to run over them. Barring injury, he's a lock for Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.
NORTH
Pittsburgh Steelers 11-5
Baltimore Ravens 10-6
Cincinnati Bengals 7-0
Cleveland Browns 3-13
Much went wrong for the Steelers last season, and even then, they finished 9-7 and were the team no one wanted to face in the playoffs, which proved moot when they didn't qualify. Difficult offseason in the Land of the Terrible Towels, and losing Santonio Holmes for dimes on the dollar was a tough blow. But if they can somehow split their four games minus QB Ben Roethlisberger, they are the front-runners here. Pittsburgh could even make a Super Bowl run behind a top-3 defense with S Troy Polamalu seemingly healthy.
QB Joe Flacco has looked otherworldly this preseason and appears ready to make the leap. While third-year counterpart "Matty Ice" Ryan won Offensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2008, Flacco has definitely passed him, and in terms of arm strength, it's not even close. Ray Rice is one of my favorite players in the league, just so much energy with those football instincts that are impossible to teach. Defense is aging, yes still, but Ray Lewis was first-team All-Pro last season, although somewhat on reputation.
Not big on the Bengals this year. Know some people are, but Carson Palmer is morphing into Gus Frerotte and no, that's not meant as a compliment. Not sure Cedric Benson has another 1,200-yard effort in him. Heck, not sure he has 1,000. Do think CB Leon Hall could vie for first-team All-Pro honors.
The Browns are rebuilding. Stunning, huh? Josh Cribbs is one of the top all-around players in the league, so they have that going for them, which is nice. Oh, and Joe Thomas is hands down the most dominant tackle in the game, but this team is two years from even thinking about a .500 finish.
Impact Player: WR Mike Wallace, Steelers
Really, really like this kid. As dreadful of a pick as Limas Sweed was in 2008 - taken two selections before Ray Rice in the second round - the Steelers hit the lottery with Wallace in 2009. He averaged nearly 20 yards a catch as a rookie and hauled in 47- and 68-yard receptions in the preseason. Think he could be a Pro Bowler as soon as this year.
SOUTH
Indianapolis Colts 12-4
Houston Texans 11-5
Tennessee Titans 7-9
Carolina Panthers 4-12
At this point, and for the last few seasons really, Indy has reached that bizarre level of every campaign that doesn't end with a Lombardi Trophy is a disappointment. Thing is, and many don't realize this, take away Peyton Manning's Super Bowl run and his postseason record is 5-9. Not blaming him for all those losses, just saying, it's there. Look for WR Anthony Gonzalez to have a big year coming back from knee surgery.
Like the Texans this year, lot of big-time talent: DE Mario Williams, LB Brian Cushing - at least after his four-game suspension - and DT Amobi Okoye is ready to break out. On offense, Andre Johnson is simply the top receiver in the game, hands down, and Matt Schaub has a real chance at becoming the first quarterback in NFL history to throw for at least 4,750 yards in back-to-back seasons.
The Titans are just kind of there. Vince Young is 26-13 as a starter, so that's a positive, and Chris Johnson was the top offensive player in the NFL last year. But the defense is shaky at best, having allowed 25.1 points per game, which was 28th in the league. Still hard to trust Young completely, either.
Not sure why the Jacksonville franchise isn't in Los Angeles. This needs to happen. The NFL should step in and make this happen. Know how many home games were televised last year in the local market? One, the finale against the then-undefeated Colts. And even then, 10,000 seats were covered with a tarp. Maurice Jones-Drew is also banged up with a knee injury.
Impact Player: TE Owen Daniels, Texans
In the five halves of football before he tore his ACL at Buffalo in Week 8, Daniels caught 22 passes for 295 yards and three touchdowns. Not saying to project those numbers over a full season, that would be historic, but Houston's going to throw the ball a whole bunch and Schaub obviously has a ton of confidence in Daniels. He could lead all tight ends in receptions this year.
NFC 2010
EAST
Dallas Cowboys 12-4
Washington Commanders 9-7
Philadelphia 8-8
NY Giants 6-10
Earlier this summer, we predicted 13-3 for Romo and friends this season, but the schedule is brutal and the injuries up front have combined for this adjustment, albeit just a victory. For me, there are six teams that are capable of winning the Super Bowl and the Cowboys are among them. Can't ask for much more entering the season.
Another surprise team is the Commanders, who painfully limped to a 4-12 finish in 2009. Enter Mike Shanahan and Donovan McNabb. Are there two people in the sport more motivated to prove themselves this football season? Definitely not enthralled with their skill position talent around McNabb, well, at least outside of TE Chris Cooley, who could catch 90 balls. Still, just have a hunch that Shanahan and McNabb will create some magic.
First off, QB Kevin Kolb is going to be just fine, the preseason is, again, for the 104th time, meaningless. He proved himself to Andy Reid last season and is poised to become in many ways the next Aaron Rodgers. Like the young talent around him, too: All-World DeSean Jackson, Brent Celek, LeSean McCoy, Jeremy Maclin. This team's going to score early and often. Not big on the defense, even with the return of Stewart Bradley in the middle. Who knows, they could win nine or 10 and earn a wild-card berth over Washington. Wouldn't be shocking in the least.
Here are the New York Giants. Here is the train coming down the track. Choo-choo, chugga, chugga, choo-choo. And, wait for it ... BAM! Train wreck. Six wins might be generous. Here's one guarantee, take and deposit at the bank: Ahmad Bradshaw rushes for more yards than Brandon Jacobs. Heck, Tom Coughlin might, too.
Impact Player:QB Kevin Kolb, Eagles
This kid is stepping into a potentially disastrous situation with not exactly the most patient of fan bases, not to mention his preseason was, well, rough around the sharpest of edges. Still, no one in this league knows quarterbacks like Andy Reid, who tutored Brett Favre back in the day, and if he was willing to trade his guy to a division opponent, for me, that speaks volumes about his confidence in Kolb.
WEST
San Francisco 49ers 9-7
Seattle Seahawks 8-8
Arizona Cardinals 7-9
St Louis Rams 2-14
Not entirely sure here to be honest. Like San Francisco's defense, TE Vernon Davis broke out in a big way last season, QB Alex Smith has miraculously resurrected his career after almost being released, and RB Frank Gore is solid. This team can definitely win nine or 10 games and coast into the playoffs in without question the weakest division in the NFL.
Then again, there's Seattle with new head coach Pete Carroll, a healthy, hungry defense with superb linebackers, maybe QB Matt Hasselbeck has one final run in him, and there are some veterans at the skill positions. Look, on paper, this team isn't good, it's just that Carroll is a heck of a coach and really didn't fare as poorly as many have remembered in his previous stints in the league.
Huge fan of Cards head coach Ken Whisenhunt. This guy has worked wonders beyond wonders the last two seasons in Arizona, but this Matt Leinart situation is a mess and Derek Anderson is just, well, you know, Derek Anderson. Just don't see this playing out well. Do think Beanie Wells will have a nice year, but not against eight-man fronts, so they need to convince Kurt Warner to leave Dancing with the Stars or figure out an alternative plan. And quickly.
The Rams will win a football game this year. And exactly 12 people will be watching when it happens. Whether they win two or not, that's another question entirely. Losing promising second-year WR Donnie Avery certainly won't help in that endeavor.
Impact Player:WR Michael Crabtree, 49ers
For many scouts, the two most talented wideouts to enter the NFL in the last 20 years are Calvin Johnson and Crabtree. And for those who watched either in college, or even last season, the reasons are obvious. Alas, Crabtree missed the start of the 2009 campaign in an utterly useless holdout, but he's been electrifying this preseason and is ready to make the leap from promising rookie to Pro Bowler.
NORTH
Green Bay Packers 13-3
Minnesota Vikings 9-7
Chicago Bears 7-9
Detroit Lions 3-13
The Packers, at this place and time, possess the most talented roster, from Aaron Rodgers through the final member of the special teams, in the NFL. Not by leaps and bounds, but in the not-really-any-doubt manner. Rodgers could put up numbers not previously seen. We're talking breaking Dan Marino's single-season passing yards record, 40 touchdowns and maybe rushing for another five. He could also be decapitated Week 1 behind an average-at-best line and this conversation is thus rendered moot. That's football.
Ready for this one: Brett Favre doesn't play eight regular-season games this year. Yeah, yeah, we know, he's never missed an NFL game, the streak, but his ankle is shot and this time around, he should've stayed on the farm in wherever, Mississippi. There is no way he makes it through the year, none, nadda, zip. And after that, WR Sidney Rice is out at least six weeks, vastly underappreciated backup RB Chester Taylor is with the Bears, and reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Percy Harvin is battling migraines. The receiving corps is so depleted they recently brought in Javon Walker, who somehow in three games with Oakland last season managed zero receptions and a fumble. Yes, zero catches and a fumble. Minny's defense is still potent, led by All-Pro Jared Allen.
Just not buying into the Mike Martz/Jay Cutler relationship, or that it's going to remind one and all of Warner's days with the St. Louis Rams. Afraid for Chicago fans, we're likely to be reminded more of Warner's days with the Giants. Look, Cutler is 24-29 as a starter and has thrown 58 interceptions the last three years. He is what he is. He's Jeff George.
The Lions are making some progress. Love WR Calvin Johnson this season and QB Matthew Stafford is the real deal. Still a few drafts away from making the leap. Oh, Ndamukong Suh is a monster of a man who almost beheaded Jake Delhomme in the preseason. This kid is going to cause some serious havoc.
Impact Player:LB Clay Matthews, Packers
Last season, Matthews became the first Packers rookie to earn Pro Bowl honors since James Lofton, but for Green Bay to reach its potential, they need more from him this season. The 10 sacks were nice, but he needs to be more like the force that registered six sacks in four games during Weeks 12-15. The Packers can score points, but they need to stop opposing offenses at least two or three times per game and that starts with the pass rush.
SOUTH
New Orleans Saints 12-4
Atlanta Falcons 8-8
Carolina Panthers 7-9
Tampa Bay Bucs 4-12
Do not think the Saints are going to repeat this season and the 12 wins listed above may even be a tad generous. Veteran S Darren Sharper played a gigantic role for that defense last season and physically, he appears not ready to take the field, at least not the first six games of the year. He could even retire altogether. Obviously Drew Brees is Drew Brees and they're going to score a whole bunch of points. This has to be the make-or-break year for Reggie Bush, too. Cannot figure out his deal, really can't. He was so awesomely awesome at USC.
Still can't fathom that last season marked the first back-to-back winning campaigns in Falcons franchise history. That is mind-boggling. Anyhow, they could have a third, but "Matty Ice," while the best nickname in sports at the moment, isn't exactly who we thought he was. In fact, and this isn't meant in a completely negative way - honestly, it's not - but he's starting to become somewhat reminiscent of Chad Pennington. Not quite buying the RB Michael Turner return to glory that many are forecasting, either.
John Fox is one of the top-10 head coaches in the NFL, firmly believe that. He just needs out of Carolina in the worst way, and more than likely will have that opportunity come season's end. Solid at the skill positions, the Panthers could easily win nine games and sneak into the playoffs.
At the same time, the Bucs could easily lose every game they play this season and launch themselves firmly atop the Jake Locker sweepstakes, although their own young quarterback, Josh Freeman, has shown potential. Not sure Raheem Morris was ready for a head coaching gig last year, but let's give him another season or two before rendering judgment.
Impact Player:QB Matt Moore, Panthers
The Cowboys tried sneaking the former Oregon State product through waivers during final cuts back in 2007, but the Panthers immediately pounced. Somewhat rough treading this preseason, but he finished last year strong, with eight touchdowns and just one pick in five starts. This is a run-orientated offense, so they're not asking him to throw 30, 35 times per game. This could work.
2010 ALL-PRO TEAM
OFFENSE
Quarterback: Philip Rivers, Chargers
Running Backs: Chris Johnson, Titans; Ray Rice, Ravens
Fullback: Le'Ron McClain, Ravens
Tight end: Antonio Gates, Chargers
Wide receivers: Andre Johnson, Texans; Randy Moss, Patriots
Tackles: Joe Thomas, Browns; Jake Long, Dolphins
Guards: Jeri Evans, Saints; Chris Snee, Giants
Center: Nick Mangold, Jets
DEFENSE
Ends: Jared Allen, Vikings; Dwight Freeney, Colts
Tackles: Jay Ratliff, Cowboys; Haloti Ngata, Ravens
Outside linebackers: DeMarcus Ware, Cowboys; James Harrison, Steelers
Inside linebackers: Patrick Willis, 49ers, Jon Beason, Panthers
Cornerbacks: Nnamdi Asomugha, Raiders; Charles Woodson, Packers
Safeties: Adrian Wilson, Cardinals; Troy Polamalu, Steelers
SPECIAL TEAMS
Kicker: Sebastian Janikowski, Raiders
Punter: Shane Lechler, Raiders
Kick returner: Joshua Cribbs, Browns
Punt returner: DeSean Jackson, Eagles
AWARDS
NFL MVP: Philip Rivers, San Diego
Offensive Player of the Year: Aaron Rodgers, Packers
Defensive Player of the Year: DeMarcus Ware, Cowboys
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Ryan Mathews, Chargers
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Ndamukong Suh, Lions
Comeback Player of the Year: Troy Polamalu, Steelers
Coach of the Year: Mike Shanahan, Commanders
PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS
AFC
WILDCARD
Patriots (3) over Jets (6)
Steelers (4) over Texans (5)
DIVISIONAL
Chargers (1) over Steelers
Patriots over Colts (2)
CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP
Chargers over Patriots
NFC
WILDCARD
Saints (3) over Commanders (6)
Vikings (5) over 49ers (4)
DIVISIONAL
Packers (1) over Vikings
Cowboys (2) over Seahawks
CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP
Packers over Cowboys
SUPER BOWL XLV
Packers over Chargers
by Jeff Sullivan
http://www.dallascowboysstar.com/article-details&nid=3659&vid=3660&uid=35812
Our second annual NFL Preview is upon us. There are many questions and few definitive answers at this point of any season, outside of Super Bowl XLV being played at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington (NOT Dallas), Texas an the St. Louis Rams not being among the two teams vying for the Lombardi Trophy come Feb. 6.
Here's our best effort in breaking down the 91st season of the National Football League:
AFC 2010
EAST
New England Patriots 11-5
NY Jets 10-6
Miami Dolphins 9-7
Buffalo Bills 4-12
The Pats are at once aging, yet inexperienced, not to mention already lacking in depth after season-ending injuries to DE Ty Warren and CB Leigh Bodden. Throw in the holdout of Logan Mankins, a top-3 guard in the NFL, and this is definitely not the undefeated juggernaut of three seasons ago. Still, Tom Brady, Randy Moss and Wes Welker - miraculously appearing 100 percent despite a torn ACL and MCL in early-January - have no peers among pass-catch-catch trios. And there's the man in the hooded sweatshirt roaming the sideline, who, swashbuckling fourth-down play calls aside, is still arguably the most-respected head coach in the game.
First, this has been unequivocally the best season of Hard Knocks in the show's run. Have to love Rex Ryan and his defense is superb; might have been the league's best in 2009. Can't imagine "Revis Island" holding out come the regular season, but who knows. Huge fan of RB Shonn Greene this year, and WR Santonio Holmes appears on a mission, at least after his four-game suspension. Still, this is an older team, an injury or two is almost automatic, and still not completely sold on Mark Sanchez throwing the deep ball when the safety isn't biting on play-action.
Miami is among my surprise teams this year, wouldn't be stunned by the Fish winning 11 games or the division title. QB Chad Henne is better than the majority realize; he'll be among the top half of signal callers this season. Jake Long anchors a nasty, old-school offensive line and head coach Tony Sparano has proven to possess that magic formula to cajole two or three more wins than what appears for the taking.
The Bills are not good. Might win a few academic bees among quarterbacks - Trent Edwards and Ryan Fitzpatrick graduated from Stanford and Harvard, respectively - but that's not equating to on-field success. Their projected starters include Steve Johnson at wide receiver and Jonathan Stupar at tight end. In four combined seasons, the duo has managed 18 catches for 152 yards. Poor Chan Gailey.
Impact Player: S Brandon Meriweather, Patriots
A first-time Pro Bowler last season, Meriweather is anchoring likely the youngest secondary in the league this year. A crunching hitter, somewhat in the mold of Rodney Harrison, he'll need to take on more of a leadership role with rookie Devin McCourty and second-year Darius Butler expected to start at the corners.
WEST
San Diego Chargers 13-3
Denver Broncos 8-8
Oakland Raiders 7-9
Kansas City Chiefs 5-11
The last two seasons there hasn't been a better quarterback than Philip Rivers. He was my pick for NFL MVP in 2009 and could easily win the honor this time around. The last game he tallied a rating lower than 84.5 was Week 13 vs. Atlanta in 2008. That's a run of 20 games, absolutely incredible. Through 64 starts, no quarterback in the history of the league has posted a better winning percentage (.719) and a higher rating (95.8). Will say this is a better offense with WR Vincent Jackson so that could be a hindrance depending on that resolution.
The likely season-ending loss of pass-rusher extraordinaire Elvis Dumervil was crushing for Denver, not that first-year coordinator Don Martindale (Wink's son?) didn't have a daunting task to begin with. As for the Tim Tebow Watch, he could be starting by midseason and here's guessing he's all right.
Oakland is no longer brutal, and if Jason Campbell can make 16 starts and the running back tandem of Michael Bush and Darren McFadden stays healthy, the Raiders will surprise. If they didn't completely waste the 2009 NFL Draft, even more so. When he's not decking assistant coaches, Tom Cable has actually done a nice job.
Check back next year; the Chiefs are rebuilding quite nicely and should be ready to compete for a playoff berth in 2011. At least, that is, if QB Matt Cassel is the real deal under center, which he appears to be. Running backs Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones could each rush for 1,000 yards, too.
Impact Player: RB Ryan Mathews, Chargers
Norv Turner says Mathews will have at least 300 touches, which in that offense should translate to 1,500 yards from scrimmage, maybe more. He can catch, and Cowboys fans saw firsthand in the preseason that he possesses that rare combination of making would-be tacklers miss yet also being able to run over them. Barring injury, he's a lock for Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.
NORTH
Pittsburgh Steelers 11-5
Baltimore Ravens 10-6
Cincinnati Bengals 7-0
Cleveland Browns 3-13
Much went wrong for the Steelers last season, and even then, they finished 9-7 and were the team no one wanted to face in the playoffs, which proved moot when they didn't qualify. Difficult offseason in the Land of the Terrible Towels, and losing Santonio Holmes for dimes on the dollar was a tough blow. But if they can somehow split their four games minus QB Ben Roethlisberger, they are the front-runners here. Pittsburgh could even make a Super Bowl run behind a top-3 defense with S Troy Polamalu seemingly healthy.
QB Joe Flacco has looked otherworldly this preseason and appears ready to make the leap. While third-year counterpart "Matty Ice" Ryan won Offensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2008, Flacco has definitely passed him, and in terms of arm strength, it's not even close. Ray Rice is one of my favorite players in the league, just so much energy with those football instincts that are impossible to teach. Defense is aging, yes still, but Ray Lewis was first-team All-Pro last season, although somewhat on reputation.
Not big on the Bengals this year. Know some people are, but Carson Palmer is morphing into Gus Frerotte and no, that's not meant as a compliment. Not sure Cedric Benson has another 1,200-yard effort in him. Heck, not sure he has 1,000. Do think CB Leon Hall could vie for first-team All-Pro honors.
The Browns are rebuilding. Stunning, huh? Josh Cribbs is one of the top all-around players in the league, so they have that going for them, which is nice. Oh, and Joe Thomas is hands down the most dominant tackle in the game, but this team is two years from even thinking about a .500 finish.
Impact Player: WR Mike Wallace, Steelers
Really, really like this kid. As dreadful of a pick as Limas Sweed was in 2008 - taken two selections before Ray Rice in the second round - the Steelers hit the lottery with Wallace in 2009. He averaged nearly 20 yards a catch as a rookie and hauled in 47- and 68-yard receptions in the preseason. Think he could be a Pro Bowler as soon as this year.
SOUTH
Indianapolis Colts 12-4
Houston Texans 11-5
Tennessee Titans 7-9
Carolina Panthers 4-12
At this point, and for the last few seasons really, Indy has reached that bizarre level of every campaign that doesn't end with a Lombardi Trophy is a disappointment. Thing is, and many don't realize this, take away Peyton Manning's Super Bowl run and his postseason record is 5-9. Not blaming him for all those losses, just saying, it's there. Look for WR Anthony Gonzalez to have a big year coming back from knee surgery.
Like the Texans this year, lot of big-time talent: DE Mario Williams, LB Brian Cushing - at least after his four-game suspension - and DT Amobi Okoye is ready to break out. On offense, Andre Johnson is simply the top receiver in the game, hands down, and Matt Schaub has a real chance at becoming the first quarterback in NFL history to throw for at least 4,750 yards in back-to-back seasons.
The Titans are just kind of there. Vince Young is 26-13 as a starter, so that's a positive, and Chris Johnson was the top offensive player in the NFL last year. But the defense is shaky at best, having allowed 25.1 points per game, which was 28th in the league. Still hard to trust Young completely, either.
Not sure why the Jacksonville franchise isn't in Los Angeles. This needs to happen. The NFL should step in and make this happen. Know how many home games were televised last year in the local market? One, the finale against the then-undefeated Colts. And even then, 10,000 seats were covered with a tarp. Maurice Jones-Drew is also banged up with a knee injury.
Impact Player: TE Owen Daniels, Texans
In the five halves of football before he tore his ACL at Buffalo in Week 8, Daniels caught 22 passes for 295 yards and three touchdowns. Not saying to project those numbers over a full season, that would be historic, but Houston's going to throw the ball a whole bunch and Schaub obviously has a ton of confidence in Daniels. He could lead all tight ends in receptions this year.
NFC 2010
EAST
Dallas Cowboys 12-4
Washington Commanders 9-7
Philadelphia 8-8
NY Giants 6-10
Earlier this summer, we predicted 13-3 for Romo and friends this season, but the schedule is brutal and the injuries up front have combined for this adjustment, albeit just a victory. For me, there are six teams that are capable of winning the Super Bowl and the Cowboys are among them. Can't ask for much more entering the season.
Another surprise team is the Commanders, who painfully limped to a 4-12 finish in 2009. Enter Mike Shanahan and Donovan McNabb. Are there two people in the sport more motivated to prove themselves this football season? Definitely not enthralled with their skill position talent around McNabb, well, at least outside of TE Chris Cooley, who could catch 90 balls. Still, just have a hunch that Shanahan and McNabb will create some magic.
First off, QB Kevin Kolb is going to be just fine, the preseason is, again, for the 104th time, meaningless. He proved himself to Andy Reid last season and is poised to become in many ways the next Aaron Rodgers. Like the young talent around him, too: All-World DeSean Jackson, Brent Celek, LeSean McCoy, Jeremy Maclin. This team's going to score early and often. Not big on the defense, even with the return of Stewart Bradley in the middle. Who knows, they could win nine or 10 and earn a wild-card berth over Washington. Wouldn't be shocking in the least.
Here are the New York Giants. Here is the train coming down the track. Choo-choo, chugga, chugga, choo-choo. And, wait for it ... BAM! Train wreck. Six wins might be generous. Here's one guarantee, take and deposit at the bank: Ahmad Bradshaw rushes for more yards than Brandon Jacobs. Heck, Tom Coughlin might, too.
Impact Player:QB Kevin Kolb, Eagles
This kid is stepping into a potentially disastrous situation with not exactly the most patient of fan bases, not to mention his preseason was, well, rough around the sharpest of edges. Still, no one in this league knows quarterbacks like Andy Reid, who tutored Brett Favre back in the day, and if he was willing to trade his guy to a division opponent, for me, that speaks volumes about his confidence in Kolb.
WEST
San Francisco 49ers 9-7
Seattle Seahawks 8-8
Arizona Cardinals 7-9
St Louis Rams 2-14
Not entirely sure here to be honest. Like San Francisco's defense, TE Vernon Davis broke out in a big way last season, QB Alex Smith has miraculously resurrected his career after almost being released, and RB Frank Gore is solid. This team can definitely win nine or 10 games and coast into the playoffs in without question the weakest division in the NFL.
Then again, there's Seattle with new head coach Pete Carroll, a healthy, hungry defense with superb linebackers, maybe QB Matt Hasselbeck has one final run in him, and there are some veterans at the skill positions. Look, on paper, this team isn't good, it's just that Carroll is a heck of a coach and really didn't fare as poorly as many have remembered in his previous stints in the league.
Huge fan of Cards head coach Ken Whisenhunt. This guy has worked wonders beyond wonders the last two seasons in Arizona, but this Matt Leinart situation is a mess and Derek Anderson is just, well, you know, Derek Anderson. Just don't see this playing out well. Do think Beanie Wells will have a nice year, but not against eight-man fronts, so they need to convince Kurt Warner to leave Dancing with the Stars or figure out an alternative plan. And quickly.
The Rams will win a football game this year. And exactly 12 people will be watching when it happens. Whether they win two or not, that's another question entirely. Losing promising second-year WR Donnie Avery certainly won't help in that endeavor.
Impact Player:WR Michael Crabtree, 49ers
For many scouts, the two most talented wideouts to enter the NFL in the last 20 years are Calvin Johnson and Crabtree. And for those who watched either in college, or even last season, the reasons are obvious. Alas, Crabtree missed the start of the 2009 campaign in an utterly useless holdout, but he's been electrifying this preseason and is ready to make the leap from promising rookie to Pro Bowler.
NORTH
Green Bay Packers 13-3
Minnesota Vikings 9-7
Chicago Bears 7-9
Detroit Lions 3-13
The Packers, at this place and time, possess the most talented roster, from Aaron Rodgers through the final member of the special teams, in the NFL. Not by leaps and bounds, but in the not-really-any-doubt manner. Rodgers could put up numbers not previously seen. We're talking breaking Dan Marino's single-season passing yards record, 40 touchdowns and maybe rushing for another five. He could also be decapitated Week 1 behind an average-at-best line and this conversation is thus rendered moot. That's football.
Ready for this one: Brett Favre doesn't play eight regular-season games this year. Yeah, yeah, we know, he's never missed an NFL game, the streak, but his ankle is shot and this time around, he should've stayed on the farm in wherever, Mississippi. There is no way he makes it through the year, none, nadda, zip. And after that, WR Sidney Rice is out at least six weeks, vastly underappreciated backup RB Chester Taylor is with the Bears, and reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Percy Harvin is battling migraines. The receiving corps is so depleted they recently brought in Javon Walker, who somehow in three games with Oakland last season managed zero receptions and a fumble. Yes, zero catches and a fumble. Minny's defense is still potent, led by All-Pro Jared Allen.
Just not buying into the Mike Martz/Jay Cutler relationship, or that it's going to remind one and all of Warner's days with the St. Louis Rams. Afraid for Chicago fans, we're likely to be reminded more of Warner's days with the Giants. Look, Cutler is 24-29 as a starter and has thrown 58 interceptions the last three years. He is what he is. He's Jeff George.
The Lions are making some progress. Love WR Calvin Johnson this season and QB Matthew Stafford is the real deal. Still a few drafts away from making the leap. Oh, Ndamukong Suh is a monster of a man who almost beheaded Jake Delhomme in the preseason. This kid is going to cause some serious havoc.
Impact Player:LB Clay Matthews, Packers
Last season, Matthews became the first Packers rookie to earn Pro Bowl honors since James Lofton, but for Green Bay to reach its potential, they need more from him this season. The 10 sacks were nice, but he needs to be more like the force that registered six sacks in four games during Weeks 12-15. The Packers can score points, but they need to stop opposing offenses at least two or three times per game and that starts with the pass rush.
SOUTH
New Orleans Saints 12-4
Atlanta Falcons 8-8
Carolina Panthers 7-9
Tampa Bay Bucs 4-12
Do not think the Saints are going to repeat this season and the 12 wins listed above may even be a tad generous. Veteran S Darren Sharper played a gigantic role for that defense last season and physically, he appears not ready to take the field, at least not the first six games of the year. He could even retire altogether. Obviously Drew Brees is Drew Brees and they're going to score a whole bunch of points. This has to be the make-or-break year for Reggie Bush, too. Cannot figure out his deal, really can't. He was so awesomely awesome at USC.
Still can't fathom that last season marked the first back-to-back winning campaigns in Falcons franchise history. That is mind-boggling. Anyhow, they could have a third, but "Matty Ice," while the best nickname in sports at the moment, isn't exactly who we thought he was. In fact, and this isn't meant in a completely negative way - honestly, it's not - but he's starting to become somewhat reminiscent of Chad Pennington. Not quite buying the RB Michael Turner return to glory that many are forecasting, either.
John Fox is one of the top-10 head coaches in the NFL, firmly believe that. He just needs out of Carolina in the worst way, and more than likely will have that opportunity come season's end. Solid at the skill positions, the Panthers could easily win nine games and sneak into the playoffs.
At the same time, the Bucs could easily lose every game they play this season and launch themselves firmly atop the Jake Locker sweepstakes, although their own young quarterback, Josh Freeman, has shown potential. Not sure Raheem Morris was ready for a head coaching gig last year, but let's give him another season or two before rendering judgment.
Impact Player:QB Matt Moore, Panthers
The Cowboys tried sneaking the former Oregon State product through waivers during final cuts back in 2007, but the Panthers immediately pounced. Somewhat rough treading this preseason, but he finished last year strong, with eight touchdowns and just one pick in five starts. This is a run-orientated offense, so they're not asking him to throw 30, 35 times per game. This could work.
2010 ALL-PRO TEAM
OFFENSE
Quarterback: Philip Rivers, Chargers
Running Backs: Chris Johnson, Titans; Ray Rice, Ravens
Fullback: Le'Ron McClain, Ravens
Tight end: Antonio Gates, Chargers
Wide receivers: Andre Johnson, Texans; Randy Moss, Patriots
Tackles: Joe Thomas, Browns; Jake Long, Dolphins
Guards: Jeri Evans, Saints; Chris Snee, Giants
Center: Nick Mangold, Jets
DEFENSE
Ends: Jared Allen, Vikings; Dwight Freeney, Colts
Tackles: Jay Ratliff, Cowboys; Haloti Ngata, Ravens
Outside linebackers: DeMarcus Ware, Cowboys; James Harrison, Steelers
Inside linebackers: Patrick Willis, 49ers, Jon Beason, Panthers
Cornerbacks: Nnamdi Asomugha, Raiders; Charles Woodson, Packers
Safeties: Adrian Wilson, Cardinals; Troy Polamalu, Steelers
SPECIAL TEAMS
Kicker: Sebastian Janikowski, Raiders
Punter: Shane Lechler, Raiders
Kick returner: Joshua Cribbs, Browns
Punt returner: DeSean Jackson, Eagles
AWARDS
NFL MVP: Philip Rivers, San Diego
Offensive Player of the Year: Aaron Rodgers, Packers
Defensive Player of the Year: DeMarcus Ware, Cowboys
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Ryan Mathews, Chargers
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Ndamukong Suh, Lions
Comeback Player of the Year: Troy Polamalu, Steelers
Coach of the Year: Mike Shanahan, Commanders
PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS
AFC
WILDCARD
Patriots (3) over Jets (6)
Steelers (4) over Texans (5)
DIVISIONAL
Chargers (1) over Steelers
Patriots over Colts (2)
CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP
Chargers over Patriots
NFC
WILDCARD
Saints (3) over Commanders (6)
Vikings (5) over 49ers (4)
DIVISIONAL
Packers (1) over Vikings
Cowboys (2) over Seahawks
CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP
Packers over Cowboys
SUPER BOWL XLV
Packers over Chargers
