I'm back. It's been a couple of months, but during that time I have been pretty busy, while the sports world has been rather slow. I have also started a new job recently, so that has obviously occupied much of my time. But now I'm back in the captain's seat, ready to steer my big blue ship (with you aboard) out into the blue abyss of sports enlightenment. Well, maybe. I at least hope to offer an enjoyable read as I predict the record for each of the 32 NFL teams.
I should admit that several of my predictions turned out to surprise me. You see, I went through the NFL schedule week-by-week, rather than team-by-team, so I didn't know what record I had designated for a team until I added up all of the wins and losses at the end. As you will see, I have an inordinate amount of very good and really bad teams. The NFL is known for its parity, but I guess I'll just stay out on the limb I've put myself on and see how it goes. Although I was tempted to change a few teams' records by a game or two, I've decided to stick with my initial predictions -- for better or (more likely) for worse. But, hey ... at least my predictions are different. Let's get started:
AFC NORTH
BALTIMORE RAVENS
What I like: Their running game. They will control the clock with Ray Rice, Willis McGahee, and Le'Ron McClain.
What I don't like: Their secondary. Ed Reed is on the PUP and they've had injury issues with their corners. This won't be your typical Ravens defense. The offense will have to step up.
PREDICTION: 11-5
CINCINNATI BENGALS
What I like: Their defense. They have a nice blend of young and old players, and they might have the best pair of corners in the league in Jonathan Joseph and Leon Hall.
What I don't like: Carson's knee. The Bengals need Carson to stay healthy if they're going to make another run at the AFC North title. Other than that, the Bengals don't have any real holes as long as they stay healthy.
PREDICTION: 10-6
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
What I like: The linebackers. The Steelers always seem to have the personnel to really get after the quarterback with their linebackers, and this year will be no different with Harrison, Woodley, Farrior, and Timmons.
What I don't like: Ben Roethlisberger is suspended for the first four games, so Dennis Dixon will have to lead them off to a good start.
PREDICTION: 9-7
CLEVELAND BROWNS
What I like: Jerome Harrison and Josh Cribbs. The Browns will be terrible, but these two guys can be game breakers.
What I don't like: The decision to bring in Jake Delhomme as the starting quarterback. After what he did last season in Carolina, I'm shocked that a team would hand him the keys to its offense. Maybe the Browns want to tank on purpose so that they can get a higher draft pick.
PREDICTION: 2-14
AFC SOUTH
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
What I like: Besides Peyton Manning? I'll say the fact that Anthony Gonzalez is healthy again. The kid is talented, so I'll be interested to see if he can reclaim his starting spot from Pierre Garcon.
What I don't like: The offensive line. Ever since Tarik Glenn retired a couple of seasons ago, the Colts have been without a solid left tackle. With Jeff Saturday now ailing, I wonder if the Colts will have protection issues -- especially in a division in which the other teams have been collecting talented defensive linemen via the draft and free agency.
PREDICTION: 13-3
TENNESSEE TITANS
What I like: Vince Young and Chris Johnson. With VY coming into his own, the Titans should have its best offense since the Steve McNair MVP days.
What I don't like: The suspension of Gerald McRath for the first four games. The defensive line has been a pleasant surprise, but it is somewhat negated for the first quarter of the season due to the expected drop off in production from the linebackers while McRath is out.
PREDICTION: 12-4
HOUSTON TEXANS
What I like: The Texans' confidence. I get the feeling that the Texans believe they are going to be good this year, and that they are a legitimate playoff team.
What I don't like: The running game. A lot of people are high on Arian Foster, but I'm a skeptic. He might end up with decent stats, but can he get the tough yards when his team needs them in crunch time?
PREDICTION: 9-7
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
What I like: The fact that the front office stuck it to Gator fans by choosing Tyson Alualu instead of Tim Tebow. They probably did Tebow a favor. You know what they say about a prophet in his own town ...
What I don't like: The passing offense. I'm not sure David Garrard, Mike Sims-Walker, and Marcedes Lewis really scare anybody.
PREDICTION: 6-10
AFC EAST
NEW YORK JETS
What I like: The defense. All of it. With Revis under contract, the defense is going to be sick -- in a good way.
What I don't like: Sanchez's inexperience. Will he improve upon his respectable rookie season, or will he have a sophomore slump?
PREDICTION: 13-3
MIAMI DOLPHINS
What I like: The toughness of their skill position players. You won't find tougher running backs and receivers than Ronnie Brown, Ricky Williams, and Brandon Marshall. Too bad that Brown has injury issues, because he plays tough when he's out there.
What I don't like: The Chad Henne bandwagon. I'm sure he'll throw for a lot of yards, but will they be meaningful numbers? I feel like he might become a stat stuffer who doesn't really win much, a la Jake Plummer in his Arizona days. But there are worse things than that.
PREDICTION: 8-8
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
What I like: Tom Brady to Randy Moss appears to be on its way back.
What I don't like: Well, the schedule, for one. I think they have a really tough schedule. I also think their defense and their ability to run the ball are very suspect. I also know that the rest of the NFL would love to pile on the Pats if they appear to be vulnerable. Toss in the fact that Wes Welker is not himself and you get this:
PREDICTION: 6-10
BUFFALO BILLS
What I like: C.J. Spiller. Is he the next Chris Johnson? I doubt it. Johnson runs so effortlessly, while Spiller is a little heavier on the feet. I like Spiller a lot, though, just like pretty much everyone else.
What I don't like: Pretty much everything else. It's going to be a long season in Buffalo.
PREDICTION: 3-13
AFC WEST
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
What I like: Phillip Rivers. I think he's a jerk, especially his on-field demeanor, but I get the feeling that he's going to join the discussion of truly elite quarterbacks this season. They also have the easiest schedule in the history of the NFL. Probably.
What I don't like: The Lights Out dance. I'm talking to you, Shawne. I also don't like the absence of Marcus McNeil on the offensive line.
PREDICTION: 14-2
OAKLAND RAIDERS
What I like: The selection of Rolando McClain in this year's draft. I think he could have an impact similar to that of DeMeco Ryans of the Texans and Patrick Willis of the 49ers.
What I don't like: Jason Campbell as Team Savior. I mean, he's definitely better than JaMarcus Russell, but I've never really understood the fascination with Campbell. I think he's a serviceable starter, but I don't think of him as a potential franchise quarterback. It seems as if several talking heads do.
PREDICTION: 6-10
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
What I like: Dexter McCluster and Jamal Charles. A little undersized, but definitely one of the most explosive backfields in the league.
What I don't like: The waste of their recent high draft picks. Tyson Jackson, anyone? Derrick Johnson has also been a big disappointment.
PREDICTION: 5-11
DENVER BRONCOS
What I like: Other than all of the Kentucky linebackers? Well, I think Knowshon Moreno is a major talent -- when he's healthy.
What I don't like: The way Josh McDaniels has polarized his relationships with his players. I don't understand how a future with Kyle Orton, Tim Tebow, Demaryius Thomas, Daniel Graham, and Spencer Larson is an upgrade over Jay Cutler, Brandon Marshall, Tony Scheffler, and Peyton Hillis.
PREDICTION: 4-12
NFC NORTH
GREEN BAY PACKERS
What I like: The offense. All of it. Except for maybe Ryan Grant. I think Aaron Rodgers to Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, and Jermichael Finley will be very potent.
What I don't like: The front seven. It would be nice if Justin Harrell could stay healthy, but the front four just can't seem to get it together. I also can't believe A.J. Hawk is busting.
PREDICTION: 14-2
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
What I like: The return of E.J. Henderson. He plays linebacker like a lion. He's a lionbacker. Anyone? No?
What I don't like: Brett Favre. I just don't like him anymore. Plus his ankle could explode at any moment.
PREDICTION: 10-6
CHICAGO BEARS
What I like: Jay Cutler + Mike Martz. Toss in Devin Hester, and they should at least be fun to watch. If only they would use Garrett Wolfe a little more.
What I don't like: The decline of Matt Forte. If he reverts to rookie form, then the Bears could make life tough for Green Bay and Minnesota.
PREDICTION: 6-10
DETROIT LIONS
What I like: Matt Stafford, Calvin Johnson, Jahvid Best, and Brandon Pettigrew. The Lions have some nice young skill position players.
What I don't like: The decision to sign Kyle Vanden Bosch to a 4-year, what was it, 28 million dollar contract? Ouch. I know he's looked good in the preseason, but how will he look for the final 3 1/2 years of the deal? I love KVB, but I think he's done.
PREDICTION: 5-11
NFC SOUTH
ATLANTA FALCONS
What I like: The offense. Matt Ryan, Roddy White, Tony Gonzalez, a slimmer Michael Turner, home games in a dome. They should put up points.
What I don't like: The fact that I only know about half the guys on their defense. Definitely a no-name bunch, but maybe they'll surprise.
PREDICTION: 13-3
CAROLINA PANTHERS
What I like: The running game. Deangelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart are both top-15 backs. I also like the fact that Matt Moore replaces Jake Delhomme. I think that is one of the most underrated upgrades of the NFL offseason.
What I don't like: Nothing. The Panthers are my sleeper team this year. I seriously like pretty much everything about this Panthers team. The loss of Julius Peppers is overblown.
PREDICTION: 12-4
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
What I like: Drew Brees and all of his weapons. He just takes his pick at this point.
What I don't like: I don't trust the defense to turn the ball over like it did last year. They also have a tougher schedule than Atlanta and Carolina.
PREDICTION: 10-6
TAMPA BAY BUCS
What I like: This is tough. How about rookie receiver, Mike Williams? He's a pleasant surprise.
What I don't like: Their overall lack of NFL talent. It's going to take another draft or two before the Bucs resemble a decent team.
PREDICTION: 2-14
NFC EAST
DALLAS COWBOYS
What I like: Felix Jones. If he can stay healthy, I think he could rush for 1500 yards. But that's a big if.
What I don't like: The overall chemistry of the team. I can't quite put my finger on it, but this version of the Cowboys seems a little stale. I still think they'll win the division, but I'm not sold on them as a Super Bowl team.
PREDICTION: 9-7
WASHINGTON REDSKINS
What I like: I'm not a big Donovan McNabb fan, but I think he's a huge upgrade over Jason Campbell. McNabb should be a huge spark for the Redskins.
What I don't like: The way Mike Shanahan has handled the Albert Haynesworth situation. Much like his successor in Denver, Josh McDaniels (which is a bit of a coincidence), Shanahan is having some difficulty in showing his players who is wearing the man pants. He needs to befriend Big Al, not alienate him.
PREDICTION: 8-8
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
What I like: Desean Jackson. I think he's the next Steve Smith (of the Panthers, that is).
What I don't like: The fascination with Kevin Kolb. He will put up better numbers than Jason Campbell, but like I said about Campbell, I think Kolb will be a serviceable starter, but probably not a franchise quarterback.
PREDICTION: 6-10
NEW YORK GIANTS
What I like: Justin Tuck. I think he has a chance to lead the NFL in sacks and make a push for defensive POY.
What I don't like: Their overrated defense. I read the other day that Kenny Phillips and Antrel Rolle could be the best safety tandem in the league. Really? Plus, they lost Antonio Pierce and picked up Keith Bulluck -- who is done. Even their first round pick, Jason Pierre-Paul, looks awful so far. I foresee dark waters ahead for the Giants.
PREDICTION: 6-10
AFC WEST
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
What I like: The defense. They're my number two defense this year, behind only the Jets.
What I don't like: The lack of hype they're receiving. I think they're going to walk through the NFC West and establish themselves as a top team in the league.
PREDICTION: 12-4
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
What I like: The reemergence of Mike Williams. The dude lost 40 lbs and looks as good as he did in his days at USC. Good for him. He was fun to watch in college, and then he started eating donuts.
What I don't like: The overall lack of explosiveness from the offense. Where are they going to get a big play? I don't think Hasselbeck and co. are good enough to march down the field consistently, so they need someone to step up to make big plays. Justin Forsett? I don't know.
PREDICTION: 5-11
ARIZONA CARDINALS
What I like: The defensive line, led by Darnell Dockett. I think they will be a nice unit.
What I don't like: The offense. Beanie Wells and Tim Hightower aren't going to scare anyone, and Larry Fitzgerald won't be as effective without Kurt Warner. Toss in the loss of Anquan Boldin, and you've got yourself one stale offense.
PREDICTION: 4-12
ST. LOUIS RAMS
What I like: Sam Bradford, Steven Jackson, and A.J. Green. Can I go ahead and pencil Green as the next stud Rams wide receiver? So what if it won't happen until next year?
What I don't like: Chris Long. What a bust! Whiffing on a top pick hurts for a few years.
PREDICTION: 3-13
Super Bowl: Green Bay Packers over New York Jets
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
