Well, John-O decided to give a little nod to the upcoming football season, and sense I have some free time, I will as well. While not as desperate as some people are, seeing as how the Cub are about to make things interesting (Yes, I am serious), football is still king, so lets dance, shall we?
First some general comments, thoughts, and such. Let's first tackle the "surprise" category. I have a few. Two of them are last years Super Bowl teams. Now, I am not too worried about the Bears. They are still stout defensively, and should be at least as good on offense. However, as many people have stated, we need to see what Rexy does before we get too excited. Another thing working in their favor is the weakest division in major league sports.
Then there are the Colts. I am a bit concerned with them. In fact, I think it is going to be quite the struggle to win the division. First off, I think the division as a whole will be better. I think both Jacksonville and Tennessee are legit threats and I think Houston will be improved, if not good. Then there is the defense. This was THE problem for the Colts last year. Now yes, they turned it around in the playoffs, but which D is for real? The one that was there for 4 weeks or the one that was there for 16? Also, they not only added next to nothing, but they lost no less than 4 starters, including 3 of their 4 opening day starters in the secondary. I just am concerned when you lose key players to your biggest question area. We'll see though.
I am also not totally sold on the Chargers. I need to see this again for me to really believe it. I am not doubting that they are a talented team, but they had a dream season from "the other LT" last year, and it always seems that there is a playoff team from the previous season that struggles the next one. They have a new coaching staff, and they are in a very good division. I am not saying they will miss the playoffs, or even not win their division, I am just saying I am not sold.
Lastly, in the negative, are the Cowboys. I just don't get it. Yes they are in a weak division, and yes they made the playoffs last year, but why are people so in love with this team? They have the single biggest distraction in sports, a quarterback that had a terrible end to a surprisingly successful season, they have an iffy defense, and a new coach who has never been successful as the head guy. So why all the love? I just don't get it.
As for surprisingly successful teams, it seems everyone is going with the 49ers, so I will stay away from them and go with Arizona, for what is possibly the third of forth season in a row. Their is a ton of talent and they are no longer being held back by the ineptitude of their head coach. Their offense should be as good as anyone, and their D has too many Pro Bowlers to not be decent.
Now, for predicitions:
AFC East: Patriots - can't see how you can make a case for anyone else. Buffalo is improved and the Jets are solid, but still.
AFC North: Steelers - I think they turn things around this year. They had some injuries last year, and that hurt. Plus, I think Baltimore is too old.
AFC South: Colts - I'll take them, but I think it is a dog fight, especially with them visiting all 3 opponents early on.
AFC West: Chargers - Again, I'll take them, but it is not an easy choice.
Wild Cards: Broncos and Bengals - Cincy is so talented and, theoretically, should have fewer off field issues. I think Jay Cutler will be a star, NOW!
NFC East: Redskins - I know what you're thinking, and yes, this is a bit of a stretch, but they played very well at the end of the season last year, Jason Campbell will start from day 1, and Clinton Portis should be healthy. Plus, i think Dallas, the Giants, and the Eagles are all junk.
NFC North: Bears - this is the biggest lock in football. Terrible division and the best D in the conference.
NFC South: Panthers - Most talented team in the conference. They could easily be the best. If healthy, Steve Smith is the best player in the NFC.
NFC West: Seahawks - This is their last year in the catbird seat. '9ers and Cardinals are coming.
Wild Cards: Saints and 49ers - Saints could easily win their division and the '9ers are the best of whats left.
AFC Playoffs:
Round 1 - Colts over Bengals, and Steelers over Broncos
Round 2 - Chargers over Colts, and Pats over Steelers
Championship - Pats over Chargers
NFC Playoffs:
Round 1 - Saints over Seahawks, and 49ers over Redskins
Round 2 - Bears over 49ers, and Panthers over Saints
Championship - Panthers over Bears
Super Bowl - Panthers over Patriots. That's right, I said it. Partially wishful thinking but also partially due to the fact that the odds on favorite never seems to win.
MVP - Tom Brady
Coach of the Year - Mike Nolan (49ers)
Offensive ROY - Adrian Peterson (Vikings)
Defensive ROY - Laron Landry (Skins)
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I want to address your issues with the Colts. I think it is to our advantage to take those teams on the road early in the season. The Colts are an early season team; look at the last couple of years. I think this is largely in part to how difficult it is to outthink Peyton Manning and Tom Mora. The Colts offense brings something new every season and it takes about 8 weeks for the opposition to get a clue. Our defense will be a lot like it was last year, but the playoffs were not a fluke. Dungy is a great coach and I am ok with the idea that he dumped a little in the regular season, and POW the best version of the Colts D will show up again in the playoffs.
That said, this is a crucial year for the Colts. How will this team be remembered. Hopefully it will be remembered in much the same way as the great Pats teams that lost guys every year and always seemed to replace them. We need this year to be big, so that we will be remembered as what we are: A solid bend but don't break defense combined with the greatest offense to ever set foot on and NFL field.
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