Sunday, August 27, 2006
NFC PREVIEW
I don’t claim to be an NFL expert, but here is my best guess on what’ll go down in the NFC this year.
Lots of eyebrows raised with the inaugural Gamsey column. Sorry readers. It’s not going to get any better.
* DENOTES DIVISION WINNER
# DENOTES WILD CARD WINNER
NFC NORTH
* Chicago Bears (11-5)
The Bears are stacked on Defense, where they return all 11 starters. They are deeper in the secondary after a classic if-you-can’t-beat-‘em-join-‘em move in adding the Panther’s DB’s Dante Wesley and Ricky Manning Jr. as well as top pick Danieal Manning from Abilene Christian. The bad news, is that the return 11 on offense that ranked at the bottom of efficiency in 2005. They gave Griese a huge deal to backup Grossman, and they have three legit running threats. Combined with a weak division, the Bears should coast to the playoffs for the second straight year.
Detroit Lions (6-10)
In his first year, Rod Marinelli has plenty to work with on offense with Mike Martz—new O coordinator. Kitna should be able to spread the ball around to former College All Americans Roy Williams, Mike Williams and Charlie Rogers. Rookie Brian Calhoun from Wisconsin provides a little insurance behind Kevin Jones at RB as well. But the Defense is a whole other story. In their first year in the Cover 2, they will rely heavy on top pick Ernie Sims. They’ve got a good long term plan, but its not gonna happen this year.
Minnesota Vikings (5-11)
Take a non-contending team and take away the best offense in football, and you get the 2006 Minnesota Vikings. Aside from not being able to name anyone on the offensive side of the ball (except Koren Robinson, who will be suiting up for the Minnetonka County Prison squad to open up), and a new coach (Brad Childress), their defense is loaded with talent. But again, a first year coach and Brad Johnson = long winter in Minnesota. Well, there’s always the Mall of America.
NFC EAST
* Dallas Cowboys (12-4)
How ‘bout them boys? Parcells, in the third year of a three year plan has a dynamic defense and maybe the best offense in the league with you-know-who in town. But he’s just one piece; Bledsoe has the experience and the accuracy, Julius Jones and Marion Barber III are runners, and they signed K Mike Vanderjagt to correct a major kicking problem they had last year—which might have cost them a playoff spot. The only question, is when, not if T.O. will blow it all up. He’s already causing camp controversy, but I expect to give them a good season or two before destroying the franchise like he did up in Philly. It’s a tough division and schedule for the ‘Boys, but they have to be the heavy favorites.
# New York Football Giants (10-6)
Another real good squad, the Giants bring back a core of pro’s: Running Back Tiki Barber, Receivers Amani Toomer and Plaxico Burress, Defensive Lineman Michael Strahan and linebacker Carlos Emmons . Then they added veterans Sam Madison and LaVarr Arrington, and picked up some talent in the draft. All of this behind Eli Manning, who will determine the fate of this team—will he grow like his brother and take them to the top of the NFC, or continue to struggle with accuracy? Despite a brutal schedule, you have to like NY in December.
Washington Redskins (9-7)
The cash spending ‘skins are once again the football version of the New York Yankees, throwing dough at top free agent Antwaan Randle El (represent the South Side) and adding Brandon Lloyd. With Joe Gibbs at the helm, it’s hard to bet against the Hogs, but there are a few points of concern; the reliance on Mark Brunell, who enjoyed resurgent year in ’05, is shaky at best. And, like the rest of the East, the schedule is tough. They may sneak into the final wild card with a light December schedule (games against Philly, St. Louis and New Orleans before the finale versus the Giants).
Philadelphia Eagles (7-9)
It’s not that I don’t have faith in my boy Donovan McNabb, or the coaching staff that was ballsy enough to put team ahead of individual, but the NFC East is a tough division this year, and I can’t see Eagles winning over 2 games within the division. Always scary on defense, the glaring weakness for the Eagles is offensive depth—they are thinner than Nicole Richie at WR, and the fragile Brian Westbrook is the only proven back on the squad. I’ll be cheering for the Eagles, but like most of my favorite teams, I’m sure they won’t amount to squat.
NFC South
* Carolina Panthers (13-3)
The Panthers are the real deal again—straight up nasty on defense and improved even more on offense. John Fox gets to play with Keyshawn Johnson as a possession receiver complimenting the best receiver in the league, Steve Smith. The Panthers also made possibly the best pick in the draft, stealing Memphis RB DeAngelo Williams late in the first. He should contribute right away, especially if the Carolina-Rb-injury curse continues. Most of all the seem to enjoy playing with each other, QB Jake Delhomme, and coach Fox. See you in the big game.
# New Orleans Saints (9-7)
There you have it folks, the first “Katz” Sleeper pick. It wasn’t all going to be obvious picks, all of the time. It’s time to give New Orleans something to cheer about, and through an offseason of rampant, untimely rumors from Tom Benson, the Saints experienced the greatest turnaround of any NFL team. I love the addition of hopefully-healthy Drew Brees and Reggie Bush will bring major contribution on offense and special teams. First year coach Sean Payton is going to have his hands full (he came highly recommended) with that defense, but the offense should be efficient enough to take 10 games from their very winnable schedule.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
Traditionally slow starters, the Bucs won’t have that luxury this year, as the schedule finishes with games against Pittsburgh, Chicago and Seattle this year. Cadalliac Williams is primed for a bust out year, and the Cover 2 is money cash. But, Chrissy Simms is the Quaterback, and I have never, ever seen him win a big game. Never. Maybe the Bucs could make the playoffs if they brought in Major Applewhite? Go to hell Simms.
Atlanta Falcons (5-11)
Now read this Falcons fans (BRG specifically); the only way the Falcons are going to the playoffs is if Matt Schuab takes the starting role. I love Vick—who doesn’t; he’d be great on our flag football team. But, he hasn’t been able to prove that he can win on the professional level, as talented as he is. The receiving core is improved—I’m the president of the Roddy White fan club—and picking up Ashley Lelie this week was smart. But time after time, Vick has failed to win the games.
NFC West (the ugly sister division)
# Seattle Seahawks (11-5)
I can’t see the Waterbirds coasting through the improved NFC, but the NFC West is pretty terrible, and they won’t have too much trouble locking it up again. They are similar looking to last year on both sides of the ball—Nate Burelson is a fine addition to the receiving corps. Julian Peterson was their big money addition on defense, so look to them to boost their big scoring defense.
Arizona Cardinals (8-8)
The football gods are smiling upon the Cardinals; they will have every shot to make people from Arizona happy (you know, aside from the year round perfect weather, Mark Grace, and fried cactus). The schedule is breezy, Dennis Green is happy, and there is enormous talent on both sides of the ball. Edgerrin James, Anquan Boldin, Larry Fitzgerald, Leonard Pope and J.J. Arrington cap one of the most freakishly athletic squads in the NFC. But there is always a but; Leinart’s holdout (loyal SS readers know how I feel about this—read down a few columns) may have killed any chance at the playoffs this season, because Kurt Warner is terrible. He has played in just 29 games over the last 4 years, and Leinart won’t be ready anytime soon. The Cardinals’ best shot at the playoffs: John Navarre?
San Francisco 49ers (5-11)
Alex Smith will be improved, and so will Frank Gore, so the Niners are bound to be improved, even if its ever-so-slightly. Trent Dilfer and Antonio Bryant will make ensure that the Niners won’t look that much like a NFL Europe team again, and TE Vernon Davis’ and converted WR Michael Robinson’s growth is something to watch. But, another first year coach, Mike “Hitler” Nolan, isn’t going to have a lot of fun this year. Stay tuned though.
St. Louis Rams (4-12)
Cool, another first year coach that I know nothing about. All I’ve read is that Scott Linehan is a defensive minded coach—great when you have Steven Jackson, Marc Bulger, Torry Holt and “The Reverend” Ike Bruce. I’m not gonna lie; this could go either way—the Rams have talent stockpiled on offense and defense (Leonard Little, Corey Chavous, Dexter Coakely), but how will these vets respond to a new system? Last 4 of 6 are at home, including at Minnesota and at Oakland, so if they are in it, they can make a run.
NFC Championship:
Carolina over Giants
NFC MVP:
Brian Urlacher, LB, Chicago
NFC Rookie of the Year:
DeAngelo Williams, RB, Carolina
NFC Coach of the Year:
Bill Parcels, Dallas
Lots of eyebrows raised with the inaugural Gamsey column. Sorry readers. It’s not going to get any better.
* DENOTES DIVISION WINNER
# DENOTES WILD CARD WINNER
NFC NORTH
* Chicago Bears (11-5)
The Bears are stacked on Defense, where they return all 11 starters. They are deeper in the secondary after a classic if-you-can’t-beat-‘em-join-‘em move in adding the Panther’s DB’s Dante Wesley and Ricky Manning Jr. as well as top pick Danieal Manning from Abilene Christian. The bad news, is that the return 11 on offense that ranked at the bottom of efficiency in 2005. They gave Griese a huge deal to backup Grossman, and they have three legit running threats. Combined with a weak division, the Bears should coast to the playoffs for the second straight year.
Detroit Lions (6-10)
In his first year, Rod Marinelli has plenty to work with on offense with Mike Martz—new O coordinator. Kitna should be able to spread the ball around to former College All Americans Roy Williams, Mike Williams and Charlie Rogers. Rookie Brian Calhoun from Wisconsin provides a little insurance behind Kevin Jones at RB as well. But the Defense is a whole other story. In their first year in the Cover 2, they will rely heavy on top pick Ernie Sims. They’ve got a good long term plan, but its not gonna happen this year.
Minnesota Vikings (5-11)
Take a non-contending team and take away the best offense in football, and you get the 2006 Minnesota Vikings. Aside from not being able to name anyone on the offensive side of the ball (except Koren Robinson, who will be suiting up for the Minnetonka County Prison squad to open up), and a new coach (Brad Childress), their defense is loaded with talent. But again, a first year coach and Brad Johnson = long winter in Minnesota. Well, there’s always the Mall of America.
NFC EAST
* Dallas Cowboys (12-4)
How ‘bout them boys? Parcells, in the third year of a three year plan has a dynamic defense and maybe the best offense in the league with you-know-who in town. But he’s just one piece; Bledsoe has the experience and the accuracy, Julius Jones and Marion Barber III are runners, and they signed K Mike Vanderjagt to correct a major kicking problem they had last year—which might have cost them a playoff spot. The only question, is when, not if T.O. will blow it all up. He’s already causing camp controversy, but I expect to give them a good season or two before destroying the franchise like he did up in Philly. It’s a tough division and schedule for the ‘Boys, but they have to be the heavy favorites.
# New York Football Giants (10-6)
Another real good squad, the Giants bring back a core of pro’s: Running Back Tiki Barber, Receivers Amani Toomer and Plaxico Burress, Defensive Lineman Michael Strahan and linebacker Carlos Emmons . Then they added veterans Sam Madison and LaVarr Arrington, and picked up some talent in the draft. All of this behind Eli Manning, who will determine the fate of this team—will he grow like his brother and take them to the top of the NFC, or continue to struggle with accuracy? Despite a brutal schedule, you have to like NY in December.
Washington Redskins (9-7)
The cash spending ‘skins are once again the football version of the New York Yankees, throwing dough at top free agent Antwaan Randle El (represent the South Side) and adding Brandon Lloyd. With Joe Gibbs at the helm, it’s hard to bet against the Hogs, but there are a few points of concern; the reliance on Mark Brunell, who enjoyed resurgent year in ’05, is shaky at best. And, like the rest of the East, the schedule is tough. They may sneak into the final wild card with a light December schedule (games against Philly, St. Louis and New Orleans before the finale versus the Giants).
Philadelphia Eagles (7-9)
It’s not that I don’t have faith in my boy Donovan McNabb, or the coaching staff that was ballsy enough to put team ahead of individual, but the NFC East is a tough division this year, and I can’t see Eagles winning over 2 games within the division. Always scary on defense, the glaring weakness for the Eagles is offensive depth—they are thinner than Nicole Richie at WR, and the fragile Brian Westbrook is the only proven back on the squad. I’ll be cheering for the Eagles, but like most of my favorite teams, I’m sure they won’t amount to squat.
NFC South
* Carolina Panthers (13-3)
The Panthers are the real deal again—straight up nasty on defense and improved even more on offense. John Fox gets to play with Keyshawn Johnson as a possession receiver complimenting the best receiver in the league, Steve Smith. The Panthers also made possibly the best pick in the draft, stealing Memphis RB DeAngelo Williams late in the first. He should contribute right away, especially if the Carolina-Rb-injury curse continues. Most of all the seem to enjoy playing with each other, QB Jake Delhomme, and coach Fox. See you in the big game.
# New Orleans Saints (9-7)
There you have it folks, the first “Katz” Sleeper pick. It wasn’t all going to be obvious picks, all of the time. It’s time to give New Orleans something to cheer about, and through an offseason of rampant, untimely rumors from Tom Benson, the Saints experienced the greatest turnaround of any NFL team. I love the addition of hopefully-healthy Drew Brees and Reggie Bush will bring major contribution on offense and special teams. First year coach Sean Payton is going to have his hands full (he came highly recommended) with that defense, but the offense should be efficient enough to take 10 games from their very winnable schedule.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
Traditionally slow starters, the Bucs won’t have that luxury this year, as the schedule finishes with games against Pittsburgh, Chicago and Seattle this year. Cadalliac Williams is primed for a bust out year, and the Cover 2 is money cash. But, Chrissy Simms is the Quaterback, and I have never, ever seen him win a big game. Never. Maybe the Bucs could make the playoffs if they brought in Major Applewhite? Go to hell Simms.
Atlanta Falcons (5-11)
Now read this Falcons fans (BRG specifically); the only way the Falcons are going to the playoffs is if Matt Schuab takes the starting role. I love Vick—who doesn’t; he’d be great on our flag football team. But, he hasn’t been able to prove that he can win on the professional level, as talented as he is. The receiving core is improved—I’m the president of the Roddy White fan club—and picking up Ashley Lelie this week was smart. But time after time, Vick has failed to win the games.
NFC West (the ugly sister division)
# Seattle Seahawks (11-5)
I can’t see the Waterbirds coasting through the improved NFC, but the NFC West is pretty terrible, and they won’t have too much trouble locking it up again. They are similar looking to last year on both sides of the ball—Nate Burelson is a fine addition to the receiving corps. Julian Peterson was their big money addition on defense, so look to them to boost their big scoring defense.
Arizona Cardinals (8-8)
The football gods are smiling upon the Cardinals; they will have every shot to make people from Arizona happy (you know, aside from the year round perfect weather, Mark Grace, and fried cactus). The schedule is breezy, Dennis Green is happy, and there is enormous talent on both sides of the ball. Edgerrin James, Anquan Boldin, Larry Fitzgerald, Leonard Pope and J.J. Arrington cap one of the most freakishly athletic squads in the NFC. But there is always a but; Leinart’s holdout (loyal SS readers know how I feel about this—read down a few columns) may have killed any chance at the playoffs this season, because Kurt Warner is terrible. He has played in just 29 games over the last 4 years, and Leinart won’t be ready anytime soon. The Cardinals’ best shot at the playoffs: John Navarre?
San Francisco 49ers (5-11)
Alex Smith will be improved, and so will Frank Gore, so the Niners are bound to be improved, even if its ever-so-slightly. Trent Dilfer and Antonio Bryant will make ensure that the Niners won’t look that much like a NFL Europe team again, and TE Vernon Davis’ and converted WR Michael Robinson’s growth is something to watch. But, another first year coach, Mike “Hitler” Nolan, isn’t going to have a lot of fun this year. Stay tuned though.
St. Louis Rams (4-12)
Cool, another first year coach that I know nothing about. All I’ve read is that Scott Linehan is a defensive minded coach—great when you have Steven Jackson, Marc Bulger, Torry Holt and “The Reverend” Ike Bruce. I’m not gonna lie; this could go either way—the Rams have talent stockpiled on offense and defense (Leonard Little, Corey Chavous, Dexter Coakely), but how will these vets respond to a new system? Last 4 of 6 are at home, including at Minnesota and at Oakland, so if they are in it, they can make a run.
NFC Championship:
Carolina over Giants
NFC MVP:
Brian Urlacher, LB, Chicago
NFC Rookie of the Year:
DeAngelo Williams, RB, Carolina
NFC Coach of the Year:
Bill Parcels, Dallas
