In what figures to be a great game with high scoring passing attacks, the real story everybody will be talking about is Manning vs. Manning. Brother vs Brother. Two quarterbacks sharing the same blood will make their first Super Bowl appearance at the same time, against one another. The 13-3 New York Giants face the 12-4 Indianapolis Colts, who enter the game as 1 point favorites. The Giants enter the game with a strategy of pounding RB Tiki Barber early and often, and that's exactly what they do to open the game. Barber carries the ball the first 4 plays from scrimmage, gaining 21 yards, before taking a playaction fake on the 5th play which draws a 35-yard pass interference penalty. That sets up a New York field goal (3-0 Giants). Colts QB Peyton Manning is sacked once and pressured once by DE Micheal Strahan on his first drive, ending in a punt. But Manning engineers a 9-play, 71-yard drive on the next possession, which ends with a 4-yard TD pass to TE Dallas Clark (7-3 Colts). Not to be outdone, QB Eli Manning strikes quickly back for the Giants, handing off to Barber, then throwing on the next play. He goes 3-for-3 with a TD pass to WR Amani Toomer (10-7 Giants), then, after a blocked punt by CB RW McQuarters, Eli throws a swing pass to Barber for a 20-yard TD (17-7 Giants). Colts K Adam Vinaterri, no stranger to clutch Super Bowl kicks, adds another to his resume, booming a 51-yarder as time expires in the 2nd Quarter (17-10 Giants). HALFTIME. Constant pressure from the outside from Strahan and fellow end Usi Umenyiora results in 4 second half sacks (1 each for them, as well as LBs Antonio Pearce and LaVarr Arrington). P. Manning finds openings in the zones, but the offense is turned one-dimensional as neither RB Dominic Rhodes or Joseph Addai can keep the surging Giants' defense honest. Although another TD pass, this time to WR Marvin Harrison, ties the score midway through the 3rd quarter (17-17 tie), the Colts do not score again. Barber rushes for a 4th quarter touchdown and Jay Feely kicks a couple of 35-yard field goals. The Giants win 30-17. Super Bowl MVP: RB Tiki Barber, 30 carries, 129 yards, 2 TDs (1 rush, 1 rec.).
Individual Achievments
AFC Offensive MVP: Carson Palmer, QB, Bengals NFC Offensive MVP: Eli Manning, QB, Giants
AFC Defensive MVP: Troy Polamalu, SS, Steelers NFC Defensive MVP: Brian Urlacher, LB, Bears
AFC Surprise Player: Ronnie Brown, RB, Dolphins NFC Surprise Player: Rex Grossman, QB, Bears
Best off-season acquisition: Edgerrin James, RB, Cardinals Worst off-season acquistion: Charles Woodson, CB, Packers Coach of the year: John Fox, Panthers Declining Player: Trent Green, QB, Chiefs Rookie of the year: Reggie Bush, RB, Saints
Most rushing yards: Larry Johnson, Chiefs Most passing yards: Peyton Manning, Colts Most recieving yards: Chad Johnson, Bengals
Team-by-Team Breakdown 1Giants (13-3) Why They Might Be Good: Signing LB LaVarr Arrington and CB Sam Madison improves 'D'.Why They Might Be Bad: Madison might not be enough improvement in the secondary.Player to Watch: TE Jeremey Shockey. Can the guy I say is the most overrated and cocky fool in the league actually do something to deserve a Super Bowl ring? 2005 Results: ACTUAL - 11-5, lost NFC Divisional. I PREDICTED - 7-9 Conclusion: QB Eli Manning, RB Tiki Barber, and DE Micheal Strahan lead the team to a Title. 2Bears (12-4) Why They Might Be Good: The NFL's best defense should send 6 players to the Pro Bowl. Why They Might Be Bad: Other than C Olin Kruetz, the offense is full of question marks. Player to Watch: CB Charles Tillman. A guy I thought should not have lost his starting job did, so let's see how he responds. 2005 Results: ACTUAL - 11-5, lost NFC Divisional. I PREDICTED - 8-8 Conclusion: One of the best defenses in NFL history goes at least to the NFC Championship. 3Panthers (12-4) Why They Might Be Good: QB Jake Delhomme is a poor man's Tom Brady Why They Might Be Bad: They can't keep a RB healthy for more than half a season Player to Watch: DT Kris Jenkins. The oft-injured tackle is one of the best players in the league 2005 Results: ACTUAL - 11-5, lost NFC Championship. I PREDICTED - 10-6, lose NFC DivisionalConclusion: WRs Steve Smith and Keyshawn Johnson lead a high octane offense 4Colts(11-5) Why They Might Be Good: Manning. Wayne. Harrison. Enough said. Why They Might Be Bad: A solid core of defensive players overachieved in 2005 and losing RB Edgerrin James to free agency was an absolute killer. Player to Watch: LB Cato June. The pressure is on the LB core to control both the run and the short passing game. 2005 Results: ACTUAL - 14-2, lost AFC Divisional round. I PREDICTED - 13-3, Super Bowl win Conclusion: For Manning to get his ring, he'll have to have a career season. 5Steelers (11-5) Why They Might Be Good: Only lost one starter from Super team (WR Antwaan Randle El)Why They Might Be Bad: Randle El gave the offense downfield speed and the ability to run Coach Cowher's "Gadget Plays." Player to Watch: RB Willie Parker. Is he a flash in the pan, or a legitimate 1,300 yard rusher? 2005 Results: ACTUAL - 10-6, won Super Bowl. I PREDICTED - 6-10 Conclusion: The team figures to advance deep into the postseason but I don't forecast a repeat. 6Seahawks (11-5) Why They Might Be Good: A surprisingly balanced offense can score at will. Why They Might Be Bad: Losing OG Steve Hutchison (Vikings) will hurt RB Shaun Alexander. Player to Watch: LB Lofa Tatupu. An outstanding young LB you have to see to believe. 2005 Results: ACTUAL - 13-3, lost Super Bowl. I PREDICTED - 12-4, lose NFC Divisional Conclusion: Defending NFC champs sat back and watched other teams improve, but playing in a weak division means they are a mortal lock for the playoffs. 7Bengals (11-5) Why They Might Be Good: The best passing game of any NFL team plays in Cincinnatti. Why They Might Be Bad: QB Carson Palmer is coming off major knee surgery and may not be the same player. Player to Watch: WR Chad Johnson. Not only is he vowing to come up with creative ways around the ridiculous anti-celebration rules, but he'll need to find the endzone often, especially with depth in question. 2005 Results: ACTUAL - 11-5, lost AFC Wild Card. I PREDICTED - 9-7, lose AFC Wild Card Conclusion: A playoff lock with legitimate Super Bowl aspirations. 8Patriots (10-6) Why They Might Be Good: They're better than we think each and every year. Why They Might Be Bad: Confusing personell moves make chemistry a possible issue. Player to Watch: RB Corey Dillon. He no doubt holds the key to the team's success.2005 Results: ACTUAL - 10-6 lost AFC Divisional. I PREDICTED - 11-5, lose AFC Divisional Conclusion: The benefactors of a weak division will make the playoffs. 9Broncos (10-6) Why They Might Be Good: A group of overachievers with a few studs lead the team. Why They Might Be Bad: A possible QB controversary adds fire to the question marks at WR (Ashley Lelie) and RB (Mike Bell). Player to Watch: LB Al Wilson. The ugliest, best run stopper who can run as fast as most RBs. 2005 Results: ACTUAL - 13-3, lost AFC Championship. I PREDICTED - 8-8 Conclusion: A tough schedule makes it difficult to repeat last year's record, but a Western Division title is in the cards. 10Eagles (9-7) Why They Might Be Good: The Terrell Owens distraction has finally ended and the team is healthy again. Why They Might Be Bad: QB Donovan McNabb once again has no legitimate receiving threats. Player to Watch: RB Brian Westbrook. The scat back will lead the team in receptions, rush yards, and touchdowns. 2005 Results: ACTUAL - 6-10. I PREDICTED - 11-5, lose NFC Wild CardConclusion: A worthy Wild Card team in a tough division. 11Chiefs (9-7) Why They Might Be Good: Coach Herm Edwards, CB Ty Law, and DE Tamba Hali look to make the defense one of the AFC's best. Why They Might Be Bad: The losses of starting OTs Willie Roaf and John Welbourne, plus an inury to RB Priest Holmes take away depth and leadership. Player to Watch: DE Jared Allen. The NFL's most underrated defensive player will lead the NFL in sacks in 2006. 2005 Results: ACTUAL - 10-6. I PREDICTED - 12-4, lose AFC ChampionshipConclusion: Good news, defense ranked #15. Bad news, offense also ranked #15. 12Cowboys (9-7) Why They Might Be Good: This talented defense cannot possibly play as bad as last year. Why They Might Be Bad: WR Terrell Owens ruins every QB he's played with. Player to Watch: WR Patrick Crayton. A fast and talented 3rd receiver.2005 Results: ACTUAL - 9-7. I PREDICTED - 9-7. Conclusion: The last Wild Card team in the NFC. 13Chargers (9-7) Why They Might Be Good: A solid overall team arguably featuring the game's best player - RB LaDanian Tomlinson. Why They Might Be Bad: Losing Pro Bowl QB Drew Brees and replacing him with an unproven college super stud is risky. Player to Watch: QB Philip Rivers. They traded Eli Manning to get him. 2005 Results: ACTUAL - 9-7. I PREDICTED - 10-6, lose AFC Divisional. Conclusion: This tough luck team from last year just doesn't have the weapons at CB to overtake the Broncos and Chiefs. 14Falcons (9-7) Why They Might Be Good: Coach Jim Mora has these guys playing over their heads. Why They Might Be Bad: Team relies too heavily on the running game. Player to Watch: QB Mike Vick. Rumor has it Mora wants to turn him lose to run at will this year. 2005 Results: ACTUAL - 8-8. I PREDICTED - 13-3, lose NFC Championship Conclusion: Team needs improvement in several departments before a playoff run can be made. 15Cardinals (9-7) Why They Might Be Good: Owns the best WR combo (Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald).Why They Might Be Bad: With all the hype made about QB Matt Leinert and RB Edgerrin James, it was overlooked that they still have a crappy offensive line and defense. Player to Watch: QB Matt Leinert. I wholeheartedly believe he should be starting over Kurt Warner on opening day. 2005 Results: ACTUAL - 5-11. I PREDICTED - 9-7, loseNFC Wild CardConclusion: The Cardinals will improve over last year, but not quite good enough to taste the postseason. 16Ravens (9-7) Why They Might Be Good: Coach Brian Billick finally gave up on QB Kyle Boller.... Why They Might Be Bad: ....but he replaced him with an over-the-hill Steve McNair. Player to Watch: FS Ed Reed. The most dominating defensive player in the NFL just two years ago, he needs to regain that form. 2005 Results: ACTUAL - 6-10. I PREDICTED - 9-7Conclusion: McNair is a stopgap until they find a younger starter for 2007. 17Jaguars (8-8) Why They Might Be Good: An improved WR Matt Jones means downfield speed and scoring. Why They Might Be Bad: A cupcake schedule padded their stats and record in 2005, so they are not as good as they appear. Player to Watch: DT John Henderson. He'll need to have a Pro Bowl type season for the Jaguars to compete. 2005 Results: ACTUAL - 12-4, lost AFC Wild Card. I PREDICTED - 5-11 Conclusion: The team won't be so lucky with their easy schedule in 2006. 18Saints (8-8) Why They Might Be Good: A healthy Deuce McAllister and the electric Reggie Bush make for a remarkable running attack. Why They Might Be Bad: Much like the Cardinals, they still failed to address needs along the offensive line and defense. Player to Watch: DE Will Smith. The only "good player" worth mentioning on either the offensive or defensive line. 2005 Results: ACTUAL - 3-13. I PREDICTED - 5-11 Conclusion: The Saints' optimism stems from Bush and QB Drew Brees, and my pessimism stems from a whole lot of nothing on defense. 19Dolphins (8-8 ) Why They Might Be Good: Former MVP candidate QB Daunte Culpepper now controls the offense. Why They Might Be Bad: A once proud secondary has been dwindled down to scrap because of salary cap issues. Player to Watch: RB Ronnie Brown. With Ricky Williams out of the picture (maybe permantly), Brown has a chance to prove his worth. 2005 Results: ACTUAL - 9-7. I PREDICTED - 5-11 Conclusion: Needs another year to rebuild defensive backfield before a playoff run in 2007. 20Buccaneers (7-9) Why They Might Be Good: Proved that their Super Bowl caliber defense could still win games last year. Why They Might Be Bad: With Carolina getting all the attention, I don't think the Bucs can win the Dirty South again. Player to Watch: LB Derrick Brooks. His Buc career almost ended in the offseason due to salary cap constraints. I'm rooting for him to have a dominate season. 2005 Results: ACTUAL - 11-5, lost NFC Wild Card. I PREDICTED - 7-9 Conclusion: Too many question marks on offense to overtake the charging Panthers. 21Vikings (7-9) Why They Might Be Good: The distraction of the boat scandal is behind them and Coach Mike Tice is gone too. Why They Might Be Bad: Last year's free agent crop of Smoot, Sharper, and the trade for Napolean Harris did not work out. Player to Watch: DT Kevin Williams. He was one of the biggest surprises of 2004 and was nowhere to be found in 2005. 2005 Results: ACTUAL - 9-7. I PREDICTED - 12-4, lose Super Bowl. Conclusion: The loss of QB Daunte Culpepper turns the offense into a bland, English soccer team. 22Redskins (6-10) Why They Might Be Good: Coach Joe Gibbs proved he still has what it takes to lead a team to the playoffs. Why They Might Be Bad: Should not have let go of LB LaVarr Arrington.Player to Watch: WR Santana Moss. Came out of nowhere last year to become an elite WR. Can the little man duplicate his '05 season? 2005 Results: ACTUAL -10-6, lost NFC Divisional. I PREDICTED - 4-12. Conclusion: QB Mark Brunell stinks and as good as RB Clinton Portis is, they can't win without a passing game. 23Lions (6-10) Why They Might Be Good: Off. Coordinator Mike Martz looks to use his genius to make good with a talented receiving corps. Why They Might Be Bad Still have a porous run defense and even worse secondary. Player to Watch: WR Corey Bradford. Is he really good enough to hold off Mike Williams and Charles Rogers for a starting job? 2005 Results: ACTUAL -5-11. I PREDICTED - 6-10. Conclusion: Nowhere near good enough to beat the top two teams in the division.
24Texans (6-10) Why They Might Be Good: Coach Gary Kubiak is a mastermind on the offense and has soem pre-existing weapons to work with. Why They Might Be Bad: A horrible pass defense last year must be watched closely in '06. Player to Watch: DE Mario Williams. Undoubtedly the most scrutinzed draft pick in over a decade, he will be watched with a keen eye. 2005 Results: ACTUAL -2-14. I PREDICTED - 9-7, lose AFC Wild Card. Conclusion: My most embarrasing prediction ever was with the Texans last year. Can't say I'm tredy or conventional though, can you? 25Bills (6-10) Why They Might Be Good: LB Takeo Spikes, the heart of the defense, returns from injury. Why They Might Be Bad: RB Willis McGahee was much overrated last year and struggle.d Player to Watch: WR Peerless Price. The Bills got him back from Atlanta where he was a huge bust. Can he return to form? 2005 Results: ACTUAL -5-11. I PREDICTED - 7-9. Conclusion: QB JP Losman has nothing. And the Bills cannot win on the road. 26Titans (6-10) Why They Might Be Good: Coach Jeff Fisher commands respect. Why They Might Be Bad: They will mistakenly start QB Billy Volek over Vince Young. Player to Watch: CB Adam Jones. Poor guy. He was booed to no end last year but has lots of talent. 2005 Results: ACTUAL -4-12. I PREDICTED - 2-14. Conclusion: Young wouldn't set the world on fire his rookie season but he could at least have learned alot this year while the team could have picked up a needed draft pick for Volek. 27Rams (5-11) Why They Might Be Good: Brought in Coach Scott Linehan to replace the very quirky and stubborn Mike Martz. Why They Might Be Bad: Lost the great offensive playbook Martz possessed. Player to Watch: WR Isaac Bruce. The longtime Ram looks to be headed towards the sunset at the conclusion of this season. 2005 Results: ACTUAL -6-10. I PREDICTED - 7-9. Conclusion: Not enough firepower to due to age and inconsistency. 28Packers (5-11) Why They Might Be Good: LB A.J. Hawk adds punch to the LB corps. Why They Might Be Bad: A 4-12 team couldn't do much else to upgrade the team, except for overpaying to sign CB Charles Woodson. Player to Watch: RB Samkon Gado. Is he the real deal? Stay tuned. 2005 Results: ACTUAL - 4-12. I PREDICTED - 4-12 Conclusion: QB Aaron Rodgers is most likely a better player than Brett Favre at this juncture in their respective careers. The Packers should have asked Favre to retire and moved on. 29Raiders (4-12) Why They Might Be Good: Coach Art Shell returns to restore the glory they had when he played for them in the 80's. Why They Might Be Bad: The signing of QB Aaron Brooks was a mistake, as the incumbant Kerry Collins was actually a better player. Player to Watch: WR Joey Porter. Will he stay or will he go? He could have a huge season for whichever team trades for him. 2005 Results: ACTUAL - 4-12. I PREDICTED - 5-11 Conclusion: The team has talent but a tough schedule and a strong division doom them early. 3049ers (3-13) Why They Might Be Good: They won't. It's that simple. Why They Might Be Bad: Losing LB Julian Peterson (Seahawks) hurts an already porous defense. Player to Watch: QB Alex Smith. Rumor says he's having a good training camp. I'll believe it when I see it. 2005 Results: ACTUAL - 4-12. I PREDICTED - 3-13 Conclusion: Once the pride of the NFC, the Niners are now the annual doormat. 31Jets (3-13) Why They Might Be Good: Completely turned over the coaching staff. Why They Might Be Bad: No WRs. No RBs. No QB. And no offensive line. Player to Watch: OT D'Brickashaw Ferguson. The only exception to the above, I want to see if Fergason can dominate in his first year like Tonly Boselli or Orlando Pace. 2005 Results:ACTUAL - 4-12. I PREDICTED - 9-7 Conclusion: Very few bright spots on a team with no chance to win more than 4 games. 32Browns (2-14) Why They Might Be Good: Well.... they have some players that used to be good.Why They Might Be Bad: An unlucky team which has made some good draft picks and free agent signings only to have them become injured or underachieve. Player to Watch: LB Willie McGinnest. A product of the system in New England, McGinnest looks to aid in rebuilding the Cleveland LB core. 2005 Results: ACTUAL - 6-10. I PREDICTED - 4-12Conclusion: Pee-yoo!
Great analysis here, altough picking the Giants may be out on a limb a bit with an unproven D. Most of this a great anaylsis. Season can't start soon enough!
Maybe you'd like my previews, I'm doing division by division, and am almost done. Check it out.
You were very generous to the Bears. Being a Bears fan, I love that. :)
Bears fans have become used to no offense from them. But it sure would be nice to get that incredible defense some resting time during the game, so that they didn't have to play both sides of the ball...
I try not to pick the teams that EVERYBODY else is picking, which is why I am going with the Giants, but I also am not afraid to pick teams that seem to be locks, which is why I am picking the Colts (not that they are a lock but c'mon, they are pretty good). I think the strength this year is in the NFC, where as last year, the AFC was far superior.
You can see how my picks from 2005 turned out by reading each team's individual caption. I wasn't very good at all last year, but in 2003 and 2004 I nailed a combined 19 out of 24 playoff teams. 2004 was my best year, I picked both Super Bowl teams, the winner, and wasn't too far off on the final score!
I am in LOVE with the Bear's defense this year, which is why I think they can win the Super Bowl. To win it all, you only need to be able to do 2 things effectively: 1) Run the football, 2) Stop the run. The Bears are one of the better teams in the NFL at BOTH. The Chiefs are my favorite team and the Bears are #2, but I plan on watching more Bears games this year because I think their defense will be simply remarkable.
These picks are definitely radical. The problem is that in a league of parity, it's next to impossible to pick the good teams in the upcoming season. Your two favorite teams are both prime examples.
The Bears have been up and down over the last five years, having gone 13-3, 4-12, 7-9, 5-11, and 11-5. It's pretty tough to guess which kind of year they'll have this year. And by the way, you might want to look at how the vaunted Bear's defense did against teams that have strong running games last year. Not too great. They pretty much beat up on the bad teams and inflated their defensive stats. They are a trendy pick that could fall flat this year.
The Chiefs, on the other hand, are the team that everyone picks every year to be a "breakout" team. Only to disappoint. They have gone 6-10, 8-8, 13-3, 7-9, and 10-6. And all that while having an extremely efficient offense. With a new head coach (that isn't a great game coach) and the loss of Al Saunders, the Chiefs could be in trouble. Hard to tell with this team.
As I said, predicting an NFL season is next to impossible.
You're right thumper, it is very difficult. The Chiefs could just as easily finish first place or third (No way the Raiders finish ahead of them). Their offense will not be as good as last year even though Larry Johnson is better than Priest Holmes.
I stand pat on my feelings about the Bears. I know their offense isn't the greatest, but like I said, they can run the ball, and they can stop the run. I think Briggs, Urlacher, Harris, Ogunleye will be Pro Bowlers, and both Mike and Alex Brown plus Nathan Vasher have a good chance. If they put 6 defenders in the Pro Bowl, they will be dominant. They have not one good RB, not 2, but THREE capable NFL RBs and 2 QBs.
Jim Scheffres was born in Elmhurst, Illinois and, after attending college at the Illinois State University, he now resides in Rockford, Illinois. Jim's first love was hockey, but has since grown to love baseball and football. He casually follows college sports, the NBA, and the NHL, and roots for all Big 10 teams.
Favorite Teams: Kansas City Chiefs, Chicago Bears, Chicago White Sox, Michigan, Illinois, Texas, Miami, Florida, Illinois State.
Favorite Players: Tony Gonzalez, Frank Thomas, Tom Brady, Ken Griffey Jr., Albert Pujols, Barry Sanders, Joe Montana, Shaquille O'Neal, Micheal Jordan.
Least Favorite teams: Chicago Cubs, New York Yankees, Pittsburgh Steelers, Denver Broncos, Oakland Raiders, Notre Dame, Duke, North Carolina
Least Favorite Players: Ben Rothlisberger , Barry Bonds
