Here are my picks for Week 1 of the 2008 National Football League season. I will give you my selections for all the games this week as well as giving you my upset special. The scoring system is as follows: 2 points for correctly predicting Upset Special, 1 point for correctly predicting game, 0 points for incorrectly predicting game/Upset Special. The game lines are as of Friday, September 5, 2008.
Lions @ Falcons – LINE: Lions by 3, MY PICK: Lions
Bengals @ Ravens – LINE: Bengals by 1½, MY PICK: Ravens
Seahawks @ Bills – LINE: Bills by 1, MY PICK: Seahawks
Cowboys @ Browns – LINE: Cowboys by 5½, MY PICK: Cowboys
Vikings @ Packers – LINE: Packers by 2½, MY PICK: Packers
Bears @ Colts – LINE: Colts by 9½, MY PICK: Colts
Jets @ Dolphins – LINE: Jets by 3, MY PICK: Jets
Chiefs @ Patriots – LINE: Patriots by 15½, MY PICK: Patriots
Buccaneers @ Saints – LINE: Saints by 3, MY PICK: Saints
Broncos @ Raiders – LINE: Broncos by 3, MY PICK: Broncos
Texans @ Steelers – LINE: Steelers by 6½, MY PICK: Steelers
Rams @ Eagles – LINE: Eagles by 7½, MY PICK: Eagles
Panthers @ Chargers – LINE: Chargers by 9, MY PICK: Chargers
Jaguars @ Titans – LINE: Jaguars by 3, MY PICK: Jaguars
UPSET SPECIAL: Cardinals @ 49ers – LINE: Cardinals by 2½, MY PICK: 49ers
The Class of 1996? The Class of 2001 is just as good. What am I talking about? Wide Receivers and the NFL Draft of course. Today, I’ll let you know the guys who turned out amazing, into megabusts, and the guy who doesn’t go in any of these categories.
Here are the guys who turned out right:
· Santana Moss (Round 1, Pick 16) – Now he might not be as good as some of the guys below him, but he wasn’t a bust either. Moss had 1,483 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns in 2005.
· Reggie Wayne (Round 1, Pick 30) – Wayne is the present, Marvin Harrison is the past. With Harrison (who was ironically a part of the Class of 96’) injured much of last year, Wayne is the new Harrison for Peyton Manning.
· Chad Johnson (Round 2, Pick 5) – OK, now he might not be liked by everybody, but as a receiver, and just a receiver, he is amazing. Without Ocho Cinco, the Bengals really wouldn’t be much.
· Chris Chambers (Round 2, Pick 21) – Chambers had a solid career with Miami, and I was shocked when he was traded to San Diego. Now, he is flanker for the Bolts and the leader of a mediocre receiving corps, besides Antonio Gates.
· Steve Smith (Round 3, Pick 12) – Today, Smith is arguably the best receiver in the league despite being only 5’9”. What he does need to improve is on is his anger management.
· T.J. Houshmandzadeh (Round 7, Pick 4) – Just looking at his name, you would never guess he's a football player. But he is, and he was the steal of the draft. He’s not as good as Johnson, but he’s still one hell of a player.
· Drew Bennett (Undrafted) – Unless you’re a big NFL fan, you won’t know who Bennett is. But at 6’5”, Bennett had a quality career with the Titans including 1,247 receiving yards and 11 TD’S in 2004. He’s now with the Rams and is about to take legend Isaac Bruce’s place at split end.
Here are the guys who weren’t so fortunate (the megabusts). Ironically, a number of the following guys seemed extremely promising (at one point at least):
· Koren Robinson (Round 1, Pick 9) – As a former member of our beloved Hawks, Robinson made 1,240 receiving yards in just his second season with Seattle. After that, let’s just say he was never the same again.
· Rod Gardner (Round 1, Pick 15) – Just like Robinson, Gardner had 1,006 receiving yards and 8 TD’S in only his sophomore year, and then, he jumped from team to team. Following a 2-reception 2006 season, he is waiting to sign with a team.
· Freddie Mitchell (Round 1, Pick 25) – Unlike Robinson or Gardner, Fredex NEVER had a good season in his entire career with Philadelphia.
· Quincy Morgan (Round 2, Pick 2) – Morgan is the unknown of this list. Still, he was an early 2nd round draft pick of the Browns, and managed 964 receiving yards and 7 TD’S in, you guessed it, his second season. Morgan is currently a free agent.
· Ron Dixon (Round 3, Pick 11) – In the regular season, Dixon does not have a single career reception. What he will be remembered is his 97-yard kickoff return touchdown in Super Bowl XXXV versus Baltimore. Dixon left football after 2002 due to an injury.
Oh, and then there’s this guy:
· Justin McCareins (Round 4, Pick 29) – After being drafted by the Titans, McCareins had a solid stretch of 700 & 800 receiving yards seasons between 2003 and 2005 with Tennessee and the New York Jets. Following two great campaigns in his first two seasons with the Jets, he started slowing down. He has since returned to Tennessee and is hoping to provide the Titans with more of a veteran receiver for Vince Young.
The NFC West is one of those divisions. Every one of these teams could in fact have very good seasons, however, each and every one of them could disappoint. Here is my preview of this weak division called the NFC West.
1. Seattle Seahawks
The running game went through a tremendous makeover over the off-season. It has improved, but it definitely wasn’t a long-term solution. The offense is getting older year after year while the defense is steadily improving. As far as the current situation goes in the NFC West, the Seahawks look like kings compared to the rest of the teams in the NFC West (49ers don’t know their QB, Leinart has problems acting mature, and the Rams don’t even have their Franchise RB). However, one huge weakness the Hawks hold is inconsistency. If the Hawks can keep the starter injuries aside and start winning on the road and on the east coast, they could get it done.
SCHEDULE: @BUF-W, vs. SF-W, vs. STL-W, @NYG-L, vs. GB-L, @TB-W, @SF-W, vs. PHI-W, @MIA-W, vs. ARZ-W, vs. WAS-W, @DAL-L, vs. NE-L, @STL-W, vs. NYJ-W, @ARZ-L
PROJECTED RECORD: 11-5 (5-1 in Division)
2. San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers had a disastrous past season. However, in the upcoming season, the 49ers
will become more of what they were in 2006. Besides quarterback, San Francisco is actually pretty solid. Look around, you’ve got future stars like Patrick Willis, Bryant Johnson, Vernon Davis; and then you’ve got the leaders like Justin Smith, Nate Clements, Isaac Bruce, and Frank Gore. If the 49ers can get their quarterback position solved and Alex Smith works out under yet another guy (Mike Martz), this team might do a hell lot better than everyone else thinks.
SCHEDULE: vs. ARZ-W, @SEA-L, vs. DET-W, @NO-L, vs. NE-L, vs. PHI-W, @NYG-L, vs. SEA-L, @ARZ-L, vs. STL-W, @DAL-L, @BUF-L, vs. NYJ-W, @MIA-W, @STL-W, vs. WAS-L
PROJECTED RECORD: 7-9 (3-3 in Division)
3. Arizona Cardinals
The Cards are very young, but the good news is all the young guys on their roster have quite a bit of potential. However, Matt Leinart needs to take this seriously because he can be remembered as “just one of those other QB’S who were good in college but were busts in the pros” or he can be remembered as “Arizona’s Franchise QB.” Also, Kurt Warner is NOT the answer. He might still be good, but we need to see Leinart, whose career has been plagued with injuries thus far. Until Leinart or Vince Young can prove me otherwise, Jay Cutler will always be the best pure quarterback selected in 2006.
SCHEDULE: @SF-L, vs. MIA-W, @WAS-L, @NYJ-L, vs. BUF-W, vs. DAL-L, @CAR-L, @STL-L, vs. SF-W, @SEA-L, vs. NYG-L, @PHI-L, vs. STL-W, vs. MIN-L, @NE-L, vs. SEA-W
PROJECTED RECORD: 5-11 (3-3 in Division)
4. St. Louis Rams
The Rams are a solid team, and a year ago, some people (not me) thought the Rams might even win the division. They fell quite a bit short. However, they need to get the Steven Jackson deal done. Jackson is an important player and not having him will prove costly. If you look around, they have good players. They have names like Marc Bulger, Torry Holt, Steven Jackson, Orlando Pace, Randy McMichael, and Alex Barron on offense. As well as Leonard Little, Adam Carriker, Chris Long, Tye Hill, O.J. Atogwe, and Will Witherspoon on defense. However, I just don’t see it happening, partly because of their very tough schedule.
SCHEDULE: @PHI-L, vs. NYG-L, @SEA-L, vs. BUF-L, @WAS-L, vs. DAL-L, @NE-L, vs. ARZ-W, @NYJ-W, @SF-L, vs. CHI-W, vs. MIA-W, @ARZ-L, vs. SEA-L, vs. SF-L, @ATL-W
WHAT IF: The Seahawks took Odell Thurman instead of Lofa Tatupu in the 2nd round of the 2005 NFL Draft?
· If the Seahawks did that, our defense would be nowhere near it is today. Tatupu is the leader of our defense and arguably the best player on our entire team. In fact, during the 05’ Draft, Tatupu was considered a huge reach (primarily because of his size) while Thurman was considered 1st round talent, but fell into the 2nd round due to some personality issues. Thurman was taken three picks after Tatupu, and in the rookie season of each player, they both were solid, in fact, Thurman was a Defensive Rookie of the Year contender. Three years later, Thurman has been suspended for two consecutive seasons while Tatupu has made three consecutive Pro Bowls. In other words, if we did that, we ought to be punching Tim Ruskell in the nuts for the rest of his life.
WHAT IF: The Mariners never made the trade for Erik Bedard?
· I was never a fan of trading Adam Jones, and I still think he will be a star in the future. Bedard on the other hand has been injured much of the season. Today, I’m a fan of trading Bedard, but I doubt he can make an appearance prior to the trade deadline. If the trade never occurred, we’d still have a solid team. In fact, if we didn’t trade for Bedard, we could put Brandon Morrow or Ryan Rowland-Smith as the 5th starter and George Sherrill as our closer keeping in mind J.J. Putz has been unhealthy all year long; and we’d still have a solid pitching rotation and bullpen.
WHAT IF: The Mariners selected Tim Lincecum instead of Brandon Morrow with the 5th pick in the 2007 MLB Draft?
· The Mariners would be a much better team had we selected Lincecum. I’m not saying Morrow instead a good player. In fact, I think the kid has tons of potential. But until we’ve seen Morrow as a starter, Lincecum will forever be the much better pitcher. Of course, Lincecum wouldn’t have burst with the Mariners if we took him until this season; so look to the future, just imagine a pitching rotation with the likes of Felix Hernandez, Tim Lincecum, Ryan Rowland-Smith, Philippe Aumont, and Juan Ramirez. The latter two aren’t ready just yet, but just imagine in the future, once the five develop, a rotation like that…
WHAT IF: Tim Ruskell never hired Mike Holmgren as the Seahawks’ head coach?
· I could never imagine a Seahawks team without Holmgren. But that’s reality after next season, but what if he NEVER was. Think of the impact. That probably means Matt Hasselbeck would be a nobody, just like his brother, Tim. Why? If Holmgren never came to Seattle, Matt wouldn’t have (since Matt came via trade thanks to Holmgren), which would have meant Matt would have still needed to stay with the Packers, and backup up headline-magnet Brett Favre. In fact, we probably wouldn’t even know what a Hasselbeck even is. Just imagine, guys like Trent Dilfer and Jon Kitna as your starter instead of Matt Hasselbeck. Can you say Super Bowl team???
WHAT IF: The Seahawks traded several picks higher to select Antonio Cromartie rather than Kelly Jennings with their 1st round pick in the 2006 NFL Draft?
· No Seahawks fan has probably ever considered this, but I’ve thought about it many times. The Seahawks defense would be even better if this happened. Think of a Seahawks secondary in the near future with the likes of Marcus Trufant (7 interceptions last year), Antonio Cromartie (10 interceptions last year), Jordan Babineaux, and Josh Wilson. I’d definitely be pretty optimistic about our pass defense.
WHAT IF: The referees in Super Bowl XL weren’t Steelers and were actually doing their job?
· The normal person who say, simple. The Seahawks would have won their first Super Bowl in franchise history. But there’s much more to that. If that happened, Mike Holmgren would be a lock for the Hall of Fame (he won’t be unless the Hawks pull off a miracle in 2008), Bill Cowher wouldn’t have retired, while Jerome Bettis would have retired as just another oversized and overrated back, and Ben Rothleisberger would be a nobody who has a messed up last name and is a cheater.
WHAT IF: What if the Seahawks never traded Darrell Jackson?
· To tell you the truth, I don’t think Jackson is ever going to have any year like the ones he had here in Seattle. While with the Seahawks, Jackson averaged 63 receptions and 920 receiving yards per season. However, he had a very disappointing year with the 49ers last year. However, I do believe had Jackson stayed with Seattle, I think Jackson would still have a career and would be one of the best receivers in the league. With D.J. Hackett and Deion Branch injured for portions of last year and Marcus Pollard nowhere close to expectations; think of how much 63 catches and almost 1,000 receiving yards would have helped us. That would definitely have given Seattle one of the most solid receiving corps in the league, and would have added AT LEAST one more win onto the 10 we got. Now with Denver and emerging young guys like Brandon Marshall and Tony Scheffler more looked at by Jay Cutler, Jackson will be no more than a reserve for the rest of his career.
INTRO: First off, I’d like to set something straight. I am without a doubt an avid Seahawks fan, but sometimes, you have to face reality. Today, that’s what I’ll be doing. I wish every season that the Hawks will go 16-0 and win the Super Bowl. Year in and year out, it doesn’t end up happening. The Seahawks are still the best team in their division (probably not for very long however), but today, we’ll face reality and I’ll tell you the many holes you can find throughout the Seahawks roster.
QB & WR: The only real bright spot on the entire Seahawks offense is probably Matt Hasselbeck. But when the only bright spot on offense for a team is a 32-year old, that’s not great news. Sure you can argue that he’s still in his prime, but for how much longer? The loss of Jim Zorn will definitely hurt, and it’s going to be tough for Hasselbeck having to throw to a poor receiving corps. Deion Branch won’t be 100% at the start of the season and up & coming D.J. Hackett has gone off to Carolina. These days, it’s all about BIG GUYS, and looking through the Top 3 wideouts on the Hawks roster, NONE top 6’1”. The biggest question for the receivers was Bobby Engram; in his mid-30s, he won’t be getting any better and last year was his peak, and it was also the past. Plus, he’s pushing for a new contract, and it’s questionable whether he’ll be available during the preseason and start of the regular season.
O-LINE: If you move on to the offensive line, what you’ve got are aging veterans mixed with inconsistent youngsters. Walter Jones is probably on the downside of his career and is currently injured, free agency pickup Mike Wahle is also into his 30s and won’t last more than one or two seasons. The switch from left to right guard for Rob Sims will probably just hurt him more and make him more inconsistent. Chris Spencer is a former 1st round pick but hasn’t shown anything special so far. In fact, 3rd round steal Sean Locklear is probably the only bright spot on the entire line.
RB: Now, time for the most interesting topic on the entire team, the running game. At least we had a confident leader in Shaun Alexander. Now all we have is an overweight slow guy who is only good for short-yardage situations (T.J. Duckett), a former 2nd round pick who has been a career backup to a former MVP (Maurice Morris), and another guy who is facing high expectations and was considered a hotshot free agent despite only ONE career 1,000+ yard season (Julius Jones). Look at the current free agent market. All 3 guys here have been disappointing. All 3 are former Day 1 picks, and they add up to just ONE career 1,000+ yard season. Look at T.J. Duckett! I don’t understand the hype surrounding this guy. Here’s a guy who has had 3 CHANCES (Atlanta, Washington, Detroit) at stardom, and screws up every single time. Don’t get me wrong, this is a guy who can bulldoze defenders and pick up the 1st down on 3rd downs and 4th’s, and we have been horrid in that category the past 2 seasons, but is he worth the money? We’ll have to find out. Look at the current free agent runningback market. We have PROVEN guys in the current free agent market. Instead of T.J. Duckett, how about Travis Henry (a former MULTI-year 1,000+ yard rusher), or Kevin Jones (who got 8 TD’S on 153 carries for a mediocre Detroit team last season AND unlike Duckett, he still has an entire career ahead of him), or maybe even Ron Dayne. Then again, I might be wrong; maybe Julius Jones and T.J. Duckett will be next season’s version of last year’s Jamal Lewis. However, I’ll bet that that won’t happen.
DB: On defense, the secondary is a question for me. Expect great things from Marcus Trufant, and I won’t be dissing him, but I will be dissing some of his teammates. I just can’t grapple the fact that two former undrafted players (Jordan Babineaux and a former practice teamer Kevin Hobbs) have a chance at overturning Kelly Jennings, a former 1st round pick, at the right starting cornerback position. Also, think about what could have happened if we kept Ken Hamlin (a Pro Bowler last season with Dallas), Hamlin would have given us several more turnovers on the year and probably at least 1 more win to the 10-win count.
DRAFT: And last but not least, ah yes, the draft. I really have to question Tim Ruskell. He’s made some risky choices (most of them have paid off), but has he finally lost his mind? LAWRENCE JACKSON??? LAWRENCE FREAKIN JACKSON??? You had guys like Malcolm Kelly on the board! Ever heard of Devin Thomas or Limas Sweed? Here are 3 guys who have a hell lot of potential, great size (6’4”, 6’3”, and 6’5” respectively), great hands, and will give the Seahawks a solid HEALTHY and CONSISTENT receiver. And even if you just had to draft a defensive end, how about Phillip Merling (to hell with injury prone) or Calais Campbell. JOHN CARLSON??? JOHN FREAKIN CARLSON??? Ever heard of a young man by the name of FRED DAVIS??? TYLER SCHMITT? TYLER FREAKIN SCHMITT??? Ever heard of drafting a long snapper? NOPE! BRANDON COUTU??? BRANDON FREAKIN COUTU??? Here’s a guy who you could have without a doubt gotten in free agency. JUSTIN FORSETT??? JUSTIN FREAKIN FORSETT??? He’s 5’8” and not another Brian Westbrook. Ever heard of another young man by the name of MATT FORTE??? If you wanted a runningback, go for Forte, or Jammal Charles, or Ray Rice. For me, the only bright spot I saw in the entire Seahawks draft day was Red Bryant. RED FREAKIN BRYANT!!!
CONCLUSION: I’ve dissed just about everything I can on the Seahawks roster today, and if you managed to read all this ####, I thank you and I would greatly appreciate it if you let me know what you thought about all this.
32.) Indianapolis Colts: OG Duke Robinson, Oklahoma
CONCLUSION: USC wins in most players selected in Round 1 with 4. LSU, Ohio State, and Oklahoma tie for second, each with 3 players selected. I also find it a surprise that Ole Miss was the only college with 2 guys chosen. The U’S (Miami) streak of having a player selected in Round 1 continues thanks to the Patriots and Javarris James. While 30th overall could be too high for James, he is the cousin of former Colts star runner, Edgerrin James. Also, there’s just something about all the Miami players, almost all of the highly prospected ones end up superb in the pros. Also, interesting is 3 Ohio State players are chosen in the first 6 picks. Some of you may also find it surprising that Bradford is down to 24th for the Eagles, truth is, I had him going to the Bears & Redskins and considered giving him to the Bucs or Panthers, but I felt those teams had heavier priorities. Obviously, this is a very rough guess, heck the actual draft isn’t for a year and I don’t have the order straight either. I understand many of you will disagree with my picks, and I probably have a couple of errors too (but who really gives a BLEEP), this is my opinion and it’s the word I’ll stick with for about 10 months.
CHICAGO BEARS: Rex Grossman vs. Kyle Orton-Grossman is a proven inconsistent starter, but has at least shown flashes of strong play ability. A former competitor, Brian Griese, has left for Tampa Bay again. On the other hand, Orton, a former 5th round pick, is pretty much an unknown. STARTER: Grossman
BUFFALO BILLS: Trent Edwards vs. J.P. Losman-This is pretty much a no-brainer. Edwards is a 3rd round pick. Losman a 1st. If you don’t follow up on football, you’d think Losman. But no, Edwards proved himself much better last season. I’m going with the Stanford product, like everyone else. STARTER: Edwards
CLEVELAND BROWNS: Derek Anderson vs. Brady Quinn-Even though Anderson was a Pro Bowler last year who passed for 29 TD’S & Quinn has barely played; it’s all QUINN in Cleveland. Still, Anderson is a proven starter and if I were Cleveland, I’d trade Brady unless Anderson falters. STARTER: Anderson
ARIZONA CARDINALS: Matt Leinart vs. Kurt Warner-After another excellent 2007 campaign from Warner which saw 3,417 pass yards and 27 TD’S, benching the disappointing Leinart wouldn’t help the situation. I believe starting Warner would gather a better record in 2008, but Leinart needs to play in order to improve. STARTER: Leinart
MIAMI DOLPHINS: John Beck vs. Chad Henne vs. Josh McCown-The journeyman McCown has shown he’s an inconsistent starter in his career. Many people believe Henne’s the man, and he may be, but I just don’t think starting him right away is the right decision. STARTER: Beck
ATLANTA FALCONS: Joey Harrington vs. Chris Redman vs. Matt Ryan-I think Ryan is Atlanta’s new franchise QB, but I would never recommend starting a rookie QB right away. Case goes here. I’d see Harrington start the first few games, then bring Ryan in later. Redman is a better reserve at this point in his career. STARTER: Harrington, then Ryan
SAN FRANCISCO 49ers: Shaun Hill vs. Alex Smith-Hill was impressive during his 3 starts last year winning two of the three games and throwing for a 68.4% completion rating. However, I still believe Smith could play like a 1st overall pick should under new offensive coordinator, Mike Martz. STARTER: Smith
NEW YORK JETS: Kellen Clemens vs. Chad Pennington-Pennington has had a number of good seasons in his career. However, injuries have hurt his overall play and capability. Clemens has been promising in his first two seasons as a former 2nd rounder. STARTER: Clemens
GREEN BAY PACKERS: Brian Brohm vs. Aaron Rodgers-Rodgers has been waiting his entire career to start, benching him again just wouldn’t be right. He has also played well in relief or mop-up duty in his first 3 years, especially the Dallas game last year. STARTER: Rodgers
BALTIMORE RAVENS: Kyle Boller vs. Joe Flacco-Flacco has similarities to Boller; large makeup, strong arm, mid-1st rounder, Ravens pick, now would that be good or bad? Boller is still trying to prove himself after being selected 18th overall several years back. This is definitely his last shot at the starting spot; I would bring in Flacco if Boller falters. STARTER: Boller, then maybe Flacco
MINNESOTA VIKINGS: John David Booty vs. Gus Frerotte vs. Tarvaris Jackson-As a late 2nd round pick in the 06’ Draft, I have always backed Jackson. Despite a rocky start to his career, I trust he can still play well. If Jackson isn’t solid, bring in Booty; Frerotte should play as a 3rd-string instead. STARTER: Jackson
WINNER: Cleveland Browns-With such a tough schedule for the Steelers, I like the Browns. Derek Anderson is now a proven starter coming off of an excellent 07’ campaign, while Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow Jr. are just getting started in their careers. I also really like the off-season acquisition of Shaun Rogers.
SURPRISE: Baltimore Ravens-Now with a fresh start at head coach (John Harbaugh) and Offensive Coordinator (Cam Cameron), don’t be surprised if the Ravens shock everyone like in 2006. I see Willis McGahee having a career year. And while the defense is starting to fade, the Ravens still have their main guys on D.
DIVISION MVP: Derek Anderson-I seriously thought about Willis McGahee, but not being the division winners makes him a runner-up. Don’t think about 2007 numbers again from Anderson, but look for around 3,000-3,500 yards and about 20 TD’S. Also, expect around 1,400 yards from McGahee.
WILD CARD: Pittsburgh Steelers (miss playoffs)
AFC SOUTH
WINNER: Indianapolis Colts-Even though the Jaguars are closing in, the AFC South is still owned by the Colts. Indy won’t turn their play a notch down until Peyton turns his play down a notch, which won’t be for quite a while.
SURPRISE: Houston Texans-Being in such a tough division, the Texans first franchise playoff berth might not be for a few more years. Still, they have the talent on both sides. With Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson on offense, and Mario Williams, DeMeco Ryans, and the improving Dunta Robinson on D, don’t count these guys out.
DIVISION MVP: Peyton Manning-Surprised, well, you shouldn’t be. This division isn’t a division dominated by the Colts, it’s a division dominated by Manning.
WILD CARD: Jaguars (#5 seed), Texans (#6 seed)
AFC EAST
WINNER: New England Patriots-Almost a no-brainer. Even though they won’t have another undefeated regular season for a while, they will without a doubt win the AFC East again.
SURPRISE: Buffalo Bills-The Bills were ready to improve on their 7-9 2006 season, but they finished 2007 at 7-9 yet again. However, with a solid (but young) QB (Trent Edwards) RB (Marshawn ####), WR (Lee Evans), and an improving D, the Bills are most certainly playoff contenders.
DIVISION MVP: Tom Brady-This season, without Donte Stallworth, expect Randy Moss and Wes Welker to get most of the passes. Brady won’t have another record season, but be sure to look for around 3,500-4,000 yards and 30-35 TD’S.
WILD CARD: Buffalo Bills (miss playoffs)
AFC WEST
WINNER: San Diego Chargers-Maybe Norv Turner has finally found his home. Phillip Rivers should put up a solid season while LT will again be LT. Expect around 10 wins for the Chargers.
SURPRISE: Oakland Raiders-The Raiders have just been plain old disappointing the last couple of seasons; it’s time for them to burst out. I believe JaMarcus Russell is a good QB, not a bust, and Darren McFadden will really boost the offense. No playoffs, but not another “eyes fall out” season for Black & Silver fans.
DIVISION MVP: LaDainian Tomlinson-LT truly is brilliant having rushed for at least 1,000 yards every season in his career. That streak shall continue, as you should look for at least 1,500 yards and at least 15 TD’S.
WILD CARD: None
NFC NORTH
WINNER: Minnesota Vikings-With the heart of the Packers gone (Brett Favre), it’s time for the Purple People Eaters to come back out, spearheaded by new defensive end Jared Allen. Their offseason acquisition of Allen just pushed the team well over Green Bay. Despite questions marks at QB, they have a monster at runningback.
SURPRISE: Green Bay Packers-Actually, most of the team is still there, except for Brett. And
that’s the problem. Just one guy doesn’t seem like a big difference, but for the Packers in this case, it is, on & off the field. I expect his absence to really hurt the team and I just don’t see the Packers clicking this season.
DIVISION MVP: Jared Allen-Even though most would look towards Adrian Peterson; I’m looking at around 1,300 yards, which wouldn’t mean a division MVP title. Allen on the other hand will generate over 10 sacks this season as the Vikes biggest catch of the offseason. Oh yeah, and a word to the wise, many of Peterson rushing yards came in clunks last year and he has a history of injuries in college.
WILD CARD: None
NFC SOUTH
WINNER: New Orleans Saints-It was either the Saints or the Bucs, but I take the Saints. Why, they’re just straight-out more talented. I was surprised to see them flop last year, but I expect them to roll out with around 9 or 10 wins again this season.
SURPRISE: Atlanta Falcons-Michael Vick led the Falcons to the NFC Title game several years back, but Vick’s gone for a while, and probably won’t be back. Now, with Matt Ryan the new face of the team, and Michael Turner the team’s new feature back, if their wideouts click, don’t be surprised if they’re in the thick of the playoff race.
DIVISION MVP: Deuce McAllister-I’m not saying McAllister will be NFC South MVP not because he will rush for 1,500 yards (he will rush for around 1,200 however), but rather he is the face of the Saints team. It’s not Drew Brees. It’s not Reggie Bush. Even though I see Reggie Bush breaking out, without McAllister last season, the Saints played poorly.
WILD CARD: None
NFC EAST
WINNER: Dallas Cowboys-Pretty tough call, I don’t have the Cowboys having an excellent year actually. The loss of Julius Jones is offset by the drafting of Felix Jones, but the aging starters at wideout (T.O. & Terry Glenn) is just to huge to not exploit on defense. In fact, another inconsistent campaign like 2006 is possible.
SURPRISE: New York Giants-I was shocked to see the Giants win the Super Bowl last year; they really weren’t a great team. Now, they have got some of the apples (players) plucked off their tree (team), and are even worse. I also still don’t think Eli Manning is now a Pro Bowl QB. Lastly, I believe the Eagles will have a nice rebound year.
DIVISION MVP: Tony Romo-With Marion Barber pairing up with Felix Jones, those two could be Co-MVP’s instead, but I still really like the combo of Romo and Terrell Owens (still).
WILD CARD: Philadelphia (#5 seed), N.Y. Giants (miss playoffs)
NFC WEST
WINNER: Seattle Seahawks-The Seahawks had a very interesting (not good, but interesting) draft day. They have made a number of good additions, but have suffered huge losses in Josh Brown (to division rival Rams) & D.J. Hackett (to Panthers). Still, I don’t see anyone else in the NFC West near the Hawks talent.
SURPRISE: St. Louis Rams-I’m tempted to say Cards, but they didn’t have that bad of a 2007 season. The Rams on the other hand, finished last in the NFC West. I think Marc Bulger & Steven Jackson will have strong rebound years, and last year’s acquisition of Drew Bennett (from the Titans) is ready to take over opposite Torry Holt, replacing the aging veteran in Issac Bruce (now with the 49ers).
DIVISION MVP: Lofa Tatupu-Surprising with a linebacker as MVP huh? Well, Tatupu has made the Pro Bowl in all 3 seasons of his career, and won’t be slowing down anytime soon. The Hawks don’t have one guy that just jumps out at you big time on offense, but on defense, the guy is evident, not Patrick Kerney, but rather Tatupu.
WILD CARD: Arizona (#6 seed), St. Louis (miss playoffs)
The Seattle Seahawks picked up DE Patrick Kerney in the 2007 off-season and it was known as one of the biggest pick-ups that off-season. Kerney was given a 6-year contract worth almost $40 million. And while he did record a NFC-leading 14.5 sacks, was NFC Defensive Player of the Year, and made the Pro Bowl as an All-Pro selection, is he really all the hype?
If you look game-by-game at Kerney's stats in 2007, you notice that a good number of his sacks on the year were clumped together in single games. In fact, Kerney recorded 9 of the 14.5 sacks in 3 single games. Even though that's impressive, what happened in the other 13 games?
After coming off of a 3-sack game versus the Cardinals in Week 14, Kerney really turned his play down a notch. In the last 5 games of the season, Kerney recorded a mere 1 sack. As Hawks head coach Mike Holmgren put it, he got a bit worn out. I guess, the guy's in his 30s, give him some slack. But still!
His deteriorating play later on in the season also saw a game in which he didn't crack a single stat (only time that occured in 2007), the Packers divisional playoff game; by the way, the Hawks allowed Packers RB Ryan Grant to rush for over 200 yards in the same game (a Packers playoff record).
You also have to admit the Hawks were pretty bold in giving Kerney such a big contract. What people didn't realize or take into consideration at all was the fact that Kerney was 30 years old when we signed him. He was also coming off of surgery on his right pectoral muscle. When a player is aging and needs surgery due to an on-field injury, there's not a great chance that he'll have a great year following. But he certainly proved me and a few other critics wrong, didn't he.
One last thing, most of the time, unless you're a top, top, top, top-notch player, older players in the NFL probably won't have two (or more) consecutive double-digit sack years. I believe that a 10-sack season in 2008 for Kerney is realistic, but I also think a 5-sack season in 2008 for Kerney is realistic as well. So maybe the Hawks GM Tim Ruskell and Holmgren were right in drafting a defensive end, but should it have been Lawrence Jackson? Or Phillip Merling?
1.) 1970 QB Terry Bradshaw-Bradshaw had a very memorable NFL career. He would be #2 or maybe #3, but his 4 Super Bowl wins makes him #1.
2.) 1998 QB Peyton Manning-Manning will break many passing records (including Brett Favre's) by the time he retires. The only problem is only 1 Super Bowl win.
3.) 1983 QB John Elway-Elway had a terrific career with the Denver Broncos leading them to a number of Super Bowl wins with Mike Shanahan.
4.) 1989 QB Troy Aikman-Aikman was one of the several great Cowboys QB'S. Aikman brought the Cowboys to a string of Super Bowl wins in the 90s.
5.) 1985 DE Bruce Smith-Some might say this is too high, but hey, the guy holds the NFL record for most QB sacks!
6.) 1969 RB O.J. Simpson-Here we just have to ignore the other part, and focus on his on-field activity. Simpson is a Hall of Famer and has over 10,000 career rushing yards.
7.) 1976 DE Lee Roy Selmon-Selmon became a anchor for the Bucs defense recording over 700 tackles for his team.
8.) 1978 RB Earl Campbell-Even though Campbell didn't rush for over 10,000 rushing yards in his career, he had many excellent seasons, and the wear and tear took its toll.
9.) 1949 LB Chuck Bednarik-Most people don't remember him (besides Eagles fans), but he was an important member of the Eagles D back in the days.
10.) 1957 HB Paul Hornung-Even though he didn't run for all that many yards, he was an important part for the Packers.
Jets Bubba Franks (2000, 14th OVR): Franks had a good college career at Miami and is known as a strong and consistent blocker. He had success early in his career making 3 Pro Bowls in his first 4 seasons. However, the emergence of Donald Lee in Green Bay (the team Franks was drafted by) forced him to be released.
Giants Jeremy Shockey (2002, 14th OVR): Shockey has had an excellent career with the Giants as the 4-time Pro Bowler. Shockey has nice & soft hands and is a consistent blocker as well. However, a season-ending injury in 2007 forced him to miss his team's Super Bowl win. Shockey may be traded.
Browns Kellen Winslow II (2004, 6th OVR): Winslow Jr. had a brilliant college career at the U. Injuries forced Winslow to a slow pro start, but now has shown he is following in the footsteps of his father, who was also an excellent tight end with the Chargers.
Bills Kevin Everett (2005, 86th OVR): Everett had a good and promising career at the U. However, injury concerns forced Everett into the 3rd round. Injuries have hurt Everett pro career as well.
Bears Greg Olsen (2007, 31st OVR): Olsen was a versatile tight end at the U, and even though many considered Zach Miller to be the best tight end of the 2007 Draft (went in the 2nd round to Oakland), Olsen went prior and played well towards the latter half of the 2007 NFL season.
1.) 28th OVR (R1): USC DE Lawrence Jackson-This pick is a surprise. Defensive End definitely wasn't a pressing need; especially in the 1st round. However, Jackson's big upside is he can double at defensive tackle and even offensive tackle (since Walter Jones is in his mid-30s).
2.) 38th OVR (R2): Notre Dame TE John Carlson-Even though tight end was a pressing need, I was not expecting John Carlson at all. With Fred Davis still on the board, I would have taken Davis, not Carlson. Davis would go several picks later to the Skins.
3.) 121st OVR (R4): Texas A&M DT Red Bryant-This is probably the pick that I like the most. I was surprised to see Bryant slip to the 4th round, but I think we got a steal. Bryant could be a part-time starter along with last year's steal, second rounder Brandon Mebane.
4.) 163rd OVR (R5): West Virginia FB Owen Schmitt-I don't think fullback was that big of a concern; and I think we could have used a receiver. Seattle's current starter at fullback; Leonard Weaver, is very athletic, but isn't much of a blocker. Schmitt though, could pave the way for our 3-way run attack.
5.) 189th OVR (R6): San Diego State LS Tyler Schmitt-This was a good pick, but I'm surprised to see a long snapper go so early. The Hawks had problems last year at snapping and we saw that against the Saints. Schmitt is the best long snapper in this year's draft.
6.) 233rd OVR (R7): California RB Justin Forsett-I believe this was the worst pick of this year's draft for the Seahawks. We really needed an offensive lineman even if it was the 7th round.
7.) 235th OVR (R7): Georgia K Brandon Coutu-Coutu had a strong Pro Day workout, which made him a draft pick. Coutu comes due to Josh Brown's departure for the Rams. Coutu will compete against Olindo Mare for the starting job at kicker this upcoming season.
TO CONCLUDE: I think our first 3 picks (through Bryant) are sure-stayers for the final roster. It is likely that Owen Schmitt will make the team as well. Though I hope Tyler Schmitt will make the cuts, it's possible that he won't. Since the Hawks already have 3 good backs, and I don't think Maurice Morris will be cut, Justin Forsett will probably be let go. Coutu is a big question mark, him staying or not will depend on Olindo Mare's performance; but for now, I like Coutu as the starter.
Week 1: @ BILLS-WIN///Should be a relatively easy win for the Hawks in their season opener. I see Matt Hasselbeck having a good day.
Week 2: vs. 49ERS-WIN///Will be a big game in the Hawks 2008 home opener. It's always good to start off with a win in our division.
Week 3: vs. RAMS-WIN///This will be the "Ram Killer's" first return to Seattle. The Hawks should come out with their second straight divisional win.
Week 4: BYE
Week 5: @ GIANTS-LOSS///Even though the Giants are rather poor at home, the Hawks have dropped their last 12 of 17 on the East Coast. The trend won't change against the reigning Super Bowl champs.
Week 6: vs. PACKERS-WIN///This will be a big, and possibly tough game for the Hawks. But the main difference is the absence of Brett Favre. Without the presence of Brett Favre, the ending result will differ from last season.
Week 7: @ BUCS-WIN///Once again, the Hawks meet up with Tampa. While this could be a close game, I think the Hawks will finish the day with a win.
Week 8: @ 49ERS-WIN///This will be the Hawk's 3rd divisional game on the year. The 49ers disappointed everyone last season, and like last year, the Hawks will sweep the Niners.
Week 9: vs. EAGLES-WIN///While some say this will be a hard game for the Hawks, Donovan McNabb is a different guy then he was when he was throwing to T.O. With the win, the Hawks are on pace for a 14-2 season at midseason.
Week 10: @ DOLPHINS-WIN///Like I said earlier, the Hawks are not very strong on the east coast, but this is a 1-15 team we're talking about.
Week 11: vs. CARDINALS-WIN///The Cards will most likely be the Hawks toughest competitor this upcoming year. Still, the presence of our 12th Man is just too strong.
