Being in the NFL market that is currently on the clock(St. Louis), I felt it necessary that I write about the NFL.
First, we'll discuss the mess that is the Chad Johnson situation
Ocho Cinco needs to quit being a baby and decide whether or not he wants to play football or try to be a whiner who is a poor man's T.O. when it comes to end zone celebrations. Don't get me wrong, I think Chad Johnson is one of the top WRs in the NFL. However, he needs to get to training camp and play hard this season for the Bengals. Cincinnati is not going to trade him in the offseason so he needs to do what T.O. did in Philly, which is shut up and play the season. I see Johnson being traded next off season, not this one.
Second, I like the move of Jared Allen to the Vikings. Allen will solidify the D-Line for the Vikings, which has struck out on defensive ends in the past few years(Ukeze is the main one I'm thinking of). This will allow the Chiefs to draft a DE in the draft on Saturday.
Third, the NFL stated that, for the time being, the Rams can not negotiate with the player(s) that they want to pick #2 in the draft. I think the league will allow the Rams to negotiate with either Chris Long of Virginia or Glenn Dorsey of LSU.
Lastly, here's what I think will happen from Picks 2 to 7(I'm not Mel Kiper or Todd McShay-thank goodness) 2-Rams: DE Chris Long-Virginia 3-Falcons: QB Matt Ryan-Boston College 4-Saints(trade with Raiders): DT Glenn Dorsey-LSU 5-Chiefs: OLB/DE Vernon Gholsten-Ohio State 6-Jets: RB Darren McFadden-Arkansas 7-Patriots-LB Keith Rivers-USC
This team was destined for the playoffs, then they fell out of contention with an injury to their starting quarterback. Now there is talk about signing or trading for Daunte Culpepper, how does that make David Garrard and Byron Leftwich feel? I guess the Jaguars don’t care.
2006 Season: 8-8, 3rd AFC South Missed Playoffs
Offense: Balanced Run
Quarterback: Byron Leftwich Whoever the quarterback is, they need to pray that their receivers have learned how to catch the ball. Leftwich doesn’t have the powerful arm out of him and Garrard, but he’s the starter after coming back from injury. If I’m Jack Del Rio, I give him one shot…one chance and then he’s replaced by Garrard. Grade: 3 out of 5
Running Back: Fred Taylor Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew torched a few teams last season(see the win against the Colts in Jacksonville) and they should be able to continue to do that. Eventually teams will put 8 or 9 in the box on every down and force the Jags to pass the ball. Until that happens though, they might be a pair of 1,000 yard backs. Grade: 4.5 out of 5
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends: Key Player-Matt Jones Jones, the converted quarterback from Arkansas, led the team in receiving yards and was tied for the team lead with 4 TDs. He is a good complement to Reggie Williams and Ernest Wilford because of his size and great speed to stretch the field. Grade: 3.5 out of 5
Offensive Line: Key Player-LT Khalif Barnes The tackle tandem of Barnes and Tony Pashos is a good one, but the line needs to stay healthy in the middle for this team to be successful. Normally, the tackles are not the lead blockers for teams. However in Jacksonville, the Jags like to run off tackle and sweeps with the tackles moving around. Grade: 4 out of 5
Defense: 4-3 Defensive Line: Key Player-DT John Henderson I would have to say that this defensive line rivals the Carolina Panthers for the best in the NFL. The two bohemiths in the middle, Henderson and Marcus Stroud, apply pressure up the middle, while RE Reggie Hayward rushes from the outside. Try to run inside on the Jaguars and see what happens. Grade: 5 out of 5
Linebackers: Key Player-MLB Mike Peterson Peterson leads an inexperienced group that will rely on the pass rush of the line to allow them to roam free. Peterson was injured last season and Daryl Smith moved to the middle and replaced him. Smith is moving back to OLB because Peterson is healthy and this will make this defense better. Grade: 3.5 out of 5
Cornerback: Key Player-Rashean Mathis Mathis lead the team with 8 INTs last season, but it’s the other side that could get burned. Brian Williams struggled last season. Hopefully he can pick it up for the Jags to make it to the playoffs. Grade: 3 out of 5
Safety: Key Player-Reggie Nelson I hate putting rookies on the spot, but Nelson was drafted by one of his home state teams and he is going to have to be the star in the secondary. I have no doubts that he will be awesome down there. The Jags did release Donovan Darius a couple of days ago, that move did weaken the back like a little, but they should be ok. Grade: 3 out of 5
Special Teams K: Josh Scobee P: Adam Podlesh Scobee is an alright kicker. I am curious how Podlesh will do as a rookie this season. I saw him play at Maryland and he was good, he may have some growing pains this season. Grade: 2.5 out of 5
Overall I love the D-Line for the Jags and the running game, but if they have to rely on the passing game…they could be in trouble.
The Herm Edwards era started with a playoff appearance for the Chiefs and now it has a change at quarterback that will be occurring this season. Out is Trent Green, who has been the starter since 2002, and in is Brodie Croyle, the former starter at Alabama who has 2 bad knees. All I gotta say is….Run Larry Run!
2006 Season: 9-7, 2nd AFC West Lost at Indianapolis in AFC Wild Card Round
Offense: Balanced Run
Quarterback: Brodie Croyle Brodie is about to be thrown into the fire in the AFC West, the best division in football. It worked for San Diego last season and now the Broncos and Chiefs will be starting 2nd year quarterbacks this season with Croyle and Jay Cutler. Watching Brodie while he played in college was fun because he was a fighter. He was the quarterback in Alabama’s 9-3 season in 2005 that ended with a Cotton Bowl berth. I have no doubts that he can succeed in this offense. Grade: 2.5 out of 5
Running Back: Larry Johnson LJ is the second best running back in the NFL behind LT and he now wants the Chiefs to pay him. Larry is a great mix between a power back and a scat back and now is his time to shine. I’m guessing that Johnson will make a run at the TD title since the Chiefs won’t be throwing that much, but he’ll come up short. Look for a 20 TD season for Larry. Hopefully the Chiefs will pay him after that. Grade: 5 out of 5
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends: Key Player-Tony Gonzalez Once the premier tight end in the league, Gonzalez is still the best receiver in KC and he’s still one of the best in football. He’s huge and can block and catch. It’s not a good thing when the TE is the key to your passing game, but it is in KC. Grade: 2.5 out of 5
Offensive Line: Key Player-LG Brian Waters The line took a big hit when the league announced that RG John Welbourn would be suspended for 6 games at the beginning of the season. This puts more pressure on the left side of the line with Waters flanked by Damion McIntosh at LT. Larry’s going to have to run to the left a lot this year because the right side won’t be strong until Welbourn returns. Grade: 3 out of 5
Defense: 4-3
Defensive Line: Key Player-LE Tamba Hali The defensive line for the Chiefs have 2 very aggressive ends with Tamba Hali, who had 8 sacks last season, and Jared Allen, who had 7.5 sacks. The interior of the line needs to apply pressure so the ends can get even more pressure. Grade: 4 out of 5
Linebackers: Key Player-OLB Donnie Edwards Edwards is back with the Chiefs after a long hiatus with the Chargers. I’m not sure how he will do adjusting back to a 4-3 where he’ll be in coverage more than he was when he was a blitzing linebacker in the 3-4. Napolean Harris is the MLB with Derrick Johnson playing at the other OLB position. Grade: 4 out of 5
Cornerbacks: Key Player-Ty Law Ty Law and Patrick Surtain were both great lockdown corners, now Law is the trusting lock down one. Surtain needs to step up because he is on the downturn in his career. Grade: 3.5 out of 5
Safety: Key Player-Glen Wesley Wesley had 70 tackles last season and he is key with the run stopping defense that the Chiefs run most of the time. Other than Wesley, they really do not have great playmakers at safety. Grade: 3 out of 5
Special Teams K: Justin Medwick P: Dustin Colquitt The Chiefs hold Medwick in such high regards that they traded their good kicker Lawrence Tynes for a draft pick. Colquitt is a great punter who was on the front of the University of Tennessee media guide that I bought in 2004(that either says he’s really good or UT was really bad that year) Grade: 3 out of 5
Overall The Chiefs need a few things to be successful, 1. A healthy Larry Johnson. 2. Someone who can hand the ball to Larry Johnson. 3. Someone who can catch the play action passes that either Croyle or Damon Huard will be throwing. If all of these things would out, then the Chiefs will play a lot better than I think they will. But I don’t think they are a playoff team. If they finish 8-8, it will be a miracle.
The Steelers started a new chapter in the offseason, hiring Mike Tomlin as their head coach, replacing Bill Cowher. It was the second time the Steelers have gone outside of the franchise to replace a legend. Bill Cowher was the defensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs when he was hired and Tomlin was the defensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings when he was hired this offseason. He comes from the Tony Dungy school of defense, but decided to stick with a winning formula on defense by keeping DC #### LeBeau and his 3-4 defense.
2006 Season: 8-8, 3rd AFC North Missed Playoffs
Offense: Balanced
Quarterback: Ben Roethlisberger Big Ben is completely healthy for the first time since the motorcycle accident that nearly killed him. Roethlisberger is a great talent that struggled last season because of the accident and an emergency appendectomy(is this procedure ever not an emergency procedure?) so he was unable to get on track last season. I think he will rebound this season and play well, if not great. Grade: 3.5 out of 5
Running Back: Willie Parker Parker is a great scatback, but he was used a lot last season. This season, the Steelers will be running both Parker and big man Najeh Davenport rumbling for lots of yards this season. Grade: 4 out of 5
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends: Key Player-Hines Ward Ward is the best WR the Steelers have had since Lynn Swann and he deserves to retire a Steeler. Now he may not be the biggest wideout out there, but he gets the job done. Santonio Holmes should become a reliable #2 in his second season and Heath Miller is playing great at TE. Grade: 4.5 out of 5
Offensive Line: Key Player-LG Alan Faneca Faneca is in a contract dispute, which should be common knowledge by now, and he wants an extention or he’s not coming back to the Steelers. If that happens, a riptide of problems would occur. Faneca is the heart and soul of the line and if he leaves, it may crush them. Max Starks is another player that is becoming a bookend at RT. Grade: 4 out of 5
Defense: 3-4
Defensive Line: Key Player-DT Casey Hampton I love this kid. Casey is exactly what you need in a nose tackle in a 3-4 defense. He is huge…picture Richard Perry, but he is willing to take his role to the extreme. He can take on 2 blockers which frees up the linebackers to make tackles. Grade: 4 out of 5
Linebackers: Key Player-MLB James Farrior Farrior had his best season last year with 128 tackles and 4 sacks. He is the beast in the middle of this 3-4 alongside Larry Foote and Clark Haggans. Grade: 4 out of 5
Cornerbacks: Key Player-Ike Taylor Taylor is a good corner when it comes to zone, which is something that the Steelers do all the time. He’s not that good at man coverage, luckily the Steelers are a zone blitz team so it doesn’t burn him that much. Playing on the other side is Bryant McFadden, who is pretty good in man coverage. Grade: 3.5 out of 5
Safety: Key Player-Troy Polamalu After last season, Polamalu needs to step up. His injury was key to a mid-season slide that the Steelers had. He is great against the run and I’m hoping he’s back to normal this season. Grade: 3.5 out of 5
Special Teams K: Jeff Reed P: Daniel Sepulveda Reed is a good kicker and Sepulveda is a rookie from Baylor. Grade: 4 out of 5
Overall The Steelers will have to change their approach this season with a new head coach and they’re in the second toughest division in football, behind the AFC West. They’ll be battling to the end with 3 out of the last 4 on the road against New England, St. Louis, and Baltimore.
Eric Mangini as a genius? I’m not 100% sure on that one, but the Jets picked a good defensive mind and a strict leader when they chose the former defensive coordinator from the Patriots. This team will only go as far as Chad Pennington’s right shoulder can take them.
2006 Season: 10-6 2nd AFC East Lost at New England in AFC Wild Card round
Offense: West Coast
Quarterback: Chad Pennington Chad had a good year last season, but the question is how long with the shoulder hold up? If he goes down, Kellen Clemens is the backup. Grade: 3 out of 5
Running Back: Thomas Jones Jones, acquired by the Bears for a 2nd round draft pick, is a great addition for the Jets. He is the workhorse that they missed without Curtis Martin last season. Grade: 4 out of 5
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends: Laveranues Coles Coles is a great route runner who will be across the middle a lot while Cotchery as the deep threat in this offense. Tim Dwight will be the 3rd wide out. She is a clone of Wayne Chrebet and should be good in that offense. Grade: 3.5 out of 5
Offensive Line: Key Player-C Nick Mangold I know that I put a lot of centers as the key player on the O-Line, but in this case he is. Anyone who is good enough to replace Kevin Mawae is the leader of the offensive line. He is a Jeff Saturday clone who was coached by the best at The Ohio State University. Grade: 3 out of 5
Defense: 3-4 Defensive Line: Key Player-Shaun Ellis The 3-4 doesn’t need a lot of pressure from the line, but Ellis got 5 sacks from this group that includes Dwayne Robertson(he’s a big boy). Grade: 3 out of 5
Linebackers: Key Player-MLB Jonathan Vilma Vilma is one of the best middle linebackers in the league and I think he may become the best MLB if he has another good season. Grade: 3.5 out of 5
Cornerbacks: Key Player-Andre Dyson This isn’t the strongest part of the defense, but Dyson is an ok cover corner. The one player at this position is the rookie Darrelle Revis from Pittsburgh, who could be the starter after training camp. Grade: 3 out of 5
Safety: Key Player-Erik Coleman Coleman had 107 tackles last season and should get over that because of the issues on defense. He will have to step up against the run for the Jets to be successful
Special Teams K: Mike Nugent P: Ben Graham I would love to say that Mike Nugent is as clutch as he was at Ohio State, but I would be lying. He went 24-27 last season, which is a great year, but he hasn’t been in the pressure situations that prove if you are a great kicker. Grade: 3.5 out of 5
Overall The Jets will go as far as Chad’s arm takes them. With Thomas Jones running the ball as much as he did in Chicago last season, he should be playing great. I think the Jets will be in that group with the Titans, Broncos, Chiefs, and Steelers for that final playoff spot.
Next up is the Denver Broncos, the second place team in the AFC West. Champ Bailey is the leader of this team, but it all depends on how Jay Cutler plays as the starter for a full season.
2006 Season: 9-7, 3rd AFC West Missed Playoffs
Offense: Multiple West Coast
Quarterback: Jay Cutler I loved watching this kid while he was at Vanderbilt and I think he may be something special in the NFL. Cutler was good enough to unseat Jake Plummer late in the season last season and almost lead the Broncos to the playoffs. This year should be his breakout season…look out world, here comes the kid from Santa Claus, Indiana. Maybe he’ll do to the NFL what 2 small town Indiana kids have done for the NBA and MLB(Larry the Legend and Scott Rolen) Grade: 4 out of 5.
Running Back: Travis Henry The free agent signee from the Titans is a great signing for a team that normally churns out 1,000 yard rushers at will. However, last season proved they needed a good workhorse back and they decided that that person was not Tatum Bell or Mike Bell. Henry’s best seasons were in Buffalo and he should be able to run wild with this line. Grade: 4 out of 5
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends: Key Player-Javon Walker This group of receivers should make Jay Cutler look like John Elway. Walker, Rod Smith, Brandon Stokley(an Ed McAffery clone), and Daniel Graham should be spreading the field all day long. Walker is the deep threat out of the 4 and should have a career year. Grade: 5 out of 5.
Offensive Line: Key Player-C Tom Nalen Well, this offensive line still has the stalwarts of Nalen and Matt Lepsis and they still block with the zone blocking technique that made Terrell Davis, Clinton Portis, Mike Anderson, and Rueben Droughens look like Jim Brown. Grade: 4 out of 5
Defense: 4-3
Defensive Line: Key Player-DE Ebenezer Ekuban Ekuban had 7 sacks last season and is opposite Kenard Lang, who had 6 sacks. In the middle, Gerard Warren is back to being a beast in the middle of the D-Line. Ekuban should have double-digit sacks this season. Grade: 4 out of 5
Linebackers: Key Player-MLB D.J. Williams With the retirement on OLB Al Wilson, D.J. Williams has become the leader of this crew. Williams played opposite Jonathan Vilma at Miami and now has the great Ian Gold playing next to him. Grade: 4 out of 5
Cornerback: Key Player-Champ Bailey What an upgrade! Instead of having 1 shutdown corner, the Broncos now have 2. Dre Bly was acquired from Detroit for RB Tatum Bell. Now Bly is used to taking on the #1 receiver for the opponent, now he will have the face the #2, which will make him even better. Grade: 5 out of 5
Safety: Key Player-John #### #### is still laying people out from safety. He’s lost a step from his time with the Bucs, but he’s still the rock in center field. Grade: 3.5 out of 5
Special Teams K: Jason Elam P: Todd Sauerbrun Elam has lost a little bit of length on his kicks and Sauerbrun is nuts. Elam is still accurate as hell, he just make the 60 yarders like he did earlier in his career. Grade: 4 out of 5
Overview The Broncos would be a championship-caliber team is they didn’t play in the AFC West. They’ll battle with the Chargers for the division and will fight to the end against the Titans for the final wild card spot.
Vinsanity, the NFL style, went well last season as the Titans made a run at the postseason for the first time since 2003. This year, they will make the playoffs while being carried by a quarterback that has changed the dynamic of this franchise like his mentor, Steve McNair, did.
2006 Record: 8-8, 2nd AFC South Missed Playoffs
Offense: Multiple West Coast Quarterback: Vince Young Sure Merrill Hoge doesn't like him because he doesn't complete over 60% of his passes and doesn't read defenses well, but the kid knows how to win. This year may be the breakout year for VY, as long as the offense plays with him. Grade: 3.5 out of 5
Running Back: Chris Henry Henry, the 2nd round draft pick from Arizona, is the scat back in this 2 back system. The question mark is LenDale White, the 2nd round pick last season. Jeff Fisher is pissed at him for leaving minicamp so he may not be playing much. Grade: 2 out of 5
Wide Receivers/Tight End: Key Player-David Givens Givens, who missed a lot of time last season, needs to step up. With the loss of Drew Bennett, Givens has to be the force that the Titans thought he could be when they signed him to a big deal. Ben Troupe is another key for this passing offense. His ability to catch the ball over the middle will be imparitive for Young and the Titans. Grade: 3 out of 5
Offensive Line: Key Player-C Kevin Mawae The Titans took a shot with Mawae and it payed off. He controls that line with a lot to protect. RG Benji Olsen is another key cog that needs to exceed expectations. Grade: 3.5 out of 5
Defense: 4-3 Defensive Line: Key Player-DE Kyle Vanden Bosch Kyle is the glue that holds the line together, can you think of another player on this line who could be as important as him? I can't. Sure Albert Haynesworth is back(please don't step on anyone's face again) and Randy Starks is coming into his own at DT, but it's Vanden Bosch that put the most pressure on the QB. Grade: 3 out of 5
Linebackers: Key Player-OLB David Thornton Thornton has to step up and play great for the Titans defense to succeed this year. Keith Bulluck is a great OLB, but it was Thornton who they brought in last season and the defense seemed to improve because of him. Grade: 4 out of 5
Cornerback: Key Player-Nick Harper Harper, who was brought in to play opposite Adam Jones(no more pacman references on this blog, unless we're talking about the game), will be the main corner instead. Coming over from Indy in the offseason, Harper is a known commodity to the Titans and he should be able to be a great cover corner for them. Grade: 3.5 out of 5
Safety: Key Player-Chris Hope Hope had a great season for the Titans, with 121 tackles. The only problem with that tackle total is the fact that he is a safety. He should be able to come up against the run more and will get the tackles closer to the line of scrimmage. Grade: 4 out of 5
Special Teams K: Rob Bironas P: Craig Hentrick Bironas kicked probably the top field goal of the season to win against the Colts. The 60 yarder split the uprights in December and it cemented his legacy in Tennessee. Grade: 4 out of 5
Overall The Titans need to stop the run this season and need to have someone step up to help out Givens, Troupe, and Young on offense. I think both of these things will happen.
I got stuck thinking about who I would pick to win the AFC North. The division has 3 good teams in it...and the Browns. So, almost in a coin flip, I picked Cincinnati to win it and Baltimore to get a Wild Card berth. Here's the preview for the Ravens
2006 Record: 13-3, 1st AFC North Lost in AFC Divisional Round v. Indianapolis
Offense: Balanced Quarterback: Steve McNair He is a great leader and a good fit for this team. Hell, if Trent Dilfer could win a Super Bowl with the Ravens, why can't Air McNair. Sure he doesn't run like he used to, but he shouldn't have to with the offensive line they have. Grade: 4 out of 5
Running Back: Willis McGahee Willis has not been the running back that Drew Rosenhaus talked up at the 2003 draft. He's had one good season and now has been traded to a team that needed a change of pace at the RB position. Look for McGahee to flurish with this line, it may be a dream come true for the Ravens. Grade: 3.5 out of 5
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends: Key Player-Derrick Mason Sure he's not what he once was, but he's the best route runner the Ravens have. The speed of Mark Clayton will open up the middle for both Mason and Todd Heap. Look for Mason to regain his probowl form this season. Grade: 4 out of 5
Offensive Line: Key Player-LT Jonathan Ogden Perhaps the best LT in all of football, maybe in the history of the NFL. Ogden anchors this line that will open holes for McGahee and block very well for McNair. Grade: 5 out of 5
Defense: 4-3 Defensive Line: Key Player-DE Terrell Suggs Suggs and Trevor Pryce make for one hell of a DE tandem, but it will be Suggs that applies the most pressure. He played the Rush linebacker in the 3-4 for Mike Nolan's awesome defense when he was the DC and he's now back at his natural position. Grade: 4 out of 5
Linebackers: Key Player-MLB Ray Lewis As long as Ray stays out of trouble, he'll be fine. He doesn't have the playmakers around him at LB like he once did, but he's still the beast in the middle. Grade: 3 out of 5
Cornerbacks: Key Player-Chris McAllister The best cornerback tandem in the NFL....Enough said! Grade: 5 out of 5
Safety: Key Player-Ed Reed Probably the best free safety in football, Reed needs to show that he's more than a big hitter. Grade: 5 out of 5
Special Teams K: Matt Stover P: Sam Koch Stover was clutch, until the playoffs last season. Grade: 3.5 out of 5
Overall The Ravens are one of the better teams in the NFL, but they need to go far in the playoffs this year because you don't know how long this offense will be able to hang around.
As long as the Bengals keep at least 24 players out of jail, they should win the AFC North.
2006 Record: 8-8, 2nd AFC North Missed Playoffs
Offense: Multiple Quarterback: Carson Palmer My pick to win the MVP award this season, Palmer will have his best season with Rudi, Chad, T.J. and the crew back again. With over 4,000 yards passing and 28 TDs to only 13 INTs, Palmer put up stats that should have helped the Bengals make the playoffs. Grade: 5 out of 5
Running Back: Rudi Johnson The chants of "Rudi, Rudi, Rudi" will be blaring loud and clear from the riverfront. Johnson is a bruiser who had over 1300 yards rushing and 12 TDs. Chris Henry is a viable backup as the Bengals may attempt to go with the 2 back system. Grade: 4 out of 5
Wide Receiver: Key Player-Chad Johnson It's the Chad and TJ show for it's 6th season in the League. Actually, I think it's been longer b/c they went to college together, but this will work. Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh are probably the best pair of wide outs in the league. The question is will they be able to co-exist. Both big egos normally are center stage during the season. Grade: 5 out of 5
Offensive Line: Key Player-RT WIllie Anderson The line is ok, but Anderson is the leader of the group. Old Willie hopefully will get another shot at the Super Bowl this year. Grade: 3 out of 5
Defense: 4-3 Defensive Line: Key Player-DE Justin Smith This unit is weak. The only reason I picked Smith is because he played for Missouri. I'm not a big fan of the D-Line here. Grade: 1.5 out of 5
Linebacker: Key Player-OLB Odell Thurman If Thurman could stay out of trouble, he is a great player. The third year pro from Georgia has the speed to cover the RB and the toughness to cover the TE. Unfortunately, he is the only good one they have. Grade: 2 out of 5
Cornerback: Key Player-Deltha O'Neal Both of the starting corners had bad years last season, interception wise. O'Neal had 1 pick, Jonathan Joseph had none. They need to improve on that. Grade: 2 out of 5
Safety: Key Player-Dexter Jackson The former Super Bowl MVP is a good fit in this defense of underachievers. IF someone was to step up on this D, I'm guessing Jackson will be the guy. Grade: 1.5 out of 5
Special Teams K: Shayne Graham P: Kyle Larson Graham has made some clutch kicks in his career. He was 25 for 30 last season. Larson is a good punter as well. Grade: 4 out of 5
Overview If the Bengals could play some solid defense(something that Marvin Lewis is good at coaching), there is no reason why Cincy couldn't win the AFC. However, I got a feeling that this D will suck. Carson will win his MVP and Rudi will get his 1500 yards, but the defense will be the reason the Bengals fall in the playoffs.
I'm bored at work and I left my flash drive at home so I figured I'll do the other 2 AFC Division champions. First with the reigning Super Bowl Champions...The Indianapolis Colts
2006 Record: 12-4 1st AFC South Defeated Chicago in Super Bowl XLI
Offense: Spread Quarterback: Peyton Manning I loved the guy in college and I started rooting for the Colts because of him(until they switched the divisions around in 2002). Peyton finally won the big one that had eluded him up until that point. He's the best quarterback the Colts have had since Johnny U. Grade: 5 out of 5
Running Back: Joseph Addai After having a 2 back rotation last season with Dominic Rhodes, Joseph Addai had one hell of a year, capped off by the game winning TD against the Patriots. Look for Addai to be a clone of Edgerrin James in this offense. Grade: 4 out of 5
Wide Receivers: Key Player-Reggie Wayne I know some people will think I'm a Marvin Harrison hater because I think Reggie Wayne is a better WR. Marvin has become the 2nd WR on the team because he is a better route runner. Wayne is the deep threat that makes it possible for Marvin and 1st Round pick Anthony Gonzalez and TE Dallas Clark to roam freely in the middle. Grade: 5 out of 5
Offensive Line: Key Player-C Jeff Saturday In a hurry up offense, he is the captain of the line. He does all of the blocking assignments at the line and he is always on top of his game. Ryan Diem and Tarik Glenn are dominate as well. Grade: 4.5 out of 5
Defense: 4-3 Cover 2 Defensive Line: Key Player-DE Dwight Freeney Freeney is the pressure end in this defense, which relies on the line to pressure the quarterback. Robert Mathis and Anthony "Booger" McFarland also pressure the line as well. Grade: 3.5 out of 5
Linebacker: Key Player-OLB Rob Morris Gary Brackett replaced him in 2005 as the middle linebacker, but Morris is now the starting OLB in this cover 2 scheme. He is good against the run. Grade: 3 out of 5
Cornerback: Key Player-Marlin Jackson I think the corners of Jackson and Kelvin Hayden(who sealed the Super Bowl win with a pick) are here to stay as a great pair of corners. Both are good one-on-one corders and both have the ability to shut down the opponents passing games. Grade: 4.5 out of 5
Safety: Key Player-Bob Sanders Bob Sanders is a great hitter who really helped this defense transform late in the season after he returned from injury. If he stays healthy, the sky is the limit for this defense. Grade: 4.5 out of 5
Special Teams K: Adam Vinatieri P: Hunter Smith One is the best clutch kicker of all-time, the other is one hell of a punter. Grade: 5 out of 5
Overview The Colts will make it to the playoffs, but their reign as world champs will end with a loss to the Chargers.
Day 2 of our NFL Preview series brings us to the San Diego Chargers. If it wasn't for conservative play calling late in the game(not letting LT touch the ball enough), they may have played the Colts in the AFC championship game.
2006 Record: 14-2 1st AFC West Lost to New England in AFC Divisional playoff
Offense: Balanced-Run Quarterback: Philip Rivers Rivers showed last season that, with the right personnel, he is a great quarterback. With Vincent Jackson and Antonio Gates catching the ball, I don't see a sophomore slump as a starter. He also now has Norv Turner as his head coach, he's a great mind when it comes to quarterbacks. An example of this is Troy Aikman. Grade: 4 out of 5
Running Back: LaDanian Tomlinson LT is at it again, but may be getting some breaks with the resigning of Michael "The Burner" Turner. Tomlinson will be making a run at the rushing title and the single season TD record that he set last year. He is THE BEST running back in the NFL. Grade: 5 out of 5
Wide Receivers/Tight End: Key Player-Antonio Gates Gates had a set back last season, but he should rebound as the go-to guy for Rivers. He is one of the top tight ends in the league, and should continue to be. Grade: 3.5 out of 5
Offensive Line: Key Player-LT Marcus McNeil The 2nd round pick from Auburn last season dominated the line and opened some giant holes for LT. This line is fierce because they don't just block, they plow through people(in a farming kind of way). Grade: 5 out of 5
Defense: 3-4 Defensive Line: Key Player-DE Luis Castillo I love this d-line. I know in the Patriots preview I spoke about the line in a 3-4 not being important, in this defense it is. Castillo and fellow end Igor Olshansky pressure the line like most outside linebackers in a 3-4 defense. Castillo is also a beast against the run, making Olshansky the rush end. Grade: 4.5 out of 5
Linebacker: Key Player-OLB Shawne Merriman The kid is an awesome LT clone(maybe even with the steroid comparison) and he dominates the defense. On the other side is Sean Phillips, who is a pretty good rush linebacker himself. Grade: 5 out of 5
Cornerback: Key Player-Quinton Jammer The cornerbacks in this defense are under tremendous pressure because of the islands they are usually forced to be on because of the constant blitzing. Jammer is a good cover corner, but he needs to improve to become one of the elite in the league. Grade: 3 out of 5
Safety: Key Player-Marlon McCree McCree and Clinton Hart are the starters of this group, but I wouldn't be surprised if Eric Weddle, the rookie out of Utah, is the starter out of training camp. The kid is a good player and hustles constantly. Grade: 3.5 out of 5
Special Teams K: Nate Kaeding P: Mike Scifres Kaeding was a great kicker last season, but he has had his problems in the playoffs. If he chokes again, the Chargers may go in a different direction
Overall I think this team will make another run through the AFC West, but will fall to their nemesis in the Patriots in Foxborough.
Normally, when people do previews, they tend to start with the worst team and count down to the best. I'm going to do it in the reverse order......My pick to win Super Bowl XLII is
THE NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
Here is their team preview for the upcoming 2007 season
2006 Record: 12-4, 1st AFC East lost in AFC Championship at Indianapolis
Offense: Multiple West Coast Quarterback: Tom Brady He is probably the one quarterback that I would want on the field having to drive for a game winning score. Sure Peyton Manning is great, but I'd rather have good ole Tom. Too bad he went to Michigan. Score: 5 out of 5
Running Back: Laurence Maroney The Minnesota product is the running back of the future, shown by the release of Corey Dillon. He is a good every down back that would compete for the rushing title if LT wasn't in the league. Score: 4.5 out of 5
Wide Receivers: Key player-Randy Moss I thought that the Pats wideouts were improved before they traded for Moss during the NFL Draft in April. This move puts them over the top offensively. The Pats now have 2 deep threats in Moss and Stallworth and a decent #3 in Caldwell. Score: 5 out of 5
Offensive Line: Key player-LT Matt Light I love this offensive line mainly because I like Matt Light and the way he plays. Score: 4 out of 5
Defense: 3-4 Defensive Line: Key Player-DE Richard Seymour Normally the line in a 3-4 isn't that important, but Seymour is a beast in the middle. Probably the best run-stopping DE in the AFC East. Score: 4 out of 5
Linebackers: Key Player-ILB Tedy Brusci Brusci is the heart and soul of this defense. I would argue he is the Tom Brady of the defense. Mike Vrabel is a great run-stopper and is good as a fullback(see Super Bowl 39 for a recap). Roosevelt Colvin must be at full strength for him to be successful as the rush linebacker in the scheme. Score: 4.5 out of 5
Cornerback: Key Player-Asante Samuel If he quits listening to Drew Rosenhaus, he'll be in camp before the season begins. He's a good cover corner and he is good in zone coverage. Ellis Hobbs is an up and comer who will improve playing alongside Samuel. If Samuel holds out, this is the weak spot of the defense. Score: 3.5 out of 5 w/o Samuel, 4 out of 5 w/Samuel
Safety: Key Player-Rodney Harrison The head hunter is back for another year. I say the next time he takes someone's head off, he should be cheap-shotted for the rest of his career. The guy is a great player who doesn't need to do that to play well.(See D Chris Pronger of the Anaheim Ducks as well) Opposite him is the Illinois grad Eugene Wilson, who is coming into his own. Score: 4 out of 5
Special Teams K: Stephen Gostkowski P: Josh Miller These haven't been the same since Adam left last season. Gostkowski is ok, but the star is Larry Izzo(wedge buster) Score: 3.5 out of 5
Overall, the Patriots are the team to beat. They have Mr. Clutch at QB and a deep threat for him for the first time in his career.
There's one thing I can say about Cam Cameron, he's not against taking a shot. A day after Trent Green was traded to the Miami Dolphins, Daunte Culpepper was told by the team that he was not in their plans for the future. Is this a shock to anyone? Daunte hasn't been healthy since the 2004 season and has undergone 2 knee operations in the past 2 years. Cameron wanted Green from the get-go, Cameron was Green's QB coach in Washington from 1995-1996, before Cameron took the head coaching job at Indiana(where Green played his college ball). Don't get me wrong, I'm glad that Trent's going to be a starter in the NFL, but it is my theory that you shouldn't lose your job to injury. What is going on in Miami is exactly what happened to Trent in St. Louis going into the 2000 season. Green, the starter for the Rams in 1999, tore his ACL on a vicious hit from Rodney Harrison(head hunter) and Kurt Warner took the Rams to a Super Bowl Title. Now Trent is taking a job from another starting quarterback, Culpepper, due to injury. I think the two should battle it out during training camp and let the best player win.
First, the disclaimer....I am not a Kansas City Chiefs fan or a Miami Dolphins fan. I have friends who root for these teams, but I am not a fan of either team. That being said....
Why hasn't there been a deal made yet?
The Chiefs are determined to have Brodie Croyle start the season as their starting quarterback. The Dolphins have a rehabbing Daunte Culpepper, and not much else. Green has already reached a tentative deal with the Dolphins to be their starting quarterback, but the Chiefs have to reach a deal with the Dolphins on the trade. These 2 teams have been far apart on the trade. The Chiefs wanted a 2nd round pick, the Dolphins offered a 7th round pick. Then at the NFL Draft, the teams seemed to have settled on a 4th round pick, for that to fall through.
Now Trent Green is taking snaps with the first team offense in Kansas City.....WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON!
If the Dolphins are hoping for Trent Green to be their starting quarterback, they better not hold their breath!
I am an avid sports fan who attempts to watch/read about as many games as possible. Growing up in St. Louis, I am a die-hard St. Louis Cardinals fan. Not having an NFL team for most of my life, until the Rams showed up, I am a Tennessee Titans fan and I am also a University of Tennessee fan. I am a recent graduate of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
