So, I didn't quite get to do my NFC Preview, and now, although I think it may be a day late and a dollar short, I'm still going to give my quick NFC projections for the division winners and Wild Cards before my Week 1 observations...
NFC North: Packers 13-3... The Real Deal
NFC East: Eagles 11-5... Not a "Dream Team" but good enough to win the division
NFC South: Saints 12-4... Not going away yet
NFC West: Cardinals 9-7... Finally have a QB, and in a horrendous divison that is the difference.
Wild Cards:
Falcons 11-5... Matty Ice and company are here to stay, but have to contend with Saints
Bears 10-6... Not quite sure why everyone automatically expected them to fall off this year
Step-Up Team: Lions 9-7... One Year away, although Stafford looks good
Step Back Team: Bucs 7-9... Raheem Morris' group still plays in a tough division and didn't do enough in the offseason with all that cash
NFC Championship: Packers over Saints
Super Bowl: Packers over Patriots... First back to back since the 03-04 and 04-05 Pats (ironically)
... Now onto Week 1's 5 Things I learned, in ascending order of importance:
1. The Packers are Still the Champs
In a matchup between the last 2 Super Bowl champs, the Packers came out swinging behind a rowdy crowd at Lambeau, piling up 21 points and 202 yards of total offense in the first quarter against the Saints. The Saints nearly came back but the Pack buckled down on the last play with no time remaining to preserve the victory. Aaron Rodgers and company sent a message to the rest of the league that there is no Super Bowl hangover in Green Bay and that the road to the Super Bowl still must go through the Green and Yellow.
2. The Lions are for real
I was already drinking the Lions Kool-Aid in the offseason when I bought my Ndamukong Suh jersey, and they didn't disappoint in Week 1 against a Bucs team that went 10-6 last year, albeit missing the playoffs. The arial attack was out and about as Matt Stafford threw for 305 yards and 3 TDs, 2 to star receiver Calvin Johnson. If Stafford can stay healthy, the Lions may very well contend for a playoff spot with a much improved defense.
3. Shanahan loves Hightower
When Mike Shanahan traded for Tim Hightower back in late July, he was expected to contend for carries with Ryan Torain. But after a solid preseason in which he averaged 6.8 yards a carry (and against the Ravens and Steelers' first teams for 2 of the games), Hightower was namesd the starter for Week 1. And the starter he was. Hightower carried the rock 25 of the 26 attempts for the Redskins, the lone other going to rookie Roy Helu. Hightower was able to find the end zone in Week 1, and it also seems he found a way into Mike Shanahan's heart as well.
4. The Texans will run away with the AFC South
After Week 1's drubbing of the Peyton Manning-less Colts, and the lackluster play from both the Titans and Jags against each other, the Texans should skate to a division title. Clearly the Clots won't be giving them problems, so it's just a matter of getting by the non-divisional games and taking care of business against the Jags and Titans, which they should. Watch out for this team with raised confidence.
5. Peyton Manning Really Does Matter That Much
Wow. To say the display by the Colts in Week 1 was bad is the epitome of an understatement. And with no return in sight for Manning, the Colts are done. DONE. Kerry Collins looked like a man in his forties and was absolutely lost. He ran for his dear life, his brittle bones somehow made it through. I think this will be a common trend or this year, and with Colts' GM Bill Polian already talking of looking for a successor for Manning now, it may not be a bad idea to just let it go, tank it, and get Andrew Luck. I mean, look at Aaron Rodgers...
-TA
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Thursday, September 8, 2011
AFC Preview
Well, I'm back after a little more than a month off. Here we are with the first game of the season underway and I'm particularly siked, I'm getting the chills for the first time in a while. It comes at a particularly good time for myself as I, and I'm sure a few others, need something to be happy about. So without further ado and given the time constraints with this game here's my 2011 AFC Preview... (teams listed according to last season's standings)
AFC
North:
Pittsburgh Steelers (last season 12-4, 1st Place)
Yet again the Yellow and Black is the team to beat in the north. The Ravens will be pesky as usual and be right in the hunt until the final week of the season, I'm sure, but the defending AFC Champs are back and I look for Mike Wallace to further develop into an elite WR in this league.
*Prediction: 11-5; 1st Place
Baltimore Ravens (last season 12-4, 2nd Place)
The Ravens are the team that could probably win 5 other divisions in the NFL, but they are in the same one as the Steelers, and it will cost them. I think they do take a small step back as the defense growing another year older starts to show.
*Prediction: 10-6; 2nd Place
Cleveland Browns (last season 5-11, 3rd Place)
The Browns are a team that I like. I like their quarterback as Colt McCoy has looked great in the preseason and looks like he is poised to develop into a viable starter in this league, and Cleveland's QB of the future, something they haven't had in quite sometime. They made good strides, but aren't quite there yet.
*Prediction 7-9; 3rd Place
Cincinnati Bengals (last season 4-12, 4th Place)
The Bungals. Well, to put it bluntly, they're in for a long year. With a rookie QB, Andy Dalton, at the helm it is always difficult to compete. I like his prospects long term, but the team is going to be tough to watch this year without Carson Palmer and Chad Ochocinco. AJ Green will be a very good WR in this league, but he fell into a mess of a situation.
*Prediction: 3-13; 4th Place
East:
New England Patriots (last season 14-2, 1st Place)
Wow. What to say about the Pats. They were 14-2 last year, 14-2! But couldn't do it in the Playoffs. But, with Tom Brady and Bill Belichick you can never neglect to mention them as Super Bowl contenders, and that doesn't change this year.
*Prediction: 13-3, 1st Place
New York Jets (last season 11-5, 2nd Place)
Well, if you ask Rex Ryan they'll win the Super Bowl. But then again they would be the 2-time defending champs if Rex was always right. The Jets are a very, very good defensive team and their classic "ground and pound" style will be prevalent again this year, but maybe with Shonn Greene leading the way this year. Still New England's baby brother.
*Prediction: 11-5, 2nd Place
Miami Dolphins (last season 7-9, 3rd Place)
The Dolphins, I think, lost more than people realize on offense with the loss of both Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams, and only gaining rookie Daniel Thomas, who I think has a bright future, and Reggie Bush, who no matter what Tony Sparano says, is not a future back. Trust me, as a Saint fan, I know. Miami's defense isn't enough to do it and Chad Henne isn't the guy.
*Prediction: 5-11, 4th Place
Buffalo Bills (last year 4-12, 4th Place)
The Bills are just a miserable franchise and they need to move. I'm sorry to the Bills fans, if there are any, but they aren't very good. On the bright side though, I think they do take a step forward this year out of the basement with stability at the quarterback position with Harvard alum Ryan Fitzpatrick. Also Stevie Johnson proves himself this year with a repeat season.
*Prediciton: 6-10, 3rd Place
South
Indianapolis Colts (last season 10-6, 1st Place)
Wow, what a difference a day makes. Yesterday, Peyton was only out Week 1, and today he's out at least 2-3 months. This is a surgery my dad has had 3 or 4 times and I don't see him coming back this year. Without Manning, this is not going to be a good football team. I don't care how many weapons they have catching the ball, without someone to throw to them and without a decent run game, they're in trouble.
*Prediction: 6-10; 3rd Place
Jacksonville Jaguars (last season 8-8, 2nd Place)
In a stunning move, yesterday the Jags released starting QB David Garrard and will start Luke McCown in preparation for the Blaine Gabbert era. This will seriously hinder their chances this year even with the additions of LBs Paul Posluszny and Matt Roth. Without a QB, they aren't going anywhere.
*Prediction: 5-11; 4th Place
Houston Texans (last season 6-10, 3rd place)
The Texans definitely disappointed last year after some higher expectations, but without Peyton Manning in their division, they should skate to a division title. In maybe the weakest division now, and an improved defense with the addition of CB Jonathan Joseph formerly of the Bengals, the Texans should be in line for their first division title.
*Prediction: 11-5, 1st Place
Tennessee Titans (last season 6-10, 4th place)
The Titans added veteran QB Matt Hasselbeck to take over their offense as a stopgap until rookie Jake Locker is ready. In this division without Manning now, he should be enough to get them second place.
*Prediction: 7-9; 2nd Place
West
Kansas City Chiefs (last year 10-6, 1st place)
The Chiefs came out of right field last year to win the AFC West with a great ground game behind Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones, and Dwayne Bowe catching TDs, they can still be competitive. Matt Cassel is a viable QB and their defense can hold its own with Derrick Johnson, Brandon Flowers, and Eric Berry. However, I think they take a step back.
*Prediction: 8-8; 2nd Place
San Diego Chargers (last year 9-7, 2nd Place)
With Vincent Jackson here for the full year, and Philip Rivers coming into his prime, and who I think is without a doubt an elite QB in this league, the Chargers should win this division. They have a solid RB tandem in 2nd-year pro Ryan Mathews and the dougie-ing tank Mike Tolbert. Their defense will be solid again.
*Prediction: 10-6; 1st Place
Oakland Raiders (last year 8-8, 3rd place)
With a perfect divisional record last year at 6-0, the Raiders still finished a mediocre 8-8, and weren't able to make the playoffs. They will be average again with the loss of CB Nnamdi Asomugha, although Run DMC Darren McFadden is here to stay.
*Prediction: 7-9, 3rd Place
Denver Broncos (last year 4-12, 4th place)
With all the talk of Tim Tebow surrounding the Broncos, they made the smart move and went with the proven Kyle Orton. They have Brandon Lloyd on the outside who had a breakout year last year, but without much of a defense and it remains to be seen if Knowshon Moreno can be the guy they drafted him to be. They're in for a long year as well.
*Prediction: 4-12; 4th place
In short:
North: Steelers 11-5
East: Pats 13-3
South: Texans 11-5
West: Chargers 10-6
Wild Cards:
Jets 11-5
Ravens 10-6
AFC Championship: Patriots over Chargers
Look out for my NFC Preview coming tomorrow or Saturday!
AFC
North:
Pittsburgh Steelers (last season 12-4, 1st Place)
Yet again the Yellow and Black is the team to beat in the north. The Ravens will be pesky as usual and be right in the hunt until the final week of the season, I'm sure, but the defending AFC Champs are back and I look for Mike Wallace to further develop into an elite WR in this league.
*Prediction: 11-5; 1st Place
Baltimore Ravens (last season 12-4, 2nd Place)
The Ravens are the team that could probably win 5 other divisions in the NFL, but they are in the same one as the Steelers, and it will cost them. I think they do take a small step back as the defense growing another year older starts to show.
*Prediction: 10-6; 2nd Place
Cleveland Browns (last season 5-11, 3rd Place)
The Browns are a team that I like. I like their quarterback as Colt McCoy has looked great in the preseason and looks like he is poised to develop into a viable starter in this league, and Cleveland's QB of the future, something they haven't had in quite sometime. They made good strides, but aren't quite there yet.
*Prediction 7-9; 3rd Place
Cincinnati Bengals (last season 4-12, 4th Place)
The Bungals. Well, to put it bluntly, they're in for a long year. With a rookie QB, Andy Dalton, at the helm it is always difficult to compete. I like his prospects long term, but the team is going to be tough to watch this year without Carson Palmer and Chad Ochocinco. AJ Green will be a very good WR in this league, but he fell into a mess of a situation.
*Prediction: 3-13; 4th Place
East:
New England Patriots (last season 14-2, 1st Place)
Wow. What to say about the Pats. They were 14-2 last year, 14-2! But couldn't do it in the Playoffs. But, with Tom Brady and Bill Belichick you can never neglect to mention them as Super Bowl contenders, and that doesn't change this year.
*Prediction: 13-3, 1st Place
New York Jets (last season 11-5, 2nd Place)
Well, if you ask Rex Ryan they'll win the Super Bowl. But then again they would be the 2-time defending champs if Rex was always right. The Jets are a very, very good defensive team and their classic "ground and pound" style will be prevalent again this year, but maybe with Shonn Greene leading the way this year. Still New England's baby brother.
*Prediction: 11-5, 2nd Place
Miami Dolphins (last season 7-9, 3rd Place)
The Dolphins, I think, lost more than people realize on offense with the loss of both Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams, and only gaining rookie Daniel Thomas, who I think has a bright future, and Reggie Bush, who no matter what Tony Sparano says, is not a future back. Trust me, as a Saint fan, I know. Miami's defense isn't enough to do it and Chad Henne isn't the guy.
*Prediction: 5-11, 4th Place
Buffalo Bills (last year 4-12, 4th Place)
The Bills are just a miserable franchise and they need to move. I'm sorry to the Bills fans, if there are any, but they aren't very good. On the bright side though, I think they do take a step forward this year out of the basement with stability at the quarterback position with Harvard alum Ryan Fitzpatrick. Also Stevie Johnson proves himself this year with a repeat season.
*Prediciton: 6-10, 3rd Place
South
Indianapolis Colts (last season 10-6, 1st Place)
Wow, what a difference a day makes. Yesterday, Peyton was only out Week 1, and today he's out at least 2-3 months. This is a surgery my dad has had 3 or 4 times and I don't see him coming back this year. Without Manning, this is not going to be a good football team. I don't care how many weapons they have catching the ball, without someone to throw to them and without a decent run game, they're in trouble.
*Prediction: 6-10; 3rd Place
Jacksonville Jaguars (last season 8-8, 2nd Place)
In a stunning move, yesterday the Jags released starting QB David Garrard and will start Luke McCown in preparation for the Blaine Gabbert era. This will seriously hinder their chances this year even with the additions of LBs Paul Posluszny and Matt Roth. Without a QB, they aren't going anywhere.
*Prediction: 5-11; 4th Place
Houston Texans (last season 6-10, 3rd place)
The Texans definitely disappointed last year after some higher expectations, but without Peyton Manning in their division, they should skate to a division title. In maybe the weakest division now, and an improved defense with the addition of CB Jonathan Joseph formerly of the Bengals, the Texans should be in line for their first division title.
*Prediction: 11-5, 1st Place
Tennessee Titans (last season 6-10, 4th place)
The Titans added veteran QB Matt Hasselbeck to take over their offense as a stopgap until rookie Jake Locker is ready. In this division without Manning now, he should be enough to get them second place.
*Prediction: 7-9; 2nd Place
West
Kansas City Chiefs (last year 10-6, 1st place)
The Chiefs came out of right field last year to win the AFC West with a great ground game behind Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones, and Dwayne Bowe catching TDs, they can still be competitive. Matt Cassel is a viable QB and their defense can hold its own with Derrick Johnson, Brandon Flowers, and Eric Berry. However, I think they take a step back.
*Prediction: 8-8; 2nd Place
San Diego Chargers (last year 9-7, 2nd Place)
With Vincent Jackson here for the full year, and Philip Rivers coming into his prime, and who I think is without a doubt an elite QB in this league, the Chargers should win this division. They have a solid RB tandem in 2nd-year pro Ryan Mathews and the dougie-ing tank Mike Tolbert. Their defense will be solid again.
*Prediction: 10-6; 1st Place
Oakland Raiders (last year 8-8, 3rd place)
With a perfect divisional record last year at 6-0, the Raiders still finished a mediocre 8-8, and weren't able to make the playoffs. They will be average again with the loss of CB Nnamdi Asomugha, although Run DMC Darren McFadden is here to stay.
*Prediction: 7-9, 3rd Place
Denver Broncos (last year 4-12, 4th place)
With all the talk of Tim Tebow surrounding the Broncos, they made the smart move and went with the proven Kyle Orton. They have Brandon Lloyd on the outside who had a breakout year last year, but without much of a defense and it remains to be seen if Knowshon Moreno can be the guy they drafted him to be. They're in for a long year as well.
*Prediction: 4-12; 4th place
In short:
North: Steelers 11-5
East: Pats 13-3
South: Texans 11-5
West: Chargers 10-6
Wild Cards:
Jets 11-5
Ravens 10-6
AFC Championship: Patriots over Chargers
Look out for my NFC Preview coming tomorrow or Saturday!
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