Thursday, July 29, 2004

Sportz' NFL Preview

AFC EAST CHAMP: New England. They are the defending champs and look much stronger than last year with a better-than-average RB in Corey Dillon. Everyone else in the division has too many question marks, especially the team that would have been the Pats’ biggest challenger….Miami.  The Jets and Bills have question marks.

AFC NORTH CHAMP: Baltimore. The Ravens could win the division with a 9-7 record. There is no “great’ team in this division. Cincy may again give the Ravens the toughest push….but they’re counting on basically a rookie to do that.  Watch out for Pittsburgh! 

AFC SOUTH CHAMP: Indianapolis. The Colts are just a little bit better than the Titans in my book. Their defense needs to tighten up for them to be Super Bowl bound, however.  Jacksonville has got some talent on offense and have worked on getting their defense better.  Houston should take another step up.

AFC WEST CHAMP: This is tough…but I’ll stay with KC. Denver’s defense is much improved, but their receiving corp isn’t a good as it was a year ago…..and Portis isn’t there anymore either. At least KC has enough on offense to slug it out with teams to make up for their iffy defense.   Ya never know about Da Raidahs. 

NFC EAST CHAMP: Philly. The Eagles are just on a different level than everyone else. They have good coaching [which every team in the division does], experience, and now a playmaker at receiver. If McNabb can avoid a slump…they should win this division fairly easily. Everyone else has too many questions…especially at the QB spot.  The Skins most likely are the biggest hurdle....but that team may need a year to get Gibbs offensive system down.  The Giants will be starting Eli and Dallas may end up giving Henson the nod.

NFC NORTH CHAMP: Minnesota. Yet, you can’t discount Green Bay. But, if Minny can figure out how to not cave in after Halloween…they’ll be alright. Remember, it did take a miracle play to keep them out of the playoffs to begin with. They have Culpepper and Moss to go with a nice stable of backs.  The Pack do have Favre and Green.....and the Lions are many people's sleeper pick.  The Bears could surprise as well.

NFC SOUTH CHAMP: So tough. I’ll pick Carolina. Why? Well, Atlanta’s defense is horrible…but they do have Vick. T-Bay is turning into Oakland…and they lost Sapp and Lynch. N’Awlins should be there…but lack leadership. Carolina is mentally tough, experienced, and still hail the best defense in the NFC.  Carolina pretty much kept their entire NFC Championship team intact.  And now John Fox has confidence in Delhomme's passing ability that he may elect to open it up a little to take the burden off of Davis...who wore down as the season went along. 

NFC WEST CHAMP: Seattle. That offense has weapons….and their defense is just good enough to keep the Rams at bay. Hasselbeck, Robinson, Jackson and Alexander are scary together.  They should only need to worry about the Rams....but we obviously saw how much faith Martz has in Marc Bulger by not letting him pass in the playoffs.  There should be no worry about the Cards and Niners.

AFC SURPRISE TEAM: Jacksonville. If Fred Taylor can stay healthy and Byron Leftwich can build on last year’s lessons as quietly having one of the best rookie QB seasons ever….this team has talent all over the field to get the job done. They do have a rather tough schedule though. 

NFC SURPRISE TEAM: New Orleans. If Aaron Brooks can cut down on the fumbles…they could win the division and go far in the playoffs. McAllister is a stud! If Joe Horn keeps his mind on making the plays and not the celebrations afterwards….this season could be a treat for the Bayou Boys.

AFC DISAPPOINTMENT: Cincinnati. I’m not sold on Rudi Johnson as their #1 back. And the decision to start Carson Palmer this year reeks of upper management.   Also, people downplay how well the Steelers could play with a healthy [and trying to keep his job] Maddox and Duce Staley as the featured back.  Cincy does have weapons....but their offensive core hasn't played together yet. 

NFC DISAPPOINTMENT: Tampa Bay. With Sapp gone…so are the single blocking schemes for McFarland. And with Lynch gone….so is the fear of receivers going over the middle. Brad Johnson has shown the ability to get himself removed from places after having great seasons. Griese and Simms are sitting there waiting for a shot to take his job. McCardell is holding out….and Galloway is the new Keyshawn.

AFC’S WORST TEAM: San Diego. I wanna say Miami with the Ricky Williams retirement…but their defense is still solid. San Diego isn’t. Their receivers are horrible and they will most likely start either a rookie or a 46 yr old at QB. At least they have Tomlinson who may be the best back in the league.  

NFC’S WORST TEAM: San Francisco. And why did they fire Mariucci?? This mighty franchise has now fired a great coach, cut their Pro Bowl QB [Garcia] and dealt their All Pro wide out [Owens]. Salary cap problems have bitten them on the backside…and they are one of those franchises that NO ONE will take mercy on when playing them.  They were a 7-9 team that lost a bunch of guys...and only got 3 guys in return.  They have young QBs and younger WRs.  And, yes...Arizona will be better than them. 

FIRST COACH FIRED: Dave Wannestadt. He held onto his job by a thread in the off season…and with Ricky Williams quitting….he seems to have had the tread already cut. The franchise under minded him by hiring Dan Marino as the main guy…then him quitting due to the flack everyone was getting for the hiring. Dave was relieved of his office duties to concentrate on coaching….so he has no excuses. Also, keep an eye in N’Awlins for Jim Haslett’s noose.

WHO WILL BE IN JACKSONVILLE IN FEBRUARY: New England v Philly. Philly couldn’t possibly lose 4 NFC Title games in a row…..could they? The Pats are just too strong and smart to get past a game Colts team.

40 comments:

Anonymous said...

No mention of the 'Skins? With additions like Brunell, Portis, Sean Taylor and Springs, they may challenge Philly in the East.

Regardless, I can't wait for Sept. 9th -- NFL Opener Colts at Pats!

Anonymous said...

EAGLES WILL WIN IT ALL THIS YEAR.

Anonymous said...

you moron, the cardinals will and always will be the worst team in the NFC even though they do have Denny Green as a coach it'll take at least two years to right that shipp (no pun intended).The niners won't be as bad as everyone thinks they still have a decent enough defense where they can be in games at the end,especially when Julian Peterson gets back on the field.The Qb situation is pretty awful but Barlow can run for at least 1300 yds barring injury it won't be the niners of old but we most definitely won't be the worst team in the nfc.

Anonymous said...

I certainly hope Barlow has a great year since I drafted him on my fantasy league.  The problem is that's all they got on offense.  So defenses can stack up on him with really the only other to concern themselves with is Woods.  Their receivers are horrible.  There defense is okay...but they have NO DEPTH.  Great backers...but a weak line and secondary.  Their special teams are abysmal....and this is an important area for a team that is short talent-wise.  With a pounding defense...you need your special teams to help with the field position.  

This team was 7-9 with Deese, Garcia, Hearst, Owens and Streets on it.  They are all gone....and the only player they signed in free agency was Greg Randall.  It is a team built on youth...and youth will get a chance to play a lot this year.  

So, yeah....in my mind the San Francisco 49ers will be the worst team in the NFC West, NFC Conference...and possibly to entire NFL.

Anonymous said...

I'm feeling the Seahawks, and they will make it Four NFC Chamionship losses for the Eagles. It should come down to these two trams for the title, depending on how they end up in the playoff bracket. GO SEAHAWKS!!

Eddie

Anonymous said...

For the comment of me not mentioning the Skins....

Well, I'm a Redskin fan....so I veered away from them as much as I could.  If I didn't, I could have just droned on about them.

I love getting Portis and Taylor.  And Brunell along with the other signings got me ready for the opener against the Buccs.  But, since Snyder's term in DC....I've also been a little heartbroken after these great offseasons.

I think we have a shot at running down the Eagles.   But we gotta play great under Gibbs system that will take time for some to get down...and the Eagles gotta underachieve.  But I do see the Redskins as the 2nd best team in the division and possibly a shot at the Wildcard.

Anonymous said...

Look for Philly to fold early with the "Shaq and Kobe" syndrome. McNabb deserves better than what whey will get with Owens.

Anonymous said...

Don't jinks Philly, everyone believes they should win their Division and could no way loose a fourth NFC Championship,but if McNabb doesn;t have the hunger and the eye towin every game and remain focused all year the Eagles are goin no were. He is the catalyst of this team and it's about time he man up and don't give no excuses, if he hurt sit if he ok then get it done I'm fromPhilly and I always go with my home team no matter what but I've seen other nut up just like him, however he needs a supporting cast and hopefully the coaches are working on that because Philly deseperately needs some kind of Championship for the city. Good luck Eagles but remember you guys must get that eye, taste and heart to win the big one.

Anonymous said...

The Eagles are going to be the most disappointing team this year. Their division opponents are better than they were last year, plus they have to play other good teams topped by the Ravens. If Terrell Owens survives until the Ravens game, he will certainly lose his head, if not his life, when the Ravens defense exacts justice on this no-class, overrated prima-donna. The Eagles are vastly overrated as well. They have many holes and very little bench.

The Ravens have improved greatly at wide receiver, and Kyle Boller will be much better than his rookie year. Also, the rest of the team is even more dominating and solid from last year.

Keep this and read it in February.

Anonymous said...

eagles cant lose

Anonymous said...

eagles are going to super bowl with t.o and "the freak" leading the way!

Anonymous said...

You're right the eagles should dominate, but how can you say that Atlanta's defense which is a totally new system with a new coach is terrible.

Anonymous said...

I agree for the most part. But i dont see new england making it back to the superbowl, in fact, i see either the colts finally stepping it up or maybe even K.C. As far as the NFC, i feel Philly's downside will be the competition in the division. They must hold on to win division games and not take Dallas and Washington lightly. Minnesota is famous for choking. Some teams are just like that, so i think Green Bay will come out of that division, possibly with the best record in the NFC. and it will be the Colts vs. Packers in Jacksonville next February.

Anonymous said...

IF the Eagles holdup with no injuries and no bad blood between players, they will have the best season ever. All the way. the only down fall is I'll have to see the big game on the arm forces network. I'll have to come see them live 2005 season. Rock on Eagles SGT. Worrell US Army Infantry.

Anonymous said...

You know that the eagles were just playing around with 3 straight loses in the the title game. Now this year they will have a perfact-TO season. I tell you who will be in jacksonville


EAGLES - vs-  steelers  27-10 EAGLES

Anonymous said...

The Philadelphia Eagles will disappoint everyone this year.......McNab is a quarterback that can win any one game, even the superbowl...however, he is not consistent evough to get there.......he has not made the routing throws at any time in his career on a consistent basis...

Anonymous said...

AFC NORTH CHAMP WILL NOT BE CINN. OR BALTIMORE.PITTSBURGH WILL WIN THE NORTH WITH YES IT'S DEFENSE ,WHICH WILL BE REBORN UNDER DICK LEBEAU AND A HEALTHY OFFENSE LINE ALONG WITH THE BEST REC.CORE IN FOOTBALL. BY THE WAY LET'S NOT FORGET ABOUT DEUCE! THE DEUCE WILL BE SET LOOSE.......................................................................

Anonymous said...

Minnesota isn't being taken seriously enough. They finally went in the right direction in the offseason by building up their defense. The offense is already there so...Look Out!

Anonymous said...

YOU WON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT McNABB  OR THE PHILLY OFFENSE. IT'S THAT SWISS CHEESE DEFENSE THAT WILL HURT THEM ( HAS MORE HOLES THAN A GOLF COURSE ESPECIALLY THE SECONDARY ). BY THE WAY PHILLY FANS YOU BETTER HOPE THEY LIMIT THE FREAK TO PASSING SITUATIONS, BECAUSE HE CANNOT STOP THE RUN OR STAY HEALTHY   BY THE WAY STEELERS 24 EAGLES 13 HIGHLIGHTS : THE STEELERS BEHIND TWO TD RECEPTIONS BY HINES WARD AND A THIRD ADDED BY STALEY GROUND THE SLUPPING EAGLES

Anonymous said...

The Eagles SHOULD win the NFC, with only Seattle as a legitimate threat to keep them out of Jacksonville this season.  However, Minnesota & Carolina could be there, especially the Panthers, who both have what it takes to get there.  In this day and age, it's tough for a team to return to the SB, & that is the only reason I am not picking Carolina as the favorite.  That is also the ONLY reason why New England will not repeat as NFL champs, nor make a another trip to the Big Game.  They are, otherwise, the best the NFL has to offer.  Somehow, someway they'll be tripped up (injuries, etc.).  With that said, the field in the AFC is much tougher to figure.  KC, Baltimore, and Indy are the best of the rest, though Jacksonville could surprise (though everyone seems to think they're on the rise - so are they really a surprise?).  Baltimore has a great defense and, with any offensive improvement, will be dangerous.  KC has a prolific offense, but no defense.  If there is any kind of defensive support here, they will be legitimate.  I'd say watch Buffalo, too, since they have a respectable defense & if Bledsoe and the offense improve any, they'd be tough, but not SB bound.  Denver and Oakland are mysteries -  too many questions remain with the Raiders' D, and the Broncos O.  Cincy?  Another year or so.

AFC picks: East, New England; North, Baltimore; South, Indianapolis; West, Kansas City.  Wildacrds: Buffalo and Jacksonville.

NFC picks: East, Philadelphia; North, Minnesota; South, Carolina; West, Seattle.  Wildcards: New Orleans and St. Louis.

SB pick: Baltimore Ravens over Philadelphia Eagles.

Anonymous said...

Dont count tampa bay out yet- losing sapp only clears the way for new up-and-comers in this solid d line rotation,  and the offense is clearly improved both on the line and at the skill positions.  Johnson has always been solid, but if he should falter there is plenty of depth behind him and gruden will know what to do with it.

Anonymous said...

The Patriots will win the AFC East by alot. AFC North, Baltimore, but maybe Cincy. AFC South, Colts, Manning to Harrison, TD. Enough said. I also expect the Jags and Texans to be improved, both winning between 7 and 9 games. The Titans have McNair, but losing George and Kearse will be their downfall. AFC West, KC or Denver. Lynch will be a factor. San Diego, awful. 4-12 at best. Raiders made changes, but theyll be 3rd. NFC East is tough, but I say Philly, there could be 3 playoff teams from this division. NFC North between GB and Detroit, Detroit had a great draft, and have a great young offense with Harrington, Kevin Jones, Roy Williams, and Charles Rogers, lack of D will give the Pack the edge. NFC South, Carolina, with the Falcons 2nd and maybe wild card, Saints will win 6 or 7, and Tampa, theyre just awful. maybe 6-10, maybe. NFC West, Seattle will dominate, they have the most underrated backfield in the NFL, Hasselbeck and Alexander, Robinson is a great reciever. Rams, Faulk, aging, Bulger, too many INTs, Holt is great, but this team is not. Arizona wont make it, but could be a spoiler late in the year(see 03-04 vs. Vikings). San Fran, fired their coach, and then got rid of their 2 best players. Maybe 3-13? Maybe not. AFC surprise, Jags or Texans, both teams showed lots of promise last season. NFC surprise, Detroit, they have great talent and could win 8 or 9. AFC Disappointment, Tennessee lost a lot this past year, and no matter how much George has aged, he was their leader. NFC Disappointment: Tampa, lost a lot too, Sapp, Lynch, they have question marks at RB, and Brad Johnson might lose his job. Look for a last place finish. AFC worst: San Diego. They have no recievers, no D, and major QB issues. Only good thing about this team is LT. NFC worst, 9ers may have the worst team in football. First coach fired:, Wannestadt, Schottenheimer, Erickson, or Haslett. SB 39: Pats/Eagles.

Anonymous said...

broncos are the next champions albuquerque nm paco

Anonymous said...

On "First Coach Fired" you should have put Marty Schottenheimer's name up there.  True, Alex Spanos is a tough boss to work for.  But Drew Brees has flamed out as a QB, putting a lot of pressure on Philip Rivers, and the Chargers' offense is LaDainian Tomlinson and a bunch of green wideouts.  Their offensive line is a problem too.  Even though the Bolts have talent on defense(Quentin Jammer, Ben Leber, and so on), that's not enough to overcome a lack of offense.  Marty won't stick around if San Diego starts the way it did last year.  Also, I'm surprised Mike Shanahan isn't on the hot seat in Denver.  He's 44-38, including 0-2 in the playoffs, in the five years since John Elway retired(as opposed to 54-18, including playoffs and Super Bowls, in his first four years). Shanahan is 0-2 in the playoffs since John Elway retired, his post-Elway #1 draft picks(except for Al Wilson) haven't really done anything, and with Clinton Portis' trade to the Redskins, the Broncos are once again looking for that "franchise" RB.  Another Super Bowl-less season in the post-Elway era and I think the noose will be even tighter around Shanahan--and his refusal to shed his post as Broncos' operations VP is an indication that he's not accountable to anybody.  

Anonymous said...

personally I like the Raiders they will have a good offense with an even better defense look for them as a wild card team this year. They are California's only team worth supporting. God bless the Raiders.

Anonymous said...

THE EAGLES WILL IMPLODE THE FIRST TIME DONOVAN MCNABB THROWS A PASS TO SOMEONE OTHER THAN T.O.  WHY IS NO ONE TALKING ABOUT MINNESOTA THEY HAVE THE BEST OFFENSE IN THE NFL, AND HAVE TAKEN GREAT STEPS TO IMPROVE THEIR DEFENSE.  I MEAN CAN YOU IMAGINE A LINE CONSISTING OF KENECHE UDEZE, CHRIS HOVAN, KEVIN WILLIAMS, AND BROCK LESNAR? NOT TO MENTION A LINEBACKERS CORP OF E.J. HENDERSON, DONTARRIUS THOMAS AND CHRIS CLAIBORNE.  THEN OF COURSE YOU HAVE THE SECONDARY WITH THE ADDITTION OF ANTOINNE WINFIELD BECOMES A VERY SOLID UNIT

Anonymous said...

There will be celebrating in Denver after a third Lombardi trophy travels to the Mile High City. Much has been said about Portis being dealt away, but John Madden could get 1500 yards a year behind that "O" line. with the additions of Bailey and Lynch in the defensive backfield, who is going to try to throw the ball against the defense, and their run stopping is second to none. Look for the broncos to stampede into Florida in February, and it doesn't matter who shows up for the NFC, although it would be nice to beat the Seahawks

Anonymous said...

for its buffalo's turn on top u sillythings in 2004

Anonymous said...

NFC SOUTH: Are you nuts?  Tampa Bay is as improved as ANYONE in the NFL.  John Lynch?  He was NOT going to start over Jermain Phillips anyway, so no loss there and Sapp, there is not a person in Tampa sad to see him leave!  His mouth had and has the national media thinking he is better than he is.  Mc Farland is an UPGRADE.  The offensive line is upgraded, running backs.... who is deeper than Tampa Bay (to go along with that new offensive line).  Johnson and Gallaway? Even trade.  With all of the injury's Tampa had last year, they still lost 5 games by a fieldgoal or less.  Win those games and who knows!  The Panther's are a flash in the pan and are an 8-8 team at BEST.  I'm off to Vegas to bet a huge amont of cash on the Buc's winning the NFC.  See you in  Jacksonville in January buddy.  By the way, where did you pick the Pats to finish last year?

Anonymous said...

I agree with the predictions for the AFC.  The Pats are returning a better team than the one that won last year.  The offense will get a big bump up now that the entire season is not resting on Brady's arms.  However i think the NFC will come down to the eagles and the vikings.  There is only so many times you can get to the top and not win before someone else takes a shot at it.

Anonymous said...

Philly in the Super Bowl......LMAO. First of all its damn near impossible anymore to go to 4 consecutive conference championships. And this team has lost a lot more than what they have gained. T.O. will certainly help the passing game but can he keep his mouth shut? Not much of a running threat either are the Eagles. And the defensive took a step back last year and they take another step back this year after losing Vincent, Taylor and that other guy. Kearse Is merely an injured replacement who will once again struggle with injuries throughout the season. Eagles are a 9-7 team this year at best.

Anonymous said...

PHILLY
Everyone is talking about Philly, WHY?! McNabb is so streaky, I feel like i could play better than him at times!!! T.O actaully just came off one of the worste season in his career,so I don't really understant the fuss there. I give he's strong and and has good hands but I see his dominace fading. I don't really see there running game as a serious threat.
RAIDERS
However I see the Raiders going far. They have enough running backs for 3 teams not to mention they have Kerry Collins and Rich Gannon under center.
PACKERS
I always like the Packers chance with Favre on the field I dont care if he's playing left guard he improves anyones cahnce of winning. Even with Favre some how only playing average they still have Ahman Green arguably the best RB in the game not to mention a terrific recieving corp in Donald Driver, Javon Walker and Robert Furgeson. The only problem I see with Green Bay is stopping the rush and there secondary is a bit weak.
PATRIOTS
New England stumbled upon Corey Dilion which is SICK! They have the potential to be the powerhouse Dallas was in the 90's.
DETRIOT
Joey Harrington. It's all up to Mr. Harrington. They have a big play revievers in Charles Rogers and Roy Williams. They have a promising running game in Kevin Jones. The Lions are coming up, the question is can Harrington be the QB he needs to be or will they have to go to free agency or cross there fingers in the draft again? I like harrington. I look for him to have a rating around 85-90, they may make it with the wildcard to the play offs.
NEW YORK GIANTS
I wish they had a O-line. They got talent. They have three capable QBs in Kurt Warner, Jesse Palmer as well as the #1 draft pick Eli Manning. I don't this this is there year thought.
SuperBowl Pick: New England VS. Green Bay/ Carolina

Anonymous said...

SUPER BOWL 39: Falcons 35 Colts 21.....Vick MVP!

Anonymous said...

SUPER BOWL 39: Falcons 35 Colts 21.....Vick MVP!

Anonymous said...

keep an eye on the colts.  their D has been the weak spot and it just so happens Tony Dungee is a defensive minded coach.  they have been performing better than the talent they have since he took over.  also it's important to remember that they could've been in that super bowl last year had it not been for some rather questionable calls in the afc title game.  however, cory dillion could have turned the pats into a dynasty.  i will say that the afc title game will be colts/pats and whoever wins that wins it all.  i'm doubting philly will be able to keep everyones ego under control enough to win the big one but they might finally make it there again.... might.  

Anonymous said...

AFC Playoffs
North Cincy
East New England
South Tennessee
West Kansas City
Wild card Baltimore and indianapolis

NFC
North Green Bay
East Philly
South Atlanta
West Seattle
Wildcard Dallas and Minnesota

Super Bowl Kansas City over Philly in an offensive shootout

Kansas city is going to have a good defense this year. Gunther Cunningham is a great D coordinator and i think that he will put together a good strong defense, it may not be the best in the league but it won't be near as bad as last year.

Anonymous said...

really ithink that everybody should get off the eagles case here and there you see people saying that owens and mcnabb is not going to get the job done and how last year was owens worst season of his career the eagles recievers last year had a total of 1200 yards aprox and t.o if you have 1 guy that beats 2 sucky starting recievers and despite his feud with players and coaches this guy got the work done all coach andy reid has to do is that put his foot down and let him no that he is not getting 100 passes thrown to him all day which by now i belive he understands by now ...... why is everybody hating on the eagles just because your favorite that has probaly never made the playoffs in some time doesnt mean that you have to hate on a team that just needs to get over that hump to get on the super bowl and this is my 2 cents on what i think

Anonymous said...

DALLAS COWBOYS ARE GOING BACK TO THE SUPER BOWL

Anonymous said...


 YOU SOUND LIKE AN EAGLES FAN TO ME AND THAT ONLY MEANS
ONE THING. YOU AND THE REST OF THE BIRD BRAIN FANS WILL BE
CRYING AGAIN WHEN MCNABB CHOKES.

WATCH OUT FOR THE BILLS AND LIONS.
MOST IMPROVED TEAMS THIS YEAR.


                 TAKE IT TO THE BANK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Everyone makes valid points for their teams. I am a HUGE Bengals fan but, I don't see them winning the North. They let one of the best running backs in the league go for NOTHING. Yes, I said it. Corey Dillon IS one of the best in the league. He goes to New England where, for the first time in his career, he will have an offensive line and an all-pro quaterback. If New England's secondary holds up it won't matter who else wins. New England will win it all again. Congrats to Brock Lesnar on the contract. Unlike a lot of other people I believed he has what it takes to make it. Being an Independant worker (wrestler) for about four years, I can tell you wrestling is not as easy and "FAKE" as everyone says it is especially when you do it over 200 days a year which is about what his schedule was. GO BENGALS!!