First blog. Here it goes.
So, with training camp coming up, I thought I would try to organize this crapshoot we call the NFL.
1. Indianapolis Colts- With Peyton Manning, you can't go wrong. Also, Joe Addai is a very underrated runningback.
2. New England Patriots- Once again: with Tom Brady, you can't go wrong. I would have them #1, but losing Asante Samuel was a bigger loss than we may think.
3. San Diego Chargers- The first team I rank without a great QB. But L.T. is the best back in the leauge, and their defense is in my top 5.
4. Dallas Cowboys- I hate to say it, but Tony Romo may be a *gulp* good QB. I think losing Julius Jones could hurt them, but we'll see how Marion Barber does with the majority of the handoffs.
5. New York Giants- You have to give some love to the defending champs. I think losing Strahan and Shockey will hinder their run at another superbowl title, but no one thought they could do it last year, right?
6. Jacksonville Jaguars- Now that David Garrard has his money, we'll see if he's Peyton Manning or Shaun Alexander. Their two runningback system is starting to be discovered throughout the leauge.
7. Seattle Seahawks- I know I might be a bit of a homer, but I honestly think the Hawks will be better than the Steelers, mainly because of their schedule, and the Packers, because of their QB situation.
8. Pittsburgh Steelers- A hard schedule will keep the Steelers fighting for the AFC North. But the Rashard Mendenhall pick was the steal of the draft.
9. Green Bay Packers- Despite the QB problems, their defense (and a terrible division) will lead them to an NFC North title.
10. Minnesota Vikings- My dark horse for a superbowl run. With just a little more assurance in their QB game would give them the division title. But, as far as I'm concerned, they aren't that Farve away. Gooood one.
11. Cleveland Browns- I'm not sure. They could be the best team in the AFC, or they could be a major disapointment. But the defense is MUCH improved because of their DT's.
12. Tennesee Titans- A playoff team last year, but I'm not sure if they'll return. Vince Young will need to benefit from new O-Coordinator Mike Heimerdinger.
13. New Orleans Saints- The Jonathan Vilma pick-up is my favorite of the offseason, and Jeremy Shockey gives them another dimension to their offense. In a weak NFC South division, they could be a suprise.
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- They weren't anyone's favorite to win the South last season, but they did it. We'll see if Earnest Grahm and Cadillac Williams provide enough of a running game.
15. Washington Redskins- Being a Seahawk fan, I know Jim Zorn's style of coaching. He is a great teacher, and I think Jason Campbell will flourish under his leadership.
16. Philadelphia Eagles- Most people have them alot higher, but Brian Westbrook HAS to stay healthy for their offense to run properly.
17. Buffalo Bills- I think Marshawn Lynch will suprise alot of people this year. The Bills, however, can not take the AFC East from the Patriots.
18. Arizona Cardinals- A talented offense, but their season's success depends on choosing the right quarterback.
19. Carolina Panthers- Once again, this team would be higher if it didn't have quarterback issues. But, Jake Delhomme did lead them to a superbowl.
20. Houston Texans- The Texans could have a brakeout season this year. But not good enough to make the playoffs in a tough AFC.
21. Denver Broncos- Jay Cutler is the key to the season for the Broncos. If he can stay healthy, the team will be improved from last season.
22. Cincinatti Bengals- Rudi Johnson needs to return to his all-pro form. Carson Palmer can't do it all himself.
23. Chicago Bears- As far as we know, everyone's happy. But the Bears need to decide on Orton or Grossman. The defense will be the strong point again this year. What else is knew?
24. Baltimore Ravens- Willis McGahee is a top tier back, but who will be their QB? My bet is their best chance of winning comes with Troy Smith.
25. St. Louis Rams- Keep everyone healthy in St. Louis, and we could be looking at an exciting, suprising season for the Rams.
26. Oakland Raiders- Darren McFadden will be a key to this offense. The question is: will Jamarcus Russel?
27. Detroit Lions- A weak defense holds this offense down. Or is it the other way around? Jon Kitna will lead this offense, but who will run the ball for them?
28. New York Jets- I don't expect much from the Jets this year. They need to decide who their QB will be.
29. Miami Dolphins- Ronnie Brown was heading for an all-pro year last year. But without a QB, what can the Fins do?
30. Kansas City Chiefs- Larry Johnson is still a great RB, but they didn't do enough to improve this offseason.
31. San Fransisco 49's- Patrick Willis is really the only bright spot to this defense. Frank Gore must be more consistent. For Alex Smith to show why he was taken #1 overall wouldn't hurt, either.
32. Atlanta Falcons- The Falcons will be one of the main contenders for the #1 overall pick in 2009. Arthur Blank should probably start preparing.
