NFL Preview Part 2 - AFC Plus News & Notes

Having just completed my preview of the NFC, it only makes sense to get into depth into the Powerhouse AFC but not before I go over a couple of pieces of news from the last few days, what with cut down day having just passed us on Saturday. Here are some things I thought were of note.

Tim Tebow got cut by the Patriots despite a decent camp by all accounts. He came in not really expecting to challenge for the back up role as Ryan Mallett is firmly entrenched in the "Matt Cassell" spot as perpetual-clipboard-holder-unless-something-catastrophic-happens-to-Tom Brady role but he had probably earned himself a spot as the 3rd QB on the team. On any other team other then the Patriots, he would be #3. The Patriots are not about to waste a roster spot on a player that would hardly ever get any use (if at all) so he was logically cut. on his 3rd team in 18 months, maybe its time Tebow started to look at things differently with regards to his career and start to consider that his time in the NFL as a QB might well be done.

He still can't throw a good spiral, he still can't seem to read a defense effectively enough to avoid getting sacked at the most inopportune time and despite a winning record as a starter, no other team seems willing to give him a shot as a starter despite the apparent need of several teams (including Arizona and Buffalo). He will try to catch on now with another team as a back up but his best bet might well be to come to the CFL and really learn how to actually be a good QB or consider becoming a Fullback with his size and speed to stay in the NFL. He has a lot of praying to do now, that's for sure.

This will be the last time I bring up Aaron Hernandez in reference to the NFL as after this little message, he will be to me like his victim; dead. Nonetheless, I feel it is important to comment on the upcoming Rolling Stones article and some legal opinions that have come up in support of a more than likely acquittal of the former rising NFL Star. Lets start with the article which details Hernandez increased use of Angel dust, increased paranoia and fear of those around him resulting in his surrounding himself with gang members and some of the issues that arose after his father's sudden death when he was 16.

First, his father dying was tragic as it was sudden and out of nowhere but he is now 10 years past that and while it always stays with you, he cannot continue to blame his current behavior and actions on that one incident. At some point, we all accept the bad things that happen in our lives and move on with our own lives. He never did or has as he seems to still be that same dumb 16 year old, acting out and hanging out with the wrong crowd.

Using Angel dust and getting high all the time and in the process becoming incredibly paranoid in the process, is yet another example of the fact he is still acting like a 16 year old with an adult body and the riches of an NFL star player to fuel him on. Apparently, there were several incidents that happened in Florida when he played for Urban Meyer, which were swept under the rug that would have helped the Patriots keep a closer eye on him and possibly better control of how he behaved outside the teams facilities.

There has been more insight spread out in the media about the actual case against Hernandez and, given this new information, informed legal minds firmly believe that not only will he beat the charge in court but that he will be back in the NFL as early as next season. The case is missing 2 big key pieces that would prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that he did in fact kill Odin Lloyd; the murder weapon and an eye witness to corroborate that he was in fact the trigger man. All the evidence against Hernandez is circumstantial which means the prosecution will have a very difficult time proving him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

The toughest part to understand is that if he is acquitted, why would any team take on this guy into their lineup? Yes he has million dollar talent but he has a $0.10 brain to go with it which means he is bound to make another mistake like this because in his mind he probably doesn't even think he made a mistake to begin with. Then again, come to think of it, there is one team I could see that would fit him right in with their team philosphy; The Oakland Raiders. If Al Davis was still alive, he would have Hernandez agent on speed dial and call him the moment the judge reads out the words "Not Guilty".

With all that said, it's time to go into the AFC and give you my 2013 preview;

Division Winners:

AFC EAST: New England Patriots

AFC WEST: Denver Broncos

AFC SOUTH: Houston Texans

AFC NORTH: Cincinnati Bengals

Wild Card #1: Indianapolis Colts

Wild Card #2: Pittsburgh Steelers

In Contention: San Diego, Oakland, Baltimore, Tennessee, Cleveland, Miami

AFC East

Division Finish:

1. New England (12-4)
2. Miami (7-9)
3. Buffalo (5-11)
4. New York Jets (2-14)

New England Patriots:

Projected Record: 12-4

Division Record: 6-0

We all know what to expect out of the Patriots. Future Hall of Fame Coach with a Future Hall of Fame Quaterback playing in arguably the easiest division now in Football (mostly because no significant free agent of note in his right mind would go to any of the other 3 teams in this division over the last 3 years to compete against Brady and Belichick twice a season), this might yet be their easiest of all of their division titles during their historic and dynastic run. There were some holes on the Defence last year that have been worked on in the off season and the loss of Welker to the Broncos really hurt Brady personally but he has done more with less in the past so this is nothing new for him. Losing Brandon Llyod as well was a shock to the system for Brady but, as he has always done in the past, he has put it behind him and moved forward looking at what he can do with the guys who are there with him now. What he has is a young receiving corp with his Welker clone still around in Julian Edelman as the elder statesman having been on the team for 6 years.

We will see an adapting offense with more of an emphasis on the run game as well as the Patriots have 2 solid running backs in Stephen Ridley and Shane Vereen along with Brandon Bolden and veteran Kick Return specialist and RB Leon Washington. Given the way the division looks, this team will easily be 6-0 against the East and be basically testing themselves the rest of the season to see what they need to do to improve upon losing last season in the AFC Championship Game to the Ravens.

Miami Dolphins:

Projected Record: 7-9

Division Record: 4-2

Here is a team that is on the rise but not nearly as good as people seem to think they will be this year. Sure, Ryan Tannehill has a chance to be their first long term solution at QB since Dan Marino but Dan the Man he is not. He will regress a bit this year and need to learn from the mistakes that he will make in order to come back in his 3rd season as the real answer that the Dolphins hope he can become. The defense has always been solid and there won't be too much of a slide there this season. They may have a shot at .500 and be in the conversation for a Wild Card spot but they will fall just short.

With all that being said, he still has an outside shot at making this a 9 win team if Tannehill can play consistently and limit his turnovers, and if the Football Gods think the Dolphins are finally ready to be a good team again, they may just challenge for a playoff spot, but probably not.

 

Buffalo Bills:

Projected Record: 5-11

Division Record: 2-4

 

Ah yes, the ever plodding Buffalo Bills and their decade (and counting) long string of ineptitude will continue yet again as they still don't seem to know how to get back to the level of excellence they displayed when Jim Kelly and the K-Gun were tearing up the league. The closest they have come was when Doug Flutie led the team to the playoffs last in 1999 only to be short sighted in their insane selection of Rob Johnson as their starting QB against the Tennessee Titans. Some would argue their Playoff absence/jinx started there as the Music City Miracle was the Football Gods way of punishing them for their illogical choice and the 14 years of playoff futility since just a way to solidify just how asinine they were in there treatment of Flutie the following year.

Things looked like they were going to finally start to change when they drafted a good QB prospect in EJ Manuel and signed Kevin Kolb. I stress that they LOOKED like they were starting to turn until of course Manuel hurt his knee and Kolb suffered yet another serious concussion in the pre-season and could be forced to retire. If ever there was a team that could really use a guy like Tim Tebow, its the Buffalo Bills but of course they will NOT go after him. When a guy has God on his side, probably best to pick him up just to change your fortunes with the big guy, just a thought Bills brass.

Back to the issue at hand; this will be yet another season to forget unless EJ Manual starts to develop ahead of schedule and turns into another Russel Wilson instead of another JP Losman. Good luck with that one. Every other aspect of this team is a work in progress and, with a tough opening 6 games of the season, 5 wins might be tough to come by, if they didn't have the Jets in their division.

New York Jets:

Projected Record: 2-14

Division Record: 0-6

  
This could be the worst team in the NFL and it seems even Rex Ryan knows that as well. It would explain why he put Sanchez back into the 4th exhibition game of the season in the 4th quarter with rookies and 2nd year players fighting to make the team resulting in a shoulder injury that could keep him out for 6 weeks. It was Ryan showing his former starter some mercy as its more then likely that by the time he returns healthy enough to play, he could be re-joining a team that is 0-6.

Yes I have nothing good to say about an aging team with a rookie QB in Geno Smith who is essentially going to be fed to the wolves for the first 6 weeks of the season. He looks like he could be good eventually but not with this team this year. He will be happy to hear the news that Sanchez is ready to return by Week 7. This team will be in the discussion for the Top Pick in the 2014 NFL Draft by Canadian Thanksgiving.

AFC West

1. Denver (14-2)
2. San Diego (8-8)
3. Oakland (7-9)
4. Kansas City (6-10)

Denver Broncos:

Projected Record: 14-2

Division Record: 6-0

Peyton Manning proved to everyone that he is among the all time greats with his bounce back season after having 3 serious neck surgeries 2 years ago. His unceremonious departure from Indy turned out to be exactly what he needed to rejuvenate his career and return the Broncos to the powerhouse team they had been almost a decade ago. With a strong defense to go along with Manning's offense, the Broncos SHOULD have been in the AFC Championship Game last year, had it not been for one blown coverage in the dying seconds against the Ravens.

This year, after adding Wes Welker from the Patriots and keeping 10 of 11 starters from last year's stellar "D", they will all be playing with a massive chip on their shoulders because of that one missed play so look for another great start and Manning to be among the league leaders in just about every offensive category.

 

San Diego Chargers:

Projected Record: 8-8

Division Record: 4-2

This is a team in transition and Philip Rivers has a lot of work to do as they try to re-tool instead of re-build. LaDanian is gone, Norv Turner and AJ Smith are gone. Shawn Merriman is gone. Ryan Matthews is young and should be better in his second season then he was in his rookie year but he will not be a real threat to worry about as of yet for any defense. Until he is, look for teams to double team Rivers' young receivers (Floyd and Alexander in particular) and dare him to go to the aging and fading Antonio Gates. Danny Woodhead is an interesting complementary piece but may end being wasted on this average (at best) team.

To me, this looks like a team that is not good enough to challenge for anything more then a possible Wild Card team at best, finishing 8-8 could be a mixed blessing/curse given that they might be fooled into thinking that they are better then they are and this is a team that probably needs to hit rock bottom and start over. Maybe even dealing away Philip Rivers after this season to speed up that process wouldn't be a bad thing (Hello Arizona!!!)

Oakland Raiders:

Projected Record: 7-9

Division Record: 2-4

Carson Palmer wanted out of Cincinnati so bad he retired and ended up being dealt to the Raiders. That clearly did not work as now Matt Flynn is the starting QB. The former back up in Green Bay turned one incredible end of year game into a big money deal with the Raiders. This is a team in transition but with a lot of young talent at many key skill areas. There isn't a notable name on the offense other then Flynn and RB Darren McFadden. Of course the team could always throw us all a curve and start Terrelle Pryor....nah, even they aren't THAT stupid, right? If that's the case, then you can flip flop Oakland and KC's records because that to me shows a coaching issue with this team that I didn't think was there. But, of course this is the Raiders so...

Kansas City Chiefs:

Projected Record: 6-10

Division Record: 0-6

So the cleaning house began last year when the Chiefs got rid of Scott Pioli and the entire coaching staff. Both the starting QB and back up in Matt Cassell and Brady Quinn are gone as well. Gone too are all the memories of a tragic season, both on the field and off it. In their place are Andy Reid, a new philosphy both in the boardroom and on the field and a new field general in Alex Smith, the former #1 pick overall that lost his job in San Fran last year. In with all these changes are new hopes of a team finally on the right track.

Knowing that they were going to target Smith, the Chiefs focused on their offense and protecting their investment in Smith by drafting an Offensive Tackle as the #1 pick (Eric Fisher), a Tight End and a running Back with their next 2 selections. It's possible this team could go 0-6 in their division and still get to 6-10. It's also entirely possible that this team could end up 10-6 as they are truly a miss mash of pieces from the draft, other teams former players and draft busts and a new coaching philosophy. This team intrigues me and could be a dark horse Wild Card team.

AFC South

1. Houston (10-6)
2. Indianapolis (10-6)
3. Tennessee (9-7)
4. Jacksonville (6-10)

Houston Texans:

Projected Record: 10-6

Division Record: 4-2

Solid team, top to bottom and bound to make the breakthrough one of these years. The Texans have been a good team on the verge of becoming great for years but they always seem to run into an opponent that knows how to exploit their weakness. Offensively, Matt Schaub and Arian Foster are the keys and have been good to great over the last 3 years. Defensively, JJ Watt is a force and nearly unstoppable one on one. The only thing really stopping this team from being in the Super Bowl this year is their inability to win the "Big" game against an opponent like the Patriots or Broncos (Colts in the past, it might just be Peyton Manning they can't beat). Look for a slight regression this season as their division has improved in the last 2 years and they seem to have not quite figured out what they need to do to get over the proverbial hump.

 

Indianapolis Colts:

Projected Record: 10-6

Division Record: 4-2

Andrew Luck had a great rookie season. He and his teammates were inspired by their coach, Chuck Pagano's fight with Cancer and his victory over the disease. Pagano's absence from the team and the way that departed Offensive Coordinator Bruce Arians (Head Coach in Arizona now) are now a thing of the past and the real work of Year 2 has begun. Can Luck be on their side again? Will he be able to get past the "Sophomore Jinx" and continue to leads this team back to respectability? I would say for the most part yes, he will. The Colts are a balanced team in all facets of the game and should be able to get to 10 wins again earning them another Wild Card birth, but that's where it will end again. This team is about 2 years away from becoming a true powerhouse again.

Tennessee Titans:

Projected Record: 9-7

Division Record: 2-4

Jake Locker is ready. The Titans appear ready. So why hasn't it happened yet for the Titans. Injuries are a big part of things and inconsistency as well. Having Matt Hasselbeck as your back up was a good thing last year. this year you have former Bills starter Ryan Fitzpatrick so no real drop off there. The biggest issue they have had is in the running game where they relied on a return to form of Chris Johnson for the last 2 years and the other running backs on the roster to contribute. Johnson will never get close to the 2000 yards he had several years ago. His 1243 yards last year was a decent number but when the 2nd leading rusher on the team is your starting QB (Locker had 291 rushing yards), you have a lack of depth at the RB position. It looks like that situation has been corrected with the additions of Shonn Greene and Jackie Battle but only time will tell. The "D" looks solid if unspectacular but the key to this team will be QB play and how long Locker stays healthy. If he plays in 14 of the 16 games, then this team has an outside shot at a Wild Card birth.

 

Jacksonville Jaguars:

Projected Record: 6-10

Division Record: 2-4

This team has undergone major reconstruction in the last 2 years as well as a hold out with star RB Maurice Jones-Drew. Their first round pick, Blaine Gabbart, was so bad last year, Chad Henne had to come in and spell him in order to save what was left of his confidence. There are vast holes all over this team except for at RB. Jones-Drew is the only player they have that gives them a fighting chance each and every day. He is the modern day equivalent of Barry Sanders and his plight in Detroit. Without Jones-Drew for most of the year, its sad that he still led the team in rushing yards and it also explains why they went 2-14. They have added some nice pieces through the Draft in Ace Sanders at WR and Luke Joeckel at Tackle to protect Gabbard but they are at least a couple of years and a giant leap from Gabbart away from being a respectable team. Look for calls of bringing in Tebow to get VERY loud if Gabbart struggles yet again. 6 wins might be a stretch.

AFC North

1. Cincinnati (11-5)
2. Pittsburgh (9-7)
3. Baltimore (8-8)
4. Cleveland (7-9)

Cincinnati Bengals:

Projected Record: 11-5

Division Record: 3-3

They are the "Bungles" no more. This team is poised to take over the division now that they have solidified every aspect of their team. The "D" is solid top to bottom and the heart of any team Marvin Lewis wants to create. The former Defesive Coordinator of the Ravens has been working towards a team like this for years and credit should go to Bengals Ownership in showing faith in him and allowing him to finally get this team to the point it is at now. This team will ultimately go only as far as Andy Daulton is able to take them as this isn't the 1999 Ravens team that won DESPITE Trent Dilfer's inability to do much under center. Daulton has enough weapons around him to be have a breakthrough season and that is exactly what he will do as he leads the Bengals to their first division title in years. Hosting and winning a playoff game is about as far as they will go but this team is on the verge of becoming a true power.

Pittsburgh Steelers:

Projected Record: 9-7

Division Record: 3-3

No team better exemplifies this "black and blue" division then this blue collar team that is built upon its "D" and running game. The thing is they have slowly been having their defense wilt over the last 3 years and their running game has been pushed aside in favour of an aerial attack. Big problems have resulted as Big Ben has seen more of the infirmary over the last 2 years then anyone had envisioned when they began to switch their offensive philosophy. Had their defense remained as stout as ever, maybe Ben isn't quite as exposed as he has been lately as he has been forced to desperately attempt to get his team back into games through the air.

Given the strange choices made in the Draft (where was their required focus on the defensive line? They had the worst run defense in the NFL last year), giving them a 9 win season might be a bit of a stretch but they do have a division that always seems to beat up each other which could play to their advantage. Maybe I am buying into the Steelers mystique a bit here but I have a feeling Big Ben might have one spectacular season left in him. 

Baltimore Ravens:

Projected Record: 8-8

Division Record: 3-3

Last year was a fluke. I don't care what anyone says. The Ravens got hot at the right time, they got some calls that went their way in the AFC Championship game against the Patriots and they rode the emotional wave that was Ray Lewis final few games in the NFL. That's all gone now along with Lewis and Ed Reed which just means that this team is destined to crash back down to earth. Just like the Steelers however, the Ravens will benefit from a tough division that sees every team rise to the occasion emotionally when they play divisional games.

Joe Flacco was so wildly overpaid, and it will show this year. Granted he was the only QB in NFL History to win a playoff game each of his first 5 seasons, he, like his team, will crash back down to earth this year as this isn't a contract season. They will miss the playoffs as injuries will pull them back down to earth and the loss of 2 long time veteran leaders who will no longer be there to lean on as this team transitions from Ray Lewis' team to Flaccos'.

Cleveland Browns:

Projected Record: 7-9

Division Record: 3-3

This is a team on the rise. Colt McCoy has all the tools and the team finally seems to be on the same page in terms of drafting and building a solid foundation around a QB who can lead them back to respectability. They will be in the dog fight which will be the playoff hunt for the final Wild Card spot, falling just short but finally giving the long suffering fans of Cleveland Browns football, something to cheer about for the first time since Bernie Kosar led them to the Playoffs last in 1994.

This team has all the makings of a potential dark horse this year, it just depends on if they are able to improve upon their divisional record. To make the playoffs, they will need to be 4-2 or better and that is one tall order.

Now that I have gotten through the entire AFC, here is my AFC Championship Game Predition

AFC Championship Game:

New England Patriots vs Denver Broncos

My Super Bowl Prediction:

Green Bay vs Denver

Now that it's done, my next preview will be in 2 weeks as I go over my NHL Season Preview

Until Next time...

News & Notes and The NFL Season Preview Part 1 – The NFC

One of the Phenoms of last season, RGIII may need to change his game to stick around in the NFL

With the NFL season only 4 days away from starting in Denver (thanks to the Baltimore Orioles for that one by the way), I thought it would be the right time to have my first ever NFL Season Preview blog. I will begin in the NFC and have Part 2 focus on the AFC. Lets begin with some news and notes first from the NFC before going into a quick 16 team breakdown.

Robert Griffin III says he is 100%. He is practising as if he IS 100% and he has been given clearance to play from team doctors. You would think this is enough for Mike Shanahan, Redskins head coach, to come out and call him their starting QB. But there is a problem, or moreover, a doctor who has a problem and his issues are holding up the entire process.

That doctor’s name is Dr. James Andrews, highly noted sports injury surgeon who was the man who operated on RGIII’s injured knee after last season concluded who is apparently holding up his return wanting to hear some reassurances that his patient will not be subjected to or allowed to place himself in the same type of situation as he did last year. And he has a point.

The NFL is known for basically telling it’s players to play through pain, having its medical staff lie about the severity of injuries to its players to get them back on the field as fast as possible and, in many cases, forcing concussed players (in the past) to play through injuries that have and will lead to a severe loss of the quality of life they will enjoy when they are older so Dr. Andrews had every right in the world to want a full consultation with Shanahan and team management in order to place safety precautions on his star clients recovery and how he should be monitored before giving his blessing on RGIII’s return to action in a week. Any rationale doctor would do the same, let alone one who knows that his client will most likely return to him in the next 3-5 years either to repair the same knee, his other knee or another part of his body.

Former New York Giant Lawrence Tynes has a case against the Bucs for how they are handling his illness

 

Super Bowl Champion place kicker Lawrence Tynes was signed by the Tampa Bay Bucaneers back in June. He went through all the motions for them and seemed destined to make their team until he came down with a staph infection which seems to have curtailed his season. He wasn’t the only member of the team to come down with this kind of serious infection as Offensive Guard Carl Nicks also has the same infection. On cutdown day yesterday, Tynes was not cut but placed on a special type of injury list called the Non-Football Injury list. The team also promised to pay him his full salary while he recovers (something not often done by teams) but that isn’t the issue.

Tynes is incensed at being placed on this list as the team is essentially saying that they had nothing to do with his illness when he clearly seems to have contracted it while using their training facilities. As well, by being placed on this list, Tynes is not eligible to accrue service time with the NFLPA towards his pension and this has him white hot mad as you can see from his quote,

“I'm going to fight this thing as long as I have to, because this team should not be allowed to do this to players.”
            -Courtesy of foxsports.com

Tynes clearly was healthy when he got to Bucs training camp. Used all their facilities as any other player would and he, along with Nicks contracted this infection while using their facilities. It’s no different then had he hurt himself using one of the exercise machines in their weight room. Its pathetic that the team is trying to wipe away their responsibility in this issue by pointing to the fact that they have had their facilities treated twice SINCE the outbreak (no mention ever made of how many times it was treat BEFORE the outbreak mind you) to ensure that there was no possible further spread of this infection to any other players on their team.

Hopefully, Tynes is able to force the team to place him on their Injured Reserve list instead so that he is still able to accrue the season for his pension as we have all seen how hard these players have to fight to get ANYTHING out of the league when it comes to pension compensation.

Which brings me to my final new point before I jump into my preview. The League and 4500 former players settled their concussion lawsuit for a sum of $765 million, roughly $190,000 per player. When the bill comes in for all the lawyers fees and everything else, the league will payout close to $1 billion to put this lawsuit aside and yet it is clearly not what both sides wanted. There have been critisicms of this settlement based on the total each player (or deceased player) and their family will get while at the same time, the league gets away with not fully admitting that they essentially buried the real facts which connected repeated concussions to severe brain trauma later in life for many of its players.

 

Surrounded by Lawyers is not how Roger Goddell would like to be seen each and every year

Many retired players point to the fact that under former commissioner Paul Tagliabue, a special committee was created in 1994 to help determine if there was any connection between head injuries and future quality of life issues. A specific research arm of that committee “repeatedly denied that concussions led to long-term brain damage in NFL players and attacked independent scientists who asserted otherwise.” (from espn.com). This fact alone should have brought the players either a higher financial gain or taken this matter to the courts yet shockingly it did neither.

The NFL got off lightly in this case, essentially paying their way out of years of hiding the truth from its players. Roger Goddell, current Commissioner, has had fire after fire to put out for a $10 billion a year enterprise during his 7 years in charge. For his sake, lets hope the next 7 years are a little easier to deal with then his first 7. Despite all of this, we are massive consumers of the NFL product so onto the preview we go!!

Division Winners:

NFC EAST: Washington Redskins

NFC WEST: Seattle Seahawks

NFC SOUTH: Atlanta Falcons

NFC NORTH: Green Bay Packers

Wild Card #1: San Francisco 49ers

Wild Card #2: New Orleans Saints

In Contention: Detroit, Carolina, Tampa, Chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas, St. Louis

Here we go, division by division;

NFC East

Division Finish:

1. Washington (10-6)
2. Philadephia (9-7)
3. Dallas (8-8)
4. New York Giants (6-10)

 Washington Redskins:

Projected Record: 10-6

Division Record: 5-1

Under Mike Shanahan, there has been a slow accumulation of talent in all key areas of the team. None more dramatic then at the QB position as RGIII was dynamic for them last year. Even back and 3^rd string QB’s Kirk Cousins and Rex Grossman are a massive upgrade over the same positions on just about every team in this division which means even if RGIII can’t stay healthy; the Redskins are deep enough to be a force offensively.

Defensively they should be better but the heart of this team is it’s offence and if the running game can take a leap forward (as it will need to in order to take pressure off RGIII and his recovering knee) then they are the class of this division and will be hosting a Wild Card game in January.

Philadelphia Eagles:

Projected Record: 9-7

Division Record: 4-2

New coach Chip Kelly has a lot of talent to work with on this team and an interesting fast paced offensive philosophy he is trying to instil in this group. I guess the thought is that if you give Mike Vick the ball enough times, he will eventually make something good happen. This overhyped group failed miserably last year which finally saw the end of Andy Reid’s tenure after 14 years at the helm. This team is too talented overall to be as bad as they were last year but they may still not be good enough to be a playoff team. Look for them to slowly start putting the pieces of Kelly’s offence together by mid season and make a late run.

Dallas Cowboys:

Projected Record: 8-8

Division Record: 2-4

Another puzzling team to try and figure out. Tony Romo is not an elite QB, despite moments when he seems to play like one. He is far too inconsistent to be in that conversation on a permanent basis. Like the Eagles, they too are a team with talent at multiple positions; Jason Witten at Tight End, Dez Bryant at Wide Receiver and DeMarco Murray at Running back shows that they have weapons on Offence that will scare any team on any given Sunday but the problem, as always, has been consistency. Look for the Cowboys to struggle along one more season before firing Jason Garrett and bringing in a big name coach to finally put all these weapons to good use in 2014.

New York Giants:

Projected Record: 6-10

Division Record: 1-5

This is the year when the magic of Eli and Tom Coughlin finally falls flat on its face. After years of poor drafting and pushing his players past the level of play that their talent actually dictates they should be playing at, Coughlin will not be able to put together enough of the pieces needed to keep Eli healthy and his team on contention. The offensive line is aging, fast, and despite Victor Cruz being everything they could possibly have wanted and more as a weapon for Eli, if he is on his back then he can’t get him the ball. The entire division took a step forward this past off-season but the Giants didn’t. This will be a short season for Eli and the Giants will be in re-tool mode by US Thanksgiving.

NFC West

Division Finish:

 

1. Seattle (12-4)
2. San Fransico (11-5)
3. St. Louis (7-9)
4. Arizona (3-13)

Seattle Seahawks:

Projected Record: 12-4

Division Record: 5-1

Russell Wilson is just a winner. The kid came out of nowhere last year and was a revelation as the Seahawks marched their way towards an improbable 11-5 record, pushing the 49ers all along the way. They used their 12^th man advantage better then anyone else, going 8-0 at home and, with what some people consider to be the deepest secondary in the league, they should be just as good defensively this season if not better then they were last year. Pete Carroll has done a good job of balancing his “good guy” act with the tough love approach he was lacking when he was coach of the Patriots all those years ago and seems to have this team ready for big things in 2013.

San Francisco 49ers:

Projected Record: 11-5

Division Record: 5-1

Alex Smith is long gone now leaving Colin Kaepernick in charge and that could only mean good things for this suddenly blossoming star. As good as Smith was last year, before he got hurt), Kaepernick just adds so much more versatility to the offense in his athleticism and instincts that he was the clear cut better choice for the 49ers once he took over. Despite coming up short against the Ravens, this is now Colin’s team and despite the adjustments teams will make to try and slow him down, he should have a solid 1^st full season as the starter. The Defence returns almost untouched when compared to last years top 5 unit. Despite finishing 2^nd to the Seahawks this year, the 49ers could very easily be repeat NFC Champs come January.

St. Louis Rams:

Projected Record: 7-9

Division Record: 1-5

After a few years of scuffling in the lower bowels of the NFL, the Rams made significant strides towards respectability again finish 7-8-1, the closest they have been to a .500 team since the Early Marc Bulger years. With Sam Bradford looking like he finally had a grasp of the playbook and the offence maturing around him, the Rams seem poised to start along an upward trajectory again. Lack of depth at key positions will be their ultimate undoing as if Bradford goes down this projection of 7-9 would be kind. The Rams should look at this as another year to add key pieces and fight to be a .500 team in doing so as with Seattle and San Fran at the top of the division battling it out and beating upon each other mercilessly, they might be able to get into the discussion for a Wild Card spot if they catch one of their 2 division opponents at the wrong time (right after a head to head match up or looking past them to their next head to head war). As long as they stay healthy, St. Louis could be a sleeper pick as a playoff team.

Arizona Cardinals:

Projected Record: 3-13

Division Record: 1-5

This will be a year of ups and downs for the Cards as they struggle to adjust to Bruce Arians system. Gone is starting QB Kevin Kolb (to the Bills and maybe forever after suffering yet another serious concussion) and his inconsistency, with possible short term successor being journeyman John Skelton, who played admirably when called upon last year. With even less experience now at the QB position in backups Drew Stanton and Ryan Lindley, another scenario might be starting to play itself out if Skelton gets hurt. I am sure if Arians had it his way, he would choose to tank the season and pray for another “Luck-y” break like the one he landed 2 seasons ago when he was Offensive Co-ordinator of the Colts and they got to pick Franchise QB Andrew Luck first overall. He won’t say that of course as he will look to install his offensive philosophy and hope for some help from a decent defensive unit but to be honest, this team could use a break and the only way they will get one is if they get the top pick in the draft next Spring.

NFC South

Division Finish:

 

1. Atlanta (10-6)
2. New Orleans (10-6)
3. Carolina (9-7)
4. Tampa (9-7)

Atlanta Falcons:

Projected Record: 10-6

Division Record: 3-3

In what could be the toughest division in Football this year, the Falcons will win it by the skin of their teeth over a resurgent Saints team led once again by their returning Head Coach Sean Payton. Atlanta is too deep a team to fall out of top spot. Led by Matt Ryan, Roddy White, Julio Jones and the retiring (For real this time?) Tony Gonzales on Offence, the Falcons have depth at every position and are starting to mature. Despite the step back this projected record indicates, this team will be better suited for the playoffs this time around.

New Orleans Saints:

Projected Record: 10-6

Division Record: 3-3

Drew Brees and the Saints struggled without Sean Payton. Finishing 7-9, their offence was just fine. Their biggest issue was their League worst numbers on “D” which, if unaddressed this season, could spell disaster no matter how many yards Brees and the offence rack up. Payton is now back and so too will the Saints be as they march right back up the standings and back into the playoffs this year. Their yards allowed on Defence couldn’t get any worse which means it will improve this season. That alone is cause for celebration.

Carolina Panthers:

Projected Record: 9-7

Division Record: 3-3

This will be the year that Cam Newton takes the leap and begins to trust Ron Rivera and the team around him like a true starting QB should. He has shown flashes of brilliance and immaturity all at once but despite that, he hasn’t been able to push his team into serious playoff contention as of yet. This year, he just might do it. The offence being built around him needs to feed off of him like never before for this team to vault into the playoffs and, that will not be an easy task. The strength of this division alone tells you that unless he is on top of his game (and stays healthy) Carolina could be in for another long season.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers:

Projected Record: 9-7

Division Record: 3-3

Just like the Panthers, the Bucs took a step back last year but seem to have all the pieces in place to challenge for a playoff spot, Their Defence is strong and with Josh Freeman looking like he finally turned the corner in his sophomore season (back into the QB he was 2 years ago), this team could make some noise this year. The problem with them is their depth and youth. They were the youngest team in the NFL last season and at times it showed as they were manhandled on a couple of occasions by mature teams full of seasoned vets. Another year under their belts and Tampa could surprise as they challenge for that elusive playoff spot.

NFC North

Division Finish:

1. Green Bay (12-4)
2. Detroit (9-7)
3. Chicago (8-8)
4. Minnesota (7-9)

Green Bay Packers:

Projected Record: 12-4

Division Record: 4-2

Aaron Rodgers is a freak of nature. After getting his hands on a massive long term contract extension, it would not surprise me at all if he were to just rip apart the league and set new league passing records as he seems to thrive when people doubt him the most. Many people questioned his huge contract so why not go out and shove it in everyone face. That’s what seems to motivate him anyway. Motivations aside, Rodgers supporting cast is largely intact and his defence I hungry after what they would say was an “off” year for them statistically. Nevertheless, this team looks ready for another run at a Lombardi Trophy and the only ones that can stop them from getting to the big game are the men within their very own locker room.

Detroit Lions:

Projected Record: 9-7

Division Record: 4-2

What is it about the Lions that they can’t seem to figure it all out? Matthew Stafford is a good young QB with lots of help on offence. They have a solid running game (Between Leshoure and Bell, they had over 1100 yards rushing), Calvin Johnson “Megatron” was spectacular last season finishing just shy of 2000 yards receiving and Brandon Pettigrew was solid as a safety valve for him and as reliable as anyone. So why did the Lions loose their final 8 games of the year and go 4-12? It might be the holes in their D which despite having drafted Ndamukong Suh (and all his antics that have gone along with him, including some stellar play at times) which never did seem to find its rhythm. The holes they had they fully believe are now plugged as they went defense heavy at the Draft and fully expect that this will be their year. Even Lions legend Barry Sanders is fully on board having come out in support of the team and predicting that they will win the NFC North. Not this season Barry, next season I can see it if they have a solid end to 2013 but this is the Packers year to return to prominence. 

Chicago Bears:

Projected Record: 8-8

Division Record: 2-4

So they fire Lovie Smith (finally) and bring in a new coach in Marc Trestman who has excelled at helping QB’s go from good to great. Hmmm, this might actually help a guy like Jay cutler go from ordinary to good! All kidding aside, Trestman is exactly what Cutler needs; a guy who will cater and pander to him but who will also look at him and know exactly what he needs to do to excel, if Cutler will actually listen to him. An 8-8 record will be a good start for Trestman in Chicago and Cutler should start to show signs of  improvement almost right away. The biggest issue is the sudden retirement of Brian Urlacher. Clearly angry at how the team negotiated with him in the offseason, and battling a number of injuries over the last few years, Urlacher had simply had enough and decided to get out now before he became yet another poster boy for all that goes wrong with NFL players who stick around too long and bounce from team to team. His void in the middle of that defence will be felt for the next few years as the team tries to find a suitable replacement. Despite all the progress of the offence, the heart and sole missing on the “D” will be their ultimate undoing.

Minnesota Vikings:

Projected Record: 7-9

Division Record: 2-4

You are probably wondering how a team with Adrian Peterson will be out of the playoffs. Easy answer to that is their lack of depth and Christian Ponder. I could have been the Vikings QB last year if all I ever had to do was hand the ball off to AP. Clearly that wasn’t enough as when Ponder did try to actually play his position, he was terrible (relatively speaking of course). If you put a top QB with AP in Minnesota (or put him on say Green Bay, Denver or New England), there isn’t a team out there that could stop that offence. With Ponder unable to really take advantage when teams loaded up with 7.8 and sometimes 9 man fronts, waiting on the ball to be handed off to Peterson, the Vikings may have squandered perhaps the single greatest offensive season out of a running back we have ever seen. Ponder threw for less then 3000 yards and had a total of 18 TD’s on the season. To put that into perpective, those are numbers that the top QB’s put up through half a season. His completion % is misleading as he did complete almost 63% of his passes but the average pass completion was just barely over 6 yards. He clearly lacks the trust of the coaches and without SIGNIFICANT improvement this season, look for teams to throw everything at stopping Peterson and almost ignoring Ponder entirely.

Last but not least, here is my prediction for the NFC Final...PAIN!!!... oh wait, here you go;

NFC Championship Game:  Seattle vs. Green Bay

Seattle vs. Green Bay for a trip to the Superbowl

The NFC is now complete, look for the AFC to be up tomorrow.

Until then…