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…