Dallas Cowboys
Key Additions:
OT Tyron Smith (draft)
LB Bruce Carter (draft)
S Abram Elam (FA)
DE Kenyon Coleman (FA)
Key Departures:
RB Marion Barber
WR Roy Williams
DE Stephen Bowen
T Marc Colombo
Report:
Last season was one the most disappointing seasons that the Dallas Cowboys had in some time. They were hosting the Super Bowl and the possibility was definitely there at the start of the season. If they are to reach that goal they need QB Tony Romo to stay healthy. Dallas also need to find their identity. They hope that RB Felix Jones can become a factor back. Luckily for Romo he has talented players to throw the ball to. WR's Dez Bryant and Miles Austin are explosive players that forces the defense to fear the deep threat. At tight end they have Pro Bowler Jason Witten and talented Martellus Bennett. The offensive line is one the leagues best. They did lose T Marc Colombo, but replaced him with first round pick Tyron Smith. C Andre Gurode is one of the league's best centers.
The defensive line for Dallas is good one. DL Jay Ratliff, Igor Olshansky, and Keyon Coleman give them a good pass rush and run stop. The main pass rusher is LB DeMarcus Ware. In Ware's five seasons he has produced 80 sacks. The rest of the linebacker corps consists of Bradie James, Sean Lee, and Anthony Spencer. The secondary needs to improve. CB's Orlando Scandrick and Alan Ball look like they will battling Mike Jenkins and Terence Newman for the starting spot. At safety Dallas kept good safety Gerald Sensabaugh and brought in Abram Elam to fit Rob Ryan's scheme.
K David Buehler has a great leg, but needs to be more accurate. P Mat McBriar is one the leagues premier punters. Dez Bryant is a speedy returner who can take it to the house.
Review:
After a bad season Dallas looks forward to good year. New coaches Jason Garrett and Rob Ryan are tough coaches that Dallas needs. Romo looks to have another season like 2009 with a more consistent running game. The defense should improve with new DC Rob Ryan. This team has a fantastic chance to make the playoffs, but must get through a tough NFC.
Division Finish: TBA
Baltimore Ravens
Key Additions:
CB Jimmy Smith (draft)
WR Torrey Smith (draft)
WR Lee Evans (trade)
FB Vonta Leach (FA)
S Bernard Pollard (FA)
RB Ricky Williams (FA)
Key Departures:
OL Chris Chester
T Jared Gaither
NT Kelly Gregg
TE Todd Heap
WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh
WR Derrick Mason
S Dawan Landry
RB Willis McGahee
CB Fabian Washington
CB Josh Wilson
Report:
Baltimore's one weakness the last couple of years has been the offense. QB Joe Flacco has made the playoffs in his first three seasons, but has yet to come out of his shell. RB Ray Rice is there to make it easier. Rice is an elusive back that get explode outside the numbers and is a great receiver out of the backfield. Baltimore tried to get a more physical by picking up Ricky Williams. Receiver is a position that is lacking for the Ravens. WR's Anquan Boldin and newly acquired Lee Evans are the starters, but behind there is little to no experience. Fighting for the positions are David Reed, Marcus Smith, Justin Harper, Tandon Doss, and Torrey Smith. They will also need to find a new tight end. Longtime starter Todd Heap is gone and they will need Ed Dickson and Dennis Pitta to provide a solid target. The offensive line is good with stalwarts T Michael Oher, C Matt Birk, and G Marshal Yanda.
K Billy Cundiff is reliable kicker along with P Sam Koch. The Raven's kick returners are David Reed and Lardarius Webb.
Review:
The Ravens have been one the most consistent teams in the NFL the last 5 years. The defense once again is sound, but need the secondary to improve. The offense has a good line and great running game. The wild card is Flacco. If he can have a good season with his corp of inexperienced receivers they should advance deep into the playoffs.
Division Finish: TBA
Pittsburgh Steelers
Key Additions:
DE Cameron Heyward (draft)
OT Marcus Gilbert (draft)
WR Jerricho Cotchery (FA)
Key Departures:
T Max Starks
TE Matt Spaeth
DE Nick Eason
Report:
Can the Steelers reverse the Super Bowl loss curse? My guess is, yes. The reason, QB Ben Roethlisberger. Big Ben is one of the most clutch quarterbacks in the league. He may not have the best footwork are arm strength, but when it counts put your money on Roethlisberger. One player that fits the mold of the Steelers is RB Rashard Mendenhall. Mendenhall is a powerful runner who can finish in short yardage situations. A deep position for Pittsburgh is wide receiver. Hines Ward and Mike Wallace head up the starters, while Jerricho Cotchery, Emmanuel Sanders, and Antonio Brown round up the deep position. Also catching passes is reliable target TE Heath Miller. The offensive line may be an issue though. Last season it was below league average, and in this preseason Roethlisberger has gotten roughed up a bit.
K Shaun Suisham and P Dan Sepulveda are good special team players. KR Antonio Brown has great speed, but has not put that into effect yet.
Review:
Pittsburgh is an organization that knows what they are doing. They don't go after flashy free agents, but re-sign players that led them to the Super Bowl. Big Ben and the defense are what the Steelers are all about, and Mike Tomlin has them heading to another Super Bowl run.
Division Finish: TBA
Cincinnati Bengals
Key Additions:
WR A.J. Green (draft)
QB Andy Dalton (draft)
TE Bo Scaife (FA)
LB Manny Lawson (FA)
G Max Jean-Gillis (FA)
LB Thomas Howard (FA)
CB Nate Clements (FA)
S Taylor Mays (trade)
Key Departures:
DE Antwan Odom
QB Carson Palmer
CB Jonathan Joseph
WR Terrell Owens
Report:
A Sports Illustrated title summed it up the best by asking the question, "Are the Bungles back?" It isn't more imminent then with the offense. Rookie QB Andy Dalton will be forced into the starting line-up right away. In his preseason games he hasn't shown any ability to make plays with his arm. At running back Cedric Benson was re-signed to provide stability. Receiver may be an iffy position for Cincinnati. First round pick A.J. Green and Jerome Simpson are the starters and are very unproven with an already unproven quarterback. TE Jermaine Gresham had a successful rookie season, and looks to improve. Offensive line is good for a team that may be so bad. The only unproven piece is T Andre Smith.
The Bengals defense may not be any better. The defensive line fails to apply pressure on the quarterback. Second year player Carlos Dunlap was the bright spot last season recording 9.5 sacks. Cincinnati will be relying on pick-ups Manny Lawson and Thomas Howard to be a force at linebacker. Lawson and Howard had disappointing seasons last year. They will join Rey Maualuga who had a good rookie year. Secondary is another issue. CB Jonathan Joseph left for Houston and broke up a great cornerback duo with Leon Hall. Hall will now try to merge with newly acquired Nate Clements. At safety Reggie Nelson and Chris Crocker have been disappointments over the last couple of seasons.
K Mike Nugent is an average kicker and P Kevin Huber is a below average kicker. Cincinnati's returners Quan Cosby and Bernard Scott are average returners.
Review:
This is a team in turmoil. QB Carson Palmer knows as he is refusing the play. They have inexperienced quarterbacks and receivers. Positions that are experienced lack good talent. This team does not have a chance for the playoffs this season and many ahead. A 0-16 season is a real possibility.
Division Finish: TBA
Chicago Bears
Key Additions:
T Gabe Carimi (draft)
DT Stephen Paea (draft)
WR Roy Williams (FA)
RB Marion Barber (FA)
DT Amobi Okoye (FA)
TE Matt Spaeth (FA)
C Chris Spencer (FA)
DE Vernon Gholston (FA)
Key Departures:
TE Greg Olsen
C Olin Kreutz
DT Tommie Harris
TE Brandon Manumaleuna
S Danieal Manning
Report:
For a team that made it to the NFC Championship game last season, they didn't get much respect and they still aren't getting it from the media this offseason. The leader of the offense is QB Jay Cutler, who is still getting beef from his injury in the championship game. He had a Grade 2 tear of his ACL and there was noway for him to return. Cutler should have a much better year in his season season in the Mike Martz offense. The cornerstone of the offense though is RB Matt Forte. Forte is a do everything back that is great in the Martz offense. The wide receiver position is now very deep. The Bears signed Roy Williams who will join Johnny Knox, Devin Hester, and Earl Bennett. Impressing coaches in camp is undrafted rookie WR Dane Sanzenbacher. Tight end is an interesting position for Chicago. They traded away Greg Olsen to the Panthers, but signed Matt Spaeth. They already have Kellen Davis, who is a 6-7 tight end who seems to score every time he enters the game. The big problem last season was the offensive line. It looks to be much improved after they drafted Gabe Carimi. Carimi will play RT. LT is occupied by J'Marcus Webb. Webb is strong as anyone and is having a good camp. Chris Williams and Lance Louis at guards are question marks for consistency. Roberto Garza is starting at center at the moment, although many expect Chris Spencer to take most of the snaps.
Special teams has been a facet of the game that Chicago has owned against teams. K Robbie Gould is one the most consistent kickers in the league. Brad Maynard is gone and they have signed P Adam Podlesh. KR Devin Hester is the best returner in the league, and possibly of all time.
Review:
This team that no one gave any chance won the NFC North last season. They didn't seem to get any respect, because of their sloppy offensive line. This team looks more talented that last, but can they keep the same bill of health. This team can win the division, even though nobody is talking about them. Chicago probably would like to keep it that way.
Division Finish: TBA
Minnesota Vikings
Key Additions:
QB Christian Ponder (draft)
TE Kyle Rudolph (draft)
QB Donovan McNabb (trade)
T Charlie Johnson (FA)
WR Michael Jenkins (FA)
DT Remi Ayodele (FA)
WR Devin Aromashadu (FA)
Key Departures:
DE Ray Edwards
WR Sidney Rice
QB Brett Favre
QB Tavaris Jackson
LB Ben Leber
T Bryant McKinnie
CB Frank Walker
S Madieu Williams
DT Pat Williams
Report:
K Ryan Longwell is a good kicker and Chris Kluwe is a good punter. Minnesota has WR Percy Harvin, a lightning quick player, returning kickoffs.
Review:
Minnesota finally feels like they have solidified the quarterback position for years to come. I expect McNabb to have a good season, along with Adrian Peterson. But when I look at the team as a whole I see too many wholes for this team to compete. The defense and offensive line is to shaky for me to consider this team for the playoffs.
Division Finish: TBA
Green Bay Packers
Key Additions:
T Derek Sherrod (draft)
WR Randall Cobb (draft)
Key Departures:
DL Cullen Jenkins
LB Nick Barnett
LB Brandon Chillar
LB Brady Popingha
G Daryn Colledge
RB Brandon Jackson
C Jason Spitz
T Mark Tauscher
TE Donald Lee
DT Justin Harrell
Report:
Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers are led by QB Aaron Rodgers, who had a great postseason. Rodgers is a good quarterback, but I don't think he will have a season or perform like he did in the playoffs. If the Packers want to repeat they will need a better running game. RB Ryan Grant is back from an ankle injury, but can he be the same running back he was before (because he wan't that explosive anyway). Playoff RB James Starks is not that talented of a player, he just had fresh legs. Green Bay's receivers are talented, but somewhat overrated. WR Greg Jennings is an explosive player, and with veteran Donald Driver opposite they make a good tandem. Back-up wideouts Jordy Nelson and James Jones are good as back-ups, but are vastly overrated from what the media thinks. TE Jermichael Finley was expected to breakout last season got injured and can he regain his athleticism. The offensive line is still a little shaky after losses of longtime offensive lineman.
K Mason Crosby is not the most consistent kicker, but can kick from a large distant. P Tim Masthay had a rough time in the beginning of the season last year, but improved as the season went along. The Packers do not posses any kick returners that strike a lot of fear in coaches.
Review:
I am a Bears fan. Writing this article was very tough, because of the fact that I hate the Packers. I do think that they are very talented and respect the team. I do not however respect the fans. The offense had a great postseason, but I don't think they will play that well this season. The defense has good players like Matthew, Woodson, and Hawk, but the defensive line does not produce a pass rush and the other players are overrated. The Packers do have the talent to repeat again, however the NFL is much to deep for any team to repeat.
P.S. I thought the same thing about the Saints last season, I'm not just hating.
Division Finish: TBA
Tennessee Titans
Key Additions:
QB Jake Locker (draft)
LB Akeem Ayers (draft)
QB Matt Hasselbeck (FA)
DT Shaun Smith (FA)
LB Barrett Ruud (FA)
T Pat McQuistan (FA)
S Jordan Babineaux (FA)
Key Departures:
QB Vince Young
LB Stephen Tulloch
TE Bo Scaife
DT Tony Brown
WR Randy Moss
DE Jason Babin
Report:
The old is being replaced with the new. Gone is Vince Young and the new starter is veteran Matt Hasselbeck. The Titans also drafted QB Jake Locker to learn the system under Hasselbeck. One player that Tennessee doesn't want to go new with is RB Chris Johnson. Johnson has been holding out, and it appear the Titans are willing to make him the highest paid running back if he reports to practice. Johnson is one the best backs in the league, and is probably the fastest. If Johnson does not report they will have to use Javon Ringer and Jamie Harper as the main running backs. Wide Receiver is a position that is not very deep. Starters Nate Washington and Kenny Britt are fast deep threats, but Britt has gotten into a lot of trouble with law during the offseason. The offensive line is very good. Last season, they allowed the six fewest sacks in the NFL and paved the way for Johnson who was the fourth leading rusher.
The Titans are still the team that creates great defensive players, then they leave. DE Jason Babin and LB Stephen Tulloch have done that this season. The new players on the defensive line are Jason Jones and Dave Ball. They combined for 12 sacks last year and expect more pressure. Former first round pick Derrick Morgan needs to have a good season if he should start. The interior defense is big and can plug the running game, with players like DT's Sen'Derrick Marks and Shaun Smith. At linebacker Tennessee signed Barrett Ruud to take Tulloch's place. The outside LB's are veteran Will Witherspoon and rookie Akeem Ayers. CB's Jason McCourty and Cortland Finnegan are the pass defense for the Titans. Finnegan is one the dirtiest players in the league, voted by the players, and he can inside players heads. Safeties Chris Hope and Michael Griffin are good safeties for the good pass defense.
K Rob Bironas is a good kicker, known for having the record for most field goals in a game. P Brett Kern was seventh in net avg. yards last season. KR Marc Mariani is a surprisingly good kick returner.
Review:
Tennessee opted for a veteran quarterback in Matt Hasselbeck. He should be able to control the game better than Locker or Young. The defense in fine for a division win in the AFC South. The key factor is Chris Johnson, and whether or not he plays. If Johnson plays the Titans will be scrappy in every game.
Division Finish: TBA
Indianapolis Colts
Key Additions:
T Anthony Castonzo (draft)
T Benjamin Ijalana (draft)
DT Tommie Harris (FA)
LB Ernie Sims (FA)
Key Departures:
CB Kelvin Hayden
T Charlie Johnson
DT Daniel Muir
LB Clint Session
Report:
Last season was an off year for Peyton Manning and the Colts as a team. A 10-6 regular season capped off by a heartbreaking loss to the Jets in the playoffs has put a fire under their butts. Peyton got re-signed to a fancy new contract, but after neck surgery no one has seen him practice or throw a pass. A reason for the off season for Manning was a bad offensive line. Indy went back to the basics by drafting T's Anthony Castonzo and Benjamin Ijalana to protect their main investment. They must earn their way into the starting line-up as they are behind Jeff Linkenbach and Ryan Diem. C Jeff Saturday, Peyton's mind on the offensive line, is back to aid the line. RB Joseph Addai is back along with Donald Brown. Peyton's main man, TE Dallas Clark, is returning from injury. They also get Austin Collie and Anthony Gonzalez back to join Pierre Garcon and Pro Bowl WR Reggie Wayne.
The key to this defense is pressure. The masters of the scheme are DE's Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis. Plugging the middle are Fili Moala and Antonio Johnson. Additions Drake Nevis and Tommie Harris are also expected to contribute to stop the run. The Colts lost LB Clint Session, but as long as they have Gary Brackett they feel confident in their leader. Around him is last season's surprise Pat Angerer and starting right now Kavell Conner. With the loss of CB Kelvin Hayden they are not deep at corner. The starters are Jacob Lacey and Jerraud Powers. At safety S Antoine Bethea is a tackling machine and Melvin Bullitt is a dependable safety.
K Adam Vinatieri is a kicking legend that has ice water running through his veins. P Pat McAfee is a good punter, but with Peyton Manning as your quarterback punting is rarely an option.
Review:
A team that has been the model of consistency in this decade looks like wholes may be showing up. If the offensive line does not improve Peyton Manning may not be throwing for as long as people expect. As Houston is vastly improving they pose a legitimate threat to end Indy's reign of the AFC South. But if the Colts can make the playoffs as long as Peyton is on your side, a Super Bowl is possible.
Division Finish: TBA
Jacksonville Jaguars
Key Additions:
QB Blaine Gabbert (draft)
C Jason Spitz (FA)
LB Clint Session (FA)
LB Paul Posluszny (FA)
S Dawan Landry (FA)
CB Drew Coleman (FA)
DE/LB Matt Roth (FA)
Key Departures:
T Jordan Black
S Sean Considine
LB Justin Durant
DE Derrick Harvey
LB Kirk Morrison
WR Mike Sims-Walker
G Justin Smiley
Report:
Let the quarterback controversy begin. The Jaguars traded up to draft QB Blaine Gabbert out of Missouri. Most people are expecting that Gabbert will sit behind David Garrard. But Gabbert has impressed in training camp and with Garrard sideline with a back, Gabbert will get first team reps. Whoever starts will have one of the leagues top running games, headlined by Maurice Jones-Drew. Helping Jones-Drew with the load is Rashad Jennings, who became a great backup running back last season. The Jaguars do not posses any elite receivers. WR Mike Sims-Walker left which make Mike Thomas the top wide receiver. The most reliable target although is TE Marcedes Lewis who set Jacksonville's all time touchdowns record for a season. The offensive line was not one of the league's finest. They hope that Jason Spitz can stabilize the the front five.
Jacksonville did not stop many teams last season. Up front Tyson Alualu and Aaron Kampman are the vital pieces for the defensive line. Linebackers will look different as they signed Clint Session and Paul Posluszny in free agency who will replace Justin Durant and Kirk Morrison at linebacker. The Jags also added DE/LB Matt Roth, but we are not sure what position he will play. Secondary will be much improved with the arrivals of Drew Coleman and Dawan Landry. Coleman will battle for a starting spot with Rashean Mathis and Derek Cox.
K Josh Scobee can make every kick, even a 59 yard kick like he had last year. P Matt Turk is back for his 17th NFL season punting for Jacksonville. Returning kicks and punts are Mike Thomas and RB Deji Karum.
Review:
Jacksonville surprised a lot of people last year by nearly making the playoffs. Maurice Jones-Drew was the reason they were able to contend in every game. Can MJD have an All-Pro season after taking a beating last year? Can the quarterback find a reliable target that he feels in sync with? Jacksonville has too many questions to contend for a division and go deep in the playoffs.
Division Finish: TBA
New Orleans Saints
Key Additions:
DE Cameron Jordan (draft)
RB Mark Ingram (draft)
T Alex Barron (FA)
C Olin Kreutz (FA)
DE Turk McBride (FA)
S Paul Oliver (FA)
RB Darren Sproles (FA)
DT Aubrayo Franklin (FA)
CB Fabian Washington (FA)
Key Departure:
DT Remi Ayodele
C Jonathan Goodwin
DT Anthony Hargrove
RB Reggie Bush
Report:
The former Super Bowl champion had their hearts ripped out and tackled when they lost to the only team that made the playoffs with a sub-.500 record. This year they want to go back to the promise land, and leading the charge to another championship is QB Drew Brees. In the Super Bowl season Brees had one the most proficient seasons at quarterback. Last season, he had a more down to earth season as he had twice as much interceptions and one less touchdown. The running game looks to release some of the offensive burden from Brees. RB Pierre Thomas is back from injury, they signed RB Darren Sproles, and drafted RB Mark Ingram. They also have RB Chris Ivory, who had the second most rushing yards for rookies last season. New Orleans decided to trade RB Reggie Bush to Miami. Receivers, however, is very deep, as always. WR Marques Colston is the perfect receiver for Sean Payton's system. He can play as a deep threat or play in the slot and get a mismatch from a linebacker. The Saints also bring out WR's Lance Moore, Robert Meachem, and deep threat Devery Henderson. They also have TE Jimmy Graham, whom I think is going to have a great season. A reason the offensive is so potent is the protection. New Orleans re-signed T Jermon Bushrod and G Carl Nicks. They lost C Jonathan Goodwin, but signed longtime Bear Olin Kreutz. With Kreutz the Saints boast one of the best interior blocking in some time.
K Garrett Hartley is a good kicker and is used to kicking under pressure. P Thomas Morestead is an above average punter, but is more known for his onside kick in the Super Bowl. New Orleans signed KR Darren Sproles and will at least use him in punts or kicks.
Review:
After a disappointing playoffs last year the Saints will try to squander up some more 2009 magic. With a quarterback like Drew Brees their offense will be great. A new running game should make this team more lethal. The defense is good, but doesn't get enough credit and publicity, which is probably how they like it. A Super Bowl is not out of reach for this team, but first they need to win their division.
Division Finish: TBA
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Key Additions:
DE Adrian Clayborn (draft)
DE Da'Quan Bowers (draft)
LB Mason Foster (draft)
P Michael Koenen (FA)
Key Departures:
RB Cadillac Williams
TE John Gilmore
LB Barrett Ruud
DE Stylez G. White
C Dominic Raiola
Report:
The Buccaneers are ready for a new season. Last year, Tampa Bay had a surprising 10-6 record, and they are ready to make the big step to the playoffs. QB Josh Freeman is the cornerstone for this up and coming franchise. After a disappointing try in his rookie year, he broke loose and became one of the NFL's brightest young stars. Another surprise was undrafted rookie RB LeGarrette Blount. Blount rushed for 1,007 yards, became a force, and showed he can do this. Wide Receiver may be an issue for Tampa Bay. Other than Mike Williams they don't have a player who puts fear into a defense. WR Arrelious Benn needs to step up if the Buccaneers want to be a playoff team. Tampa Bay also has TE Kellen Winslow to relieve the pressure on some of the wide receivers and Josh Freeman. The offensive line is stout with T's Donald Penn, Jeremy Trueblood and G Davin Joseph.
Tampa Bay has definitely improved their defense from last year. In the draft they gobbled up DE's Adrian Clayborn and Da'Quan Bowers. They should vastly improve the defensive line which was average and didn't gain much pressure. DT Gerald McCoy will be asked to improve on a disappointing rookie season. Defensive leader LB Barrett Ruud has left and must be replaced. Rookie LB Mason Foster out of Washington will be asked to join Quincy Black and Geno Hayes to sure up their run defense which was 28th in the country last year. The strength of the defense was the secondary which ranked 11th against the pass a season ago. The reason for that was the improvement of CB Aqib Talib paired with veteran CB Ronde Barber. At safety they have Sean Jones and Cody Grimm to defend against the air attack.
Review:
After a 10-6 season this team's next goal is the playoffs. Josh Freeman is the leader and a rising star. Blount and Williams are out to prove that their rookie season were not one year wonders. The defense will be better with a better pass rush, but they must find a way to replace their leader. This team will have to win a wild card to make the playoffs because of the division that they are in. In the end, I don't see this team having the success they had last year, but the future is bright for this team and I see playoffs in their future.
Division Finish: TBA
Dallas Cowboys
