Major Story Lines

                                      

Can the Jacksonville Jaguars get passed the Indianapolis Colts?   They are 3-11 all time against Indy.  They have not finished ahead of the Colts since they were put in the same division in 2002.   The Jaguars are trying to copy the Giants blue print on how to defeat an elite quarterback.  That is why VP of Player Personnel James Harris and Head Coach Jack Del Rio selected Derrick Harvey and Quentin Groves in the first two rounds of the draft.  They hope they can be to Peyton Manning, what Michael Strahan, Osi Umenyiora, and Justin Tuck were to Tom Brady.   

Who will win the NFC East?  The NFC East is clearly the toughest division in football.  They have the defending Super Bowl Champion New York Giants, the favorites to make the big game in the NFC-the Dallas Cowboys, the perennially good Philadelphia Eagles, and the Washington Redskins who made the playoffs last year.  Dallas has the biggest names and the most talent.  New York, under the leadership of General Manager Jerry Reese have done very well in the personnel department; replacing Tiki Barber, getting rid of headache Jeremy Shockey, rebuilding the offensive line, and drafting well.  Philadelphia had a disappointing season last year going 8-8.  They have the most versatile running back in the game with Brian Westbrook and a game changing QB in Donovan McNabb.  Last season the Redskins rode an emotional wave to the playoffs after the unexpected death of safety Sean Taylor.  They picked up Jason Taylor in the offseason after losing a couple of defensive lineman to injuries and have a new head coach in Jim Zorn.  After watching their first game they could be the weak link of the division.

 

Will the Browns build on last year?  Last season the Cleveland Browns just missed the playoffs going 10-6.  It was the first year they had a winning record since 2002 when the QB controversy was Kelly Holcomb and Tim Couch, not Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn.  The NFL believes in them, giving them 5 nationally televised games.  They play the NFC East, the AFC South, and have two division games against the Steelers, a very difficult schedule.  They traded for Shaun Rodgers (Detroit Lions) and Corey Williams (Green Bay Packers) to improve the interior D.  Romeo Crennel got himself off the hot seat with a 10-6 record in 2007; he could end up right back on it with a disappointing 2008 campaign.    

 

How will Brett Favre and the New York Jets fair?  The Jets have made the playoffs every other year since 2003.  If they follow the pattern the Jets will find themselves in the tournament for the Lombardi Trophy.  Gang Green spent $140 million in the offseason and then added a hall of fame QB in training camp.  If they can all mesh together New York has very talented team, if they don’t it could get ugly.

 

Will the Patriots rebound from a devastating Super Bowl loss?  In 2007 the New England Patriots flew out of the gates winning their first 7 games by at least 15 points.  Bill Belicheck wanted to make a point that spy gate wasn’t the reason for their success.  This year the motivating tool will be the loss in Super Bowl 42.  The loss of Dante Stallworth will give teams the opportunity to focus more on Wes Welker.  The departure of Asante Samuel has New England playing with a makeshift secondary. The mastermind of the operation, Bill Belicheck will scheme to cover up the weaknesses and lead the Pats to another prosperous season.

 

Can the Arizona Cardinals build on an 8-8 season?  Arizona finished with a .500 record for the first time since they went 9-7 in 1998.  The QB situation has been settled for now, Whisenhunt starting off the season with veteran Kurt Warner.  They have a very talented receiving core and solid RB’s.  If Russ Grimm can whip the O-line into shape, the Cardinals will have a very dynamic offense.  It is imperative for them to start the season well.  They can not give away Week 1 to the 49ers like they did last year and they must beat the Dolphins in week 2 at home.  This will give them confidence going into the tougher part of their schedule.

 

Predictions:

 

NFC East:  Philadelphia Eagles

NFC North: Green Bay Packers

NFC South: Carolina Panthers

NFC West: Seattle Seahawks

Wildcards: Dallas Cowboys and the New York Giants

 

AFC East: New England Patriots

AFC North: Pittsburgh Steelers

AFC South: Indianapolis Colts

AFC West: San Diego Chargers

Wildcards: New York Jets and the Jacksonville Jaguars

 

Super Bowl:  Indianapolis Colts vs Philadelphia Eagles-Winner Indianapolis Colts

 

Biggest Disappointment:  The Cleveland Browns.  They have the toughest schedule in the league and will struggle with two home losses to start the season against the Cowboys and Steelers.  The we want Quinn chants will be heard from the Dog Pound very early.

 

Biggest Surprise:  The Houston Texans.  They will finish the season on the outside looking in, but with Matt Schaub and a healthy Andre Johnson leading the way on offense the Texans get their first ever winning season.  The NFL and their fans won’t overlook Mario Williams this season and send him to the Pro Bowl.

 

Biggest Lock:  This one is unfortunate, but Shawne Merriman won’t last 4 games.  His entire knee is torn to shreds and he is risking ruining Hall of Fame career.  I give him credit for wanting to play, but someone in the Chargers organization needs to try really hard to talk some sense into him.

 

MVP:  Donovan McNabb

Offensive Player of the Year: Tony Romo

Defensive Player of the Year: Julius Peppers

Offensive Rookie of the Year: Chris Johnson

Defensive Rookie of the Year: Leodis McKelvin

Comeback Player of the Year: Marvin Harrison

written by Matt