TheReverend
09-07-2005, 10:24 AM
Five teams primed for a fall
1. Packers — Brett Favre's final pro football season could be the first losing one in Green Bay since 1991 (which is the longest such streak running in the NFL). Instead of focusing on a defense in dire need of serious help, the Packers went with Aaron Rodgers — too tempting to pass on at Green Bay's position in the draft — to become Favre's successor. Problem is, Rodgers isn't very good and could go down as the latest first-round quarterback bust. Maybe Green Bay would have been better served waiting for Kyle Orton in the fourth round, or another year to draft a quarterback in a class that could feature Matt Leinart of USC, Vince Young of Texas, Chris Leak of Florida and Omar Jacobs of Bowling Green (among others).
2. Chargers — San Diego came out of virtually nowhere to win the AFC West last season, and it was a great story, what with the emergence of Drew Brees in the aftermath of the Philip Rivers draft selection. Throw in the sudden stardom of tight end Antonio Gates for extra credit, and it was a fun year for the Chargers. Only, the year ended with bitter disappointment in the playoffs. While San Diego figures to be in the playoff chase, it's hard to imagine this team keeping up the 12-4 pace of 2004.
3. Steelers — This is a team fully capable of defending its AFC North division title, but a 15-1 season will be nearly impossible to match. Unfortunately for Steelers fans, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger — who hit the NFL scene running as a rookie — appears primed for a sophomore slump, and the situation at running back appears uncertain (Willie Parker is slated as the team's opening-game starter). This chain of events — and throw in the efforts of strong challengers in Baltimore and Cincinnati — will make defense of the division title even more difficult.
4. Broncos — Lately, the Broncos have been a regular in the NFL's postseason party, but this year a stronger AFC West figures to be this team's playoff party pooper. Instead of attempting to acquire players who can help Denver beat Indianapolis when it matters most, the Broncos went out this off-season and signed a bunch of has-beens (Jerry Rice) and never-will-bes (Ron Dayne, Courtney Brown, Gerard Warren).
5. Seahawks — Seattle has enjoyed a nice little run of playoff appearances, but that success could come to an end this season. Unfortunately, this team simply can't beat the Rams. That's bad.
For the whole article: http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/4842248
I stand by MY predictions of 13-3 and a superbowl win over the Vikings.
Probowlers: Jake Plummer, Ashley Lelie, George Foster, Courtney Brown, Pryce, Warren, Champ Bailey
1. Packers — Brett Favre's final pro football season could be the first losing one in Green Bay since 1991 (which is the longest such streak running in the NFL). Instead of focusing on a defense in dire need of serious help, the Packers went with Aaron Rodgers — too tempting to pass on at Green Bay's position in the draft — to become Favre's successor. Problem is, Rodgers isn't very good and could go down as the latest first-round quarterback bust. Maybe Green Bay would have been better served waiting for Kyle Orton in the fourth round, or another year to draft a quarterback in a class that could feature Matt Leinart of USC, Vince Young of Texas, Chris Leak of Florida and Omar Jacobs of Bowling Green (among others).
2. Chargers — San Diego came out of virtually nowhere to win the AFC West last season, and it was a great story, what with the emergence of Drew Brees in the aftermath of the Philip Rivers draft selection. Throw in the sudden stardom of tight end Antonio Gates for extra credit, and it was a fun year for the Chargers. Only, the year ended with bitter disappointment in the playoffs. While San Diego figures to be in the playoff chase, it's hard to imagine this team keeping up the 12-4 pace of 2004.
3. Steelers — This is a team fully capable of defending its AFC North division title, but a 15-1 season will be nearly impossible to match. Unfortunately for Steelers fans, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger — who hit the NFL scene running as a rookie — appears primed for a sophomore slump, and the situation at running back appears uncertain (Willie Parker is slated as the team's opening-game starter). This chain of events — and throw in the efforts of strong challengers in Baltimore and Cincinnati — will make defense of the division title even more difficult.
4. Broncos — Lately, the Broncos have been a regular in the NFL's postseason party, but this year a stronger AFC West figures to be this team's playoff party pooper. Instead of attempting to acquire players who can help Denver beat Indianapolis when it matters most, the Broncos went out this off-season and signed a bunch of has-beens (Jerry Rice) and never-will-bes (Ron Dayne, Courtney Brown, Gerard Warren).
5. Seahawks — Seattle has enjoyed a nice little run of playoff appearances, but that success could come to an end this season. Unfortunately, this team simply can't beat the Rams. That's bad.
For the whole article: http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/4842248
I stand by MY predictions of 13-3 and a superbowl win over the Vikings.
Probowlers: Jake Plummer, Ashley Lelie, George Foster, Courtney Brown, Pryce, Warren, Champ Bailey