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2006
NFC
East~
New York Giants~ I believe in the potential that Eli Manning brings to the table. 2006 needs to be a year that sees Eli Manning take leadership of this football team. The "G" men will have no problem moving the football, this is a potent offense. Giants will be improved on defense. Organization went out and made a few key signings in the off season. Lavar Arrington will have a major impact on the Giants ability to put pressure on quarterbacks.
Key concern will be the Giants ability or perhaps inability to stop the run in 2006.
Dallas Cowboys~ All of you know what the deal is here. If T.O. comes aboard and conducts himself as a team player, then his great ability will put Dallas over the hump.
Don't bet on it! Terrell Owens can not even spell the word team, its not in his vocabulary.
Owens could not respect QBS Jeff Garcia, and Donovan McNabb, so I will give im no shot at respecting his new quarterback, Drew Bledsoe.
No harmony, no Superbowl. They will make the playoffs and lose when Mike Vanderjagt misses yet another post season field goal.
Washington Redskins~ In 2006 the Washington Redskins will feature one of the league's strongest defense's. Unfortunately for Joe Gibbs, as strong as his defense is, the offense is just as weak. The time as come for Mark Brunell to go home, enjoy life with the family.
Brunell can not throw the ball down the field.
defenses need not lose sleep preparing for Washington's passing attack. This will be the downfall for Redskins in 2006.
Philadelphia Eagles~ Eagles are the most interesting team in this division. I say this because as we know, Philly is trying to rebound from the aftermat of having Terrell Owens. Eagles lack offensive weapons. This is their weakness. Its a shame, this is a solid football team. They have a quarterback who is in perhaps the best shape of his pro career in Donovan McNabb.
Defense is sound, kicking game with Akers is great.
If the organization in the off season, would have gone out and made a couple of signings to the likes of a Mike Armstrong(ended up signing with Baltimore) running back, and Keyshawn Johnson WR,(signed by Carolina) this Eagle team would have been a serious contender.
We will pick the Eagles to finish last in this division, but will also throw caution at the wind, for should ownership look to improve team with a free agent signing, or two, all bets for the Eagles not doing well are off! In fact, should Eagles make a smart move or two, my clients will be backing them.
2005
AFC Preview
East Division
New York JETS- This team took a big step closer last year, and this year I believe its Graduation Day! The Jets are very strong defensively upfront, their linebacking corp, and secondary spear headed by Ty Law, are solid.
If Pennington looks unimpressive early on. I feel Coach Edwards will not hesitate to turn te offense over to Jay Fiedler, former Dolphins quarterback. I feel either way, Jets are in good hands. Consider the New York Jets as one of the teams to beat in 2005.
New England PATRIOTS- I should probally have my head examined for picking the Jets to finish ahead of a team who has won three of the last four Superbowls. If you believe that with this team losing both Cordinators, Charlie Weis, and Romeo Crennel, that their run is doomed, ~ think again. The Pats will still be a tough out in post season this year, take it to the bank. They will be good enough to win it all if they catch the right brakes. The stroke suffered by Tedy Bruschi leaves the Pats without his leadership and stellar play, this is where the Pats are not quite as good as last year team. But the word TEAM is how you must define the New England Patriots, and if they start to dominate this league ~ AGAIN, we will b sure to cash in on their success.
Buffalo BILLS-Here s a trendy pick that a lot of so called experts are jumping on, but did they forget how Buffalo laid an egg the last week of the season when they played a home game vs the Steelers, in a situation were the Steelers rested alot of their starters because they had already clinch home field? Well, I didn't. J. P. losman, last year's top draf pick of Buffalo, is an essence, a rookie! Good luck!
Miami Dolphins- No quarterback, no passing game, and most of all, I think this team needs a pash rush real bad because the secondary can not cover for to long without getting burned deep.
AFC North Division
Baltimore RAVENS- This pick concerns me some.....Everything here will be determined by the maturation of one Kyle Boller. Defensively of coarse, this is one of the elite defense's in Pro football. Sooner or later you have to complete 2nd and eight, 3rd and ten, passes. I DOUBT If Boller will ace this exam, but I do believe he will get a passing mark.
Pittsburgh STEELERS- This team will miss Plaxico Burress, not just for his abilty to get open down the field, but more importantly, his blocking skills will be sorely missed. To compound the problem, the BUS, is getting older by the day, ain't we all? His accomplishments last year did not surprise me one bit, but this is yet another season. I also hear of a young Roethlisberger who started the season last year as a humble young gun with potential, who by the end of the year, well, they had to widden the doors coming out of the locker room due to a over swollen head. Good, but not good enough in 2005.
Cincinnati BENGALS- There are some expects who are actually picking the Bengals to win this division. These expects do not know how to spell DEFENSE! Bengals have NO DEFENSE! Next!
Cleveland BROWNS- The Browns may lack alot but they are aleast headed in the right direction. Romeo Crennel will get this defense to improve. It will not happen overnight, but they will get better.
AFC South Division
Jacksonville JAGUARS- I pick teams that I know can play defense, and Jacksonville plays D-E-F-E-N-S-E ! The Jags improve last year. In fact, their defense is so physical, that you are still banged up after playing them the week before! I like teams like that. This Jacksonville team is going to be a monster in 2005. Byron Leftwich will become a positive factor this year, So expect the Jags to go deep into the playoffs.
Indy COLTS- ~Sidebar~ I can abbreviate that town in Indiana if I choose, but rest assure I wil always be able to spell B-A-L-T-I-M-O-R-E, which is were Johnny U, Bubba Smith , Mike Curtiss, Rick Voak, and Ted Hendricks, played their home games. The Baltimore Colts played DEFENSE, The Peyton Manning Indy Colts, do not.
This year, that defense should be improved with the addition of one Corey Simon. How much improved remains to be seen. Stay tuned.
Houston TEXANS- David Carr and his offense should make for one exciting year in Houston. But, once again, it all gets back to defense, and the TEXANS are a no show.
Tennessee TITANS- Jeff Fishers squad finished 5-11 last season, and this year look to rebuild. Don't expect magic, and don't expect the Titans to compete for the division this year.
AFC West Division
San Diego CHARGERS- Last year's team showed big improvement on both sides of the ball and the Chargers were amissed FG away from plaing for the right to go to the Superbowl. They drafted well for their defense which needs improvement against the pass. You will see te improvement and look for the San Diego Chargers to be a serious contender at worst!
Denver BRONCOS- If you wanted to improve your defense, would you scoop up all the Cleveland Browns defenders who you may have found available during the off season? THIS IS A GOOD TEAM, but not a great team, they have not made it pass the first round of the playoffs each of the last six years, and they will be lucky to make playoffs in 2005.
Kansas City CHIEFS- Expect the Chiefs to put points on the board but the defense can not improve fast enough.
Oakland RAIDERS- Randy Moss will make the old diehard Raider fan who is old enough to remember the verticle passing game, smile with delite. Lamont Jordan will shine in the Raider backfield, but, but, what about defense? it's a joke. Is anyone paying attention? Offense wins games, DEFENSE WIN CHAMPIONSHIPS.
NFC 2005 PREVIEW~
NFC East
Dallas Cowboys-This division should be the most balanced in the Conference. I could make a good argument for anyone of these teams winning the East. Parcells now has a QB who can run this offense in Drew Bledsoe. "IF you can run, you can win", well Dallas should be able to control the game by way of the ground with the "A" train and Julius Jones. The defense is solid. I would not expect the winner of this division to end up in the Superbowl.
Washington Redskins- I noticed something in a Preseason game vs the Pittsburgh Steelers that I found a little scary. The Skins have a O Line that can move mountains! If they can get good Quarterback play, look out! This team has the potential to be a serious Dark horse. Skins will play good defense.
Philadelphia Eagles- No running backs, no ground game what so ever. There defense will carry them far. Injuries seem to pile up. I do not like the chemistry here at all. Owens is gifted, but lets face it , he can not spell the word T-E-A-M, and thus, has become a distraction.
New York Giants- It's amazing to me how many people actually question Eli Manning's potential. He IS the real deal. Giants can make some noise. This is a good team that needs to intensify on the defensive side of the ball. A tough out.
NFC North
Minnesota Vikings- Now this team's stock is with out a doubt, going up! I like the chemistry I see here. Life after Moss is good. Vikings will run away with this division, it is weak. Defense here is the key. Home field advantage is another key once we get to the playoffs.
Detroit Lions- Seems to be coming a trendy pick in this division. NO WAY. Yes, they have three young and very talented receivers on a offense that has no O Line at all, and a quarterback who is very overated! Harrington becomes a deer in headlites as soon as the pass protection breaks down, which normally happens right after the ball is snapped. No defense here either.
Green Bay Packers- No defense. Major problems keeping a Offensive line healthy, that isn't that good to begin with. Sorry Brett.
Chicago Bears- This is not a good football team. They have no Quarterback, no line, no offensive threats. The defense needs much improvement.
NFC South
Carolina Panthers- Carolina was hit extremely hard last year with by a storm called "injuries". The Panthers are a team of chemistry. Carolina on Defense bings the best front seven in the game at you. On offense, Jake Delhomme is a winner. He has weapons to strike down the field, and a ground attack that will consume its opponents. I rate this team as the favorite to end up playing in Detroit. Thou the road will not be easy. Beware of the Panther, for he is hungry!
Atlanta Falcons- You must respect the Atlanta Falcon's ~ not for what Micheal Vick can do in the open field, but what the Defense brings to the table. Actually, Vick is what keeps this team from reaching the Superbowl. That's right!Any QB in the NFL who's first instinct is to run, is doomed. This is not the NCAA. This is the NFL- which stands for "not for long", (just ask Jerry Glaneville) when you desire is to take off from the pocket and run downfield. Its his downfall. And it will get him hurt...AGAIN! and Again.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers- The Bucs will be a team to keep a slight eye on. I see improvement over last year's squad, not earth shattering, but improvement just the same. Look for "Cadillac" Williams to have a good year running the football.
New Orleans Saints- NO DEFENSE. I don't like the make up of this team, I do not believe in Aaron Brooks, never have. Home games are a problem, there are distractions that in this case could are justified. Did I mention NO DEFENSE?
NFC West
St.Louis Rams- I see chemistry. A strong running attack lead by Steven Jackson, that will give Mike Martz options offensively, and thats when the man is dangerous. The defense looks to be at least in decent shape, perhaps average. Should defense improve, Rams will be tough to keep out of big game. Will have no problem winning this division. A Strong contender.
Arizona Cardinals- They are young on Defense, as the year go's on this Defense will improve. Offensively they will acheive what the Lions can not ~ use their weapons. Kurt Warner if he stays healthy, and if his young talented receivers stay healthy, will be successfull throwing the football down the field. If the Defense excells, than the Cardinals , will defintely be a dark horse, but don't rush it.
Seattle Seahawks- Say a Prayer for the Pretender....A song written by Jackson Browne that somes up how we rate this football team. Seahawks are one of the most overated teams in the league. NO CHEMISTRY HERE.
San Francisco 49ers- Enjoy beating these guys now, cause in a few years time , they will be back. San Fran is doing things the right way~ thru the draft. They are not so good now, and let us not talk about defense here.
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