Post by mexicanjunior on Sept 4, 2008 11:09:28 GMT -6
msn.foxsports.com/nfl/pgStory?contentId=8515992&MSNHPHCP>1=39002#sport=NFL&photo=8514196
This list seems legit although I still wouldn't put the Chargers ahead of NE or Indy...I could see the Chargers and Cowboys as 3A and 3B...
10 Minnesota Vikings
To win the NFC North, they're going with a Chicago Bears philosophy (defense and ground-oriented offense) enhanced by a far superior Adrian Peterson model. A defense that stuffed the run last season could be much better against the pass if newcomer Jared Allen pressures quarterbacks into success for the Viking corners. Minnesota's grinder offense will require reasonable playmaking from youngsters Tarvaris Jackson and Sidney Rice; Rice will be teaming with Bernard Berrian, whose recent title as the best wide receiver in Chicago was just slightly less impressive than being named valedictorian of summer school. The schedule is no hayride, either.
9 Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles have become the fashionable pick to make a big move forward and might do so if quarterback Donovan McNabb can identify a playmate for Brian Westbrook. Things may go smoothly if rookie slot receiver DeSean Jackson is what Freddie Mitchell said Freddie Mitchell was going to be. Jackson went from supposed Heisman candidate to disappointment last year at Cal, but has looked good in make-believe NFL games. Blitz-happy Jimmie Johnson and the Philly defense added coffin corner Asante Samuel from New England and offer regular pressure off the edge with Trent Cole.
8 New York Giants
We're not sure if a No. 8 ranking suggests the defending Super Bowl champions should be registered as a fluke or legitimate contender. Big-game MVP Eli Manning probably won't be able to sneak up on anyone this year, but a receiving crew that led the league in drops last year seems poised to be much more consistent this season (remember, pin the ball against helmet and hold on). Retirement and injury have shoved most of the defensive focus toward the front four, but the Giants' rise or fall still may have more to do with what happens in the back seven.
7 Pittsburgh Steelers
Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger figures to continue being far more than a decent look-alike for Will Ferrell or a terrible look-alike for Pittsburgh-area guys in need of dates. Big Ben and fast running back Willie Parker should benefit from the middle-softening qualities of slashing rookie Rashard Mendenhall. While the run will remain important, the Steelers will funnel even more responsibility to big-play receiver Santonio Holmes. The traditionally nasty Steeler defense again is loaded in the front seven. With Troy Polamalu as its leader, the Pittsburgh secondary isn't bad, either.
6 Jacksonville Jaguars
This year's sleeper AFC title pick is hoping the receiving corps wakes up a bit more often. That may not be a problem with Jerry Porter bringing his bags from Oakland and speedy Troy Williamson checking in from Minnesota. Quarterback David Garrard is rated "E" for efficient, and does a fine job of working around the running skills of Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew. The Jacksonville defense still looks solid, but needs more pressure-applying efforts from the ends. That expected AFC challenge could be tempered by what may be one of the NFL's most difficult schedules.
5 New Orleans Saints
We're assuming big success from two ex-USC Trojans -- Reggie "Disapproval Rating" Bush and rookie NT Sedrick Ellis. After going from Heisman to decoy to diluted, Bush needs to be more than a big-play threat. It may be easier to achieve with Deuce McAllister lining up next to Drew Brees in the New Orleans backfield. If Ellis can anchor the defensive middle with former New York Jets linebacker Jonathan Vilma, highly paid rush ends Charles Grant and Will Smith might be inspired to be more cost effective. A tough schedule is made even more so by that dandy trip to Europe.
4 Dallas Cowboys
If they can avoid going Donner Party this year, the Cowboys have a good shot to reach February. Things will be just ducky on offense if quarterback Tony Romo makes an inordinate amount of heaves in the direction of Terrell Owens. That combo -- backed by two top-notch runners working behind a stout, experienced line -- should keep the offense in good shape. The defense could be formidable if the Adam Jones revival tour upgrades a secondary that has been made vulnerable by the shaky pass-support speed of Roy Williams. Pass-rush pressure from DeMarcus Ware and Greg Ellis can't hurt.
3 Indianapolis Colts
Peyton Manning's work as a comedic pitchman is proof that missing camp won't sabotage his impeccable timing. So, while we're not worrying about Peyton or other health concerns could make the Colts ripe for a Jacksonville picking. We'll believe it when it happens. But there's no denying that injury issues surrounding a quartet of Super Bowl-level players -- receiver Marvin Harrison, center Jeff Saturday, defensive end Dwight Freeney and safety Bob Sanders -- could conspire to keep the older Manning kid off of "Saturday Night Live" for another year.
2 New England Patriots
Their Super Bowl hangover means slipping from 16 to 13 victories. Young talent has arrived to provide energy for an aging linebacker crew working with a secondary that should miss Asante Samuel. But the line is top-notch and often is working from ahead on the scoreboard. Ah, the scoreboard. With Tom Brady's swagger potentially compromised by a foot injury and questions on the O-line, we'll see if that late-season drop in production was due to the weather, upgrades in opponent game-planning or both. Many Patriot concerns could be salved by what smells like the league's easiest schedule.
1 San Diego Chargers
The most talent + the weakest division = the best record. But, much like the Colts, this expected juggernaut could be thrown off course if injured stars don't heal as hoped. LaDainian Tomlinson looks fine, but does not have Michael Turner as his stunt double. Quarterback Philip Rivers and his knee appear ready, but game-breaking tight end Antonio Gates is a bit behind the rehab curve. The loaded defensive unit may be good enough to survive a less-than-deadly season from wounded linebacker Shawne Merriman, but will it be able to muscle the Chargers past their cronies in the AFC?
This list seems legit although I still wouldn't put the Chargers ahead of NE or Indy...I could see the Chargers and Cowboys as 3A and 3B...
