DonDollars
New member
- Joined
- Jun 10, 2005
- Messages
- 1,381
- Reaction score
- 0
It is that time of year again: NFL FOOTBALL. This year I hope to contribute a plethora of information, number crunching, news, and picks to the Rx all in regards to the NFL.
I will first release my Preseason NFL POWER RANKINGS. I am sure that these rankings will ruffle a few feathers, aggrivating many.....but it has to be done. I have been very delighted at the accuracy of my rankings over the past 6 years...I hope that holds true again this year. If you disagree with anything....add your 2-cents....it makes all of us better.
1. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS - No one will question their Offense. The addition of Defensive Coordinator Leslie Frazier and a healthier defense should be enough to send them to the BIG GAME.
2. Philadelphia Eagles - Another trip to the super bowl should be in store for Philly this year. They need T.O. to sign...but otherwise this team has all of the pieces in place and had a splendid draft. The rich get richer.
3. Baltimore Ravens - Defense wins championships...and you I this is one of the greatest defenses ever assembled. The addition of of Samari Rolle makes this the most impressive defensive backfield I have ever seen. Kyle Boeller has another year under his belt and now has a healthy Heap, super acquistion D. Mason, draft selection Mark Clayton, and an angry Jamal Lewis to help the cause. If the offense can play decent....this team will be a contender.
4. Pittsburgh Steelers - I have a feeling they will stumble a bit this year, but it is hard to deny they are a great football team. They have a solid defense, however it is NOT VERY DEEP. In order to compete this team needs to avoid the injury bug. People are quick to doubt Ben Roethlisberger, which I am not sure is fair. I believe Big Ben is the real deal. The offense took a major hit when Plaxico departed (much to the dismay of Ben). Can Cedric Wilson fill the gap? Time will tell. This team has a ton of potential.
5. Atlanta Falcons - Do I have to explain that this rating depends HIGHLY on #7 RonMexico....I mean Mike Vick. Any close game will go on his shoulders. If Alge crumpler can stay healthy and a reciever can step up (1st round pick Roddy White?) this team will have a top-notch offense. The defense is SOLID and should help them get close to the Big Game.
6. Jacksonville Jaguars - Their are a lot of question marks surrounding this team....including the progression of Mr. Leftwich...and the chemistry that forms with a NEW: offensive coordinator, WR coach, RB coach, DB coach, LB coach, and Ken Anderson switching to QB coach. I think the pieces are lined up nice. I love the personnel and believe Leftwich is poised for greatness. The team desperately needs to have someone step up at Cornerback....if they do (and Fred Taylor stays healthy), they will contend.
7. Kansas City - Their offense, behind a superb offensive line, is high-octane. Every NFL fan knows, however, that the KC Defense has been a JOKE. Finally the team has taken some steps to address that. Kendrell Bell, Patrick Surtain, and Sammy Knight are WONDERFUL acquisitions. If they can gel with some of the current solid players this team may make the next step. I believe they are a pass-rusher and a WR away from greatness....but they'll be good.
8. New York Jets - This team has heart and determination. It pains me to think that I am ranking them this high consdering that Chad Pennington's surgically repaired shoulder is a question mark and that Curtis Martin (I think) turns like 63 years old this year....however as soon as you doubt him he puts together a career year. Can he do it again? He better....LaMont is gone...and new acquistion Blaylock is a 3rd down back.
9. New England - I know, I know, I know. These are the Patriots. However, Bill Belichick is the MASTER at getting solid people surrounding him...unfortunately two of them left this year (Crennel to the Browns...Weis to Notre Dame). I think losing your Defensive and Offensive Coordinator along with losing Tedy Bruschi, Ty Law, David Patten, Keith Traylor, and having a VERY VERY HARD schedule will prove to be the demise of the dynasty. If they prove me wrong, it will not be the first time....but I think this team will have to work HARD to make the playoffs.
10. San Diego Chargers - This is the same team returning from last year. However, this year they have a much harder schedule and they are NOT going to surprise anyone. I beleive that Drew Brees comes back down to Earth...and at about the midway point of the season it will be time for Phillip Rivers to audition. They do have an inspired defense and the best running back (BY FAR) in the league. Can they ride LaDanian to the playoffs?
11. Buffalo Bills - This is a hard team to rate. I believe they could be as high as 5 and as low ans 25. If the DEFENSE plays anything like it did last year...they will be a solid ball club once again. The big question mark lies in the play of QB JP LOSMAN who the Bills have handed the reins. I like the tough gritty signal caller and think he will perfrom well. He has weapons in Eric Moulds, Lee Evans, and a VERY UNDERRATED RB in Willis McGahee. I think Losman will take his beginner's lumps...but will prove sufficient enought to make this team a VERY VERY GOOD TEAM. I would not be surprised to see them win the division and become a contender.
12. Minnesota Vikings - On paper they look great. Fred Smoot, Sharper, Cowart, Williamson, James are HUGE additions to a team that was already good. I think this team is very talented....but talent does not equal greatness...they need to find a way to gel...and do it fast. I think they will have chemistry problems. Most Vikings fans are SO HAPPY to see Randy Moss go because he was such a "problem to the team". They may have a happier locker room atmosphere, but the double and triple teams that the "greatest athlete on the planet" warrants will be GREATLY missed. Their offense will come down to Earth fast without Moss. He will be greatly missed....although noone in Minnesota will ever admit it.
13. Denver Broncos - This team is in a very tough division, but may surface on top at years end. They will have a very solid defense. They adopted the Cleveland Brown's D-Line and have given some "high potential" players a chance for a new beginning. They have a GREAT LB core....and they have Champ Bailey at CB. On offense they need Ashley Lelie to progress even more, because grandpa Rod Smith is old. I think one of the NFL's most pleasant surprises will be running back Tatum Bell who will step in and dominate (if he can stay healthy). This guy has the size, speed, and athletic ability to be another Clinton Portis. Another non-first round gem at RB.
14. St. Louis - This is a team that appeared to be on the downslide...but has put together a nice looking team. If Steven Jackson can help old man Faulk and Bulger steps up to the challenge this team may be all right. The defense needed help....but got it. They made improvements at the LB position and look like a D that will hold their own. Normally I would not think that I would say that the #14 ranked team could become a contender, but in a weak, weak division they may have a pretty easy path to the playoffs.
15. Carolina Panthers - Everyone has these guys ranked higher, but I am not convinced. If....I will repeat If Stephen Davis, DeShaun Foster, and Steve Smith remain healthy the offense is potent. I don't think they will ever stay healthy. The defense will be improved from last year's injury depleted unit...but they are not what they were when they went to the Super Bowl.
16. Seattle Seahawks - Another team that could make some noise because they are in such a weak division, but they are not very good. Their WR's were horrible last year, so they made changes...but stepping into a new system is very difficult for a WR. Shaun Alexander cannot feel very welcome in Seattle as he was up on the block all off season. I think the offense will take a step down and the defense is missing some key pieces.
17. Cincinnatti Bengals - The team should be improved over last year. The defense will still not be as strong as it needs to be and will probably need to adjust to some scheme changes. On offense...I DO NOT think that Rudi Johnson is the answer. His smoke-and-mirrors trick of looking good may become a crutch for the Bengals who WILL get someone else for next year. This year they must hope Carson Palmer continues progressing how he has been and utilize Chad Johnson to create a potent offense. Can Chris Perry step in at RB?
18. Detroit Lions - If you are a Lions fan than you must have a smile on your face. This team is headed 100% in the right direction. They have made a TON of key acquistions...they have drafted well....they have a great Head Coach....the upside for this team is through the roof. They WILL BE THE TEAM OF THE DIVISION. I believe that starts next year, however. The pieces are being put into place....but you need to give it time for the glue to settle. Their defense is getting better, but still needs improvement. The offense.....DAMN!!!! If Harrington stumbles....you now have Jeff Garcia waiting for a chance (something good will come out of that scenario). At running back Kevin Jones is a LOT BETTER than people think. He will be a phenom. And at WR I do not think that anyone will deny the potential. If you would have told me three years ago that one team would have Rogers, Williams, and Williams....I would have thought you were crazy. It's true. I think it is a year early....but it should be fun to watch them progress.
19. New Orleans Saints - riding high after finsishing with four straight victories last year, this team has the offensive weapons and has an all right defense. The LB's will prove to be a problem....especially in a conference where run stopping LB's are a must. I see the end of the road for Haslett coming. I don't think that the Paper Bags Hats will be necessary.....but the Saints will probably be watching the playoffs from their couches.
20. Tampa Bay Bucs - This team is better than it played last year. The offense was set up with a specific purpose that depended on pieces being in the right places. When Joey Galloway went down, and no RB stepped up to the role....the plan went haywire. This year Galloway is healthy and Cadillac Williams is "the perfect role" for this system. The offense will be surprisingly MUCH BETTER. The defense should still be awesome.....but better get the job done soon, because they are about 2 years away from becoming a Geriatrics Ward.
21. Green Bay Packers - I hate to put my favorite team at #21. The offensive line took some major hits and the question marks left by Javon Walker are not helping a team that strives off of unity and community to succeed. With Favre at the helm and if Javon signs....this offense will be very good. They have 3 great running backs. The defense....on paper....looks like an average college defense. They SUCK. However, I believe strongly that new Defensive Coordinator Bates (Miami) will provide a scheme that makes the GB defense look a LOT better than it is. If he can use some smoke an mirrors to make a good defense, this team could surprise everyone (including myself). I hope for Brett's sake that they do. I can't wait until Bates is our head coach...unfortunately by then....Favre will be gone.
22. Miami Dolphins - this team is NOT as bad as it played last year. Last year they developed a game plan that they were going to go with....then right before the season started the plan went up in smoke (pun intended). Now with Ronnie Brown...who should be sensational...the Dolphins have a versatile back to work worth. He is more versatile than Ricky and will give them some more options. Chris Chambers is a phenom...I just don't know if Feely can throw him the ball. We shall see. The defense will be good....It was good last year....but took some major hits in the offseason including its coordinator, and Surtain, and Knight, etc....
23. New York Giants - Manning will be great.....some day. He still has a lot of growing up to do. I think that the additiion of Plaxico will help....but it can't hurt....their WR's DID NOT CATCH A TD LAST YEAR. O.k. I will repeat that. their WR'S DID NOT CATCH A TD LAST YEAR. Is that possible? The defense got better (especially at LB) which is the reason they are ranked here.
24. Chicago Bears - This is a team that seems to thrive on being the underdog. As soon as you say they are bad....they put together chemistry and play good. With a ton of injuries last year (Grossman, Urlacher, etc....) they still played pretty good. I would expect their defense to be fairly solid again this year, and that will keep them in ball games. The offense is suspect. Whether or not Rex Grossman is truly healthy will be big. If he is....RB Benson grows up quick...and WR Mushin Muhammad plays like he did in Carolina last year....the Bears might be a SURPRISE TEAM.
25. Oakland Raiders - The addition of Randy Moss will help this offense UNBELIEVABLY. The offense should be great. Raider WR's will find out how nice it is when every defender must cover Moss in order to try to stop him. If you don't believe me call Nate Burleson and Kelly Campbell........did you think that they were actually good? The defense on the other hand will be BAD. There will be a lot of 49+ over unders in Raider games this year. They need to improve this D if they want to contend.
26. Arizona Cardinals - This is a team on the rise...and everyone has them as a sleeper...but they are not ready to compete yet. Kurt Warner is not a very good quarterback anymore. The RB will probably be a rookie. The WR are UNREAL. They do have a stacked WR core. The defense will be suspect. They have a lot of losses that may end up helping the team down the road....but the key here is down the road. A .500 record would be a big accomplishment for this team.
27. Dallas Cowboys - Bill Parcells wasted 2 years. He likes Big and Strong....he agreed to go with small and fast. After that blew up in his face last year.....he did a VERY GOOD JOB of going and getting "his type of players". Hopefully he does not die of old age before they are ready to play in a few years. This is a TRANSITION year for the Cowboys. They are going from fast to big....and that always takes time. Julius Jones is a pleasant surprise though, and proved that the 'Boys were not crazy for dropping to the 2nd round and taking him.
28. Houston Texans - I was one of the biggest Texan backers over the last few years. I thought they were headed in the right direction. I now think that I am taking that all back. They did nothing to improve a team that had problems last year. How do you draft a GEM like David Carr with the first pick....realize he truly is a GEM....and then DO NOT PROVIDE HIM WITH ANY PROTECTION. If Carr doesn't die this year I hope he gets helps soon. Seth Wand at Left Tackle? Get off your aces and get this man a LINE. They have lost players on defense like Sharper that are going to prove disastrous. They have a horrendous pass rush and did nothing in the offseason to improve it.
29. Washington Redskins - I do not like this team. I do not know what they are doing with Patrick Ramsey's mind....but my heart goes out to him. They should have stuck with him as their franchise quarterback and he would now be ready to compete. Instead they messed with his mind. They brought in old man river Brunell and benched him.....now this year they draft QB Jason Campbell in the 1st round even thought they DESPERATELY need help in many other positions. If I were Ramsey I would want out of Washington....which he probably does. The trade for Santana Moss was probably inevitable because Coles wanted out....but Coles is good #1 WR....Moss is a good #2 WR. Not a good value trade. This team is bad. And honestly....I hope they get worse.
30. Tennessee Titans - I have a hard time believing that this team will not be competetive. They have had such a solid team over the years with Derrick Mason, Eddie George, Fred Miller, Kevin Carter, Andre Dyson, Samari Rolle, etc.... Now.....they are ALL GONE. The only remaining ballers are rickety Steve McNair (who should have retired) and Keith Bulluck...who needs help. You cannot lose the players that they lost and expect to be good....so....I do not expect them to be good. Time to rebuild.
31. Cleveland Browns - It is nice to see Romeo Crennel, the super Coordinator, get his chance to earn some money and become a head coach. I hope he invests his money wisely. It will also be cool to see what team he ends up being a defensive coordinator on when he is fired from head coaching in two years. I hope that it is the Packers (with Bates moving to head coach). Crennel....who is a defensive coordinator (not a coach)...inherits a HORRIBLE team that will struggle on both sides of the ball. If you feel bad for Romeo this year when he is 1-9 after 10 games....remember....he is a millionaire....he will be O.K. I would say it is a rebuilding year for the Browns....but that isn't true. More like a Stagnation period until they start rebuilding in a couple years.
32. San Francisco 49ers - When I started writing this I didn't know if it was possible to be worse than the Cleveland Browns....but it is. Enter the NINERS. This team may produce more dirty controversial movies than it does Wins this year. It is a rebuilding year....and boy is it ever. Tabula rasa my friends.
$$$ Don Dollars $$$
I will first release my Preseason NFL POWER RANKINGS. I am sure that these rankings will ruffle a few feathers, aggrivating many.....but it has to be done. I have been very delighted at the accuracy of my rankings over the past 6 years...I hope that holds true again this year. If you disagree with anything....add your 2-cents....it makes all of us better.
1. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS - No one will question their Offense. The addition of Defensive Coordinator Leslie Frazier and a healthier defense should be enough to send them to the BIG GAME.
2. Philadelphia Eagles - Another trip to the super bowl should be in store for Philly this year. They need T.O. to sign...but otherwise this team has all of the pieces in place and had a splendid draft. The rich get richer.
3. Baltimore Ravens - Defense wins championships...and you I this is one of the greatest defenses ever assembled. The addition of of Samari Rolle makes this the most impressive defensive backfield I have ever seen. Kyle Boeller has another year under his belt and now has a healthy Heap, super acquistion D. Mason, draft selection Mark Clayton, and an angry Jamal Lewis to help the cause. If the offense can play decent....this team will be a contender.
4. Pittsburgh Steelers - I have a feeling they will stumble a bit this year, but it is hard to deny they are a great football team. They have a solid defense, however it is NOT VERY DEEP. In order to compete this team needs to avoid the injury bug. People are quick to doubt Ben Roethlisberger, which I am not sure is fair. I believe Big Ben is the real deal. The offense took a major hit when Plaxico departed (much to the dismay of Ben). Can Cedric Wilson fill the gap? Time will tell. This team has a ton of potential.
5. Atlanta Falcons - Do I have to explain that this rating depends HIGHLY on #7 RonMexico....I mean Mike Vick. Any close game will go on his shoulders. If Alge crumpler can stay healthy and a reciever can step up (1st round pick Roddy White?) this team will have a top-notch offense. The defense is SOLID and should help them get close to the Big Game.
6. Jacksonville Jaguars - Their are a lot of question marks surrounding this team....including the progression of Mr. Leftwich...and the chemistry that forms with a NEW: offensive coordinator, WR coach, RB coach, DB coach, LB coach, and Ken Anderson switching to QB coach. I think the pieces are lined up nice. I love the personnel and believe Leftwich is poised for greatness. The team desperately needs to have someone step up at Cornerback....if they do (and Fred Taylor stays healthy), they will contend.
7. Kansas City - Their offense, behind a superb offensive line, is high-octane. Every NFL fan knows, however, that the KC Defense has been a JOKE. Finally the team has taken some steps to address that. Kendrell Bell, Patrick Surtain, and Sammy Knight are WONDERFUL acquisitions. If they can gel with some of the current solid players this team may make the next step. I believe they are a pass-rusher and a WR away from greatness....but they'll be good.
8. New York Jets - This team has heart and determination. It pains me to think that I am ranking them this high consdering that Chad Pennington's surgically repaired shoulder is a question mark and that Curtis Martin (I think) turns like 63 years old this year....however as soon as you doubt him he puts together a career year. Can he do it again? He better....LaMont is gone...and new acquistion Blaylock is a 3rd down back.
9. New England - I know, I know, I know. These are the Patriots. However, Bill Belichick is the MASTER at getting solid people surrounding him...unfortunately two of them left this year (Crennel to the Browns...Weis to Notre Dame). I think losing your Defensive and Offensive Coordinator along with losing Tedy Bruschi, Ty Law, David Patten, Keith Traylor, and having a VERY VERY HARD schedule will prove to be the demise of the dynasty. If they prove me wrong, it will not be the first time....but I think this team will have to work HARD to make the playoffs.
10. San Diego Chargers - This is the same team returning from last year. However, this year they have a much harder schedule and they are NOT going to surprise anyone. I beleive that Drew Brees comes back down to Earth...and at about the midway point of the season it will be time for Phillip Rivers to audition. They do have an inspired defense and the best running back (BY FAR) in the league. Can they ride LaDanian to the playoffs?
11. Buffalo Bills - This is a hard team to rate. I believe they could be as high as 5 and as low ans 25. If the DEFENSE plays anything like it did last year...they will be a solid ball club once again. The big question mark lies in the play of QB JP LOSMAN who the Bills have handed the reins. I like the tough gritty signal caller and think he will perfrom well. He has weapons in Eric Moulds, Lee Evans, and a VERY UNDERRATED RB in Willis McGahee. I think Losman will take his beginner's lumps...but will prove sufficient enought to make this team a VERY VERY GOOD TEAM. I would not be surprised to see them win the division and become a contender.
12. Minnesota Vikings - On paper they look great. Fred Smoot, Sharper, Cowart, Williamson, James are HUGE additions to a team that was already good. I think this team is very talented....but talent does not equal greatness...they need to find a way to gel...and do it fast. I think they will have chemistry problems. Most Vikings fans are SO HAPPY to see Randy Moss go because he was such a "problem to the team". They may have a happier locker room atmosphere, but the double and triple teams that the "greatest athlete on the planet" warrants will be GREATLY missed. Their offense will come down to Earth fast without Moss. He will be greatly missed....although noone in Minnesota will ever admit it.
13. Denver Broncos - This team is in a very tough division, but may surface on top at years end. They will have a very solid defense. They adopted the Cleveland Brown's D-Line and have given some "high potential" players a chance for a new beginning. They have a GREAT LB core....and they have Champ Bailey at CB. On offense they need Ashley Lelie to progress even more, because grandpa Rod Smith is old. I think one of the NFL's most pleasant surprises will be running back Tatum Bell who will step in and dominate (if he can stay healthy). This guy has the size, speed, and athletic ability to be another Clinton Portis. Another non-first round gem at RB.
14. St. Louis - This is a team that appeared to be on the downslide...but has put together a nice looking team. If Steven Jackson can help old man Faulk and Bulger steps up to the challenge this team may be all right. The defense needed help....but got it. They made improvements at the LB position and look like a D that will hold their own. Normally I would not think that I would say that the #14 ranked team could become a contender, but in a weak, weak division they may have a pretty easy path to the playoffs.
15. Carolina Panthers - Everyone has these guys ranked higher, but I am not convinced. If....I will repeat If Stephen Davis, DeShaun Foster, and Steve Smith remain healthy the offense is potent. I don't think they will ever stay healthy. The defense will be improved from last year's injury depleted unit...but they are not what they were when they went to the Super Bowl.
16. Seattle Seahawks - Another team that could make some noise because they are in such a weak division, but they are not very good. Their WR's were horrible last year, so they made changes...but stepping into a new system is very difficult for a WR. Shaun Alexander cannot feel very welcome in Seattle as he was up on the block all off season. I think the offense will take a step down and the defense is missing some key pieces.
17. Cincinnatti Bengals - The team should be improved over last year. The defense will still not be as strong as it needs to be and will probably need to adjust to some scheme changes. On offense...I DO NOT think that Rudi Johnson is the answer. His smoke-and-mirrors trick of looking good may become a crutch for the Bengals who WILL get someone else for next year. This year they must hope Carson Palmer continues progressing how he has been and utilize Chad Johnson to create a potent offense. Can Chris Perry step in at RB?
18. Detroit Lions - If you are a Lions fan than you must have a smile on your face. This team is headed 100% in the right direction. They have made a TON of key acquistions...they have drafted well....they have a great Head Coach....the upside for this team is through the roof. They WILL BE THE TEAM OF THE DIVISION. I believe that starts next year, however. The pieces are being put into place....but you need to give it time for the glue to settle. Their defense is getting better, but still needs improvement. The offense.....DAMN!!!! If Harrington stumbles....you now have Jeff Garcia waiting for a chance (something good will come out of that scenario). At running back Kevin Jones is a LOT BETTER than people think. He will be a phenom. And at WR I do not think that anyone will deny the potential. If you would have told me three years ago that one team would have Rogers, Williams, and Williams....I would have thought you were crazy. It's true. I think it is a year early....but it should be fun to watch them progress.
19. New Orleans Saints - riding high after finsishing with four straight victories last year, this team has the offensive weapons and has an all right defense. The LB's will prove to be a problem....especially in a conference where run stopping LB's are a must. I see the end of the road for Haslett coming. I don't think that the Paper Bags Hats will be necessary.....but the Saints will probably be watching the playoffs from their couches.
20. Tampa Bay Bucs - This team is better than it played last year. The offense was set up with a specific purpose that depended on pieces being in the right places. When Joey Galloway went down, and no RB stepped up to the role....the plan went haywire. This year Galloway is healthy and Cadillac Williams is "the perfect role" for this system. The offense will be surprisingly MUCH BETTER. The defense should still be awesome.....but better get the job done soon, because they are about 2 years away from becoming a Geriatrics Ward.
21. Green Bay Packers - I hate to put my favorite team at #21. The offensive line took some major hits and the question marks left by Javon Walker are not helping a team that strives off of unity and community to succeed. With Favre at the helm and if Javon signs....this offense will be very good. They have 3 great running backs. The defense....on paper....looks like an average college defense. They SUCK. However, I believe strongly that new Defensive Coordinator Bates (Miami) will provide a scheme that makes the GB defense look a LOT better than it is. If he can use some smoke an mirrors to make a good defense, this team could surprise everyone (including myself). I hope for Brett's sake that they do. I can't wait until Bates is our head coach...unfortunately by then....Favre will be gone.
22. Miami Dolphins - this team is NOT as bad as it played last year. Last year they developed a game plan that they were going to go with....then right before the season started the plan went up in smoke (pun intended). Now with Ronnie Brown...who should be sensational...the Dolphins have a versatile back to work worth. He is more versatile than Ricky and will give them some more options. Chris Chambers is a phenom...I just don't know if Feely can throw him the ball. We shall see. The defense will be good....It was good last year....but took some major hits in the offseason including its coordinator, and Surtain, and Knight, etc....
23. New York Giants - Manning will be great.....some day. He still has a lot of growing up to do. I think that the additiion of Plaxico will help....but it can't hurt....their WR's DID NOT CATCH A TD LAST YEAR. O.k. I will repeat that. their WR'S DID NOT CATCH A TD LAST YEAR. Is that possible? The defense got better (especially at LB) which is the reason they are ranked here.
24. Chicago Bears - This is a team that seems to thrive on being the underdog. As soon as you say they are bad....they put together chemistry and play good. With a ton of injuries last year (Grossman, Urlacher, etc....) they still played pretty good. I would expect their defense to be fairly solid again this year, and that will keep them in ball games. The offense is suspect. Whether or not Rex Grossman is truly healthy will be big. If he is....RB Benson grows up quick...and WR Mushin Muhammad plays like he did in Carolina last year....the Bears might be a SURPRISE TEAM.
25. Oakland Raiders - The addition of Randy Moss will help this offense UNBELIEVABLY. The offense should be great. Raider WR's will find out how nice it is when every defender must cover Moss in order to try to stop him. If you don't believe me call Nate Burleson and Kelly Campbell........did you think that they were actually good? The defense on the other hand will be BAD. There will be a lot of 49+ over unders in Raider games this year. They need to improve this D if they want to contend.
26. Arizona Cardinals - This is a team on the rise...and everyone has them as a sleeper...but they are not ready to compete yet. Kurt Warner is not a very good quarterback anymore. The RB will probably be a rookie. The WR are UNREAL. They do have a stacked WR core. The defense will be suspect. They have a lot of losses that may end up helping the team down the road....but the key here is down the road. A .500 record would be a big accomplishment for this team.
27. Dallas Cowboys - Bill Parcells wasted 2 years. He likes Big and Strong....he agreed to go with small and fast. After that blew up in his face last year.....he did a VERY GOOD JOB of going and getting "his type of players". Hopefully he does not die of old age before they are ready to play in a few years. This is a TRANSITION year for the Cowboys. They are going from fast to big....and that always takes time. Julius Jones is a pleasant surprise though, and proved that the 'Boys were not crazy for dropping to the 2nd round and taking him.
28. Houston Texans - I was one of the biggest Texan backers over the last few years. I thought they were headed in the right direction. I now think that I am taking that all back. They did nothing to improve a team that had problems last year. How do you draft a GEM like David Carr with the first pick....realize he truly is a GEM....and then DO NOT PROVIDE HIM WITH ANY PROTECTION. If Carr doesn't die this year I hope he gets helps soon. Seth Wand at Left Tackle? Get off your aces and get this man a LINE. They have lost players on defense like Sharper that are going to prove disastrous. They have a horrendous pass rush and did nothing in the offseason to improve it.
29. Washington Redskins - I do not like this team. I do not know what they are doing with Patrick Ramsey's mind....but my heart goes out to him. They should have stuck with him as their franchise quarterback and he would now be ready to compete. Instead they messed with his mind. They brought in old man river Brunell and benched him.....now this year they draft QB Jason Campbell in the 1st round even thought they DESPERATELY need help in many other positions. If I were Ramsey I would want out of Washington....which he probably does. The trade for Santana Moss was probably inevitable because Coles wanted out....but Coles is good #1 WR....Moss is a good #2 WR. Not a good value trade. This team is bad. And honestly....I hope they get worse.
30. Tennessee Titans - I have a hard time believing that this team will not be competetive. They have had such a solid team over the years with Derrick Mason, Eddie George, Fred Miller, Kevin Carter, Andre Dyson, Samari Rolle, etc.... Now.....they are ALL GONE. The only remaining ballers are rickety Steve McNair (who should have retired) and Keith Bulluck...who needs help. You cannot lose the players that they lost and expect to be good....so....I do not expect them to be good. Time to rebuild.
31. Cleveland Browns - It is nice to see Romeo Crennel, the super Coordinator, get his chance to earn some money and become a head coach. I hope he invests his money wisely. It will also be cool to see what team he ends up being a defensive coordinator on when he is fired from head coaching in two years. I hope that it is the Packers (with Bates moving to head coach). Crennel....who is a defensive coordinator (not a coach)...inherits a HORRIBLE team that will struggle on both sides of the ball. If you feel bad for Romeo this year when he is 1-9 after 10 games....remember....he is a millionaire....he will be O.K. I would say it is a rebuilding year for the Browns....but that isn't true. More like a Stagnation period until they start rebuilding in a couple years.
32. San Francisco 49ers - When I started writing this I didn't know if it was possible to be worse than the Cleveland Browns....but it is. Enter the NINERS. This team may produce more dirty controversial movies than it does Wins this year. It is a rebuilding year....and boy is it ever. Tabula rasa my friends.
$$$ Don Dollars $$$
