Post by TheShadow on Sept 3, 2006 8:13:32 GMT -5
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East
Miami Dolphins
Coach: Nick Saban (9-7).
Last year: 9-7 (second place).
Thumbs up: The addition of Daunte Culpepper gives Miami its first true NFL quarterback since Dan Marino.
Thumbs down: Besides WR Chris Chambers (82 catches, 1,118 yards, 11 TDs), this is an average receiving corps.
Key additions: Culpepper. CB Will Allen comes from the Giants and, as Eagles fans know, he can be beaten deep. Fred Beasley is a solid fullback signed from San Francisco. The Dolphins hope that L.J. Shelton, who came over from Cleveland, will man the left offensive tackle position.
On the rise: Former first-rounder Vernon Carey has been moved between guard and tackle, but should stay at right tackle this season and could blossom in his third year.
Red flag: Can Culpepper regain his form after tearing up his knee last year?
Crystal ball: Saban has quickly turned things around, and, if Culpepper can stay healthy, the Dolphins should unseat New England in the East.
New England Patriots
Coach: Bill Belichick (99-77 overall, 63-33 with Patriots).
Last year: 10-6 (first; lost to Denver, 27-13, in divisional round).
Thumbs up: QB Tom Brady (4,110 yards passing, 26 TDs, 14 interceptions) remains one of the best clutch players in the NFL.
Thumbs down: The Pats may regret letting K Adam Vinatieri bolt to Indianapolis.
Key additions: WR Reche Caldwell must produce more than the one TD catch he had last year for San Diego. Rookie RB Laurence Maroney should give some life to an aging unit.
On the rise: Logan Mankins was a first-round pick last season and started all 16 games at left guard. If he continues to progress, Mankins may earn Pro Bowl consideration.
Red flag: Deion Branch's extended holdout wasn't beneficial to a team that isn't loaded at wide receiver to begin with.
Crystal ball: This is still a Super Bowl contender, but the defense has plenty of holes, and relying on Brady to continually bail the Pats out could be risky. Pencil them in for a wild-card berth.
Buffalo Bills
Coach: Dick Jauron (first year with Buffalo, 36-49 overall).
Last year: 5-11 (third)
Thumbs up: The secondary, which includes former Eagle Troy Vincent, is one of the strongest parts of the team.
Thumbs down: The Bills might have the weakest set of quarterbacks in starter J.P. Losman, Kelly Holcomb and Craig Nall.
Key additions: Matt Bowen, who came over from Washington, and first-round pick Donte Whitner from Ohio State, provide depth at safety. LG Tutan Reyes started 16 games last season for Carolina.
On the rise: With Eric Moulds gone, WR Lee Evans (48 receptions, 743 yards, 7 TDs) must show that he can be a No. 1 receiver.
Red flag: The schedule begins with games at New England and Miami, which will make it difficult to get off to a quick start.
Crystal ball: The Bills will have trouble scoring points and stopping the opposition, not the best of combinations. They would do well to match last year's win total.
New York Jets
Coach: Eric Mangini (first year).
Last year: 4-12 (fourth)
Thumbs up: Jonathan Vilma (169 tackles) is one of the emerging linebackers in the league.
Thumbs down: The quarterback situation, especially with injury-plagued Chad Pennington, is substandard.
Key additions: The Jets' two first-round picks, LT D'Brickashaw Ferguson and C Nick Mangold, are projected starters. DE Kimo von Oelhoffen looks to bring a winning attitude from Pittsburgh. WR Tim Dwight, who came from New England, has big-play potential, if he can stay healthy. RB Kevan Barlow rushed for 581 yards and 3 TDs last season for San Francisco.
On the rise: SS Kerry Rhodes had a solid rookie season with 105 tackles, one interception and one sack. With a less-than-imposing line in front of him, he will continue to get opportunities to make tackles.
Red flag: The Jets were 31st in total offense (248.1 yards per game) and might have regressed in that area.
Crystal ball: The Jets can only hope that the young players benefit from the experience they will receive and not get beaten down by losing. Anything more than four wins, and Mangini will know he has the team going in the right direction.
North
Baltimore Ravens
Coach: Brian Billick (62-50).
Last year: 6-10 (tied for third).
Thumbs up: The addition of Steve McNair (3,161 yards passing, 16 TDs, 11 interceptions) finally gives the Ravens a legitimate quarterback.
Thumbs down: RB Jamal Lewis averaged just 3.4 yards per carry in 2005 and suffered a hip-flexor injury in the preseason that could slow him.
Key additions: RB Mike Anderson moves over from Denver and gives the Ravens insurance in case Lewis isn't ready. DE Trevor Pryce, who had four sacks for Denver, and first-round DT Haloti Ngata should help the pass rush.
On the rise: B.J. Sams led the AFC in punt-return average (12.2) and was 12th in kickoff returns (22.7). He has the ability to be dominant in both areas.
Red flag: The first six games include three playoff teams from last year - at Tampa Bay and Denver, and home vs. Carolina.
Crystal ball: If McNair stays healthy, the Ravens are good enough to win the division.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Coach: Bill Cowher (141-82-1).
Last year: 11-5 (won the Super Bowl as a wild-card team).
Thumbs up: The offensive line, led by Pro Bowl LG Alan Faneca, is one of the best.
Thumbs down: The big-play ability of Antwaan Randle El, who is now in Washington, will be missed - especially on punt returns.
Key additions: First-round pick Santonio Holmes won't win any initial awards for good behavior, but once he learns the system, he should help the receiving corps.
On the rise: CB Ike Taylor enters his fourth season, looking to exceed what he accomplished last year. Taylor recorded 91 tackles and had one interception and 23 pass breakups.
Red flag: The first seven games are against teams that were .500 or better last year.
Crystal ball: QB Ben Roethlisberger (168 for 268 passing, 2,385 yards, 17 TDs, 9 interceptions) has recovered from his motorcycle accident. If healthy, the Steelers should at least be a wild-card team.
Cincinnati Bengals
Coach: Marvin Lewis (27-21).
Last year: 11-5 (won division, lost to Pittsburgh, 31-17, in a wild-card game).
Thumbs up: The Bengals have one of the NFL's top receiving tandems in Chad Johnson (97 receptions, 1,432 yards, 9 TDs) and T.J. Houshmandzadeh (78, 956, 7).
Thumbs down: Despite looking sharp in his preseason debut against Green Bay, there will be questions on how QB Carson Palmer will rebound from the gruesome knee injury he suffered in the playoffs.
Key additions: QB Anthony Wright comes over from Baltimore to be the backup. Former Green Bay WR Antonio Chatman could be a key return man.
On the rise: Second-year OLB David Pollack missed much of camp last preseason as a holdout, and it took him a while to develop. His specialty is rushing the passer, and he had 4.5 sacks. With no contract issues this year, he should continue his development.
Red flag: A four-game stretch, beginning with the third game at Pittsburgh, will be crucial. The Bengals also host New England and, after an open date, visit Tampa Bay and host Carolina.
Crystal ball: With Palmer's injury, a still-suspect defense, and off-the-field off-season issues, the Bengals appear a candidate to regress this year and fail to qualify for the postseason.
Cleveland Browns
Coach: Romeo Crennel (6-10).
Last year: 6-10 (tied for third).
Thumbs up: After two seasons in which he didn't make it to the field because of injuries, TE Kellen Winslow is back.
Thumbs down: The center position is thin after LeCharles Bentley was lost for the season with a knee injury and backup Bob Hallen abruptly retired. They traded for Hank Fraley yesterday. Key additions: DE-LB Kamerion Wimbley, a first-rounder from Florida State, showed in a preseason game against the Eagles that he will be able to put heat on the quarterback. Joe Jurevicius is a sure-handed receiver signed from Seattle. Massive NT Ted Washington comes from Oakland to bolster the defensive line.
On the rise: LB Chaun Thompson enters his third season after quietly recording 83 tackles and five sacks last year. He will benefit from the guidance of newcomer Willie McGinest.
Red flag: The offense was the lowest-scoring in the NFL (14.5 points per game) and doesn't appear to be appreciably improved.
Crystal ball: Under Crennel, the Browns play hard, but the lack of talent, especially in this division, will make matching last year's win total a difficult task.
South
Indianapolis Colts
Coach: Tony Dungy (102-58 overall, 48-16 with Colts).
Last year: 14-2 (lost to Pittsburgh, 21-18, in a divisional playoff).
Thumbs up: QB Peyton Manning (305 for 453 passing, 3,747 yards, 28 TDs, 10 interceptions) remains one of the best in the NFL.
Thumbs down: With Edgerrin James departing for Arizona, the running game is below average.
Key additions: There might not be a more significant newcomer than K Adam Vinatieri, one of the best clutch performers in NFL history. Their first-round pick, RB Joseph Addai, might be needed even more with the season-ending injury to James Mungro.
On the rise: RT Ryan Diem has only started six games in his first five years, but appears ready to take advantage of a starting spot.
Red flag: The Colts must put last year's playoff loss to Pittsburgh behind them.
Crystal ball: Time is running out, but this team is good enough to get to the Super Bowl and actually win it.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Coach: Jack Del Rio (26-22).
Last year: 12-4 (lost to New England, 28-3, in a wild-card game).
Thumbs up: Woodrow Wilson product Donovin Darius returns at strong safety after missing the final 14 games following knee surgery.
Thumbs down: There are always injury concerns involving talented RB Fred Taylor, who missed five games last year.
Key additions: Brian Williams comes from Minnesota and is projected to start at cornerback. Former New York Giant LB Nick Greisen adds depth. First-rounder Marcedes Lewis, a tight end from UCLA, should help the offense, once he gets over an ankle injury that could sideline him a few weeks.
On the rise: Third-year LB Daryl Smith improved his tackle total from 52 to 81 last year, and he also had four sacks.
Red flag: The first four games are against Dallas and Pittsburgh at home, and at Indianapolis and Washington. The Jags would probably settle for a 2-2 start.
Crystal ball: The defense will keep Jacksonville in games, and the Jags should contend for a wild-card berth, but 10 wins seems to be the maximum this season.
Tennessee Titans
Coach: Jeff Fisher (97-85).
Last year: 4-12 (third).
Thumbs up: Pro Bowler Kyle Vanden Bosch (12.5 sacks) leads a solid pass rush that was eighth with 41 sacks.
Thumbs down: More playmakers are needed on defense after the Titans recorded just nine interceptions last season.
Key additions: WR David Givens, who has been hobbled by a hamstring injury, had 59 receptions for 738 yards and 2 TDs for New England. SS Chris Hope earned a Super Bowl ring with Pittsburgh, recording 96 tackles and three interceptions. QB Vince Young, the first-round pick, and RB LenDale White, the second-rounder, may not initially start, but should be major contributors.
On the rise: Second-year LT Michael Roos (6-7, 315) started all 16 games last season. A product of Eastern Washington, his development has been quicker than expected.
Red flag: Only five games are against teams that had losing records last season.
Crystal ball: The Titans will likely have another season like last year before beginning to turn the corner.
Houston Texans
Coach: Gary Kubiak (first year).
Last year: 2-14 (fourth).
Thumbs up: Wouldn't the Eagles wish to have receivers like Andre Johnson (63 receptions, 688 yards, 2 TDs) and Eric Moulds (81, 816, 4)?
Thumbs down: The offensive line allowed David Carr to be sacked an NFL-high 68 times.
Key additions: DE Mario Williams, the first pick in the NFL draft, must produce after the Texans chose him over Reggie Bush. RB Wali Lundy, of Holy Cross High in Delran and the University of Virginia, has run well in the preseason. Former Eagle N.D. Kalu adds experience on the defensive line.
On the rise: Third-year CB Dunta Robinson saw his interception total drop from six to one last season. The former first-round pick has the tools to be a solid cover corner, but needs more consistency.
Red flag: Here are the first six games: vs. the Eagles, at Indianapolis, home against Washington and Miami, at Dallas, and vs. Jacksonville. Can anybody find a win in there?
Crystal ball: Kubiak will eventually turn this around, but the only progress he can hope for this year is improving the win total.
West
Denver Broncos
Coach: Mike Shanahan (122-74 overall, 116-66 with Broncos).
Last year: 13-3 (first; lost to Pittsburgh, 34-17, in the AFC title game).
Thumbs up: Ageless WR Rod Smith (85 receptions, 1,105 yards, 6 TDs) remains one of the top clutch receivers.
Thumbs down: Running back remains a question, with rookie free agent Mike Bell the likely starter.
Key additions: Knee surgery limited WR Javon Walker to one game in Green Bay, but he is expected to fill a major role with Denver.
On the rise: Second-year CB Domonique Foxworth will be a major contributor after recording 70 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 14 pass breakups.
Red flag: Games 11 through 13 are at Kansas City, home vs. Seattle, and at San Diego - the toughest stretch on the schedule.
Crystal ball: The Broncos are the team to beat in the West, but like Plummer, the rest of the team must prove it can be a presence in the postseason.
San Diego Chargers
Coach: Marty Schottenheimer (186-124-1 overall, 33-31 with Chargers).
Last year: 9-7 (third).
Thumbs up: RB LaDainian Tomlinson (1,462 yards rushing, 4.3 average, 18 TDs) is among the league's most explosive players.
Thumbs down: RB-KR Darren Sproles is out for the year with a broken leg.
Key additions: Marlon McCree, who came from Carolina, is projected to start at free safety, and first-round CB Antonio Cromartie will provide depth to what was one of the worst secondaries a year ago.
On the rise: DE Luis Castillo had 49 tackles and 3.5 sacks as a rookie and is expected to be a better force as a pass rusher.
Red flag: Third-year QB Philip Rivers has great potential, but has attempted just 30 passes.
Crystal ball: The defense, led by Pro Bowl LB Shawne Merriman (10 sacks), will have to carry the team. The receivers are weak and Rivers is inexperienced, but Tomlinson could make even an average offense look good. This is a playoff contender, but no lock to make the postseason.
Kansas City Chiefs
Coach: Herm Edwards (39-41 overall; first with Kansas City).
Last year: 10-6 (second).
Thumbs up: Larry Johnson (1,750 rushing yards, 5.2 average, 20 TDs) emerged as one of the NFL's top runners.
Thumbs down: The receivers are very ordinary.
Key additions: CB Ty Law had 10 interceptions last year for the Jets. First-round pick Tamba Hall of Penn State is expected to start at defensive end.
On the rise: MLB Kawika Mitchell enters his fourth season with a good grasp of the defense after recording 105 tackles last season.
Red flag: QB Trent Green threw for 4,014 yards, 17 TDs and 10 interceptions, but at 36 years old, will he begin to slow down?
Crystal ball: The Chiefs appear good enough to have a winning record, but not quite talented to make the postseason. They will also miss offensive coordinator Al Saunders, now with the Redskins.
Oakland Raiders
Coach: Art Shell (54-38, beginning his second stint with Oakland).
Last year: 4-12 (fourth).
Thumbs up: Receivers Randy Moss (60 catches, 1,005 yards, 8 TDs) and Jerry Porter (76, 942, 5) are a lot of maintenance, but also a dangerous duo.
Thumbs down: The offensive line is below average.
Key additions: New starting QB Aaron Brooks (2,882 yards passing, 13 TDs, 17 interceptions) must show more consistency than he did for New Orleans. Rookie Michael Huff of Texas should eventually be a force at strong safety, but has been hobbled with an ankle injury. DE Lance Johnstone, a Germantown High and Temple product, returns to Oakland after recording 7.5 sacks for Minnesota last year.
On the rise: Third-year TE Courtney Anderson is big (6-6, 270) and still developing. He had just 24 receptions for 303 yards and 3 TDs, but should be used more this season.
Red flag: A five-game stretch beginning Oct. 29 will determine if the Raiders are on the road back. They host Pittsburgh on the 29th and then visit Seattle, host Denver, and travel to Kansas City and San Diego in successive weeks.
Crystal ball: The Raiders have won as many games this preseason as they did during the entire regular season, although that could be misleading. It's difficult to see the Raiders winning more than six games.