2/5/08
End of an Era?
The NFL offseason offically begins with the New York Giants celebrating their Super Bowl 42 victory.
I think the New York Giants are the only team that could be able to beat the New England Patriots in 2007, and they proved it Sunday. Why only the New York Giants? Easy, all due to the dominate defensive line. The key is to pressure Brady, and its obvious they did that very well. Take the Baltimote game for example. The only reaon they were in the game was because of the fact they were in Bradys face all day, forcing him to make throws. Anyways, they did it. The Giants are Super Bowl champions, and become the first #1 ever in my Power Rankings. Could this truly be the end of the Patriots dynasty? They may have to rebuild that defenser while dealing with the Super Bowl loser curse. It is going to take a while to get over this one if your a Patriot fan.
What's next you ask? Seven brutal months for the next NFL season to start. Sure we have the Pro Bowl, free agency, and the draft to keep us busy, but is that enough? Only two teams should be happy really. Ofcourse the Giants, and the other being the Miami Dolphins. Yes, the team that went 1-15 this season. Not only will they want to get 2007 out of their minds quickly, but they will have that safe comfoting fact that they are STILL the only team to ever finish perfect. Yes Mercury Morris, you still are the only true perfect team.
Anyways, how about some Power Rankings?
1.) New York Giants (14-6)- Who would have thought the New York Giants would be Super Bowl champions after an 0-2 start, and many fans labeling Eli Manning a bust, along with trying to get Tom Coughlin fired? Dont even say you did, because you would be most definally be lieing. What an amazing cinderella story. This just goes to show you ANYTHING can happen in the NFL. They have proven that apparently 14-6 is most definally better than 18-1.
2.) New England Patriots (18-1)- What does this loss mean for the Patriots? Will this be the end of their dynasty? It's quite hard to say that after they just completed a 18-1 campaign, but there is some signs of fall. The defense is getting old, the offensive line apparently has troubles, corner back Asaunte Samuel may be leaving, and ofcourse the Super Bowl loser curse. Im sure they'll be back in the post season next year due to a weak division, but it must be a very tough time to be a New England Patriot fan.
3.) San Diego Chargers (13-6)- Even though they lost in the AFC Championship, you must beleive the 2007 Chargers season was a success. Norv Turner proved that they can infact win a playoff game, Phillip Rivers proved he can lead this offense to success, and they proved they can still contend with the "Big Boys" in the AFC. Well it was etiher that, or they just flat out own the Colts. Dont worry, they'll be back next season.
4.) Indianapolis Colts (13-4)- Could the loss in the post season to the Chargers all be blamed on the fact they rested their starters in their final regualr season game? Possibly, but one thing is for sure. Indianapolis can't beat San Diego. Things are looking up though. Their rival Patriots choked in the Super Bowl, and they will be regaining many key starters next season who were injured in 2007. Keep your chin up Colt fans.
5.) Green Bay Packers (14-4)- Get ready for yet another long off-season pondering the fact wether Brett Favre will retire or not. Even if he does, I think the Packers are in good shape. Aaron Rodgers looked impressive in his only game against the Cowboys, and should be ready after many seasons watching Favre work his magic. Plus, he has a solid defense and running game to help him out.
6.) Jacksonville Jaguars (12-6)- They were scaring teams left and right towards the end of the season, and almost pulled off a huge upset in the AFC Championship against the Patriots. After watching that game I beleive they really need a big play wide receiver for David Garrard. Dennis Northcutt just doesnt do it for me. If Fred Taylor stays solid, and their defense stays intact, dont be suprised if the Jags make a huge run next season.
7.) Dallas Cowboys (13-4)- Oh boy, not again. What does it take to win a playoff game in Dallas? Tony Romo, Terrell Owens, and Marion Barber looked invincable the first half of the season, but for some reason took a complete 180 in the second half. It will be very interesting to see what Jerry Jones does after this heart breaking defeat. Rumor has it they may trade for the #1 pick in the draft for Darren McFadden. This may be a sign things may be go too far...
8.) Seattle Seahawks (11-7)- This team has all bits and pieces to make another run at the Super Bowl, but their problem doesnt lie on offense, defense, or special teams for that matter. The Seahawks problem is winning on the road. An outstanding team at home, yet horrid away from Qwest Field with only a 16-17 record since 2003. If they want to do ANYTHING in the post-season, they'll need to get this problem fixed.
9.) Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7)- The downfall of the Steelers season was obviously the lack of talent on the offensive line. Ben Rothlisberger was sacked a total of 47 times, and had no time to make any keep plays when he was constantly pressured. Willie Parker getting injured didnt help either. If they want to return to the post season, the line must be addressed in in the draft as well as free agency.
10.) Tennessee Titans (10-7)- They put up a fight, but it just wasnt enough. Leading 6-0 at the half was just too little points to hold off LaDainian Tomlinson and the Chargers. We all know the defense can win them games, but theres a point when the offense needs to help you out as well. Vince Young's stats show they need a wide out badly. Things will not get better unless they grab a real threat.
11.) Cleveland Browns (10-6)- The Browns organization have a tough descion on their hands on how to deal with Derek Anderson. Im the minority in saying they should keep him for atleast one more year. With him at quarterback, they have the chance to win shootouts, not Brady Quinn. Sure Quinn is the future, buut why not run with the chance to win now? Besides, defense is the real problem. Without defense you wont get any where in this league, as proven by the Giants in the Super Bowl.
12.) Washington Redskins (10-7)- Sean Taylors death obviously played a big role on this team getting on a role towards the end of the season, but can they retain that momentum going into next season? They will need to address some needs on both the offensive and defensive line first. Besides that, this team has some playmakers to return to the post-season. However, Jason Campbell will need to take it to the next level.
13.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-8)- It was destiny for the Bucs to win the South this past season. Every team that finishes last in the division the following year rallies and takes it the following year. The problems for the Buccaneers will be if Jeff Garcia, as well as Joey Galloway, leave Tampa Bay. Both of their only offensive playmakers would be gone leaving them having to rely on an aging defense. Even if they were #2 last season, this team will still need some offense if they want to win games.
14.) Philadelphia Eagles (8-8)- A nice three game win streak at the end of the season must be a nice feelings going into next season for Eagle fans. The question is, will Donavan McNabb be back? He sure looked impressive to end the season. If he's gone, will it be Kolb who takes his place? My opinion is to stick with Donavan with one year, which I think they'll do.However, as long as they have Brian Westbrook they'll be in contention.
15.) Arizona Cardinals (8-8)- A .500 season, yet a sign of hope for a franchise used to failure. New Coach Ken Whisenhunt showed that this team is very close to reaching their peak. If they do want to reach that peak though, they'll need quarterback Matt Leinart to come back from his injury and preform at the high potential he has. Knowing this franchise's luck, something is bound to go wrong.
16.) New Orleans Saints (7-9)- Apparently someone told the Saints the season started a little too late. It took them until Week 6 to get their first victory, and obviously it was too late to have any spectacular season. Maybe a fast start and a year away from all the media hype will help this team. They defense, especially the cornerback position will need to be fixed as well.
17.) Houston Texans (8-8)- It would be interesting to see what would have happen if Andre Johnson was healthy for the whole season. Hopefully we will get to see it this year, because this young team has a lot of potential to grab a wild card spot. Matt Schaub will have to remain healthy as well. It would also be nice if they could replace Ahman Green at the running back spot. If healthy, like I stated in "My Thoughts", I expect this team to shock the world and make the playoffs in 2008.
18.) Minnesota Vikings (8-8)- Yet another average season for the Vikings, but a positive one at that. They can run the ball, and they can spot it as well. Adrian Peterson ran wild this season, but it looks as if he hit a rookie wall towards the end. Will he continue to be dominate next season? He'll have to be, considering thats the only way they win ball games. They'll need to grab a quarterback somehow, because Tavarius Jackson just isnt the answer.
19.) Buffalo Bills (7-9)- A roller coaster ride season indeed for this team. From Kevin Everretts career threatning injury in Week 1, to the Monday Night heart breaker against Dallas, to the J.P Losman vs Trent Edwards saga, to end it with a three game losing streak. With Trent Edwards and Marshawn Lynch with another year under their belt, as well as many key starters returning from injury, this young team has a chance to compete.
20.) Denver Broncos (7-9)- What happened to this defense? You'd think with such stars as Champ Baily, D.J Williams, and John Lynch that this team could hold someone. Guess not. The Jay Cutler to Brandon Marshall era may have begun, but if they want to take this team anywhere the defense will need to be fixed first.
21.) Detroit Lions (7-9)- Nobody knew what to say in the first half of the season when the Detroit Lions were 6-2 and rolling, but then everything returned to normal. The Lions won just one more game all year and once again took back their role as chokers. Either this team is cursed, or they just have serious problems. Two things need to be fixed this season. One is the defense, the second is shutting up Jon Kitna. If he makes another guarentee they must as well cut him.
22.) Cincinnati Bengals (7-9)- For some reason people always pick this team to go far in the playoffs. Did they forget they have no defense to speak of? I have nothing against the Bengals, infact, i was very impressed the way they finished the season with victories against such teams as the Titans and Browns. If this team has any hope next season, they'll need to hold onto Chad Johnson who is demanding to be traded this off-season.
23.) Carolina Panthers (7-9)- To make it in this league, you need an above average quarterback. That just wasnt the case for the Carolina Panthers when Jake Delhomme went down early in the season to injury. Vinny Tesaverti tried to make up for the loss, but just couldnt handle it. Will this be the end of Dellhommes run with Carolina? If so, enter Matt Moore, who looked awfully inpressive late last season. It wont take long to learn the offense though, which is to somehow get the ball to Steve Smith on every play. Look what happened last year when they didnt.
24.) Chicago Bears (7-9)- They thought they could handle it, but it was just too strong. The Super Bowl loser curse took another victim last year. This may be the start of a bad future for the Bears. No quarterback, aging offensive line, and a declining defense may take its toll on them. If only the game was just special teams, they would be golden.
25.) New York Jets (4-12)- Looks like Mangenious wasnt so genious after all. A lot could be blamed on the Jets bad showing in 2007, but atleast they looked better towards the end. The switch to Kellen Clemmens was a wise choice, but it may have been too late. Next year may be a learning curve for him, and he wont have much talent around him to bail him out.
26.) San Francisco 49ers (5-11)- The sexy pick to make the playoffs last season was the 49ers, but that just wasnt the case. Turns out they missed Norv Turner more than they thought they would.The expensive defensive backs failed as well (doesnt help when you have no pressure on the quarterback). Already, Mike Martz has been hired to be offensive coordinator. Could he help this passing game? Who will be the quarterback, Shaun Hill or Alex Smith Frank Gore will help the cause as well, who seemed to improve his game late last season.
27.) St. Louis Rams (3-13)- I predicted the Rams to be in the NFC Championship game in 2007. They only started the season 0-8, and were resorting to starting quarterbacks named Brock Berlin. Injuries obviously played a huge factor in why this underacheived last season. However if healthy, this offense can be very explosive. The defense played well for a unit needing to pick up the slack.
28.) Kansas City Chiefs (4-12)- Larry Johnson, where art tou? He alone carries the Cheifs offense. With his absense, Kansas City suffered greatly. How will they do with him in the lineup next year? Well first off they'll need to improve that offensive line. Not even Barry Sanders could work with it. Oh times have changed the past four years, back when they had one of the best offenses in the league. I sorta feel bad for Tony Gonzalez, who i'd love see win a ring before hes done in the NFL.
29.) Atlanta Falcons (4-12)- The 2007 season was quite a nightmare for the Falcons organization. First, the whole Mike Vick fiasco. Second, their coach Bobby Petrino quits on them mid-season. Third, they finish the season with only four victories. Things should get better though. New head coach Mike Smith looks like he's up to the challenge. Grabbing Darren McFadden in the draft would be a good first step in rebuliding.
30.) Baltimore Ravens (5-11)- The future doesnt look to bright for the Ravens. Not only did they go on a nine game losing streak after starting 4-2, but now past strengths of this team are becoming weaknesses. The cornerback position is a major concern, and they obviously have holes on the rest of the defense. They have no quarterback, as well as no offense what so ever. Also, Jonathan Ogden, their biggest strength should retire this off-season.
31.) Oakland Raiders (4-12)- I dont think i'm the only one when I stated the Raiders should have started JaMarcus Russell a lot sooner than they did. Now, they will have to wait next season for him to get all the mistakes out of being a rookie quarterback. There will be no supporting cast around him, so it will just make things that much tougher.
32.) Miami Dolphins (1-15)- When the Dolphins scored that overtime touchdown against the Ravens, I let out a sigh of releif. It would be a shame if a team went winless in a season. These are human beings, and dont deserve to go threw that humiliation (sorry 1976 Bucs). They have a ton of holes on the roster, and new coach Tony Sparano has a lot of work to do. Things should get better though, mainly because it cant get much worse.
