Filed Under 2009 Divisional Previews, Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, Oakland Raiders, San Diego Chargers | 2 Comments
San Diego Chargers
The Chargers are an explosive offensive unit who has proven they can score against anyone. I am concerned that they will have to move the ball in the air more this year than ever before. L.T. is showing signs of a breakdown and I think the end is near. But even with a fading Tomlinson this team still has enough talent to put up points and win the majority of their games.
Philip Rivers has been throwing a Touchdown 1 out of every 7 completions, and a run and shoot style of offense will make Rivers even more effective. The Defense should improve in 2009, but not sure it will make much difference. The defensive unit allowed the opponents to complete 68% of their pass attempts in 2008. The Chargers where required to win more than a few games via the shoot out. That makes for exciting games but never translates into playoff victories.
The Super Chargers should work into their bye week (week 5) with a 3-1 record, losing at Pittsburgh in week 4. Coming out of the bye week they should get 3 wins over Denver, and Kansas City, and Oakland. Weeks 9 and 10 are a true test for the Chargers as travel to New York, and welcome Phily. Look for the New York game to be close and that game can go either way.
Phily on the other hand should roll over San Diego. Following the defeat at the hands of the Eagles look for the Chargers to win their next 3 over sub par teams in Denver, Kansas City, and Cleveland. Week 14 spells a loss in Dallas, followed by another shoot out with the Bengals. Once again expect the Chargers to have just enough to outscore the Bengals. They will close the season with a win over Tennessee, and a test with Washington.
Absolute win total = 9
Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City is a team soon to rise. I still believe that K.C had the best draft in 2008, and had a good draft in 2009. So they have pieces in place. Those pieces need time to mature. Kansas City made huge additions this offseason, and brought in Matt Cassel to be there starting quarterback of the next decade. They also now have a solid front office in place, which is lead by Scott Pioli. Look for this team to be The divisions best in 3-4 years. The biggest issue I have with the current Chiefs is there lack of weapons on offense. Matt Cassel was productive last season, but with a multitude of talented players around him. Cassel will not have that luxury in 2009. He will have Dwayne Bowe, but that is where it ends.
The make a trip to Baltimore to open the season and the game should be close. I can see the game going either way. Week 2 should bring a victory with a home win over division rival Oakland. Then comes the pain and suffering, I see 5 consecutive losses going into the bye week. They should come out of the bye week looking good in a victory over a lackluster Jacksonville squad in week 9.
Follow that up with 3 consecutive loses to Oakland, Pittsburgh, and San Diego. I’d expect a victory over Denver in one of 2 division games weeks 13 and 17. The 3 remaining games on the schedule, I can only see one victory and that is week 15 when Cleveland come to town.
Absolute win total = 4
Oakland Raiders
I expect Oakland to struggle on defense in 2009. The defense is young, fast , and very small. This defense is not capable of stopping the running game. They are to undersized. The offense should see a increase in production from the running game. They have Lorenzo Neal at the blocking back and that alone means 1000 yard rusher in the backfield. Everywhere Lorenzo plays, production follows. The quarterback is the question mark, Jamarcus Russell is supposed to be the future. But I would expect him to see alot of time carrying a clipboard. Jeff Garcia will get playing time, and will be productive. But you cant expect many victories.
They have a week 3 matchup with Denver that will be a toss up. both team are relatively bad. If they fail to win that game they should slide all the way into their bye week without a single victory. There bye week is week 9, and with an extra week of preparation and the big 0 in the win column. I would expect to see the quarterback change, Russell to Garcia…..Garcia to Russell…..it won’t matter much, it’s all motivation at that point. But the motivation will work and the win week 10 against Kansas City. That victory will be short lived as they lose their next 4 games with Cincinnati, at Dallas, at Pittsburgh, at home with Washington. Week 15 and 16 bring a little home stand and 2 wins against Denver, and Cleveland. They should close out the season with a loss to Baltimore and another high draft pick in 2010.
Absolute win total = 3
Denver Broncos
The Broncos of 2009 are far removed from the Broncos of 2008. as they lost not just a coach who was a stabilizing force in the locker room, but a Pro Bowl quarterback as well. This team has no chemistry and everyone on the roster has to be looking over his shoulder wondering about there future in Denver. They have quality receivers, but now have a quarterback in Kyle Orton who will consistently miss the deep throw.
Orton is a quarterback who can make all the reads pre snap, and knows where to go with the ball in nearly every situation.But he lacks the ability to put the ball where it need to be. To be blunt Orton should be a backup quarterback on a contending team ,but not a starter on any team. The biggest asset is the Broncos offensive line, It never seems to matter who is in the backfield as they always run the ball well.
Denver will get there first win in week 2 against Cleveland, I look for this game to be as much Cleveland giving the game away as Denver winning.The week 3 matchup with Oakland is an even match up, and neither team stands above the other, Denver has a shot at win number two. If they fail to win in week 3 they may not win again all season.
I have Denver as the underdog in their next 10 games. In all honesty I don’t think they have a shot at a single win in that 10 week span. Week 15 they again meet Oakland and that is and even match up. Week 16 they make a trip into Phily for what will be the biggest blow out of the entire 2009 season, this game will be ugly. They close the season out with a home game against Kansas City. The game is pretty even but by this point in the season I believe Kansas City is growing as a unit and Denver is falling apart at the seems.
Absolute win total = 1
There’s a pervasive assumption going around that the Bengals defense will be as good or better than they were last year. This is based primarily on the fact that they’re young which is supported by another assumption that young players naturally improve as they age. If this is to happen, the Bengals must develop a pass rush; something that’s been sorely lacking in the last few seasons.
The inability to collect sacks has put the onus on a pair of high-priced defensive ends in Robert Geathers and Antwan Odom. Each at one time has signed $30 million contracts with the Bengals, both missed time last year with injuries and neither was able to live up to their huge salary-cap number, racking up a combined 5.5 sacks.
It seems like a decade ago when Geathers ended 2006 with 10.5 sacks. Optimism for the athletic lineman skyrocketed after that performance and resulted in a 6-year, $33 million deal. He has only accumulated six sacks since he fell into that big money, and ended last season by undergoing micro-fracture knee surgery. Let’s all hope his best years aren’t already behind him.
Odom seemed doomed from the start; he hurt his foot on the first day of training camp last season and missed the entire preseason. He healed slowly, starting only eight games before injuring his shoulder and calling it a year. During his fairly limited action, Odom was only credited with three sacks but he did show a serviceable speed rush and a knack for swatting the ball out of the quarterback’s hands before the pass could be thrown. He forced two fumbles that way last year and was close to a few more. While perhaps not as athletically freakish as Geathers, Odom has shown an ability to create some pressure on his own.
If these big-shots are unable to stay healthy or prove to be ineffective, the team has made contingency plans to move on without them. Backups Frostee Rucker and Jonathan Fanene have in the past been shoved into live action thanks to the starters’ injuries and have looked particularly solid against the run. If that’s not enough, third-round pick, Michael Johnson, the man who causes scouts to foam at the mouth at his size and athleticism, has signed his rookie contract and is ready to leap tall buildings in a single bound. There’s even talk about using him at outside linebacker when the defense shows a 3-4 defensive set. He’s one to look out for during preseason games.
If the injury bug hits the defensive end unit especially hard, larger linebackers like Darryl Blackstock and Rashad Jeanty might be pressed into action along the line and that doesn’t sound very intimidating for other teams.
As for the fat guys, the defensive tackles, they’ve never been much of a force getting to the quarterback under Marvin Lewis. Newcomer Tank Johnson is said to be most comfortable rushing the passer and will be supported by up-and-comers Domata Peko and Pat Sims against the run. There’s been talk of using Tank, Geathers, Odom and Johnson at the same time in order to get the best pass-rushers on the field together. Also in the mix is the gargantuan second-year player Jason Shirley, a man so big he casts shadows over whole city blocks.
If the defensive tackles don’t regularly disrupt the passing game, hopefully they can at least occupy blockers to allow linebackers and ends to burst through the pocket untouched. Pass-rushing extraordinaires like Roy Williams and Rey Maualuga could shine in that kind of scenario.
One of these days, the Bengals defense will have to be better than solid; they’ll have to actually scare teams. Stopping the run is great and all, but putting the quarterback on his back makes a team think twice about their game plan. If the big money players don’t earn their keep this season and get some sacks, a new approach to the pass rush experiment may be in order.
Filed Under 2009 Team Previews, New Orleans Saints | Leave a Comment
If a man in a New Orleans Saints shirt ever passed a man wearing a Phoenix Suns hat on a street somewhere, you can be the two would briefly lock eyes and exchange looks of empathy. For, the man in the Suns hat knows what the man in the Saints shirt is going through. The Suns fan has spent the better part of the last five years rooting for a juggernaut offense to carry his favorite team to a title.
Sadly, the old saying Defense Wins Championships isn’t just a way to coax focus in young athletes during the boring drills at practice––it actually has merit. So, for the Suns fan, each postseason has proven to be nothing more than emotionally-expensive foreplay, outfitted with “We Believe” signs, thundersticks and homecrowd-unifying T-shirts.
The Saints fan hasn’t even gotten to taste that much of the playoffs. After exploding for a magical post-Katrina 2006 season that saw first-year head coach Sean Payton and new quarterback Drew Brees carry the club to the NFC title game, the Saints have become a beacon of disappointment (7-9 in ’07, 8-8 in ’08). None of the blame can be dumped on Payton or Brees. This offense ranked first in scoring and yardage last season, despite being without top receiving options Marques Colston, Reggie Bush and Jeremy Shockey, and despite having an utterly putrid rushing attack.
If Saints fans are frustrated seeing the team’s high-octane offense go to waste, imagine how general manager Mickey Loomis must feel. Since shrewdly signing Brees––who, you may recall, was originally a risky free agent investment after major shoulder surgery––and striking gold in the ’06 draft with Bush (first round), Colston (seventh round) and outstanding right guard Jahri Evans (fourth round), Loomis has wisely focused on constructing a formidable defense.
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Despite thinking otherwise, Jets running back Leon Washington has reported to the team and was on the field for the first practice of training camp.
Washington must have come in the back door, as he was a no-show when the rest of the team checked into the players’ dormitory Thursday because of a contract dispute. He’s looking for a big raise, and there has been word that talks are ongoing.
A Pro Bowl selection last season as a kick returner, Washington took part in drills at the start of Friday’s first practice. It wasn’t immediately known if a deal was reached between the Jets and Washington.
Washington, due to earn $535,000 this season, is in the final year of his rookie deal and is believed to be looking for about $6 million a year. With Washington at SUNY Cortland, the Jets now have all of their players at camp.
Filed Under 2009 NFL Draft, St. Louis Rams | 1 Comment
The Rams inked their 1st rounder and 2nd overall selection Jason Smith yesterday. He signed a $62 million contract with $33 million in guaranteed money.
He will not miss any of the full squad training camp which starts this morning. He was near Rams Park yesterday to sign the contract, so he was able to make the evening team meeting last night.
All the Rams picks are signed and in camp and there are no holdouts. Kevin Demoff can sleep soundly again.
Filed Under Brett Favre | Leave a Comment
In the latest episode of “As the Favre Turns,” our hero has turned down an offer to come out of retirement yet again to play for the Minnesota Vikings. From his comments, it is obvious that this was no easy decision for him. He acknowledges that Minnesota is the best fit available to him and it is clear he would really like to continue to play. So why say no?
Favre still has some top notch football left in him, but he may not have a full season’s worth. Last year with the Jets he was blowing away his doubters in the first part of the season. He threw 6 touchdown passes against the Arizona Cardinals in week 4 for goodness sake (something I keenly remember since my fantasy opponent started him that week…ugh).
Late in the season, though, the magic died. Favre averaged a dismal 55.4 quarterback rating over the last five games of the season. The Jets lost 4 out of those 5 games and just missed the playoffs.
Part of the reason for the decline in performance was a torn tendon in Favre’s throwing shoulder discovered by an MRI last December. Favre has since had surgery to repair the tear, and it seemed that everything was in place for a return to the NFC North. Although it is hard to be surprised by anything Favre does anymore, his announcement this week that he was not joining the Vikings came as something of a shock.
In an interview with Sports Illustrated’s Peter King, though, Favre left the door open for a possible return. “I truly, truly believe it’s over. But if someone calls on November 1, who knows?”
Aside from the significance of November 1 being the date Minnesota goes to Green Bay to play the Packers, that date is more important for another reason: it is almost exactly the midway point of the season. Favre wants to play, but he may be concerned that his body cannot withstand a full 16 game season (not to mention pre- and possible post-season play).
Favre may be banking on the possibility that one of the league’s premier quarterbacks will have a season-ending injury sometime this year. Few teams with an elite passer on the roster have invested much into backups. If the Seahawks had the option to call up Brett Favre last year after Matt Hasselbeck went down, Seneca Wallace would have stayed on the bench.
Drew Brees, Donovan McNabb, Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Eli Manning, Phillip Rivers, Chad Pennington, Matt Hasselbeck, Tony Romo, Jay Cutler. All play for teams that are likely playoff contenders and none have solid backups behind them. If one of those teams has racked up a 5-2 record by November and sees their star passer go out with a major injury, Favre will no doubt hear his phone ring. My guess is that he answers it.
The post below this one chronicles adamant denial after adamant denial from the Vikings Brass as to their alleged interest in quarterback (and felon) Michael Vick. The denials are not a shocker for two reasons.
First, they probably don’t have any interest in Michael Vick. Training Camp starts in like 20 seconds or something, so getting him into the mix this late wouldn’t be beneficial. The baggage that comes with this guy would probably make selling tickets a little tougher and would make Wilf’s dedication to accountability the laughing stock of the league. Also, there is no promise of Vick being half the quarterback he was before, or even half the athlete.
Second, if there is any interest in Vick now would be a terrible time to admit it. If they are considering taking a P.R. hit by bringing this guy in, then they will at least want to try and minimize the scorn. With about seven gazillion members of the press currently in Mankato, let’s just say admitting to something like that with all of them right there would do little to quiet that criticism.
If the interest is indeed there, which it probably isn’t, then they will play the “nothing to see here, move along” card until the media scrams. Once they realized that the hottest stories coming out of Mankato have to do with Shiancoe’s tweeting habits and Bobby Wade’s big mouth they will decide to pull out of Mankato, which would then be the time to make any announcement regarding any quarterbacks other than Tarvaris, Sage, or JDB.
So, don’t rule Vick out completely, but until things quiet down in Mankato, don’t expect the Vikings to light a fire they can’t contain.
Buffalo Bills:
Marshawn Lynch – 250 car. 1036 yds. 4.1 avg. 8 TDs
Fred Jackson – 130 car. 571 yds. 4.4 avg. 3 TDs
It will be up to Jackson and newcomer, Dominic Rhodes, to hold down the running duties until Lynch finishes serving his three game suspension. Lynch should be undervalued in this year’s drafts, but will have outstanding value if you can get him in the fourth or fifth round, just make sure you have a good reserve behind him. Jackson will be hyped up for the first three games, but he will be splitting carries with Rhodes, and I expect the Bills to be passing a lot.
Miami Dolphins:
Ronnie Brown – 214 att. 916 yds. 4.3 avg. 10 TDs
Ricky Williams – 160 att. 659 yds. 4.1 avg. 4 TDs
The Dolphins have a good thing going with their two back system of Brown and Williams. This way it allows Brown, who has struggled with injuries in the past, to not take as much of a beating. I expect the Dolphins to continue alternating backs, but may put more of a focus on Brown after a superb season. Williams is a nice reserve to have in case Brown gets hurt again, and should put up decent numbers.
New England Patriots:
Fred Taylor – 143 att. 556 yds. 3.9 avg. 1 TD
Sammy Morris – 156 att. 727 yds. 4.7 avg. 7 TDs
I am a believer that Fred Taylor still has a lot left in the tank, and the Patriots stole him as they do many supposedly washed up veterans. I truly believe that Taylor is going to have a big year for the Patriots, much like Corey Dillon did when he came to the Pats. The Patriots like to run the ball, but it is usually by committee, so Taylor or Morris are the only real players that you should look at drafting. Not to mention, with Brady back in the fold they should be airing it out more this year too.
New York Jets:
Thomas Jones – 290 att. 1312 yds. 4.5 avg 13 TDs
Leon Washington – 76 att. 448 yds. 5.9 avg. 6 TDs
Jones had another excellent season, but is not getting any younger, which is why the Jets are hesitant to give him a new contract, and actually drafted the promising Shonn Greene out of Iowa in the third round to be his eventual replacement. This could actually be a good thing for fantasy owners, as he will be out to prove that he still has it. Washington is a quality reserve, who is also upset over contract issues, but he is a game changer who can break off a huge run or reception. Keep an eye on Greene, if Jones for some reason goes down with an injury.
Baltimore Ravens:
LeRon McClain – 232 att. 902 yds. 3.9 avg. 10 TDs
Willis McGahee – 170 att. 671 yds. 3.9 avg. 7 TDs
Ray Rice – 107 att. 454 yds. 4.2 avg. 0 TD
Rarely does a fullback lead his team in rushing, but McClain did just that for the Ravens last season. McClain moves very well for such a big man, and is reminiscent of Jerome Bettis. McGahee has somewhat fallen out of favour with the coaching staff, and should not be drafted. I believe the player to watch is Rice, who had a very good rookie season, and should have his role expanded more this season. McClain and Rice are both worth drafting, but it looks as though all three guys will share carries again this year.
Cincinnati Bengals:
Cedric Benson – 214 att. 747 yds. 3.5 avg. 2 TDs
Benson actually looked like the prospect the Bears drafted early in the first round at moments this season. Unfortunately, he wasn’t playing in a Bears’ uniform, rather the orange and black stripes of the Bengals. I don’t think the Bears will lose any sleep with Forte in the mix, but the Bengals may have found themselves a starting running back. Benson may be worth a look in the later rounds, and could have Rudi Johnson-like production in the Bengals offense.
Cleveland Browns:
Jamal Lewis – 279 att. 1002 yds. 3.6 avg. 4 TDs
Lewis is definitely in the twilight of his career, but he still managed to put up a 1,000 yard season, despite averaging a less than stellar 3.6 yards/carry. The Browns look as though they’re going to stick with Lewis for the near future, as there isn’t anyone on the roster behind him, and they didn’t take a running back until the sixth round in the draft. I think Lewis can have a better season if the passing game comes around, and the Browns line is pretty solid. As long as Ken Dorsey is not playing quarterback, Lewis will have a little more space to operate with the defense not being able to completely ignore the passing game.
Pittsburgh Steelers:
Willie Parker – 210 att. 791 yds. 3.8 avg. 5 TDs
Mewelde Moore – 140 att. 588 yds. 4.2 avg. 5 TDs
Parker was on his way to a very nice season before going down with an injury midseason. His job may have been in limbo until he came back in the playoffs and ran all over the Chargers. Medenhall will have to wait his turn, while Moore will be their third down running back. The running game will be centered around Parker this season, and he should have a very good year as long as he stays healthy.
Houston Texans:
Steve Slaton – 268 att. 1282 yds. 4.8 avg. 9 TDs
Slaton was just another outstanding back from the 2008 draft class, along with Chris Johnson and Matt Forte, amongst others. He emerged as the perfect back for the Texans zone blocking system with his one cut and go style. The worry with Slaton is how long he can stay healthy, as he is not the biggest back, and the fact that there isn’t really a capable back up behind him. Slaton is a very solid fantasy starter, and should even improve on his rookie numbers.
Indianapolis Colts:
Joseph Addai – 155 att. 544 yds. 3.5 avg. 5 TDs
Donald Brown (rookie)
Addai never got to full strength all season as he was banged up for pretty much the entire year. The Colts offense still managed to win 12 games, even with the second worst running game in the league, which is just scary. However, the Colts drafted Brown in order to give themselves a solid rushing duo, and to take some of the pounding off of Addai. I like Addai going into this year, and he would be a very solid mid round pick, while Brown will go in the later rounds.
Jacksonville Jaguars:
Maurice Jones-Drew – 197 att. 824 yds. 4.2 avg. 12 TDs
Fred Taylor has been released, and all of the rushing duties now fall on the shoulders of Jones-Drew. Look for him to have a big year running behind a revamped offensive line, and he is a dual threat in both the running and passing games. If you’re looking for a sleeper, maybe take a look at Greg Jones, who should get a lot of goal line carries. Jones-Drew will be a first round pick in most fantasy leagues this year.
Tennessee Titans:
Chris Johnson – 251 att. 1228 yds. 4.9 avg. 9 TDs
Lendale White – 200 att. 773 yds. 3.9 avg. 15 TDs
Johnson was a Pro Bowl rookie, while Lendale White broke out with 15 rushing touchdowns. Johnson looks like he is going to be a star for years to come. He has electric speed, with outstanding moves, and is a virtual lock to beat any would be tackler one on one in space. White seems determined to not lose all of his carries to Johnson, and has reported to camp lighter and in excellent shape. You can’t go wrong drafting either one of these guys as the Titans love to run the ball, but I would give the edge to Johnson.
Denver Broncos:
Knowshon Moreno (rookie)
Peyton Hillis – 68 att. 343 yds. 5.0 avg. 5 TDs
With the drafting of Moreno 12th overall, it looks as though he will be the feature back in the Broncos offense this year. Moreno has all of the qualities of a starting running back, in that he can run, catch, pass block, and has an incredible motor and work ethic. Hillis had some nice games after coming in as the third injury replacement, but he will be used as more of a lead blocker this year. Ryan Torain is a sleeper, and fantasy players should keep an eye on him in the preseason.
Kansas City Chiefs:
Larry Johnson – 193 att. 874 yds. 4.5 avg. 5 TDs
Jamaal Charles – 67 att. 357 yds. 5.3 avg. 0 TD
If new coach Todd Haley can light a fire under Johnson, he could have a very nice season. Johnson has voiced his displeasure numerous times over the last couple of offseasons and has demanded trades, but so far nothing has happened. Unfortunately, the Chiefs line is a mess, which doesn’t bode well for the running game. If Johnson struggles, Haley won’t hesitate to go to Charles, but he can be had on the waiver wire.
Oakland Raiders:
Justin Fargas – 218 att. 853 yds. 3.9 avg. 1 TD
Darren McFadden – 113 att. 499 yds. 4.4 avg. 4 TDs
Michael Bush – 95 att. 421 yds. 4.4 avg. 3 TDs
McFadden struggled with some nagging injuries in his rookie season, and will look to take it to the next level this year. I’m still not sold on him as an every down back, but the Raiders are going to look to get the ball in his hands as much as possible this year. The player that intrigues me the most is Michael Bush. He should get the majority of the goal line carries, and is a thumper who can run between the tackles, where as McFadden is better off the edge. Fargas is starting to be slowly phased out of the offense and is no longer draftable.
San Diego Chargers:
LaDanian Tomlinson – 292 att. 1110 yds. 3.8 avg. 11 TDs
Darren Sproles – 61 att. 330 yds. 5.4 avg. 1 TD
Call me a homer, but I still believe LT has a lot left in the tank, and will have a bounce back year after what was a disappointing year, for his standards. Tomlinson has extra motivation as he feels like he is being slowly pushed out the door by management. If you can get him in the second or third round, I believe that it could be a major steal. Sproles will get a lot of touches as well this year, but isn’t as good between the tackles, and will more be used as a receiver out of the backfield.
Filed Under 2009 Divisional Previews, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans | 1 Comment
Indianapolis Colts
The Colt are one of those teams that have all the talent in the world, they have depth at almost every position. But age is becoming a factor. There window is only open as long as Payton Manning is on the feild. The Colts have the ability and the fire power to beat anyone on any given Sunday. But they have showed in the past they don’t always perform to the level of expectations. They added another solid running back in the draft this year, with the selection of Donald Brown. There offense will not be the issue in 2009. The special teams unit will be the weakness this year, just as it was last season. They give up to many yards on kick offs and punt returns, and that usually gives the opponents the short field.
The Colts could roll into the bye week with a 5-0 record, they have 3 easy wins on the early schedule. The week 3 game at Arizona, and the week 5 game at Tennessee are both even. I cant pick a favorite in those 2 games. Indy should come out of the bye week with 2 more easy wins as they beat upon St Louis, and San Francisco. Then comes the roughest part of the schedule with a New England in week 10, at Baltimore in week 11, bookend that with a hone and home with Houston in week 9 and 13. I look for them to lose one of two against Houston, struggle with Baltimore, and New England has to be favored just slightly. They should be able to finish with a flurry and win the last 5 on their schedule with relative ease, as they finish up with Tennessee, Denver, and New York at home, and trips to Jacksonville, and Buffalo.
Absolute win total = 11
Houston Texans
Houston is another team that I have been waiting for them to explode. They always compete and seem to be just a player or two away from the playoff picture. The Passing game has been there money maker for the last 3-4 season, and that trend should continue. The defense should be much improved this season as there ability to rush the quarterback will be there best defense of the opponents passing game. Mario Williams should make his case for the best rush lineman in the NFL in 2009. He has showed growth and development in each season and that should continue again this season.
I expect them to work into there bye week ( week 10) with a record of at least 6-3. They should struggle and lose week 5 at Arizona. The week 6 game at Cincinnati should be exciting and we should see lots of points, but the game is to close to call. Again they should win at least one of there two games with Indianapolis which are weeks 9 and 12. They close out the season with an easy schedule as they only games of question are the previously mention week 12 match up with Indy and the season finale with New England.
Absolute win total = 10
Tennessee Titans
The Titans where a surprise team last season, and don’t expect that to continue. There schedule is Brutal as the play 8 games against what I predict to be playoff contenders. There offense lacks explosiveness and is shut down with an 8 man box. The defense lost there heart and soul with the departure of Albert Haynesworth. I love The coaching staff, but you cant cook when the cupboard is bare.
This team is playing a schedule that would spell doom for most teams in the NFL. They start the season with a visit to Pittsburgh in what will be a welcome home for the champions.Weeks 2 and 11 is a home and home series with Houston, where I expect them to win 1 of 2. Week 3 is a trip into New York and a probable loss. Weeks 4-8 they go home and home with Jacksonville and should win both.weeks 5-13 they again go home and home with Indy, and those don’t look very promising.
Week 6 is a trip to New England, for a beat down. They have a bye in week 7 and very well could be 1-5, at this point in the season. Coming out of the bye week Tennessee is usually much improved, and should put together a little win streak, The previously mentioned win over Jacksonville, week 9 over the 49ers, and a week 10 victory over Buffalo. Week 12 against Arizona should smash the win streak and put and end to playoff chances. They finish the season with the loss to Indy witch I mention earlier, week 14 brings a win in the form of St Louis. Weeks 15-16 look like a pair of losses to Miami and San Diego. They should close out the season with a win over Seattle.
Absolute win total = 6
Jacksonville Jaguars
This team is an underachiever year in and year out. well in 2009 there offense will be questionable once again. The Jags can run the ball vs anyone, but they lack explosiveness in the air. They addressed this issue with the addition of Torry Holt, but one receiver is not a franchise changer. This team needs so much more. I’m not sure this team has an idea of what they want to do when they have possession of the ball. On the defensive side of the ball this team is abused in the air, and that spells doom. Opponents score quickly and the Jags slowly move the ball down the field and settle for field goals.
The Jaguars should win 6-7 games this season, but when I look at their schedule I cant predict which games they will win. They are just two inconsistent. I see 2 games on their schedule that are wins. Week 6 vs St Louis, and week 17 at Cleveland. This team should be able to win a few more than 2 games, but don’t expect the Jags to even sniff the playoffs.
Absolute win total = 2
Filed Under Off The Field News | Leave a Comment
Looks like we’ll know soon what team is going to take a chance on Michael Vick for the 2009 season. Vick said Thursday that he is getting close to signing with a team but didn’t say who that may be, and even if it’s an NFL team.
Vick said the comment reporters as he left a courtroom after a hearing in his bankruptcy case. Asked about his progress in signing with a team, Vick said: “We’re getting close.” He didn’t answer additional questions.
Vick was NFL conditionally reinstated by commissioner Roger Goodell on Monday, a week after the former Falcons star completed his 23-month sentence for running a dogfighting ring. Vick is free to sign with a team and could be playing in the NFL by week six.
He also could play in one of a couple of football minor leagues if no NFL team signs him. The 29-year-old did not speak during the hearing. Afterward, the U.S. bankruptcy trustee and a lawyer for Vick’s creditors shook Vick’s hand and congratulated him on his NFL reinstatement. Vick thanked them and said, “It’s exactly what I needed at this point in my life.”
Early signs had the Steelers as well as New England as the two front runners for Vick’s services.
