2011 NFL Preview: Green Bay Packers

2010 Record: 10-6



Offense:



The Packers didn't really add anything this offseason, but they are getting a lot of people back from injury, so it's kind of like they did. Grant, and Finely will be ready to start the season and that could be a big addition. It will be interesting to see how Grant bounces back from his knee injury, but if he can be what he was before the injury this offense could be the best in the league. Obviously, Rodgers had his breakout year last year, and Jennings had over 1,200 years and 12 TDs. If that wasn't enough they have Driver, Nelson, and the surprising return of James Jones. With the return of Jones the Packers might have the best receiving core in the NFL. Bottom line is that this team is going to score points. My only worries would be keeping Rodgers from getting another concussion, and their run game. If they can't run it could leave the door open for teams to make comebacks against them. Grant and Starks will try to lead the RB core.



Defense:



The Packers defense is built around two players cornerback Charles Woodson and outside linebacker Clay Matthews. Matthews played with a fractured bone in his leg last year and still had 13.5 sacks. Woodson is unbelievable covering the slot receiver/tight end. They like to put him at the corner of the defensive lines (up close), because he is also very good on the blitz. The one concern with him is his age. Woodson is now 34 years old (35 in October) and at some point he is going to slow down. Packers have long rumored when he does they will move him to safety. The rest of the defense is solid. Tramon Williams came out of no where and showed he can be a very good corner, and 2010 undrafted rookie Sam Shields seems like he might have been a find. Nick Collins stabilizes the defensive backfield from the safety spot. Frank Zombo, and A.J. Hawk round out the linebacking core. They have Raji on their defensive line, but if I had to say where they had the weak spot it would be there.



Overall:



The Packers didn't really make any free agent pickups, but then again they really didn't have to. They will have a target on their back all season after winning it all, but if Rodgers is healthy this team will be a threat for another Super Bowl.



2011 Record: 12-4

2011 NFL Preview: Chicago Bears

2010 RECORD: 11-5 (1st, NFC North)

KEY ADDITIONS: WR Roy Williams (from Cowboys), TE Matt Spaeth (from Steelers), OT Gabe Carimi (1st Round, Wisconsin), P Adam Podlesh (from Jaguars), RB Marion Barber (from Cowboys), WR Sam Hurd (from Cowboys), C Chris Spencer (from Seahawks), DT Stephen Paea (2nd Round, Oregon State), DT Amobi Okoye (from Texans), DE Vernon Gholston (from Jets)



KEY DEPARTURES: TE Greg Olsen (to Panthers), TE Brandon Manumaleuna (released), C Olin Kreutz (to Saints), DT Tommie Harris (to Colts), OLB Pisa Tinoisamoa (not tendered), SS Danieal Manning (to Texans), P Brad Maynard (to Jaguars), QB Todd Collins (not tendered), RB Garrett Wolfe (not tendered), WR Rashied Davis (to Lions), WR Devin Aromashodu (to Vikings), OT Kevin Shaffer (released), MLB Hunter Hillenmeyer (released), MLB Rod Wilson (not tendered), CB Trumaine McBride (to Saints), S Josh Bullocks (to Raiders)



Offense:

They have Jay Cutler, Matt Forte, Roy Williams and Devin Hester, and you would think thats good enough. However, there is only one reason why this offense sinks or swims and that's because of Jay Cutler's decision making. Jay has one of the strongest arms in the NFL but has Brett Favre syndrome from time to time and throws to many picks and tries to throw "high risk, high reward" passes. They also have Johnnie Knox and Earl Bennett at WR, so hopefully they can compliment Williams. Losing TE Greg Olson is probably going to hurt more than they anticipated.



Defense:

The Bears defense has been their calling card for years, however, they are getting older and they are eventually going to have to cave one of these years. They still have Julius Peppers, Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs and the departure of Tommie Harris and Daniel Manning won't hurt too much this year. Harris has been playing like a shell of who he was and Manning will be replaced by 2010 3rd round pick Major Wright. Much better name.



Overall:

I hate Cutler, this team doesn't get as lucky.



7-9

2011 NFL Preview: Detroit Lions

2010 Record: 6-10



Offense:



This team will live or die with Matthew Stafford. He has yet to stay healthy, but when he is on the field you can see that he could be something special. Calvin Johnson might be the best WR in the league, but without someone to throw him the ball that doesn't matter much. Nate Burleson is across from Johnson, and he is a good fit as he can stretch the field. My problem with this team (other then the health of Stafford) is their offensive line. The reason Stafford keeps getting hurt is they don't protect him. On top of that it stops the Lions from developing their ground game. Jahvid Best, Maurice Morris and Jerome Harrison are good enough to give this team a solid group, but you have to wonder if they will even get a chance if this offensive line is as poor as I think it is.



Defense:



Ndamukong Suh is a beast and if Nick Fairley ends up being something special this might be one of the best defensive lines the NFL. It's not just those two though Kyle Vanden Bosch is solid, and Cliff Avril racked up 8.5 sacks last year (not to mention Corey Williams). This is a great core that will make life hard for QBs. There isn't a lot of talent behind the defensive line though. DeAndre Levy is decent, but other then that there is nothing to get pumped about. I think this defense will have a very up and down year.



Overall:



Every year I want to say that "this is the year for the Lions". It's kind of getting annoying. I really do like them, and I hope they do well. If Stafford stays healthy, and that offensive line figures out a way to keep him off the turf they could have a very solid year.



2011 Record: 9-7

2011 Preview: AFC South

Here is how we see the AFC South playing out...



1. Indianapolis Colts: 12-4

2. Houston Texans: 8-8

3. Tennessee Titans: 7-9

4. Jacksonville Jaguars: 5-11

NFL Preview: Minnesota Vikings

2010: 6-10



Offense:

I still have faith in Donovan McNabb and I think that Donovan can survive in Sota especially that they have a strong run game in Adrian Peterson. But McNabb is a stopgap for first round pick Christian Ponder, so if there is any injury, that could spell another uncomfortable McNabb moment.



The Vikings feature some nice firepower at the skill positions, but they suffered a blow in free agency when Sidney Rice bolted for Seattle and a big paycheck. Rice has been prone to injury, but when healthy he provided a much-needed deep threat.



They still have AP, Visanthe Shianco, and Percy Harvin. That should be enough for McNabb to run an offense.



Defense:

The defense will remain tip top because of talent such as defensive tackle Kevin Williams, who remains the anchor of the Vikings’ interior attack. Williams won’t have much help save Letroy Guion, who is good for one or two down stints but probably isn’t a full-time starter, and newly acquired Remi Ayodele. Depth will be an issue inside. The right edge will provide a dozen or more sacks every year thanks to Jared Allen, who sometimes resorts to flailing against elite left tackles but always finds his stride through a 16-game season.



That dictates the whole defense and will pave the way on the success of Antoine Winfield, Cedric Griffin and Chris Cook, Chad Greenway and E.J. Henderson.



Overall:

Upgrade from last year, 9-7

2011 NFL Preview: Indianapolis Colts

2010 Record: 10-6



Offense:



When Peyton Manning gets back on the field is a big concern for the Colts. There are rumors he could miss the first few games on the season. He has never missed a game, and to be honest I would be shocked if he is out week 1. Still, this team really needs to find a way to stay healthy. Tight end Dallas Clark, running back Joseph Addai, wide receivers Austin Collie and Anthony Gonzalez all missed a lot of time last year. Peyton is one of the best ever, but he can't do it by himself, so these guys needs to be on the field. Obviously Waynes is one of the best in the game, and with Peyton at the helm this team will always score points.



Defense:



The offense isn't the only ones who had injury problems. The defense had a ton also. Dwight Freeney and Gary Brackett are still in their primes and are the most important part of this defense. They don't have a lot of really good skill plays in the defensive backfield, so getting pressure on the QB is of the utmost importance. This defense will do what it usually does, have trouble stopping the run, and bank of that fact that they can cause a couple turnovers every game.



Overall:



The Manning injury scares me, but if he is able to play this could be a good team. Remember the last time this team was all healthy they started the season 14-0. Before last season the Colts had one 12 games for 7 straight seasons. Plus, with a lockout I think teams that have more guys returning have a better chance.



2011 Record: 12-4

NFL Preview: Houston Texans

(She's hot)



2010 RECORD: 6-10

KEY ADDITIONS: CB Johnathan Joseph (free agent), S/KRDanieal Manning (free agent), DE J.J. Watt (first round, Wisconsin), OLB Brooks Reed (second round, Arizona), P Brad Maynard (free agent), FB Lawrence Vickers (free agent), CB Brandon Harris (second round, Miami)



KEY LOSSES: FB Vonta Leach (to Ravens), S Bernard Pollard (to Ravens), DT Amobi Okoye (to Bears), QB Dan Orlovsky (to Colts), WR David Anderson (to Broncos), LB Zac Diles (to Rams), S Eugene Wilson (free agent)



Offense:

Matt Schaub, Andre Johnson, Arian Foster, and Owen Daniels. This offense like always has a chance to be explosive and great. They had the league leading rusher from last year, one of the best WR and TE's in the game, and a QB that can throw it. However, I say this every year and they never take it to the next level. This team is great for fantasy football but will never finish above 8-8. The offensive line is nothing great, but whatever, with those weapons you should be able to make up for it.



Defense:

With Wade Phillips in town the defense is looking to make a transition to a 3-4. One small problem though, no one in the front 7 is a 3-4 type of players. Shaun Cody at nose is never a good thing.



It'll be interesting how Wade uses Mario Williams, if they can get him to play in the same type of mold as Demarcus Ware, the transition may not be that bad. But to bank on one player to form a whole front 7 is asking a lot.



They have awesome college guys in Brooks Reed, JJ Watt and Brian Cushing, but we need to see them get it together before you can proclaim them as any type of threat.



Their secondary gained Jonathan Joseph which is alright and if Kareem Jackson (former Tide player) can fit his billing as a number 1 pick of last year, this teams secondary could be on their way. I am very skeptical of that though.



Overall:



The Texans piss me off with their bullshit

8-8

2011 NFL Preview: Tennessee Titans

2010 Record: 6-10



Offense:



If Chris Johnson would just end his holdout I would actually be a fan of this offense. They are still a "ground and pound team" (No homo), but the addition of Matt Hasselbeck gives them a stable QB that knows how to win football games. Plus, Hasselbeck is a great mentor for Jake Locker (my favorite QB out of the draft). Kenny Britt has been unstoppable at times, but several run-ins with the law make you wonder how much football he will actually be playing this year. Nate Washington, Justin Gage are decent but nothing special. Then again, this will be the first time they will have a QB that can throw down field with accuracy, so maybe they will be better then people think.



Defense:



Jason Jones is a beast, and the comeback of Derrick Morgan from an ACL injury will be key to this defensive unit. They picked up Barrett Ruud, who should eat up some tackles, and drafted Akeem Ayers who I am very high on. They have some good vets in the defensive backfield with Michael Griffin and Chris Hope and corner Cortland Finnegan, plus second-year Alterraun Verner. All and all they are an up and coming defense, but nothing that is going to be overly special. Unless these young guys turn really good really quick.



Overall:



This holdout with Johnson worries me. Even if he comes back, I feel like he will pull a hamstring or something. That seems to happen every time a guy holds out. I like where this team is going, but it won't be to the playoffs this year.



2011 Record: 7-9

2011 NFL Preview: Jacksonville Jaguars

2010 Record: 8-8



Offense:



The lockout hurt the Jaguars, as Baline Gabbert wasn't able to get a lot of experience with their offense. That's actually ok I think in the long run, because I think it's better when these guys don't just get thrown in the fire. With Gabbert not starting that means Garrard will once again be the starter. Then again, Garrard has been fighting back problems, so I guess you never know. Whoever is behind center they are going to have a tough time. Jason Hill, and Mike Thomas are their best WRs, and that just isn't good for anyone. Sure Maurice Jones-Drew is pretty awesome, but I am starting to wonder when all these carries are going to start catching up with him.



Defense:



This was the 30th ranked defense in the NFL last year. They banked on Aaron Kampman being able to bounce back from a torn ACL last year. He had 4 sacks and then tore his ACL again, so they will once again be hoping he can bouce back. They did sign Matt Roth, who could be a nice player coming off the edge of the defense. Clint Session, and Paul Posluszny should give a linebacking core that let up the 3 most yards per carry in the NFL last year. Dawan Landry moves into the safety spot and he is an upgrade over anything they had.



Overall:



I have no idea how this team was 8-8 last year, but I'll give them credit they have improved, especially on defense. Problem is Jack Del Rio sucks, and this team overachieved last year.



2011 Record: 5-11

How We See The NFC South Playing Out

Much like the SEC the fastest division in football it seems

New Orleans Saints: 13-3

Atlanta Falcons: 12-4

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 8-8

Carolina Panthers: 3-13

NFL Preview: Atlanta Falcons

Offense:

They have Matt Ryan, they have Roddy White, they have Michael Turner, they have Tony Gonzalez and now on top of it, they added the best wide receiver in the draft in Julio Jones. People in the ATL will forget about the other great Jones athletes that have been in Atlanta (in Chipper and Andruw) and will only remember 1 after the year is done and that is Julio. He will make Matt Ryan a top echelon quareterback in the league and will make Roddy White and the whole offense run like a well oiled machine. Top 5 offense in the league.



Defense:

The Falcons defense was built on generating turnovers, finishing 7th in the league in turnovers. However, their pass rush was basically John Abraham and no one else. The Falcons were 22nd in the league in sacks. They brought in DE Ray Edwards from Minnesota, Edwards is a hell of an addition and can cause havoc, the passed 2 years he averaged around 8.5 sacks. Besides Edwards, the Falcons made sure to re-sign their own guys on their defense, keeping together most of the unit that had a decent season last year.



Overall:

2 things I love in life are Julio Jones and Boobs, so based on that the Falcons will finish 12-4.

2011 NFL Preview: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

2010 Record: 10-6



Offense:



Freeman burst onto the scene last season, and I am becoming a believer. He is big, tough to take down, and seems to be a flair for the dramatic. He kind of plays like Roethlisberger, and by that I mean he is able to extend the play by shedding tacklers, and finding an open receiver. The question for me is what is around him. Blount was solid last year, but very inconsistent. Mike Willaims is going to be really good, but is only in his 2nd year. Kellen Winslow is probably his best option and he led the team with 66 catches last year. This unit should be better then last year, as they all get more comfortable with each other and mature. They didn't really add anything, so it's all going to be banking on the fact of these guys improving.



Defense:



Tampa for the most part still plays a Cover 2, the key to this is getting pressure from their d-line. That is why Tampa used two draft picks in 2010 (Gerald McCoy and Brian Price) and two this year on DEs (Adrian Clayborn and Da’Quan Bowers). It will be interesting to see how Bowers does and if he can play. At one point people thought he would be the #1 pick, so the Bucs might have got a steal. Losing Barrett Ruud is going to hurt, and I am really surprised the Bucs didn't sign more free agents to help this defense out, especially with a guy like 36-year-old corner Ronde Barber not getting any younger. What will also hurt the probable loss of Aqib Talib, who could be facing a major suspension after his felony assault charges from an off-season shooting.



Overall:



I like this team, but I think they overachieved a bit last year. They were 2-5 against playoff teams (and one of the wins were the Seahawks), and this year their schedule looks to be much tougher.



2011 Record: 8-8

NFL Preview: New Orleans Saints

2010 Record 11-5



Offense:

As long as you have Drew Brees you have a chance to win a lot of games. Even in a upstart NFC South. The only real change in the offense is that Reggie Bush is gone (he went to the Dolphins) and they drafted my boy Mark Ingram and signed Darren Sproles. Mark Ingram was the best runningback in the draft and the Saints got him for a steal when the Patriots traded their late 1st round pick. So the Saints now have a more complete backfield with Ingram, Sproles, Pierre Thomas and Chris Ivory. Mark Ingram is the complete package when it comes to runningbacks, he can run between the tackles, doesn't put the ball on the ground and can catch the ball. But the scariest part of the offense is the passing game and series of good wide receivers led by Marques Colston, Lance Moore, Robert Meachem and Devery Henderson. Also, TE Jimmy Graham could be a huge red zone target. I can really talk about this offense for days.



Defense:

Defense is more of a question. They improved it through the draft by first round pick Cameron Jordan along with free agent acquisition Shaun Rogers should help lock down the front while LB acquisitions Turk McBride, Clint Ingram and Will Herring should add depth to a ehh linebacking unit. The secondary still has some questions, but they can be good enough to keep the Saints in games. This defense is very similar to the Patriots of last year and bank on turnovers to keep them in the game, but with that comes certain games where you get torched.



Overall:

I love this team and even though Tampa Bay and Atlanta have got a lot better, I see the Saints retaking the NFC South.



13-3

2011 NFL Preview: Carolina Panthers

2010 Record: 2-14



Offense:



We don't know yet if Cam Newton will be the Week 1 starter, if it's not him then it'll be Jimmy Clausen, but I doubt it will be Jimmy Clausen since he is the the worst QB ever. Either way, this is all bad news. I am not a Newton fan. Sure he could be exciting, but this kid hasn't used a playbook in his life, has had no time with this offense, and is on a bad team with a new coach. All that adds up to bad thing happening. There is a little bit of good news for this team. The Panthers have two solid TEs in Jeremy Shockey and Greg Olsen, and Steve Smith decided to comeback. So there is talent here is they can get them the ball. DeAngelo Williams is also back, and if he can get any kind of consistent play from the passing game he could bounce back to that 1,500 yard rusher he was back in 2008. I don't see that happening, but there is talent on this team.



Defense:



Charles Johnson is back and he had 11.5 sacks last year. The problem is there isn't a lot of help anywhere else on the line. Still, they have some decent LBs in Beason and Anderson. Chris Gamble had a terrible season last year, and they really need him to bounce back. Even if he is better this is basically the same unit as last year, and it's really nothing all that special. I have a feeling they could have another tough year.



Overall:



Newton is going to take some time, and this is a new coaching staff. Although I do think they will improve from last year, that isn't saying all that much since they won two games last year.



2011 Record: 3-13

2011 NFL Preview: AFC West

Here is how we see this playing out...



1. San Diego Chargers: 12-4

2. Kansas City Chiefs: 11-5

3. Oakland Raiders: 7-9

4. Denver Broncos: 4-12

NFL Preview: Kansas City Chiefs

KEY ADDITIONS: WR Steve Breaston (from Cardinals), WR Jonathan Baldwin (first Round, Pittsburgh), OLB Justin Houston (third round, Georgia), NT Kelly Gregg (from Ravens), FB Le'Ron McClain (from Ravens), LB Brandon Siler (from Chargers)



KEY DEPARTURES: OLB Mike Vrabel (retired), LG Brian Waters (released), DL Shaun Smith (to Titans), NT Ron Edwards (to Panthers), DB Maurice Leggett (to Lions), TE Brad Cottam (released)



Offense:

I love the addition of Steve Breaston and Jonathan Baldwin to help out Matt Cassel and Dwayne Bowe in the passing game. Matt Cassel had a pretty good year last year and led the Chiefs to a 10-6 record. Cassel also has a good run game in Jamaal Charles and if Dexter McCluster can stay on the field he can have a Reggie Bush like impact especially now that they have one of the best FB's in the league in Le'Ron McClain. This team could have a great offense going into next season.



Defense:

The Defense is the big question here, they lack a nose tackle as Ron Edwards and Shaun Smith both departed via free agency. Kelly Gregg will be added to try to improve their production, however, this is a work in progress and unless Romeo Crennel has an ace up his sleeve, the Chiefs will give up a lot of yards.



Overall:

I like the Chiefs and I will proclaim they will have a top 5 offense in the league. They will score a lot of points, but also give up a ton of points. They will take the AFC West, 11-5

NFL Preview: San Diego Chargers

2010 Record: 9-7



Offense:



This team was 1st overall in offense last year, and a big reason for that is what Rivers has been tearing it up. With Vincent Jackson back and playing a full season I think things will only get better for Rivers. The key is going to be keeping Ryan Matthews healthy. He averaged 4.3 yards a carry, which is nice, but he needs to prove he can stay on the field. Antonio Gates is the best tight end in the NFL when he is healthy, but he is another guy that needs to prove he can be healthy. This team put up a bunch of point last year, and this year I think they will only improve on that.



Defense:



This team was also first in overall defense (I know crazy right?), and it also should be better as they used four of their first five draft picks to bolster an already impressive defense. Cory Liuget should get a lot of playing time, and I think he could be a beast. The Chargers have one of the best CBs in football. With all that being said there is no reason to believe this Chargers defense will experience a drop off this year.



Overall:



How does a team that was first in offense and first in defense go 9-7? Turnovers, and special teams. I find it hard to predict whether or not these things are fixed, but my gut is telling me that the Chargers are in for a big regular season. The big thing for them is not starting out so slowly, which they seem to do every year.



2011 Record: 12-4

NFL Previews: Oakland Raiders

The Raiders had to be excited about this season when they finished with an 8-8 record last year and went undefeated against their division. They looked like a team that is ready to maybe make a leap, so what does Al Davis do? Fire the head coach Tom Cable and hires Hue Jackson. Let's Nnamdi Awesome-Ugha and Zach Miller go, but hey, they have Darren McFadden and should be able to run the ball effectively like they did last year.



Offense:

They signed Kevin Boss which is a good replacement for Zach Miller, however, he is not the pass catcher Miller is. The Raiders have found some players at the skill positions, such as Louis Murphy and Darren McFadden, but running back Michael Bush is now a free agent. On top of that, 2009 first round pick WR Darrius Heyward-Bey is looking more and more like a bust every year. If DHB fails to improve, the Raiders will be in the market for another receiver. I hear T.O. is looking for a new home.



Defense:

Losing Nnamdi kills them. They were 2nd in passing yards allowed and he obviously was a big part of that. They brought back Michael Huff which was a good move, but unless Chris Johnson turns into a great CB it might be a tough year.



I like the Raiders so 7-9

NFL Preview: Denver Broncos

2010 Record: 4-12



Offense:



If there was a bright spot for the Broncos last year it was their passing attack. Kyle Orton passed for 3,653 yards and 20 touchdowns and wide receiver Brandon Lloyd had 1,448 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns. Problem is that was about it. Moreno was a let down gaining under 800 yards. I think Moreno could have a little better season in his 2nd year, but I also don't think he is anything special. The question for the Broncos is whether they start Tebow or Orton. They have decide on Orton, but you have to wonder for how long. So far Fox doesn't seem to be a Tebow fan, but after this team spent a first round pick on the kid doesn't he get a shot? Orton is very solid, but he is not going to fix this team.



Defense:



Wow, was this group horrible last year. At one point they gave up 59 points to the Oakland Raiders... Yikes. I like that they picked up Von Miller, but this group is far from improved. Dawkins is another year older and so is Champ Bailey. The Broncos were the worst defense in the league last year, ranking 25th against the pass and 31st against the run. With Dumervil coming back and Miller they should have an improved pass rush, but with so many young players just learning the system at important spots on defense I think it could be another long year for this unit.



Overall:



The Broncos have a very hard schedule this year having to play the Jets, Patriots, Packers for their out of conference schedule. Thus, I don't see anyway this team improves much from last year.



2011 Record: 4-12

NFL Preview: NFC West

All the NFC West teams have been completed, so here is how we see it playing out...



1. St. Louis Rams: 9-7

2. San Francisco 49ers: 9-7

3. Arizona Cardinals: 7-9

4. Seattle Seahawks: 4-12