With all the uncertainty surrounding that other sport, with the bat and glove, why not turn to what has suddenly become America’s new national pastime.football. What other sport demands the attention that a full Sunday and Monday of the NFL entails? In the first of a two-part preview, we’re going breakdown the National Football Conference.
What else can I say but Rams, Rams, Rams.it does look as if one team will push over the rest of the conference and become the new “America’s Team” but it is still worth taking a look at the other fifteen teams and how they will fare (in order of predicted finish).
NFC East
Philadelphia Eagles – The Eagles look to expand on last year’s overly successful season by dominating another less than impressive division. Donovan McNabb is in his prime, and should make a case for league MVP. Accomplished wide-out Antonio Freeman also should add to an already potent offense.
Washington Redskins – The Redskins will be the most unpredictable team this season. A first-year coach in Steve Spurrier, and an unproven QB usually spell disaster, but Spurrier’s inflated ego should turn a few heads. With few touted receivers don’t be surprised if the Redskins again fall flat on their face.
New York Giants – “Big Blue” should hear big boos from the Meadowlands faithful. Just two years removed from Super Bowl stardom, the Giants face the possibility of the cellar in the NFC East. Only wins against a young Dallas squad will keep the “Jints” from disgrace.
Cowboys – After last year’s season-long struggle, the Cowboys look to be on the upslope in the rebuilding phase. Last year’s quarterback of the week system will be replaced by a more predictable, yet insufficient offense (giving the ball to Emmit Smith).
NFC North
Green Bay Packers – Brett Favre’s new target, Terry Glenn, will make quite an impact in the long game this season for the Packers, if they can get him on the field. Glenn’s antics will not be tolerated as long as Favre is in town. Look for another successful season and playoff birth, winning at least 5 out of their 6 division games against the Bears, Lions, and Vikings.
Chicago Bears – Look for this team to win three, nay seven fewer games than last season. The Mike Brown magic will be absent in Champaign-Urbana (their temporary home this year), and so will the victories. Even if the Bears somehow make the playoffs, another early exit is a certainty.
Minnesota Vikings – The Vikings will fall into that unpredictable mixed bag next to the Redskins. With Culpepper and Moss, the talent is there for high octane victories and enormous point totals.yet defense and rookie coach Mike Tice remain question marks.
Detroit Lions – This sorry bunch should fare at least a bit better than last year, with the talent picked up in the draft, yet a playoff berth is a long way down the road. The most exciting thing the Lions’ fans will experience this season is the opening of their new stadium, Ford Field.
NFC South
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – The Bucs’ biggest superstar wears a headset and scowls incessantly (head coach John Gruden). Keyshawn Johnson needs to be utilized for this team to live up to expectations. Unfortunately, most of the focus will be on the impending quarterback controversy between Rob and Brad Johnson. Johnson and Johnson will offer their mediocre best, game for game, until a decision is finally made.
Atlanta Falcons – Look for second year QB Michael Vick to step into the spotlight this season, but not much else. The defense really needs to hold up; last year’s 24 ppg average must be pared to under 20 if the Falcons want to make a run at a playoff spot.
New Orleans Saints – If the Saints can keep their fans’ beer bottles off the field, and the helmets securely fastened on their player’s heads, an above .500 season and a playoff birth are possible. The defense was pitiful last season and must mimic the Rams defensive metamorphosis of a year ago to stay a contender.
Carolina Panthers – This team should be exciting to watch. New head coach John Fox brings in a New York attitude to a team with little to none. Julius Peppers will have a major role, even though he is a still a greenhorn. It will take luck for this team to win more than 5 games but 1-15 will be a distant memory.
NFC West
St. Louis Rams – Little needs to be said about the world-class Rams. The “Greatest show on turf” should roll to another division crown on the moxy of superstars Marshall Faulk, Kurt Warner and Isaac Bruce. Look for 14 wins, an MVP, and a Super Bowl championship out of the gateway to the West.
San Francisco 49ers – The Niners proved that the glory days are back last season with an impressive 12-4 record. With so many juggernauts in the NFC last season the Niners did not even receive a home playoff game, ultimately leading to their demise. But Garcia and company will win 10+ and roll to another wild card berth, hoping for better luck this year.
Seattle Seahawks – The Hawks will win games this season, provided Trent Dilfer is taking the snaps. In Vinny Testaverde-like fashion, the QB everyone wants to get rid of somehow prevails on game-day even if the scoring is not as fluid as the Rams. RB Shaun Alexander is a fantasy stud, and will complement whoever is quarterbacking quite nicely.
Arizona Cardinals – One of the few perennial losers in the NFL, the Cardinals stand little to no chance in the NFC West. Four losses to St. Louis and the 49ers is more than just a possibility, it’s a virtual certainty. However, WR David Boston muscling over safeties should still provide enough reason for Phoenix fans to hold interest in something other than the D’backs.