The First Report is talking about the one and only Superbowl champs, who apparently have a good chance to repeat this year. I think they have even gotten better during the off-season.
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New England Patriots (Last season: 14-2, 1st)
Player to watch: Corey Dillon
Can New England's prize offseason acquisition dominate the way he did with the Cincinnati Bengals? Will he re-emerge as an elite running back? If he does, defenses will have an even harder time stopping the Patriots. Last season their offense was extremely effective even though it was one-dimensional. Now quarterback Tom Brady has a running attack. Brady excels because of his great decision making, especially in the big games. Dillon could make some of those decisions easier.
Burning question: Is there a Super Bowl jinx?
And if so, can the Patriots avoid it this season? The team's approach, from the front office and coaching staff to the players, makes me think that it won't be a big problem. Given that the Patriots have won two of the last three Super Bowls, the newness to success shouldn't be as big of an issue. And they didn't lose a lot of players this offseason, a rare thing for a defending champion.
Bottom line:
The Patriots are the favorites based on coaching, talent and how well they play as a team. Football is the ultimate team sport, and New England has set the standard.
As long as they return this season with the same amount of drive and intensity, they are the team to beat.
Player to watch: Corey Dillon
Can New England's prize offseason acquisition dominate the way he did with the Cincinnati Bengals? Will he re-emerge as an elite running back? If he does, defenses will have an even harder time stopping the Patriots. Last season their offense was extremely effective even though it was one-dimensional. Now quarterback Tom Brady has a running attack. Brady excels because of his great decision making, especially in the big games. Dillon could make some of those decisions easier.
Burning question: Is there a Super Bowl jinx?
And if so, can the Patriots avoid it this season? The team's approach, from the front office and coaching staff to the players, makes me think that it won't be a big problem. Given that the Patriots have won two of the last three Super Bowls, the newness to success shouldn't be as big of an issue. And they didn't lose a lot of players this offseason, a rare thing for a defending champion.
Bottom line:
The Patriots are the favorites based on coaching, talent and how well they play as a team. Football is the ultimate team sport, and New England has set the standard.
As long as they return this season with the same amount of drive and intensity, they are the team to beat.
This second team report is for the Carolina Panthers who were the NFC champions last year. 'Jroc Weeps' They beat St. Louis in overtime!
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Carolina Panthers (Last season: 11-5, 1st)
Player to watch: DeShaun Foster
After a successful playoff run last season, the Panthers have figured out what it takes for them to win – a dominant front four on defense and an effective running game. With that in mind, backup running back Foster may play a key role.
Stephen Davis is the Panthers' No. 1, but he proved last season that he isn't going to stay healthy all year. Foster again will get his chance, and he needs to continue looking like a starter. If he can, quarterback Jake Delhomme will avoid added pressure, and the Panthers will stay in their proven system.
Burning question: Were the playoffs a fluke for Delhomme?
Can the Panthers rely on Delhomme to pull out games like he did last season down the stretch and in the playoffs? In my opinion, he is not a one-hit wonder. Delhomme is here to stay, and we should get used to him leading the Panthers.
Bottom line:
It's easy to duplicate success in the NFL when you run the football and play good defense. The Panthers have that formula. But Carolina won't sneak up on any teams this year after its run to the Super Bowl last season.
I see the Panthers maintaining the same position atop the NFC South. But the division might not look the same because their competition is much improved. The Buccaneers have rid themselves of off-the-field problems, and the Falcons have a healthy Vick.
Player to watch: DeShaun Foster
After a successful playoff run last season, the Panthers have figured out what it takes for them to win – a dominant front four on defense and an effective running game. With that in mind, backup running back Foster may play a key role.
Stephen Davis is the Panthers' No. 1, but he proved last season that he isn't going to stay healthy all year. Foster again will get his chance, and he needs to continue looking like a starter. If he can, quarterback Jake Delhomme will avoid added pressure, and the Panthers will stay in their proven system.
Burning question: Were the playoffs a fluke for Delhomme?
Can the Panthers rely on Delhomme to pull out games like he did last season down the stretch and in the playoffs? In my opinion, he is not a one-hit wonder. Delhomme is here to stay, and we should get used to him leading the Panthers.
Bottom line:
It's easy to duplicate success in the NFL when you run the football and play good defense. The Panthers have that formula. But Carolina won't sneak up on any teams this year after its run to the Super Bowl last season.
I see the Panthers maintaining the same position atop the NFC South. But the division might not look the same because their competition is much improved. The Buccaneers have rid themselves of off-the-field problems, and the Falcons have a healthy Vick.
I sure hope Falcons do well this year with Vick healthy.
The Bears have defenitly improved...
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Chicago Bears (Last season: 7-9, 3rd)
Players to watch: Rex Grossman and Brian Urlacher
Grossman takes over the offense in Chicago, and the verdict is still out regarding whether he can be an effective starter in the NFL. He lacks the size and physical skills that we are accustomed to seeing, but coach Lovie Smith is ready to go with him.
Defensive leader Brian Urlacher missed some of training camp but should be ready to start the season. But how effective will he be? The four-time Pro Bowler is the anchor of that defense, and the Bears need him at full strength. Newly acquired Adewale Ogunleye and Chicago's defensive draft picks will play a big role this season.
Burning question: Does Smith have the tools?
Can coach Smith's defensive scheme bring the same type of punch that it did in Tampa Bay and St. Louis? Players love a coach who has a pedigree that they can grab a hold of, and the Bears really like Smith's enthusiasm, especially in the dog days of summer when it is tough to get through those practices.
Bottom line:
Besides hiring Smith and trading with Miami for Ogunleye, the Bears didn't make any significant moves that will make them competitive in the NFC North. There still are question marks with Grossman that will have to be ironed out over the course of the season. They are moving in the right direction under Smith, but this is a tough division to move up in.
Players to watch: Rex Grossman and Brian Urlacher
Grossman takes over the offense in Chicago, and the verdict is still out regarding whether he can be an effective starter in the NFL. He lacks the size and physical skills that we are accustomed to seeing, but coach Lovie Smith is ready to go with him.
Defensive leader Brian Urlacher missed some of training camp but should be ready to start the season. But how effective will he be? The four-time Pro Bowler is the anchor of that defense, and the Bears need him at full strength. Newly acquired Adewale Ogunleye and Chicago's defensive draft picks will play a big role this season.
Burning question: Does Smith have the tools?
Can coach Smith's defensive scheme bring the same type of punch that it did in Tampa Bay and St. Louis? Players love a coach who has a pedigree that they can grab a hold of, and the Bears really like Smith's enthusiasm, especially in the dog days of summer when it is tough to get through those practices.
Bottom line:
Besides hiring Smith and trading with Miami for Ogunleye, the Bears didn't make any significant moves that will make them competitive in the NFC North. There still are question marks with Grossman that will have to be ironed out over the course of the season. They are moving in the right direction under Smith, but this is a tough division to move up in.
The next two teams are competing in the best division out there. The two QB's were co MVP's. Yea I am talking about the Colts and the Titans!
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Indianapolis Colts (Last season: 12-4, t-1st)
Players to watch: Secondary
Over the past couple of seasons, the Colts' defense hasn't created enough turnovers and has been victimized by big plays. The pressure now falls on a combination of cornerback Donald Strickland and safety Mike Doss. Can these guys slow other teams down? We know what the Colts have on the offensive side of the football. But can these two solidify a unit and keep their opponents in check?
Burning question: Can Peyton Manning win a Super Bowl?
That will always be the question as long as he is the quarterback of the Colts. The fans like to knock him for not being able to win the big game. But I know it is the people around him who ultimately will determine this. Can the cast of players around Manning play well and allow him to carry the Colts to a title?
Bottom line:
The Colts were in a tough position this offseason, but they did a lot with limited room under the cap. They lost a couple of key players – most notably Marcus Robinson – but put their confidence in Manning and kept the free-agency losses to a minimum.
The Colts may not be able to duplicate their run of last year, but Manning and the high-powered offense should be able to return to the top of the AFC South.
Players to watch: Secondary
Over the past couple of seasons, the Colts' defense hasn't created enough turnovers and has been victimized by big plays. The pressure now falls on a combination of cornerback Donald Strickland and safety Mike Doss. Can these guys slow other teams down? We know what the Colts have on the offensive side of the football. But can these two solidify a unit and keep their opponents in check?
Burning question: Can Peyton Manning win a Super Bowl?
That will always be the question as long as he is the quarterback of the Colts. The fans like to knock him for not being able to win the big game. But I know it is the people around him who ultimately will determine this. Can the cast of players around Manning play well and allow him to carry the Colts to a title?
Bottom line:
The Colts were in a tough position this offseason, but they did a lot with limited room under the cap. They lost a couple of key players – most notably Marcus Robinson – but put their confidence in Manning and kept the free-agency losses to a minimum.
The Colts may not be able to duplicate their run of last year, but Manning and the high-powered offense should be able to return to the top of the AFC South.
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Tennessee Titans (Last season: 12-4, t-1st)
Player to watch: Chris Brown
With the late departure of Eddie George, can Brown give them the run productivity that the Titans need and are accustomed to? Tennessee needs opponents to respect its running threat in order for quarterback Steve McNair to continue excelling with a play-action passing attack.
Burning question: Are the Titans rebuilding?
McNair still is at the top of his game and is back to defend his MVP title. But the Titans lost a bunch of talent in the offseason, most notably Jevon Kearse, Eddie George and members of the defensive line. As he continues to lose key personnel each year, it is becoming more and more difficult for coach Jeff Fisher to reload and continue to win.
Bottom line:
The Titans have gotten older over the past couple of years and have some holes to fill, especially on defense. And this has been a team that is accustomed to winning with defense. That said, McNair remains one of the top three quarterbacks in the NFL, and he gives the Titans a chance to win nine or 10 games if he stays healthy. Much of this season will depend on his supporting cast.
Player to watch: Chris Brown
With the late departure of Eddie George, can Brown give them the run productivity that the Titans need and are accustomed to? Tennessee needs opponents to respect its running threat in order for quarterback Steve McNair to continue excelling with a play-action passing attack.
Burning question: Are the Titans rebuilding?
McNair still is at the top of his game and is back to defend his MVP title. But the Titans lost a bunch of talent in the offseason, most notably Jevon Kearse, Eddie George and members of the defensive line. As he continues to lose key personnel each year, it is becoming more and more difficult for coach Jeff Fisher to reload and continue to win.
Bottom line:
The Titans have gotten older over the past couple of years and have some holes to fill, especially on defense. And this has been a team that is accustomed to winning with defense. That said, McNair remains one of the top three quarterbacks in the NFL, and he gives the Titans a chance to win nine or 10 games if he stays healthy. Much of this season will depend on his supporting cast.
There are plenty more reports, if you want to check them out go to http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=cc-afcsouthpreview&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
I didnt choose these teams from the ones I like, I chose them from the ones that I thought were the most interesting reports. All I have to say is GO RAMS!!!
J to the R O C
