As NFL training camps get ready to open up, protagonists are plentiful, but no one will really know this year’s Super Bowl champion will be. There are many possibilities; including three to four teams and another 3-4 other teams who could pull off a stunning playoff run.
Last year provided some intense moments, record breaking performances and an unlikely NFL champion in the New York Giants. With several teams fielding almost identical rosters from last year, it will be interesting to see how this year’s 2008-09 NFL Football Season develops.
Looking for the NFC Contenders are New York Giants- this team is an automatic choice since they are last year’s Super Bowl champs. New York Giants lost Michael Strahan to retirement, but Eli Manning’s confidence should be through the roof and the offense is virtually the same as last year. If the running backs can stay healthy and the defense can survive without Michael Strahan the Giants will be in the mix late in the season.
They will be followed by Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys have Tony Romo and has another year of experience and is primed for a better season. Terrell Owens is a monster receiver. With the recent signing of Adam “Pacman” Jones is risky as well, considering he’s not been reinstated to play this season, but if he is allowed to play, the defense should be outstanding.
Not far behind is the Philadelphia Eagles. This year they would probably say another NFC East team - another contender. The Eagles have a strong offense and defense; much like the Giants. When healthy, they can compete with anyone. If Donovan McNabb can stay on the field all season, Philadelphia will make the playoffs and be in good position for the playoffs.
Running in fourth is the Minnesota Vikings. There has been a lot of chatter lately about the Minnesota Vikings coming on. While they look like they have formed a good young nucleus to build on, they also look like they are still an NFL season or two away from being a Superbowl caliber team. More experience at the quarterback position will put them a lot closer to that goal and be a much better bet to win the Superbowl.
The Minnesota Vikings are taking a vacation in 2008. Their destination: the top of the NFL. It should be a lot of fun. It’s a place they used to travel to fairly often; they maybe even had family over there. But they haven’t been back since 2000 (the last time they posted a double-digit win total).
They’re just getting set to leave. It will be good for them to get away. In recent years, the Vikings have stayed busy at home, bickering with the local government about a new stadium (have you seen the Metrodome? It’s a dump), putting out PR fires (remember the Love Boat scandal? Or the way the Randy Moss/Daunte Culpepper era ended?), and changing coaching staffs (Brad Childress replaced Mike Tice three years ago).
The Vikings pondered the idea of taking a trip last season but ultimately decided that they couldn’t get away (they were 8-6 but lost their last two and missed the postseason). Things have not completely eased up at home––they’re still haggling with the Twin Cities about a new stadium, despite being the lowest revenue-producing franchise in the NFL. And they’ve had an off-the-field problem or two––mainly left tackle Bryant McKinnie. But they feel good enough to sojourn out in 2008.
On the other side of the fence- the AFC Contenders
First of are the New England Patriots. After finishing the regular season undefeated and reaching the Super Bowl, only to lose to New York, the Patriots will be out for blood in 08-09. Randy Moss is on board, Tom Brady is still there and they still have their asshole coach, so you know they will perform well all season. Less focus will be paid this year on finishing with a “perfect record”, but they may still have one when all things are said and done.
Also the team to look out in this AFC Division is the Indianapolis Colts. Extremely strong & well-coached teams, the Colts are serious contenders for the NFL championship as well. With Peyton Manning at the helm and Tony Dungy on the sidelines, this team can beat anybody and could also challenge the Patriots for a perfect regular season record. They will have to figure out how to beat the Patriots and face extremely competitive challenges from the Jaguars, Chargers and/or Steelers if they want to try for their 2nd championship in the last 3 years.
The San Diego Chargers are also expected to make some noise in this year’s 2008-09 NFL Football. With LaDainian Tomlinson - One player who could almost single-handedly put his team in the playoffs. Add Phillip Rivers, add another year of experience, a decent wide receiving core and a solid defense, and you have a contender.
Next up are the Pittsburgh Steelers. Big Ben and Co. will be seeking their 2nd championship this decade, featuring a lineup of Willie Parker, Hines Ward and Troy Polamalu. This team is explosive on offense, controls the clock well and punishes the opposition on defense. To be a serious contender, the Steelers will need to average at least 20-22 points per game - their defense will handle the rest.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are just going to have to win a Super Bowl. That’s the only way they’ll get people to like them. Nothing else seems to be working. The Jaguars made good use of the $30-plus million they had in cap space. They spent a lot of that money on locking up David Garrard. Then, they bought Garrard some receivers. Porter is an alright addition. His attitude is questionable, but he’s better than anyone they’ve had here since Jimmy Smith. Trading for Williamson shows wishful thinking, though Jacksonville only gave up a sixth-round pick to get him. Lemon is an upgrade over Gray, and Florence is an improvement over Cousin. It was a big move to trade Stroud––symbolic if nothing else. Naeole was let go because of injury. Knight hasn’t slowed down as much as they think, but they can live without him.
Super Bowl Preview
I see the Patriots vs. the Cowboys in the championship game, with the Cowboys taking it.
Last year provided some intense moments, record breaking performances and an unlikely NFL champion in the New York Giants. With several teams fielding almost identical rosters from last year, it will be interesting to see how this year’s 2008-09 NFL Football Season develops.
Looking for the NFC Contenders are New York Giants- this team is an automatic choice since they are last year’s Super Bowl champs. New York Giants lost Michael Strahan to retirement, but Eli Manning’s confidence should be through the roof and the offense is virtually the same as last year. If the running backs can stay healthy and the defense can survive without Michael Strahan the Giants will be in the mix late in the season.
They will be followed by Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys have Tony Romo and has another year of experience and is primed for a better season. Terrell Owens is a monster receiver. With the recent signing of Adam “Pacman” Jones is risky as well, considering he’s not been reinstated to play this season, but if he is allowed to play, the defense should be outstanding.
Not far behind is the Philadelphia Eagles. This year they would probably say another NFC East team - another contender. The Eagles have a strong offense and defense; much like the Giants. When healthy, they can compete with anyone. If Donovan McNabb can stay on the field all season, Philadelphia will make the playoffs and be in good position for the playoffs.
Running in fourth is the Minnesota Vikings. There has been a lot of chatter lately about the Minnesota Vikings coming on. While they look like they have formed a good young nucleus to build on, they also look like they are still an NFL season or two away from being a Superbowl caliber team. More experience at the quarterback position will put them a lot closer to that goal and be a much better bet to win the Superbowl.
The Minnesota Vikings are taking a vacation in 2008. Their destination: the top of the NFL. It should be a lot of fun. It’s a place they used to travel to fairly often; they maybe even had family over there. But they haven’t been back since 2000 (the last time they posted a double-digit win total).
They’re just getting set to leave. It will be good for them to get away. In recent years, the Vikings have stayed busy at home, bickering with the local government about a new stadium (have you seen the Metrodome? It’s a dump), putting out PR fires (remember the Love Boat scandal? Or the way the Randy Moss/Daunte Culpepper era ended?), and changing coaching staffs (Brad Childress replaced Mike Tice three years ago).
The Vikings pondered the idea of taking a trip last season but ultimately decided that they couldn’t get away (they were 8-6 but lost their last two and missed the postseason). Things have not completely eased up at home––they’re still haggling with the Twin Cities about a new stadium, despite being the lowest revenue-producing franchise in the NFL. And they’ve had an off-the-field problem or two––mainly left tackle Bryant McKinnie. But they feel good enough to sojourn out in 2008.
On the other side of the fence- the AFC Contenders
First of are the New England Patriots. After finishing the regular season undefeated and reaching the Super Bowl, only to lose to New York, the Patriots will be out for blood in 08-09. Randy Moss is on board, Tom Brady is still there and they still have their asshole coach, so you know they will perform well all season. Less focus will be paid this year on finishing with a “perfect record”, but they may still have one when all things are said and done.
Also the team to look out in this AFC Division is the Indianapolis Colts. Extremely strong & well-coached teams, the Colts are serious contenders for the NFL championship as well. With Peyton Manning at the helm and Tony Dungy on the sidelines, this team can beat anybody and could also challenge the Patriots for a perfect regular season record. They will have to figure out how to beat the Patriots and face extremely competitive challenges from the Jaguars, Chargers and/or Steelers if they want to try for their 2nd championship in the last 3 years.
The San Diego Chargers are also expected to make some noise in this year’s 2008-09 NFL Football. With LaDainian Tomlinson - One player who could almost single-handedly put his team in the playoffs. Add Phillip Rivers, add another year of experience, a decent wide receiving core and a solid defense, and you have a contender.
Next up are the Pittsburgh Steelers. Big Ben and Co. will be seeking their 2nd championship this decade, featuring a lineup of Willie Parker, Hines Ward and Troy Polamalu. This team is explosive on offense, controls the clock well and punishes the opposition on defense. To be a serious contender, the Steelers will need to average at least 20-22 points per game - their defense will handle the rest.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are just going to have to win a Super Bowl. That’s the only way they’ll get people to like them. Nothing else seems to be working. The Jaguars made good use of the $30-plus million they had in cap space. They spent a lot of that money on locking up David Garrard. Then, they bought Garrard some receivers. Porter is an alright addition. His attitude is questionable, but he’s better than anyone they’ve had here since Jimmy Smith. Trading for Williamson shows wishful thinking, though Jacksonville only gave up a sixth-round pick to get him. Lemon is an upgrade over Gray, and Florence is an improvement over Cousin. It was a big move to trade Stroud––symbolic if nothing else. Naeole was let go because of injury. Knight hasn’t slowed down as much as they think, but they can live without him.
Super Bowl Preview
I see the Patriots vs. the Cowboys in the championship game, with the Cowboys taking it.