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Preseason NFC Team Reports Here is a summary and a key aquisition/loss for each team.
NFC East 1. Philadelphia Eagles- The Eagles have been consistently getting into the postseason and consistently losing in it also. This is mostly on account of the offense. This year they have a more experienced set of WR and we predict RB Duce Staley will have a pretty good year, meaning the eagles have a good chance to make it far into the playoffs and landing them the #1 spot. Key aquisition: Blaine Bishop Key Loss: Jeremiah Trotter 2. Washington Redskins- The Redskins have added some good defensive players in Trotter, Armstead, and Wynn to an already solid defense. The addition of Spurrier as their coach, bringing with him a high flying style from Florida, should regenerate an offense that looked very sluggish at times last year. They have a great RB in Stephen Davis that they can rely on and also an up and coming WR in Gardner. We feel that Spurrier will fufill his claims that he can make the Redskins win, earning them #2 in the NFC east. Key Aquisition: Jeremiah Trotter Key Loss: Kenard Lang 3. Dallas Cowboys- The Cowboys have made alot of defensive moves and could turn out to have one of the better defenses. They picked up Glover, Westbrook, and Hardy on top of an already talented defense. The problem still remains on the offense and hasn't been solved yet. Due to the lack of offense and the denfense probably getting overworked, we have to put them below the redskins, although we will say they could be a sleeper if the offense can help out a little just as the ravens did a few years ago. Key Aquisition: La'Roi Glover Key Loss: George Teague 4. New York Giants- WOW... This is a mess. I dont even know where to start. They completely diminished there ability to run the ball by getting rid of three of their O-lineman and their starting fullback. They also lost WR Jurevicius, S Garnes, and Armstead. This team is a mess altogether and I personally don't feel like typing about them. LAST. Key Aquisition: Jeremy Shockey Key Loss: Armstead ______________
NFC North 1.Chicago Bears-The Chicago Bears were one of the league's top teams last year, mainly for two reasons. Anthony Thomas Defense Look for more of the same this year. Anthony Thomas should have a big year, and the rest of the offense should give them just enough to come out ahead. Their defense gives them the edge on the Vikings and Packers. Key Aquisition-Chris Chandler Key Loss-Blake Brockermeyer 2. Green Bay Packers-The Green Bay Packers have a good shot at winning this division, however, we couldn't give them the nod over the Bears because of one thing:Wide Receivers. Most people will agree with you if you were to say Glenn is going to have a good year, especially with Favre at the helm. But what else is there? It was always Antonio Freeman/Bill Schroeder. There is a group of players eyeing the two spot, but none of them look particularly dangerous. If Green, Favre, and Glenn are the only players on this offense to have a good year, they still have a good chance at the playoffs. Key Aquisitions-Terry Glenn, Joe Johnson Key Loss-Antonio Freeman 3. Minnesota Vikings-The Minnesota Vikings have one of the most talented group of players in the NFL. They have Daunte Culpepper at quarterback, Michael Bennett at tailback, and Randy Moss at wide receiver. All three of these players could have career years, especially Moss, who is going to be getting fourty percent of the passes. Expect big offensive numbers from this horrible defensive team who will be playing from behind. Key Aquisition-Derrick Alexander Key Loss-Cris Carter 4. Detroit Lions-Detroit is coming off what was one of the most embarassing seasons in NFL history. Many people were surprised they even got one victory. They spent a lot of money in the offseason, yet they hardly even began to improve themselves into a playoff contender. They picked up quarterback of the future Joey Harrington, but who knows if and when he can live up to the hype. They'll have Stewart to start the season at RB, but could get replaced with a younger back as the season progresses. They also added receivers Bill Schroeder and Hakim, but neither has much potential. Key Aquisition-Joey Harrington Key Loss-Johnnie Morton _____________
NFC South 1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Expect John Gruden to install a similar system in Tampa as he had in his previous coaching years in Oakland. This means they will use a group of running backs, instead of focusing in on one feature back. Michael Pittman could rack up the yards, but Michael Alstott will get the carries in the red zone. Brad Johnson is the #1 starter at the beginning of training camp, but either Rob Johnson or Shaun King could win the starting role. Keyshawn Johnson and Keenan McCardell could both put up big numbers, also. Expect the Bucs to take advantage of this weak division and make the playoffs. Key Aquisitions-Keenan McCardell, Michael Pittman Key Losses-Warrick Dunn, Donnie Abraham 2. New Orleans Saints- Obviously, the most significant move by the Saints was the trading of Ricky Williams. They lost a top RB and are now relying on a guy with little experience and a history of injuries in college. They also added Dale Carter to help strengthen a decent defense. Dante Stallworth was drafted and could make the same impact as say a Chris Chambers made for the 'phins last year. The Saints are a stellar team that is in a weak division and they are just barely behind the bucs. Key Aquisitions: Dale Carter, Dante Stallworth Key Loss: Ricky Williams 3. Atlanta Falcons- The Falcons made two meaningful offensive moves in the signings of RB Warrick Dunn and Willie Jackson. Dunn won't be any better than a good third down back and will probably end up sharing time with the rookie Duckett. On the other hand, Willie Jackson could be an above average WR fantasy-wise and has a very athletic QB Vick throwing to him. On defense, the Falcons made really no important moves and defense could be their problem this year. Falcons could be a team to watch next year, but this year they should make some noise, nothing to land them higher than the bucs or saints though. Key Aquisitions: Warrick Dunn, Willie Jackson Key Loss: Jamal Anderson 4. Carolina Panthers- First off, the RB situation. Lamar Smith was picked up in the offseason and is expected to start, BUT Deshaun Foster was drafted and has much more potential,skill, and ability. Smith has nothing left to give and Foster should have the job no later than half way through the season, if he doesn't win it in trainging camp. On defense, the Panthers picked up Julius Peppers with their first pick and he could be a difference maker. The Panthers basically have no chance to do anything this year with their main assets being rookies.... this team won't be a contender this year. Key Aquisitions: Deshaun Foster, Julius Peppers Key Loss: Donald Hayes
NFC West 1. St. Louis Rams- Ok, the Rams didnt do so well in the offseason, but it doesn't matter, they are still #1, although the 49ers could give them a run for their money as they did last year. The only loss on offense was Az Hakim and,well, he shouldn't be missed. They picked up Terrance Wilkins who can do the same things for cheaper. The main offensive core is still in place and ready to go. On defense, Fletcher is gone and no other big moves were made. Depsite a slow offseason, the team is still #1 and there's no dispute. Key Aquisition: Terrance Wilkins Key Loss: London Fletcher 2. San Fransisco 49ers- The 49ers didn't do much in the offseason besides the drafting of CB Mike Rumph and the loss of Shulters. They have a great offense lead by Garcia and Owens and you may see the emergence of Kevin Barlow, along with Garrison Hearst. The 49ers defense was very young last year, but suprisingly good. They should have a better Defense this year with more experience, which inches them closer and closer to the Rams.... The 49ers are an elite team that should be better. Key Aquisition: Mike Rumph Key Loss: Lance Shulters 3. Seattle Seahawks- The Seahawks are a very talented team that was placed in the worst division possible. They picked up TE Stevens in the draft and he could make an istant impact, however, tight ends don't win championships. The offense has very good talent in Alexander, D. Jackson, and K Robinson, but a low end QB. They picked up CD Doug Evans on defense and not much else. Like I said, they were placed in the most talented division and basically got screwed. This team would be a #2 in most other divisions. Key Aquisition: Jerramy Stevens Key Loss: Ricky Watters 4. Arizona Cardinals- The Cardinals had a very good offseason with pickups such as Duane Starks and Freddie Jones. The Cards have a good offense, but not enough fire power. The star is David Boston, no doubt, but after him, there isn't much, and even Boston isn't a sure bet with knee tendinitis bothering him. Thomas Jones is now the feature RB and could make a difference. Freddie Jones is a great TE and could easily help out Boston from double teams and such. The Cards defense is looking ok with the additions of CB Starks from BAL, and Bryant from the draft. This team could be a force next year. Key Aquisitions: Duane Starks, Freddie Jones, Wendell Bryant Key Loss: Michael Pittman