NFL Season 2003 -Breakdown

[Senor Capper]

AFC East

This is probably one of the stonger divisions in football. All four teams could make a run at post-season play.
The big question in thie division is can Junior Seau really lead this Miami team to the promise land?
Are all the additions Buffalo made on the defensive side of the ball going to be enough to win more games in '03?
Do the Jets have enough left after the Redskins invaded to contend in '03?

Some feel New England is going to win this division and make another Super Bowl run. Not I.

1. Miami Dolphins ( 10-6 ):
Much like the Steelers, the Fins now realize that in today's game you can't rely exclusively on the running game to get to the Super Bowl. Jay Fielder should start the season as the Dolphins QB, but that could very easily be taken away by former Bronco Brian Griese. You would think Miami would make the change right away. If the Dolphins decided to go the route the Ravens did 3 years ago, then Fielder must be that ball control dont turn the ball over type of QB. Ravens are really the only team in the NFL to ever pull that off, and we all know that even with an aging Junior Seau this defense is not as good as the Ravens Super Bowl Champion defense was. The best route for Miami is to enter Griese into the offense and let Ricky be Ricky. Many think that unpolished Derrius Thompson is going to blossom into a great receiver in Miami, but once again I think that can only happen if they make that change at QB.

Key to their season - last 4 games - @ NE, Philly, @ Buffalo, NY Jets.

2. Buffalo Bills ( 9-7 ):
Buffalo went out and did what they needed to do this offseason signing guys like Takeo Spikes and Sam Adams on the defensive side of the ball. All this team needed most of the season last year was a little bit of defense and for Travis Henry to hold onto the ball better, especially in the second half of the season. The loss of Peerless Price is a key one indeed, and the big question in Buffalo is can Josh Reed fill his shoes? Reed isn't as quick or as precise a route-runner as Price but he has much more solid bulid and once he gets the ball, he moves like a running back. The biggest thing for Reed to do is get that great chemistry with Bledsoe that Drew and Price had last season. If that happens the Bills will be in business on the offensive side of the ball. Expect nothing from Willis McGahee this season, its Travis Henry's job and take away some fumbles last season there would be reason to think otherwise.

Key to their season - Defense staying healthy.

3. New England Patriots ( 9-7 ):
Sure Roosevelt Colvin makes them a little bit better but honestly whats this talk of this team being a Super Bowl contender? Sure, Tom Brady has great poise, leadership, and a Super Bowl ring. Not to mention how well he spreads the ball around and has the full confidence of his teammates but is whats around him enough? New England will be a good team, dont get me wrong, but there in a division in which 3-3 would be successfull. Rookie Daniel Graham should assisst Brady quiet well. Graham has skills worthy of comparsion to a young Shannon Sharpe. I think the downfall for this team will be the running game. Lets face it Antowain Smith is not great NFL running back. And as we all know you have to be able to run the ball in this league to win week-in week-out.

Key to their season - first 4 games - @ Buffalo, @ Philly, NY Jets, @ Washington.

4. New York Jets ( 8-8 ):
After Washinton invaded and took away key player after key player from New York, the question is can they rebound and can some of there guys become No. 1's? The biggest question is can Santana Moss become a number 1 receiver? Well, he better! Its now or never for Moss. His has much upside, which are that he can flat out fly and in the playoffs last year he was there best receiver. Oh yeah that Chad Pennington guy may help him a little too. Pennington is here for years to come. Pennington may be the best QB in the NFL for years to come. He is the smartest QB to come around in a very long time, not to mention he is accurate and reads defensives like no other. Expect big things out of Chad. Depth at running back with also help aid the Jets this year. Lamont Jordan and Curtis Martin could be a very nasty two-headed beast at the running back slot in New York. The Jets are going to have to run the ball well and pressure the quarterback well if they want to do any better than 8-8 this season.

Key to their season - opening night against Washington, how flat could this team fall if they go into Washington and get beat around by thier own guys?

AFC North

This division is not bad, nor is it very good. Questions that surface in the North are,
Can Baltimore play that ball control offense again with Jamal Lewis back in the line-up?
Is Carson Palmer really that good?
The Browns seem to be on the rise but can they keep it up with a tougher '03 scheldule?
Pittsburgh is the front runner but can Tommy Maddox do it for an entire season and is Amos Zereoue good enough to make a team a winner in the NFL?

1. Pittsburgh Steelers ( 9-7 ):
Well Pittsburgh did one thing right this off-season, they got rid of that bum Kordell Stewart. Now that he is gone they can focus on winning in Pittsburgh. If they ever thought they were gonna win with Stewart then they might as well close up shop. Although I dont buy Tommy Maddox just yet. As for the running back spot, your gonna hear a lot of noise about how Jerome Bettis is in the best shape of his career and is primed for a big year in 2003, don't buy it. His days are over and Famous Amos is the new guy in town. Zereoue is a shifty runner with slowly developing power which is what Pittsburgh has stated they want and like in a running back these days.

Key to their season - weeks 1 and 17. both against the Ravens. Telling tail sometimes the way a season starts and ends for teams.

2. Cleveland Browns ( 8-8 ):
Last season the Browns started with a helmet toss. They ended it with a collapse. The question is can that team we saw in the middle of the regular season show up again? There was a William Green emergence as a top power back, which was best shown by his 178 yard, 2 touchdown performance in week 17 against the Falcons. The biggest off-season move for the Browns was the addition of C Jeff Faine, who may hold that line down in Cleveland for years to come. Quarterback controsery swirls around in Cleveland these days. Tim Couch showed signs last year of being the quarterback the Browns have been waiting for, as soon as that occured around came Kelly Holcomb who seems to be riding the wings of the Browns fans these days. The biggest thing for the Browns to click this year is picking a QB and staying with him. Also Kevin Johnson returning to form. Johnson's numbers last season where down quiet a bit from a year ago when he caught for over 1050 yards and 9 scores.

Key to their season - settling the QB controversy.

3. Baltimore Ravens ( 8-8 ):
The Ravens entered the '02 season a much younger and cheaper team than the one that won them a championship. Although it was an overhaul in Baltimore these team is still based around ball control offense, great turnover ratio, and a solid defense this team is still not even close to as good as that one that pounded the Giants a few years ago. That being said, this is still a decent team. Jamal Lewis coming back is just huge for this offense, lets not take anything away from all-pro tight end Todd Heap thou. Takes a ton of pressure off of young QB Chris Redman. If Lewis can control the clock and Redman can throw few INT's this team can very well contend in the below average AFC North. The Ravens switched from a 4-3 to a 3-4 defense last season, mainly because they lacked the bulk and numbers along the defensive line. Although the players that jumped into this new scheme where very productive.

Key to their season - Jamal Lewis.

4. Cincinnati Bengals ( 4-12 ):
Wanna know how bad it was in Cincinnati last season? Well they lost a franchise high 14 games, an internet petition was started to demand Mike Brown give up control of the team which collected over 13,000 signatures, Livid over his team's play in the first half of a home game, then Bengals LB Takeo Spikes blasted his teammates for their lack of effort. The Bengals went on to allow a opening run back for a touchdown to start the 2nd half. Must I even mention that they gave up more points then any team in the league. Wait there is good in Cincinati, well one thing, Corey Dillon. Dillon is a class act and a very solid running back. The big question surfacing this team would be is Carson Palmer the answer? While Jon Kitna will start the season in Cincinnati the question would is how soon will Palmer see his playing days with Cincinnati? Marvin Lewis likely will run a Baltimore Ravens type offense which many think Jon Kitna is perfect for. The big question is can this defense allow him to do that, the answer to that is a strong no.

Key to their season - First 3 games - Denver, @ Oakland, Pittsbugh.

 

[Senor Capper]

AFC South

This division is much like the North, where as its not good nor is it bad. Key questions to be answered in this division are the following.
Can the Colts comeback after a disappointing '02 campaign and a bitter exit from the playoffs?
What ever happen to Tennessee and is Steve McNair healthy? Is it time to let go of Mark Brunell in Jacksonville and start fresh with Byron Leftwich?
How much of an improvement can the Texans make with Andre Johnson and David Carr having a year under their belt?

1. Indianapolis Colts ( 9-7 ):
Cut another notch in the Tony Dungy belt and his Cover-2 defense. The Colts, an awful defensive team in '01 hired Dungy as head coach after that season to turn things around. The colts went from near the bottom of the NFL in defense to No. 8 overall last season. The big thing with Indy is can they turn around after being trounced by the Jets 41-0 in the playoffs last season. Peyton Manning was once again horrible in the big game and he remains the high talk of the critics in Indy. Although the defense improved the Colts have the best WR in the NFL today. Marvin Harrison caught 143 balls, while Manning tossed 27 TD's. Those two are considered by many the best at there positions. With all that said why are the Colts just a 9-7 type team these days? The biggest problem last season was the loss of Edgerrin James, not so much his running but his catchs out of the backfield. Dominic Rhodes is not the reciever that James is and the Colts really missed that threat.

Key to their season - Edgerrin James and stopping the run

2. Tennessee Titans ( 8-8 ):
Wanna talk about a comeback, the Titans lost four of their first five games and came back to go 11-5 and win the AFC South. The big thing for Tennessee is Steve McNair, his throw back mentality and years of experience make him one of the leagus finest leaders. If McNair is lost for any extended period of time, the Titans could really struggle. Backup Billy Volek has three more career NFL pass attemots than you reading this. Eddie George seems to be winding down too. George rused for 1165 yards last season, but only gained 3.4 yards per carry. They must have him be a little more productive these season to get defenses off McNair's back. Derrick Mason is a game-breaker waiting to exhale. He may have a big season but once again it depends on McNair's health and George's production. With DE Jevon Kearse out for much of the season with a broken foot, Kevin Carter had to step up his game. He did. If Kearse can stay healthy this season, the Titans could finally see the dividends they expected when they traded for Carter two seasons ago.

Key to their season - Steve McNair's Health

3. Jacksonville Jaguars ( 5-11 ):
Its a new start in Jacksonvillem where new head coach Jack Del Rio is charged with injecting some life back into the Jaguars. Its all but known that QB Mark Brunell will be released or traded after this season, leaving the helm to young stud Byron Leftwich. Fred Taylor is once again in a contract year and if he can somehow stay healthy could put up huge numbers, especially with Stacey Mack gone to Houston. Jimmy Smith is a great target for anybody to throw too but had some injury problems of his own last season. The Jaguars got young and big on the offensive line with Mike Pearson and Maurice Williams. The signing of Hugh Douglas was huge for there defense and there pass rush. Could be an interesting season in Jacksonville, they know they are a year away from the fresh start they want with Leftwich so how much is this team going to care?

Key to their season - Jack Del Rio

4. Houston Texans ( 4-12 ):
Year one in a glance. The defense was pesky and productive, and kept team is most games. The Texans shocked Dallas in week one, sending Dallas in a tailspin they never pulled out of. They beat the Giants and Steelers, both playoff teams. Carr flashed that talent that made him the No.1 overall pick in the draft when he was able to stay on his feet, Carr was sacked an NFL record 76 times but not once did he flinch. Not too bad huh? Houston has to protect Carr more for two things to happen. If they wanna win more than four games year, and for Carr to have a career in Houston more than five years long. Rookie Andre Johnson will be asked to move in and make things happen, which he can, but Carr must have the time to get the ball to him. Tight end Billy Miller was a bright spot for the Texans too, Miller emerged mid-season last year as one of the better catching TE's in the NFL. Aaron Glenn anchors a pesky defense that will continue to come at you play after play.

Key to their season - offensive line

AFC West

Western division is the strongest in the AFC. All four teams are possible playoff teams. Just a few questions each team needs to attack before we kick-off the season.
Can San Diego rebound from the bad 2nd half they had?
Will father time catch up with the Raiders?
If there life with Jake in Denver?
Does Kansas City have enough on the defensive side of the ball to contend in this strong division?

1. Kansas City Chiefs ( 10-6 ):
Kansas City's two biggest Chiefs - Dick Vermeil and Priest Holmes - will be men to watch in 2003. In is possible this is Vermeil's last season as Kansas City's coach, and Holmes is coming off hip surgery that ended Bo Jackson's career. This team must have Holmes in place and running wild in order for them to have a winning season. The defense was dead last in yards against last season. Although it should be improved with the additions of Shawn Barber and Vonnie Holliday. Trent Green had a solid season in '02. He threw 28 TD passes and looked much more comfortable in the system. The offensive line may be one of the best in the NFL, which allows Holmes to run wild.

Key to their season - Priest Holmes health.
Simply put...He stays heathly all season, they win the division.

2. San Diego Chargers ( 9-7 ):
This team is up and coming fast. LaDainian Tomlinson is one of the leagues brightest backs. He is one of the most explosive and quick backs in the game, and he is just begining to realize his potential. His top-notch vision and ball control make some people compare him to a young and faster Emmitt Smith. The addition of David Boston is huge for San Diego's success. Drew Brees is going to come into his own this year and now has a deep big target in Boston to throw to. Although the knee injury Boston had last year is a concern in San Diego he still adds the threat that lacked last year. The defense is great in San Diego although it slipped a little down the strech last season. The linebackers are now in control of Donnie Edwards that Seau is gone. Think the loss of Seau is going to hurt this team? Think again, he was slowly going down hill and his loss just makes this team faster up the middle.

Key to their season - week 1 vs Kansas City, they gotta put last seasons ending behind them and handle a division foe. Won't happen.

3. Oakland Raiders ( 9-7 ):
With father time riding the Raiders back its due for die. I think a lot of us thought last year was the last legit shot for a while at making a run. Well the Raiders are back with basically the same team from a year ago that went to the Super Bowl. Rich Gannon had a career year last year, the question is can he put those numbers up again? Probably not, but he wont need to be superman again for this team to win games. WR Jerry Porter is up and coming. He showed flashes of greatness last year, catching 7 passes for 117 yards in week five against the Bills. He needs to pick up a lot of the slack with Tim Brown and Jerry Rice in there 40's. The secondary gets a huge lift when CB Charles Woodson is at full health, but lately that hasn't been the case. He has played through several injuries but Oakland will need him at full strength if they want to out do the Chargers and Broncos in this very tough division.

Key to their season - week 17 @ San Diego.

4. Denver Broncos ( 8-8 ):
As always expections in Denver are high. Denver feels, and they have every right to, they have the best running back in the game. Clinton Portis is everything you want in a back. As a rookie Portis made a name for himself. This guy is going to be running over and around people for years to come. Jake Plummer is the new QB in Denver. Plummer was nothing but a disappointment in Arizona. Although in his defense Jake had no protection and was on one of the worst teams in the league. Plummer now has a fresh start and a great offensive line to protect him. Plummer may have a very solid season. Rod Smith had a very down year and second year Ashley Lelie will need to step it up this year to take some slack off Portis from carrying the entire road. Jason Elam decided to come back to Denver for this season, and that is a big plus for them entering the year. The linebackers are the stars of there defense. Ian Gold is extremely fast. Al Wilson and John Mobley moved to the strong side and have relished.

Key to their season - Jake Plummer

 

[Senor Capper]

NFC East

This division is always being blasted as the worst division in football, but wait. They had two playoffs teams, one of which that made it to the NFC Championship.
How well will the Eagles cope with the loss of Hugh Douglas?
Are the Giants ready to take it one more step with Jim Fassel?
How much can Bill Parcells improve the Cowboys?
Will Steve Spurrier stick with Patrick Ramsey this year?

1. Philadelphia Eagles (10-6):
First of all, all these teams in the NFC East play very tough schedules. That being said the Eagles could win as many as 12 games, but with there tough schedule they will hold off the rest of the pack at 10-6. The offseason hasn't been too friendly to them. Moving into a new staduim will bring excitement, but the moves the team made - or failed to make - have curbed some of the optimism. Hugh Dougles is a huge loss for the Eagles. Not only a great pass rusher, Hugh was also the team's emotional leader. Shawn Barber went running to Kansas City when they decided they would pay him more money. Maybe the biggest loss of all is Brian Mitchell going to NFC East for New York. Can the Eagles defend the division title one more time? That matter is up for debate. They have one of the top young quarterbacks in the game in Donovan McNabb, and if he stays healthy and continues to play at a high level, the Eagles have a great chance at winning the divison once again.

Key to their season - all there road games which are Buffalo, Atlanta, Green Bay, Carolina, Miami and there division, not to mention a December 27th date with the Redskins.

2. Washington Redskins ( 9-7 ):
The Redskins probably made the best off-season moves in the league. Laveranues Coles, Chad Morton, Randy Thomas, John Hall, Trung Canidate, Dave Fiore, Jermaine Haley, Taylor Jacobs, Rob Johnson, Brandon Noble are all new-comers that Washington hopes will make an impact. Well except for one. Patrick Ramsey should be the answer in Washington. He is very smart, incredible poise for a young guy and is starting to learn the system, which makes his potential for this year very dangerous. Look for Ramsey to put some good numbers in this system. John Hall was a great add for the Skins. The kicking game in Washington has been there downfall for the past five seasons. LaVar Arrington is ready for a big season and prove to the league that he is the best LB in the game today.

Key to their season - Patrick Ramsey

3. New York Giants ( 8-8 ):
Ok, Ok relax Giants fans. Sure I know this is a very good team, but a tough schedule is going to cost them a .500 season. Jim Fassel is really going to have to work his magic this year in order to get this team into the playoffs. I know this is a bold prediction but dont be surprised if the Giants go 1-7 or 2-6 on the road this year. Tiki Barber is coming off a career year, and he is going to have to put up those same numbers if there going to contend. Kerry Collins is one of the most underrated players in the game. You probably didn't even know that Collins threw for 4000 yards last season did you? There recieving core is solid all around anchored by Amani Toomer. Michael Strahan is the clear cut leader of the defensive side of the ball. The hope is that rookie DT William Joseph can upgrade the interior of the line. The secondary will look different without CD Jason Sehorn. He is not as much of a loss as many think. He was good but didn't even play much last season and sometimes seems too busy showing off rather then playing.

Key to their season - week 5-12, Miami, @ NE, Philly, @Minn, @NYJ, Atlanta, @Philly, @TB....doesn't get any tougher than that.

4. Dallas Cowboys ( 6-10 ):
Yes this team is very much improved and will be better, but once again a tough schedule will hamper them to only a one game increase in the win column. Bill Parcells takes over in Big D. Parcells will have to find consistent QB play with Chad Hutchinson. Hutchinson has a very strong arm and decent vision but sometimes he tends to lean on one reciever one too many times. The running back situation in Dallas is a mess to say the least. With the departure of Emmitt Smith, Dallas will hand the ball off to Troy Hambrick in all likely-hood. Where the future is bright is on the defensive side of the ball. Second year stud Roy Williams is a spectacular and powerful athlete who appears to be reckless in the pursuit of the ball carrier. Parcell is a big believer in the importance of special teams. The Cowboys have a weapon in Woody Dantzler. He could make a difference in close games.

Key to their season - turnover ratio

NFC North

This division is softly on the rise. Minnesota is my surprise team in 2003. I can very much see this team scoring at will once again like they did a few years ago and making a playoff run late into January.
Is Steve Mariucci the answer in Detriot?
Is Kordell Stewart the answer in Chicago?
Can the three-headed monster of Culpepper, Moss, and Bennett get Minnesota in the playoffs?
Is Brett Favre do it one more time?

1. Green Bay Packers ( 11-5 ):
The Packers are going to load up and try to make one more run at the title for Brett Favre. Losses of guys like Vonnie Holliday, Tod McBride, Tyrone Williams, and Matt Bowen will hurt. Although additions of Al Harris, Hannibal Navies, Chukie Nwokorie will help, they are still a weaker team this year in comparsion to last season. Ahman Green had a bum '02 campign as he battled injuries. Expect him to comeback very strong this season in an attempt to let his buddy Brett Favre dance once again. Donald Driver, Javon Walker, Robert Ferguson are not the household names but they are very good recivers. Josh Bidwell and Ryan Longwell make the Packers kicking game as good as anybody's in the league. Green Bay plays 3 of their final 5 games on the road, so not too much home advantage for the Packers in December which may hurt them.

Key to their season - linebacker play

2. Minnesota Vikings ( 10-6 ):
Year One of the Mike Tice area was somewhat inconclusive. While the Vikings missed the playoffs again and laid some eggs along the way, they appeared to be one of the most improved teams in the league in the second half of the season. The three-headed monster of Culpepper, Moss, and Bennett are ready to go in '03. This team knows they played very well in the 2nd half last season, beating Miami, New Orleans, Green Bay and winning their final three games of the season. Although Culpepper needs to get a better TD-INT ratio I think this offense is going to click on all cylinders this season and score points in bunchs. Michael Bennett is primed for a bust out type season. Bennett is quick and explosive enough to make any defender look foolish.

Key to their season - First three games -- Last year they had a chance to beat the Bears in week one, the Bills in week two, and the Panthers in week three. However, late collapses in each of those games gave the Vikings an early 0-3 hole.

3. Detriot Lions ( 5-11 ):
Steve Mariucci is not perfect and he can be faulted for getting too conservative in San Fransisco last season. His tendency to sit on a lead and not risk mistakes despite having one of the best QB-WR combinations in Jeff Garcia and Terrell Owens meant that the 49ers rarely went for the gusto. The Lions take him in with open arms. His job is to lead a young quarterback with a heart of gold and a cast of very average players to the playoffs as soon as humanly possible. Lot of heat on Mariucci in Detriot already. Front office thinks they have the tools to win now. Well James Stewart is an aging running back that is far from a top back in the league. The receivers lack consistency and big play abilty. Dre Bly was a solid pick-up for the Lions, he provides much needed speed in the secondary. This team is very young and it wont all come together this year.

Key to their season - week 1 vs Arizona, a game in which they can very much win and will need too to bulid some early confidence.

4. Chicago Bears ( 3-13 ):
The pressure is squarely on the shoulders of head coach Dick Jauron this season. Bears fans, if you think Kordell Stewart is the answer to your questions. You couldn't be more wrong. Stewart is small, inaccurate, and will stare down one receiver all afternoon. Sure the mobilty will be great, but it will be overshined by his dumb decisions and lack luster effort. Another one of my bold predictions here, Anthony Thomas will be out of a job by Week 8. Adrian Peterson. Remember that name, this kid is gonna be the real deal in Chicago. Thomas has always been overrated in my book, but Peterson will show Chicago how much time and money they wasted on the A-Train. Marty Booker is a great WR in which I personally feel sorry for. You think his numbers went down a tad last season in a few spots? Just wait until this year. Hey there is good news in Chicago. His name is Brian Urlacher.

Key to their season - finding the fountain of youth for Chris Chandler

 

[Senor Capper]

NFC South

The South is loaded this year. By far the best division in the NFC.
Can the Champs defend there way back to the Super Bowl?
How much of a difference will a year and Stephen Davis make for John Fox?
Just how good is Mike Vick?
How much fire do the Saints have left after the late season meltdown last year?

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers ( 11-5 ):
Although few thought the Bucs could beat the Eagles in the NFC Championship game last year, I was one of the few. The Bucs are from my school of football, stellar defense and just enough ball control offense to go along with one of the games brightest Quarterbacks. Brad Johnson finally got his much deserved ring after being shafted in Washington. Compared to most teams the Bucs were fairly quiet in the offseason. Brad Johnson has nothing to worry about with the champs drafting leftie-QB Chris Simms. Although Simms is very athletic and can throw the ball a mile, he lacks the intellgence and the big game experince to jump in anytime soon. The WR corps is a vetern one that boasts great size in Keyshawn Johnson and Joe Jurevicius. The addition of Thomas Jones could really pay big rewards. Jones is out to prove that he is worthy of his early 1st round draft pick the Arizona Cardinals used on him.

Key to their season - first 3 weeks, @ Philly, Carolina, @ Atlanta. Could easily start 1-2, which may test the champs character.

2. Atlanta Falcons ( 10-6 ):
No team brings as much a sense of excitement and anticipation to the table as the Falcons. Mainly because of their young stud high flying QB Mike Vick. Vick is an amazment to watch. TJ Duckett enjoyed bright moments during his rookie year. He is big and strong and appears to have the necessary ingredients to be a solid NFL back. Signing Peerless Price was a huge addition to this offense. Price has gamebreaking speed and the ability to make big plays downfield because he is much quicker than most CB's. This will just make Vick's stock raise even more. Price could very well bust out this year and join the ranks of the top WR's in the game. The offensive line could really use some work, but with the flash of Vick he helps then out quiet a bit. The Falcons could also use much improvement in the secondary. All they added was Tyrone Williams and Tod McBride. Place Kicker, although I disagree, Jay Feely is thought by many to be the best in the business.

Key to their season - defense allowing them to stay in more games.

3. New Orleans Saints ( 8-8 ):
A late season meltdown cost the Saints their playoff lives at the end of the regular season last year. QB Aaron Brooks has all the tools to be an all-pro regular but he must become a little more dependable starter. RB Deuce McAllister is a crowning jewel in New Orleans. He has tremendous long speed and can break big plays any time he gets the ball. He might be the fastest running back in the league. Joe Horn, Donte Stallworth, and Jerome Pathon form to make a very solid core of WR's. Horn has become one of the league's best receivers and has the ego to match it. Look for Donte Stallworth to bust out this year, as once again Horn will draw the double teams. The secondary appears to be completely revamped. Not only did they bring in a solid cover man in Ashley Ambrose, they stole him from the division rival Falcons. One of the things that will also play big parts in the Saints game is field position and Michael Lewis is one of the best in the business if you need good field position.

Key to their season - last 4 games, 3 of which are at home, must finish strong - Tampa Bay, NY Giants, @ Jacksonville, Dallas.

4. Carolina Panthers ( 7-9 ):
John Fox should have been coach of the year last season. Come on, how many guys can turn a dead-end team from 1-15 to 7-9? This could be a very surprising team this year. Yes, I don't pick them to improve in the standings, but they have a tougher schedule this season. I could just as easy see this team go 10-6 as I could 7-9. I love this team on the defensive side of the ball. Names like Julius Peppers, Mike Rucker, Kris Jenkins, Mark Fields, Dan Morgan, and Mike Minter all make offensive coachs go a little crazy weeks after playing them. The big question is can Jake Delhomme play that ball control, don't lose the game type of offense to get them more wins this year? Probably not is my answer. Although I do think Stephen Davis is going to have a huge season in Carolina. Fox loves to pound the ball and grind that clock. Davis will score often and rack up the yards.

Key to their season - Jake DelHomme/Rodney Peete

NFC West

The NFC East starts strong and well it doesn't even really finish.
Is there anything Cardinal fans have to look forward too?
Is the greatest show on earth ready to get back on track?
Is Seattle ready to make that next step into the playoffs?
Is San Francisco on the decline?

1. St Louis Rams ( 12-4 ):
Everything that could go wrong did for the Rams last season. Lets not let it slip out minds that this team is still loaded, and who are we to say Kurt Warner won't come back 100% and put a repeat of the '01 season. This team stays healthy and 12-4 would be a disappointment. The sky is the limit for this team. I look for big things from them and a return to greatness for all there offensive weapons. Including Marshall Faulk, who is actually out this year to prove he is the best RB in the league. Kyle Turley, a tough nose tackle will much improve the blocking for Mr.Warner this season. The return of Aeneas Williams will be a big boast on the defensive side. Its going to take another load of injuried to this team to hold them back. Just think, they lost there starting QB, who from '99-'01 was the best in the league. There running back, who is one of the best in the NFL, was banged up all season. Not to mention they lost there best CB along with their first five games last season. All that and still a 7-9 finish. You better watch out for them in '03.

Key to their season - HEALTH!

2. San Francisco 49ers ( 9-7 ):
In addition to having one of the most accurate, mobile quarterbacks in the game in Jeff Garcia, the 49ers also have perhaps the game's best receiver in Terrell Owens. As a result many expect this team to be a scoring machine. Kevan Barlow is a slashing back that catchs the ball well but must become more consistent. Owens has the ability to take a game over at any given point. Although the loss of JJ Stokes to Jacksonville does hurt them, probably not as much as most think. Tai Streets will move right in and have the 49er fans saying "JJ who?". Drafting OT Kwame Harris is an automatic boost for their offensive line. Harris has the size and athleticism the 49ers have tried to find for years. The 49ers also addressed the defensive line by drafting Anthony Adams and Jimmy Kennedy. The heart and soul leaders Bryant Young and Andre Carter make this defense a lot better than most think. The emergence of Julian Peterson makes then stronger up the middle too. I believe Jeff Chandler is the answer to their kicking woes.

Key to their season - Kevan Barlow

3. Seattle Seahawks ( 7-9 ):
With the weight of the city on the shoulders of Mike Holgrem, Seattle is ready for some production from Holgrem. Last year should have been there season. Just think 49ers went 10-6, with sweep of Seattle, make that a split and Seattle only finished a game behind the 49ers for the division title. While the high-flying Rams finished 7-9. They began last season by losing five of their first six games. There is room for optimism. Starting with quarterback Matt Hasselbeck. Hasselbeck led them to a 5-3 second half record, and averaged 344 yards per game in his last six. Shaun Alexander is a key to making this team go. He is quick and very explosive. Koren Robinson busted out last season and we should expect another even bigger season in '03. The Seahawks were last in run defense last year and they believe that Norman Hand will help them move up the ladder. If this team is going to be around come January they need big things from Shaun Alexander and the defense to allow them to stay into games late into the game.

Key to their season - last 3 games - all division foes - @ St Louis, Arizona, @ SF

4. Arizona Cardinals ( 3-13 ):
Generally when a team goes 5-11, the offseason will be a busy one. Well not in Arizona. The team signed Emmitt Smith, Dexter Jackson, and Jeff Blake. Sure, Jackson was the Super Bowl MVP but honestly is he worth $14 million dollars? Sure, Emmitt Smith is the NFL's all-time leading rusher, thank you Barry, but what really can he do at his age behind the NFL's worst offensive line. Jeff Blake replaces Jake Plummer at the Quarterback position. Well honestly what else can we say about that? Did I mention they lost there only offensive threat in David Boston? Yes the hits just keep on coming. Marcel Shipp and Emmitt Smith will share the running back duties, have fun guys! Its gonna take a miracle for this team to compete and sadly that will be in the end of the Dave McGinnis era in Arizona.

Key to their season - Bill Bidwill getting a football brain

 

[Vegas Dave]

Very nice writeups.

Some bold predictions Giants only 8 - 8, Minnesota with 10 wins, and the Chiefs in first place?



You're not a little biased with that Chiefs pick are you?

Anyways good luck to you this year.

 

[c20916]

Being a bears fan/season ticket holder I couldn't agree with you more on the Kordell thing. I didn't think he was that good in Pitt, and I don't think he will be good in Chicago. I would of rather had greise. I think Grossman will be good in a couple of years, and you're right on the mark with Peterson, he will be very good.

 

[badjab]

nice breakdown Senor. Although I don't see the Vikings having a winning record this season. With a healthy Priest Holmes, the Chefs have a legitimate shot at the big dance.

 

[Chopsticks]

Hope you're right about KC...Unfortunately, they give up as many points as they can put on the boards. NO "D" means no division title...

 

[Senor Capper]

The AFC West

The AFC West

is open for any team. All are about equal in my eyes.
KCs "D" will step it up this year.
SD also has a great shot.

Giants have way too hard of a schedule.
I see 2 of you don't believe in the Vikings eh?
Not going over .500 ?

Me a little biased ?
You bet your ass