If I hear one more thing about Roger Goodell or the players union I’ll explode. Is anybody with me? I never want to hear the word “lockout” again. Throughout the whole process, there’s one thing that’s been forgotten—football.
I’ve heard so much about negotiations and money lately that it took me a moment to recall that it was the Steelers who lost to the Pack in the Superbowl. It occurred to me that maybe some fans need a refresher as well. With that in mind, I’d like to look beyond the hell known as the 2011 NFL lockout and focus on something that’s actually exciting—the next NFL season.
So check out where I think every team fits heading into next year! Feel free to tell me if you agree or give me your opinion on how exorbitantly wrong I am.
1. Green Bay Packers
I have to give the number one spot to the Superbowl champs. It’s theirs until they show they don’t deserve it. Besides, how could The Spectrum root against a team that has UB alum James Starks? The Pack’s methodical run through the playoffs was one for the record books. Aaron Rodgers was one of the most underrated players in the league prior to winning the Superbowl. Now that he has the spotlight, it’ll be interesting to see how he reacts to superstardom.
2. New England Patriots
The Patriots went 14-2 (8-0 at home) during the regular season last year. Granted, they collapsed against the Jets in the divisional round of the playoffs last year, but the Pats’ numbers are undeniable. So long as Tom Brady is the starter in New England, the Patriots will be among the best in the league.
3. New Orleans Saints
Many expected the Saints to repeat last year. It was an up and down season in the Bayou, and Drew Brees needed a running back to compliment the Saints’ unbelievable passing attack. New Orleans hopes rookie Mark Ingram can take the running game to new levels.
4. Pittsburgh Steelers
With its defense leading the way, Pittsburgh should be among the league’s best again this year. Say what you want about Big Ben, but the guy wins football games. Mike Wallace and Rashard Mendenhall continue to develop into stars.
5. Atlanta Falcons
Julio Jones should give Matt Ryan a consistent receiver to throw the ball to. If everything works out properly, this young duo could team up with Michael Turner to form the best offense in the league. If the Falcons don’t choke in the playoffs like last year (a 45-21 demolishing at the hands of the Packers), don’t be shocked if Atlanta finishes atop the NFC.
6. New York Jets
The Jets’ defense is second-to-none, but quarterback Marc Sanchez needs to step it up if New York wants a shot at the title. He’s been put under immense pressure in the playoffs as a young quarterback playing in the NY spotlight. If he develops into an elite quarterback this year, it’ll be hard to stop the Jets.
7. Baltimore Ravens
It should be fun to watch the Ravens compete with the Steelers for AFC North supremacy. Last season, the Ravens finished the regular season on a 6-1 streak, with their only loss coming at the hands of the AFC champs, 13-10. Joe Flacco simmered off at the end of last year, but he’s still learning and he’s among the league’s best young QBs.
8. Indianapolis Colts—Disaster ahead!
The Colts’ secondary is weak, but Peyton Manning is still among the best players in the game. With Manning at the helm, it looks like Indy’s offense will be solid as always (that is, if Manning’s recent neck surgery doesn’t hinder him at all). Don’t expect the Colts to be their usual selves, though. The defense is too inconsistent.
9. Philadelphia Eagles
It seems that nobody wants to give Mike Vick credit, but he looked like an MVP at times last season. With another year back in the NFL under his belt, he should be even better this year. The Eagles should be the best of the NFC East.
10. San Diego Chargers
The Chargers’ overall stats were quite notable in 2010. Phillip Rivers continues to show why he’s as dangerous as any QB in the league. San Diego is competing in an AFC West that promises to display extreme parity, though. The Chiefs were the class of the division in 2010, and the Raiders should join the Chiefs in giving the Chargers a tough time in 2011.
11. Chicago Bears
Outside of Chicago’s impressive rushing defense, not much jumps off the Bears’ 2010 stat sheet. Jay Cutler was serious letdown last year for Chicago, but he has the potential to bounce back and lead an already formidable Bears team (11-5 last season) back into the playoffs.
12. NY Giants
Last year was a down year for the Giants, but New York still finished with a 10-6 record, and the Giants also finished in the top ten in the league in passing offense, rushing offense, passing defense and rushing defense. With their balanced attack back at full force, expect the Giants to put it together and return to the playoffs this year.
13. Kansas City Chiefs
KC was 7-1 at home last season, but a miserable time on the road kept the Chiefs from putting up numbers with the best of the NFL. Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones provided the league’s best running game. Matt Cassel put up 27 touchdowns to a mere seven interceptions, and he looks to improve on his play this year. The Chiefs could once again sneak up on people this year.
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Josh Freeman and LeGarrette Blount both proved to be diamonds in the rough last season. Many fans didn’t expect either athlete to blossom into an impressive NFL player, but both players proved their doubters wrong last season. Unfortunately for the Bucs, most of their wins came against NFL bottom feeders. Don’t be surprised if this squad isn’t as impressive this year.
15. Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks made the playoffs last year with a surprisingly average 7-9 record, but the ’Hawks shocked the Saints in the playoffs with a 41-36 victory. The Seahawks will most likely hang around the .500 mark in 2011, but that could very well get them into the playoffs, as they play in the weak NFC West.
16. Detroit Lions- Look out for these guys!
Detroit started the year at 2-10, but the Lions finished the season on a four-game win streak. It appears this could be the year the Lions finally vie for playoff contention. Young quarterback Matthew Stafford looked great before he went down to injury. If he bounces back this year, with the help of Calvin Johnson, the Lions have the potential to go 8-8 or even 9-7.
17. St. Louis Rams
The Rams could overtake the Seahawks and win their division if Sam Bradford continues to improve and posts a solid campaign this year. However, St. Louis won’t have an easy time getting there. The Rams face a tough schedule in 2011 and their offense may not be developed enough to handle it.
18. Jacksonville Jaguars
The defense was poor last year, but Maurice Jones-Drew, Marcedes Lewis and David Garrard carried the offense. If the defense gets better, the Jags will have a shot at a Wild Card birth. If Jacksonville starts young Blaine Gabbert, however, don’t be surprised if this is a rebuilding year for the boys in turquoise.
19. Houston Texans—Look out for these guys!
Houston’s offense was dominant last year and running back Arian Foster is quite possibly the best player that nobody is talking about. Look for this team, led by Foster and quarterback Matt Schaub, to electrify the NFL this year. The Texans suffered two four-game losing streaks last year, but Houston played every team tough. If the Texans’ passing defense improves, the AFC may encounter a new force to be reckoned with.
20. Oakland Raiders
Darren McFadden and Michael Bush formed a dynamic young running back duo last season and the Raiders finished the year at 8-8. Jason Campbell probably has one more year to prove himself, and if he doesn’t impress, the Raiders will most likely look elsewhere for a quarterback. At one point last year, the Raiders won three straight—including two wins over playoff teams. This Oakland squad is one to watch for.
21. Miami Dolphins
The Fins had a disappointing finish to 2010. The team lost its last three games after starting the year at 7-6. The defense was great year-round. Quarterback Chad Henne was a pleasant surprise, but he desperately needs to cut down on interceptions if Miami plans to compete with the beasts of the AFC East—the Patriots and Jets.
22. Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys had surprisingly good offensive stats last season, considering Jon Kitna was the starter for a good portion of the season. However, if America’s team plans to return to elite status, Tony Romo will need to return to the quarterback he once was. We here at The Spectrum will keep an eye on one of the Cowboys’ newest players—former UB corner Josh Thomas, who was Dallas’ 5th round pick.
23. Minnesota Vikings—Disaster ahead!
Christian Ponder might be in for the toughest year of his life. Ponder will face a plethora of struggles if he’s the opening day starter, which it appears he will be. The offensive line desperately needs to be revamped. Thankfully for the young quarterback, he has Adrian Peterson in his backfield.
24. Tennessee Titans
The Titans ended the year on a two-game skid. Fans are excited for the arrival of Jake Locker. Locker appears to be as polished and ready to go as any rookie quarterback. However, he probably will need a year to develop under the tutelage of Kerry Collins. Chris Johnson is as solid as any running back in the league. Look for the Titans to develop this year and compete with the powers next season.
25. San Francisco 49ers
Michael Crabtree is a diva and so long as he’s making negative comments about quarterback Alex Smith, the 49ers’ chemistry will not improve. Head coach Jim Harbaugh steps into a difficult situation, but San Francisco has some young talent that could surprise people this year.
26. Buffalo Bills
The Bills look to be the same team every year, but the future looks bright. Several draft experts said the Bills had the best draft of any team. Marcell Dareus and Kyle Williams should form one of the best DT tandems in the league. The Bills opted against drafting a quarterback with their first round pick. Instead, Buffalo will rely on savvy veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick for at least another year.
27. Washington Redskins
Donovan McNabb was bashed last year, but the ‘Skins finished among lead leaders in passing. McNabb isn’t the issue in Washington. The problem is the Redskins’ defense. Washington finished in the bottom six in the league in both rushing defense and passing defense. Albert Haynesworth hasn’t been anything close to the acquisition Redskins fans were hoping for.
28. Denver Broncos
Last season didn’t follow tradition for the Broncos. The squad was 7th in the league in passing and 26th in rushing. Kyle Orton and Tim Tebow both looked good at times last season, but—much like the Redskins— the defense needs to step up if the Broncos plan to compete for a playoff spot. Maybe that’s why Denver drafted six defensive players this year. Von Miller is a great pick up and the resigning of Champ Bailey, though he’s aging, is a vital move.
29. Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals were at the bottom of the league in every major offensive and defensive category in 2010. Derek Anderson isn’t the long term answer for this team, though the squad really just needs someone to get the ball to Larry Fitzgerald. The defense was poor, too, but freak athlete Patrick Peterson should help Arizona improve immediately.
30. Cleveland Browns
Colt McCoy was a surprise for the Browns last year. Outside of McCoy, however, there doesn’t appear to be much hope for Cleveland. The team ended its season on a four-game losing streak. Don’t expect the Browns to improve on last year’s 5-11 mark.
31. Cincinnati Bengals
If you can root for a team that has Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco, more power to you. The Carson Palmer situation in Cincy is a mess. Many doubt that Andy Dalton is ready to be the starter for the Bengals, but coach Marvin Lewis seems to be indicating that Dalton will be the starter when the season begins.
32. Carolina Panthers
Jimmy Clausen was never the right fit. Unfortunately for the Panthers, last season was a train wreck. Fortunately for Carolina, though, last season’s miserable record led the team to the first overall pick in the draft. It’ll be interesting to see if Cam Newton develops into a star or if he’s the next Akili Smith.
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