Sunday 9 September 2012

NFL 2012 Season Preview

Football is finally back.  It's been over seven months since Tom Brady threw that Hail Mary pass into the end zone at Lucas Oil Stadium to officially end Super Bowl XLVI.  It has been a long, seven months.  A lot has changed in that time but the hunger and desire for football remains.  At least, this off season we haven't had to spend our days logging in to ESPN, to see if we are even going to be having football this season.  Last year, the lockout dominated a lot of the headlines but this year it was all about football.  Anyway, it's time to move onto the preview...


NFC


NFC North

Green Pay Packers - Green Bay went 15-1 last season for the league's best record in the regular season.  They were defending Super Bowl Champions and seemed invincible for large parts of the season.  Their pass happy offense was led by MVP, Aaron Rodgers and surely it was only a case of turning up in the Playoffs and they would be champions again.  Eli Manning and the New York Giants had other ideas.  They marched into Lambeau Field in the Divisional Round and beat the Packers, 37-20.  Defeats like that will stay with the Packers and the experience should make them stronger.  They have made a few additions to their roster, most notably, Jeff Saturday, of the Indianapolis Colts.  Saturday has spent the majority of his career snapping the ball to Peyton Manning.  He has a lot of experience and is thought of as one of the top center's in the league.  Green Bay struggled on defense last season, giving up over 400 yards per game.  They have made an attempt to address this by using their first six draft picks on defense.  The Packers are a great side and if players like Aaron Rodgers, Jordy Nelson and Clay Matthews stay healthy then they should have another good year.
Prediction : 13-3

Detroit Lions - The Lions are coming off their best season in fifteen years.  There 10-6 finish was a huge step forward after ten losing seasons in a row.  The Lions have had a solid draft and most importantly sorted out the long term future of wide-receiver, Calvin Johnson.  Johnson signed a massive $132m, 7 year deal.  Johnson, however, has more pressing issues such as the small matter of the "Madden curse".  Johnson was voted by the fans to appear on the cover of Madden 2013.  Such is the form of Johnson, it would take more than a curse to stop him.  The Lions will be looking to build on their recent success.  They have a lot of young stars and if they can stay healthy and continue to develop then the Lions will be in the playoff mix.
Prediction : 12-4

Chicago Bears - The Bears will hope to bounce back from a disappointing 8-8 season and have certainly gone the right way about it.  They have made some solid moves, trading for receiver, Brandon Marshall.  They also snapped up running-back, Michael Bush and quarterback, Jason Campbell, both formerly of the Oakland Raiders.  Those three will add to their offense.  Marshall will be the number one receiver, Bush will be a quality alternative to Matt Forte and Jason Campbell can be a good replacement for when Jay Cutler, inevitably gets injured.  The Bears have always been strong on defense and have made a few key upgrades to the offense so the playoffs are definitely within their reach.
Prediction : 11-5

Minnesota Vikings - The whipping boys in the NFC North look to be the Minnesota Vikings.  They have been poor for the last few seasons and they don't look like a team who will make a huge improvement.  They did have a decent draft and took Southern California's offensive-tackle, Matt Kalil, with the fourth overall pick.  Probably the best thing to happen for Minnesota fans this off season was the news that it looks like the Vikings will be staying in Minnesota.  There had been talk of them moving if they didn't get a new stadium.  In May, a bill was passed to build a new stadium for the team and it is expected that they will be playing there from 2016 onwards.
Prediction : 3-13


NFC East

New York Giants - The Giants lost a few decent players with Mario Manningham and Brandon Jacobs being the biggest names to move on.  They replaced them in the draft by bringing in David Wilson, a running back from Virginia Tech and Rueben Randle, a receiver from Louisiana State.  The Giants also made a few signings in free agency to upgrade their defense.  New York didn't have the best of starts last season and although they were always in contention for the post season, they never really looked like a serious contender.  They had struggled with their running game and defense for large periods due to injuries but they managed to get everyone back and ready for when it really mattered.  Credit to the Giants, they certainly didn't get it easy in their run to the title.  They had a comfortable win at home to Atlanta but after that, things got tough.  They went to Green Bay to face the 15-1, Packers.  The Giants didn't let it phase them and they ran out comfortable 37-20 winners.  As if that wasn't tough enough, it was a trip to San Francisco for the NFC Championship game.  They squeezed home in overtime, winning 20-17.  In the Superbowl it was a repeat from four years earlier, against the New England Patriots.  Don't anyone think for one second that Tom Brady, Bill Belichik and the entire New England Patriots organization don't hold a grudge after Superbowl XLII.  The Patriots were one victory away from joining the immortal 1972, Miami Dolphins, as the only undefeated Superbowl champions.  However, the Giants hadn't read the script though and won 17-14 to leave the Pats heartbroken.  Belichick will have no doubt tried to use that defeat as motivation but the game was almost a carbon copy of four years earlier.  Eli Manning led the Giants down the field for a late go ahead touchdown, that the Patriots could not reply to. That takes guts and Eli Manning has proven himself to be much more than just Peyton Manning's little brother.
Prediction : 11-5

Philadelphia Eagles - My team, the Philadelphia Eagles, face a bit of a make or break season.  The Eagles made a big splash last year when they made a lot of high profile signings in free agency.  It was a bad time to do it however, as they found themselves with a lot of new players, a new defensive coordinator and because of the lockout, no time for it all to gel.  The Eagles started last season 4-8 and only they won their last four games or coach, Andy Reid, would have most likely been fired.  Reid has to get it right this time as there is simply, no time left for excuses.  Starting quarterback, Mike Vick, isn't getting any younger and his game is all about speed so he won't have many opportunities left at getting to a Superbowl.  The Eagles have had a good off season.  They had a solid draft, including four guys on defense who will all see time on the field this season.  One of the biggest issues last year was stopping the run.  The Eagles had a good defensive line and a strong secondary but they were weak at linebacker.  Demeco Ryans has been brought in from the Houston Texans to plug that gap.  Asante Samuel has left but it shouldn't be a major issue as the Eagles have two Pro-Bowlers at corner back in Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.  Many pundits are predicting the Eagles will have a good year but the biggest problem will be keeping Mike Vick on the field.  Vick has proven to be injury prone throughout his career and his playing style does him no favors at all.  Should Vick get injured it looks as though the man to come in will be rookie quarterback from Arizona, Nick Foles.  The Eagles picked up Foles in the 3rd round of the draft and he has made a huge impact in the preseason games.  Vick will get injured at some point, so it will be very interesting to see how Foles does, if/when he gets the nod.
Prediction : 10-6

Dallas Cowboys - The Cowboys have made a few moves in the draft to upgrade their defense with corner back, Morris Claiborne from LSU, being the pick of the bunch.  Kyle Orton has come in as back up to Tony Romo.  Dallas will be looking to improve on last years 8-8 record.  "America's Team" have only won one playoff game in the last fifteen years and Jerry Jones will be getting impatient.  This particular Dallas team could be anywhere between a 10-6 team or a 4-12 team.  I don't think there's a lot of consistency and for that reason, I can't see them making the playoffs.
Prediction : 10-6

Washington Redskins - Washington made a big splash by making a trade with the St Louis Rams to enable them to get quarterback, Robert Griffin III, in the draft.  The Redskins gave up, three first round picks in total and a second rounder to move up to number two.  It was a risky move from the Redskins.  Lots of quarterback's have looked great in college but not made it in the NFL.  Three first rounders is a huge price to pay on what is essentially a gamble.  However, the Redskins have picked up a few weapons for RG3, bringing in Pierre Garcon and Josh Morgan.  They also made a few moves to bolster their defense with the most notable signing being, Brandon Meriweather.  The Redskins look to have taken the first steps to becoming a playoff contender but I think the combination of a difficult division and a rookie quarterback will mean this year is a bit too early for them.
Prediction : 4-12


NFC South

Atlanta Falcons - Atlanta's main move in the off season was bringing in Philadelphia's corner back, Asante Samuel.  Samuel is a ball hawking corner and would be an asset to any team.  The Falcons have drafted well in recent years and have a potentially explosive offense, featuring Julio Jones, Roddy White and Michael Turner.  They have been gradually improving for a few years now and I think they could win back the NFC South title from the New Orleans Saints.
Prediction : 11-5

New Orleans Saints - The Saints hopes for the season ahead have received a boost after it was revealed that Jonathan Vilma and Will Smith's bans have been overturned, making them eligible for this weekends games.  It is good news for the Saints who's season has been thrust into turmoil by the Bountygate scandal.  The ruling does not effect the coaching staff however and Head Coach, Sean Payton, is still suspended for the season.  It will still be a huge loss for the Saints but at least they have their full roster  to pick from.  The Saints were unable to strengthen through the draft as they had no pick until the 90th overall.  While they were unable to spend big money, they were able to sort out contracts for key players such as, Marques Colston, Jonathan Vilma, Lance Moore and Drew Brees.  The Saints should still be a strong side but I do think Payton's absence will hurt them and they will lose the divisional title. 
Prediction : 9-7

Tampa Bay Buccanneers - Tampa Bay have had a great off season.  They have brought in some proven talent on offense.  Vincent Jackson and Dallas Clark have arrived and they have also strengthened their O-Line.  They also had a good draft and managed to get two picks in the first round.  Alabama safety, Mark Barron and Boise State running back, Doug Martin were both selected.  Doug Martin has looked impressive in preseason and has been named as starting running-back.  The Bucs will be better this year but they still aren't a playoff team, just yet.
Prediction : 7-9

Carolina Panthers - The Panthers were a great watch last year for the neutral but perhaps their own fans had mixed emotions on their season.  Rookie quarterback, Cam Newton, had a good year but unfortunately, for Carolina, the defense didn't.  Newton put up some great numbers and the offense scored a lot of points but the defense done them absolutely no favors.  On paper, Carolina have improved their D this year but it's a well known fact that football games aren't won on paper.  The Panthers made an interesting addition to their back field by signing Mike Tolbert from San Diego.  They now have three quality players in the backfield with Tolbert joining Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams.  When you consider how well those three can run the ball and Cam Newton at quarterback can also run the ball, it looks like Carolina will be putting together some sort of triple option offense.  The triple option is quite uncommon in the NFL and is used more in college so it will be interesting to see how the league's defenses deal with it.
Prediction : 4-12


NFC West

San Francisco 49ers - The 49ers had a great season last year and it took an overtime field goal in the NFC Championship game to beat them.  I expect to see more of the same this season as they have kept all the key pieces in last years success and improved were they were at their weakest.  The 49ers passing game wasn't particularly impressive.  It seemed as though they didn't really trust quarterback, Alex Smith.  In fairness to Smith, when called upon last year he done a good job so perhaps he'll get more opportunities this season.  The 49ers have given him a few new targets.  Randy Moss and Mario Manningham have arrived and they also drafted Illinois receiver, AJ Jenkins.  The 49ers have a weak division and should have enough about them to win it with a few weeks to spare. 
Prediction : 14-2

St Louis Rams - St Louis have had two bad years in a row and while I don't think they are going to be troubling the playoff teams, I do think they'll avoid those first few draft picks next season.  They have a new Head Coach in Jeff Fisher and that alone should provide them with a boost.  The Rams had a good draft after initially trading down twice.  They gave the number 2 overall pick to Washington who wanted to pick RG3 and then moved down further in a deal with the Cowboys.  By doing this the Rams ended up getting five of the first sixty-five picks.  They will also have a few extra first rounders in the years to come as part of the RG3 trade.  The future looks bright in St Louis but this season will be a bridge too far for them.
Prediction : 5-11

Seattle Seahawks - Seattle splashed out on former Green Bay quarterback, Matt Flynn and promptly entered him into a quarterback competition with Tarvaris Jackson and rookie, Russell Wilson.  Jackson has since moved to Buffalo but it looks as though the rookie, Russell Wilson from Wisconsin, has managed to win the starting job.  It promises to be a baptism of fire for WIlson and there will be a lot of extra pressure on him because of Matt Flynn's presence on the bench.  Most rookie quarterbacks who are starting in week one have been drafted to start.  They are usually in the position were they know the team is theirs to grow into but unfortunately Wilson won't have that luxury.  Instead with every bad pass, he'll be reminded of Matt Flynn and with the money Flynn is getting paid, I wouldn't be surprised if the coach is a little more willing to change it than usual.
Prediction : 5-11

Arizona Cardinals - Arizona haven't quite been the same team since Kurt Warner retired.  Warner was a very accurate quarterback and he connected perfectly with Larry Fitzgerald.  Since then the starting job has been in a number of different hands but it looks as though the Cardinals are starting this season with John Skelton under center.  Skelton is a decent quarterback and if he can learn how to take care of the football a little better when passing then he should have a good career in the NFL.  With Skelton at quarterback, last season, the Cardinals went 5-2.  In the draft the Cardinals picked up Michael Floyd, a receiver from Notre Dame.  Floyd should be another decent target for Skelton to look for and he may even take some of the defense away from Larry Fitzgerald.
Prediction : 4-12


NFC Playoff Teams

San Francisco 49ers
Green Bay Packers
New York Giants
Atlanta Falcons
Detroit Lions
Chicago Bears



AFC


AFC North

Baltimore Ravens - Baltimore have been dealt a blow with the injury to Defensive Player of the Year, Terrell Suggs.  Suggs himself says he will be back in November but it is widely expected he will miss the full season.  Baltimore lost a few players in free agency but had a solid draft and should have enough talent on the roster to have another good season and challenge the Steelers for AFC North supremacy.
Prediction : 12-4

Pittsburgh Steelers - Pittsburgh are another side who lost quite a few of their players in the off season but it was mostly veterans who were on a downward slide anyway so they shouldn't be too badly effected by this.  Their O-line and D-line were old and needed to be replaced.  They have done that through the draft so as long as the new guys settle in quickly, they should have another good year.  Contract talks have broken down with star receiver, Mike Wallace, but he has reported back to training camp and will play this season.  With an improved, O-line, and targets like Mike Wallace and Antonio Brown to throw to, I'd expect Ben Roethlisberger to have a big year at quarterback.  Running back, Rashard Mendenhall, is coming back from a serious injury and should be back within a week or two.  He is another who could be helped by a new and improved offensive line. 
Prediction : 12-4

Cincinnati Bengals - Cincinnati have made a few good moves in the off season, bringing in BenJarvus Green-Ellis at running-back from New England.  Ellis should help keep defenses honest and help create space for quarterback, Andy Dalton, to find his favorite receiver, AJ Green.  Dalton and Green should both have good careers ahead of them.  The Bengals had two first rounders and used them to bring in corner back, Dre Kirkpatrick from Alabama and Wisconsin guard, Kevin Zeitler.  The Bengals are a young side and I expect them to be a huge force in the AFC North within the next few years but don't think they are quite ready to topple Baltimore and Pittsburgh just yet.
Prediction : 6-10

Cleveland Browns - Cleveland had a good draft and brought in Trent Richardson, a running-back from Alabama.  Richardson was excellent in college and I can remember watching him alongside Mark Ingram in the 2009 season when the Crimson Tide won the national championship.  Richardson won another national championship last year and finally joins the NFL.  I am looking forward to seeing him in action.  I think Cleveland's biggest issue is going to be at quarterback.  They have named rookie, Brandon Weeden, as their starting quarterback.  I would have given McCoy another year at starter as I think he was showing signs of improving but the Browns have decided to go back to square one again with another rookie.
Prediction : 3-13


AFC East

New England Patriots - Bill Belichick has had another great off season in New England and has the Pats in position for another Superbowl run.  The Pats were poor on defense last year and Belichick used the draft to address that.  The Pats first six picks in the draft were all on improving their defense so they should be better on that side of the ball, this year.  Tom Brady is still one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL and Belichick has went and got him even more weapons on the offense.  Wes Welker, Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski are still there and Belichick has added receiver, Brandon Lloyd and tight-end, Daniel Fells.  The Pats look set for another big season and a deep playoff run. 
Prediction : 15-1

Buffalo Bills - Buffalo have improved on defense, bringing in high profile free agents, Mario Williams and Mark Anderson, from Houston and New England, respectively.  The Bills had a good draft too and improved the overall depth throughout their roster.  They had a strong start last year but a disappointing second half to the season saw them slip out of playoff contention but I think this could be the year were Buffalo take that extra step and reach the playoffs for the first time since the 1999 season.
Prediction : 9-7

New York Jets - All the news about the New York Jets in the off season revolved around them bringing in Tim Tebow.  I'm not convinced it was a good move by the Jets as it increases the pressure on quarterback, Mark Sanchez.  Sanchez has already been struggling with confidence issues and I can't see things improving with Tebow on the bench.  For a player with limited talent, Tebow, has huge support from fans and the media and you just know that once Sanchez has a few bad series on the field the Tebow chants will start.  The Jets have improved on a defense, which was already one of the best in the league.  They have brought in Safeties, Laron Landry and Yeremiah Bell and I cannot wait to see how a secondary including Landry, Bell, Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie gets on.  I can't see too many teams putting up big passing yards against them.  The Jets should go close to being the best defense in the league but all the questions were on the offensive side of the game and I don't think they've answered any of them.
Prediction : 7-9

Miami Dolphins - Miami are another side starting the season with a rookie quarterback.  Ryan Tannehill of Texas A & M was drafted, 8th overall.  The NFL can be a difficult place for rookie quarterbacks and Tannehill's job isn't helped by the fact he hasn't got a great deal of targets to throw too.  Brandon Marshall has left and Chad Johnson had a short spell at the team before getting released after he was arrested after an altercation with his wife.  I can't see the Dolphins having a good year and think they'll be a lot closer to a number one draft pick than a playoff spot.
Prediction : 4-12.


AFC South

Houston Texans - Houston have had a mixed off season.  They have lost key players in Mario Williams and Demeco Ryans on the defense so that unit will most likely be weaker this year.  Quarterback, Matt Schaub, is fit again which will be a boost and they will rely heavily on running-back, Arian Foster and receiver, Andre Johnson.  A lot of people are tipping the Texans for the Superbowl but I can't see it.  The reason they done well last year was their defense and it isn't as strong his year.  A relatively weak division should help them reach the playoffs but I don't expect as big an impact this time.
Prediction : 8-8

Indianapolis Colts - Indianapolis had the number one draft pick and used it wisely taking Stanford quarterback, Andrew Luck.  This kid has been talked about for years now and very little of the talk has been negative.  John Elway is known to be a huge fan and Elway knows a thing or two about being an NFL quarterback.  Luck comes into the middle of a rebuilding process in Indianapolis and I believe in the years to come he will be the right man to lead them in the same path as previous quarterback, Peyton Manning.  The Colts have kept receiver, Reggie Wayne and also drafted tight-end, Coby Fleener who Andrew Luck had a great relationship with in college.  Luck certainly has the targets so it's up to him to find them.
Prediction : 7-9

Tennessee Titans - The Titans season will depend on the form of running-back, Chris Johnson.  Johnson's form has been going the wrong way in the last two years since a great season in 2009.  Johnson has had a full preseason this year and has been declaring himself, in the best shape in years.  It's all well saying that but it's performances on the field that will prove it.  Jake Locker, has got the starting job at quarterback.  He came in midway through last season and done quite well so it will be interesting to see how he does this season. 
Prediction : 6-10

Jacksonville Jaguars - Jacksonville's off season has been dominated by the Maurice Jones-Drew holdout.  He has returned but seems set to have a limited role in Week 1 at least.  The Jags have upgraded at receiver, drafting Justin Blackmon from Oklahoma State, with the 5th overall pick.  I am far from convinced by Blaine Gabbert at quarterback and fully expect to see Chad Henne taking the snaps before too long.
Prediction : 4-12


AFC West

San Diego Chargers - San Diego lost star receiver, Vincent Jackson but they have added a few other options with Robert Meacham and Eddie Royal coming in.  Quarterback, Philip Rivers, on form, is a match for anyone in the NFL.  He has been hot and cold in recent years with a few mistakes creeping into his play but the new arrivals at receiver should help him.  I would expect a big season from running-back, Ryan Matthews and that too should help Rivers and the Chargers.  Their offense should be good and they have added a few good pieces on defense through the draft, so I think the Chargers could make a return to the postseason.
Prediction : 10-6

Denver Broncos - Denver made the highest profile acquisition of the off season by signing former Colts quarterback, Peyton Manning.  Manning missed last season through injury but he is believed to be back to his best and it will certainly be a very interesting season in Denver.  They have tried to give Manning options on the offense and he has some good targets in, Andre Caldwell, Brandon Stokeley, Jacob Tamme and Joel Dreesen.  I am really looking forward to seeing Manning back in action and hope he can get back to his best as it always difficult watching a legend struggle.
Prediction : 8-8

Kansas City Chiefs - The Chiefs have made a few decent signings in the off season, bringing in Kevin Boss and Peyton Hillis to improve the offense.  They had a decent draft too and also managed to get receiver, Dwayne Bowe to sign his franchise tender and end his holdout.  Running-back, Jamaal Charles should also be back to his best after missing most of last season due to injury. 
Prediction : 7-9

Oakland Raiders - Oakland start their first season without Al Davis as owner in 40 years.  The eccentric, Davis, passed away during last season but I can't see the team doing anything spectacular on the field this season in tribute to him.  The Raiders didn't have a pick in the draft until number 95.  I expect a difficult season for the Raiders and believe it will be a year of rebuilding.
Prediction : 5-11


AFC Playoff Teams

New England Patriots
Pittsburgh Steelers
San Diego Chargers
Houston Texans
Baltimore Ravens
Buffalo Bills


Superbowl

In the AFC, I cannot see anyone beating the New England Patriots.  The NFC should be harder to predict but I think the San Francisco 49ers look the best placed team to make it to the big game.  On paper, it looks like a classic battle between an explosive offense and an explosive defense.  As the old saying goes, "Defense wins Championships" and I think that will be the case here.  The 2012 NFL Champions will be the SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS.

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