NFC Preview
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Seattle- Seattle is one of the more complete teams in the NFC. The only question mark is whether Alexander stays healthy. If he fails to, it could swing the division in St. Louis’s favor.
Rams- A new energized defense, coupled with an offensive powerhouse leads to a top team. With such a weak conference going deep in the playoffs should not be too hard, the problem is getting to the playoffs in this division.
SF- Clements’ signing immediately boosts the defense. If Alex Smith and Vernon Davis continue to progress, this could be a strong team.
Arizona- When this offense is going, there is nothing stopping it, except a horrendous defense.
Redskins- Last year was not who the Redskins really are. There defense performed well below expectations and a return to a top-line defense is immenent. It will be Jason Campbell’s performance that will dictate the Redskins season.
Cowboys- A promising offense, even with the disappointment of Julius Jones and the emergence of Demarcus Ware could catapult the Cowboys into first or second place in the division.
Giants- I may be one of the few believers that believes Eli can turn it around. Unfair expectations have led to his downfall thus far, but a bounce back season is on the verge. Although, they have a weakened running game, Eli still has top targets in Burress, Toomer, and Shockey.
Eagles- Their defense simply has too many durability question marks. Plus, I’m not confident McNabb will be the same quarterback after a string of injuries and will no longer be the threat on the edge due to the Eagle’s concern for his health.
Saints- One of the best offenses in the league, but Joe Horn’s loss will be felt. Besides that the same core group of players will be back.
Panthers- Delhomme’s unexpected regression coupled with durability issues at running back may cause the panthers to miss the playoffs yet again.
Buccaneers- They have tons of quarterbacks, but no big play receivers or running backs. The experienced some detrimental losses on the defensive side of the ball this past off-season.
Falcons- The Vick-Horn combo looked promising, until Vick’s off the field issues sprung up. Don’t expect to see him in a Falcon’s uniform this year, if ever.
Bears- With Tank Johnson gone coupled with quarterback issues, leads to a weakened team. Only a weak division will save them this year.
Lions- Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson lining up across from each other will wreak havoc on a defense’s secondary. The offensive line and defense may be the team’s ultimate downfall.
Packers- Until Farve leaves and this team can begin prepping Aaron Rogers this team is going no where. The promising first rounder is suffering from his lack of playing time and needs to get in the game so he can help the team in the future.
Vikings- The run defense is great, the pass defense is horrendous. They did not make any major moves to improve the team drastically.
Playoff Matchups: Wild Card Round: Redskins (bye) Saints (bye) Cowboys beat Bears Rams beat Seahawks
Divisional Playoff: Rams beat Redskins Saints beat Cowboys
Conference Championship: Rams beat Saints
1)Awful
2)Ballsy