Team Previews

2009 New York Jets: Five Things to Watch For

The Jets accepted the fact that Eric Mangini wasn’t quite the “genius” everyone thought he was, and after saying good-bye to Brett Favre, began a true transformation.

With the hiring of Rex Ryan and drafting of Shonne Green, the Jets proved that they were heavily committed to running the football and shutting down teams with an aggressive defense.

Top it off with a new franchise quarterback, and the Jets have the makings for a competitive playoff team that could contend for years to come.

The question is, will one of those year’s be 2009?

Read on to see five things to watch for this season.

5. Mark Sanchez vs. Kellen Clemens

Sanchez was highly touted, and rightfully so, and is easily the best quarterback on the Jets roster, already despite being a rookie. While Kellen Clemens is a “veteran”, very little about his game would actually suggest it. Sanchez may not be polished in some respects and have NFL-ready game-managing skills, but he’s a true gamer, and has better instincts than Clemens.

Despite Clemens being dubbed the “opening day” starter for the pre-season, it’s unlikely he holds onto the job.

Sanchez can make things happen on the run, has a better arm than Clemens, and would give New York a Joe Namath, young-gun mystique that it hasn’t had in almost 40 years.

Look for the rookie to win the job.

4. The Rex Ryan Era

Ryan new how to build defenses and get them to perform at the highest level in Baltimore, so why would that change in New York?

The only difference now is the colorful Ryan has the ability to choose all of his players, rather than have his personnel decisions handed down to him and made for him.

Ryan knows talent, and he knows potential. But the best part is that he knows, with a deeper understanding than most, that there’s a difference between the two.

Eric Mangini left a solid corps of players that Ryan can easily work with, while some former Baltimore defenders, Jim Leonhard and Bart Scott, who were both successful in his system, joined the team.

Another thing to note is that Mangini has been around contending teams that had in-experienced or rookie quarterbacks. Just look at Joe Flacco.

The tools are there on both sides of the ball, and if we go by history, the Jets should be very competitive.

3. The Progression of Vernon Gholston

After being a rookie bust in 2008, while registering just 13 tackles, Gholston finally has life.

With Rex Ryan in town, he should receive the best guidance and teaching he’s ever gotten, and should every change to succeed in Ryan’s aggressive 3-4.

Gholston is even the starter to start the season, and he was picked to be Calvin Pace’s replacement after Pace was suspended for four games.

It may be difficult to hold off Pace when he gets back, but Gholston is too athletic to not make things happen in a Rex Ryan system.

Anticipate a break-out season for the second-year player.

2. Can Thomas Jones Do It Again?

Before Brett Favre, Jones was just cracking 1,000 yards and scored one measly touchdown in 2008. With Favre? Jones is still relishing in a 13-touchdown Pro Bowl season.

Post-Favre? You tell me.

Jones is 32, more than likely just hit the highest numbers he’ll ever get, and has fierce talent around him weighting for more carries.

Leon Washington, despite being in contract discussions, is still a home-run threat every time he touches the ball, making it an almost certainty that his touches will increase.

Throw in the rookie, Shonne Green, the Jets pre-determined “closer”, and Jones is suddenly in a very quiet RBBC.

If that is indeed the case, which it plainly is, there’s no way Jones scores over 10 touchdowns again, and could even struggle to top 1,000 yards.

But hey, if it means a division title, who cares, right?

1. Can Jerricho Cotchery Survive On His Own?

Probably not.

Cotchery isn’t particularly fast, and isn’t overly reliable in traffic or on deep balls.

To be honest, Cotchery has been living in an elite receiver’s body, but has put in very average results.

It didn’t help that he has never had any truly elite help to take the focus off of him, but being the top (and only) option sure doesn’t hurt your stock, either.

There is no true second receiver behind Cotchery that is scary to opposing defenses, while Dustin Keller and Leon Washington are the only other effective options in the passing game.

If another receiver can’t emerge from the mix to help out Cotchery, he may fold up. Like a lawn chair.

2009 Miami Dolphins: Five Things to Watch For

The Dolphins 2009 season is all about showing the league which team they truly are, the young, inexperienced 1-15 squad, or the turn-around, jump-start 11-5 team from last year.

Let’s be honest, even the most positive Dolphin fan has to agree: They’re probably somewhere in between.

Chad Pennington still has what it takes to lead a team to the playoffs, so as long as the Wildcat retains some unpredictability, and that no-name defense steps up, they still have a shot at staying competitive.

Still, there are questions that need answering, for both the present and the future.

5. Can Anthony Fasano Be an Elite Tight End?

That all depends on what you consider “elite“.

Is he going to stretch the field like Jason Witten, break a ton of tackles, or record several 100-yard games?

No. Fasano is a big, reliable target that can help move the chains and can be a factor in the red-zone. But he’s not a guy that can do a lot with the ball, and he’s not an elite play-maker.

He’ll get 40+ catches and could score some touchdowns, but he’s never going to be Antonio Gates.

4. Can Ronnie Brown Stay Healthy?

I doubt it.

Brown is definitely an elite back when on the field and fully healthy, and if he can stay on his feet, this growing offense could make him and absolute stud.

With 13 missed games due to injury in his career, Brown has work to do to convince his team that he can be counted on.

Brown did make it through a full season last year, however, and two full years removed from his knee injury could have him as strong and confident as ever.

3. Can Ted Ginn Jr. Take the Next Step?

I believe he can, and I believe he will.

Ginn was only so-so in his first year, but showed good progress with a new coach, system, and quarterback.

If he had a quarterback with a bigger arm throwing to him his value would be that much better, but Pennington is still good enough to help Ginn’s true ability shine.

After notching over 50 grabs and 700 yards in his second year, Ginn is poised for a huge season in the wide receiver’s historically lucky third year.

Over 80 catches and 1,000 yards isn’t unrealistic.

2. Will the “Wildcat” Formation Dominate Again?

With the addition of Pat White, it’s very possible that it will.

The Eagles may have one-upped the Dolphins by landing Michael Vick, but White brings a whole new dimension to the offense, and could take a lot of pressure off of Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams.

This offense is built around the running game and trick plays, keeping the defense on it’s toes, and then smashing them in the mouth with powerful inside running.

If White is all he’s cracked up to be, Miami could have a very interesting and successful offense.

1. How Will Pat White Be Used?

In every way imaginable.

He’s a very athletic natural passer who has the speed and agility to play elite football at almost every offensive position.

He will obviously play some quarterback in certain packages, while also lining up with just Ronnie Brown or Ricky Williams in the backfield, likely with some “direct snap” plays.

With great versatility and awareness, White should also be serviceable on return duties, while also spending some time working out of the slot at receiver.

White is a sensation in the open field, and with his solid passing ability, also poses a threat as a quarterback.

2009 Minnesota Vikings: Five Things to Watch For

The Vikings drafted the explosive and dynamic Percy Harvin, courted future Hall of Famer Brett Favre, and now are dealing with an MCL injury to Tarvaris Jackson.

While we may never be able to fully close the door on Favre, at least Minnesota can focus on their new, electrifying player, and finding out who their best quarterback is.

If they can get their focus back to simply playing football, this could still be a team to be reckoned with.

Continue on for more things to watch for.

5. Can Percy Harvin Be Their X-Factor?

Harvin is already being projected as the “target” in over 100 plays, which could leave him with 50 catches and close to 20 rush attempts.

He’s also going to be potentially used as a quarterback in Minnesota’s Wildcat formation.

There’s no question the height of his early value, as he brings so much speed and explosiveness, despite not running pure routes.

Harvin should also have a large impact on the special teams as a returner, where his play-making ability may best be showcased as a rookie.

4. The Pat and Kevin Williams Suspension Saga

Recent reports have the “Williams Wall” getting by their suspension from the league.

There were originally scheduled to miss the first four weeks, but hen requested there be no suspension through an appeal, and and it was apparently granted

With all four of their opening games being against teams that didn’t make the playoffs last season, having their run-stuffing wall intact could mean a hot start.

3. Can Adrian Peterson Stay Healthy For a Third Straight Year?

Adrian Peterson has had plenty of knocks early in his career, despite arguably being viewed as “the best back in the league.”

He fumbles.

He plays recklessly.

He does nothing in the passing game.

But he’s also a true gamer and has jaws preparing to be dropped with every touch he handles.

But still, what everyone wonders is when will AP finally get a serious injury, and how will Minnesota respond?

Without Peterson, the Vikings could still potentially not miss a step, as they have a proven veteran in Chester Taylor to step up.

2. Brad Childress on the Hot Seat

While Childress has kept the Vikings competitive, and even led them to a 10-6 division title last season, he is still not a lock to keep his job.

Childress was already a hot seat candidate entering last season, and to keep his job, he must prove that he can stick with and win with ONE quarterback.

He must also get Minnesota back to the playoffs in order to prove 2008 wasn’t a fluke.

With the whole Favre fiasco behind us (maybe), Childress needs to stick with whoever ends up being his guy, and let Adrian Peterson and the defense do the rest.

Even without the Hall of Fame presence of Brett Favre, Minnesota should still make the postseason.

1. The Brett Favre Affect

The Favre “effect” could go in a few different directions.

If Favre decided to come back, this could positively affect the team with an entrance to the playoffs, and possibly a shot at a Super Bowl.

Then again, there are many skeptics that are convinced that Favre, 39, is no better than the options they already have.

Regardless of whether or not he does come back, the mere possibility of adding Favre at any time of the season could disrupt team chemistry and focus.

2009 Green Bay Packers: Five Things to Watch For

After going 13-3 in 2007, many fans felt they had their 2008 Green Bay Packers figured out.

But here we are, almost two summers later, and now we’re all making biased predictions on a 6-10 team without a true identity.

We know Aaron Rodgers can get it done on offense, but what about the offensive line and—almost as important—what about Ryan Grant?

Read on for those issues, as well as three others to monitor as the Packers gear up for an August that hopefully is full of answers.

5. The Brett Favre Affect

Yes, he’s retired, for now.

But even though he won’t be wearing green and gold again, he still could very well play a key role in what happens with the Packers in the NFC North this season, and quite possibly the playoffs.

The truth is, with Favre, you can never say never, and it’s ringing especially true when discussing his retirement plans.

There are rumors going both ways, and they’ll continue to do so until the initial kickoff to the 2009 season.

Until then, prepare for an August full of Favre drama, and a possible impending signing with the Minnesota Vikings or some other team.

4. Ryan Grant and the Ground Game

Grant began 2008 with hamstring and YPC issues after a contract hold-out, so this time around, he should be far more ready for the rigors of an NFL season.

Without the proper reps and training last season, Grant’s body wasn’t completely ready for the pounding, and his vision was nowhere near it was in 2007.

Still, despite not being at his best, Green Bay committed to the run, and Grant ended last season with over 1,200 yards.

The disappointing side of that was the team’s average 17th ranking in the NFL in rush yards per game, as well as Grant’s inability to convert at the goal-line effectively (four scores).

While the Packers will attempt to maintain a balanced offense as always, they still plan to run Grant 20-25 times a game, while spelling him with Brandon Jackson.

But after last year’s slow start, combined with another season of uncertainty in regards to the offensive line, can we truly expect progression?

3. The Offensive Line

The Packers O-Line has been a constantly changing group, and could possibly change for the worse (or better) depending on how you look at them, with the loss of Mark Tauscher.

It still isn’t unrealistic to imagine Tauscher re-joining Green Bay, but with so many young, active bodies ready to compete, it’s probably time to let the 32-year-old walk.

Another issue for Green Bay is assessing if Chad Clifton is still good enough to keep around, or if he has enough left in the tank to warrant any kind of a commitment.

In the mean time, it’s fair to say that this could be the make-or-break season for several players on the inconsistent line, especially Daryn Colledge.

In all regards, this is a very talented group of players in a solid system, although their consistency and toughness is routinely questioned.

2. Is There a Sophomore Slump in Line For Aaron Rodgers?

True, Rodgers isn’t “literally” a sophomore quarterback, but as far as his starting experience goes, he’s a newbie.

Rodgers performed sensationally last year, as he took over for the departed Favre, and tossed 28 touchdowins, over 4,000 yards, and even ran for three more scores.

Rodgers helped make Green Bay one of the more productive and efficient offenses, as he guided them to a 5th overall ranking in points scored, as well as 8th in total yards per game, and 8th in passing yards per game.

1. Will the Transition to the New 3-4 Defense be Successful?

Dom Capers came into Green Bay to shake up a few things.

In their old 4-3 defense, the Packers had too many players in wrong positions way too often, and it was clear that several of the players didn’t always understand their roles fully, as some of them often looked lost.

With Capers’ new switch to the 3-4, the goal is to get the right guys in place, get after the quarterback, and end the season with a better ranking than 2008′s 26th against the run.

With rookies Clay Matthews Jr. and B.J. Raji, it’s not impossible to expect at least a slight improvement, as the 3-4 defense is designed for active linebackers (which Green Bay has) to make plays and rush the passer.

The success of Aaron Kampman’s transition from traditional defensive end to outside linebacker will also be something to watch, going hand-in-hand with the defensive changes.

If the offensive line and running game can pick up some slack, the likely much more comfortable Rodgers should be able to put up even better numbers.

2009 Detroit Lions: Five Things to Watch For

After a horrid 0-16 season made the Lions the laughing-stock of the league, Matt Millen and Rod Marinelli were sent packing, and Jim Schwartz was brought in to right the ship.

This is arguably a job that can’t be corrected in one season, and probably not even two or three, but if anyone can get Detroit going in the right direction, it’ll be a defensive-minded coach who will run the ball and keep his quarterback protected.

At least, that’s the hope.

The Lions have made strides by adding quality players to compete at several lacking positions, including receiver and linebacker.

While their roster certainly offers more buzz than 2008′s did, is there already room for optimism, or will Lions fans be gearing up for another run at a winless season?

5. Can Calvin Johnson Do It Again?

Johnson broke out in his second season, hauling in 78 catches for over 1,300 yards and 12 scores, despite playing for a winless ball club.

But don’t blame him for that.

Johnson did all he could to keep Detroit’s ineffective offense in games, while watching his defense blow any leads they could conjure up.

While that isn’t certain to change in 2009, the one thing Johnson won’t be worrying about is getting the ball.

Both Matthew Stafford and Daunte Culpepper have big, strong arms, and have the ability to go deep and get the ball to Johnson.

True, Johnson cracking 1,300 yards and grabbing another 12+ scores might not mean a division title or the playoffs in 2009, but at this point, Detroit will have to take it’s bright spots where it can get them.

Congratulations, Matt Millen, this one worked out for everyone.

4. Can Kevin Smith Be a True Feature Back?

If the carries are there, and the passing game holds up it’s end, Smith should easily crack 1,000 yards, and could even aim for 10+ scores.

His solid play and ability to be effective at both running and catching the ball made Rudi Johnson obsolete in 2008, and will likely render all other rushers as after-thoughts in 2009.

Smith isn’t a burner, but he combines great vision with solid speed, and elite between-the-tackles running.

The big question is if the off-season acquisitions and addition of Brandon Pettigrew on the line will shore up his blocking enough to help him make that extra step.

3. Is Jim Schwartz “The Guy” For the Job?

His 10 seasons in Tennessee lead us to believe, yes, yes he is.

Schwartz may be picking up the pieces in one of the most dysfunctional NFL cities we’ve seen in some time, but if teams like New Orleans and Atlanta can overcome trying times and embarrassing lawsuits to make the playoffs, then greener pastures could be on their way for the Lions.

Schwartz has assembled a patch-work defensive line-up of former studs, such as Julian Peterson and Larry Foote, and could easily coach Detroit into a competitive team in his first season.

It will take time to get the right players for his system, but with years of experience with Tennessee, there’s enough evidence in playoff appearances, defensive stars, and NFL ranks that suggest he indeed is the man for the job.

2. Matthew Stafford vs. Daunte Culpepper

While the jury is still out on Daunte Culpepper, fans and experts alike are eager to see what Matthews Stafford has in store for both Detroit’s future, as well as present success.

Culpepper. while wildly inconsistent at times, developed a solid connection with star receiver Calvin Johnson, and proved in spurts that he’s still a serviceable quarterback.

It’s clear that his knee injuries from his past hinder his mobility and confidence, and at least up until late last season, he still hadn’t shown the league he was the same passer he was three or four years ago.

It’s very possible that it’s time to label him a “washed-up” veteran, but if Detroit can save Stafford’s body from a brutal beating in his first year, while stealing solid games from the aging Culpepper-then why not?

However, if you ask players around the league, including future Hall of Famer Peyton Manning, they’ll say it’s best to just “throw them into the action”, in regards to Stafford.

The argument can truly be made either way, and despite rumors that Stafford has a good chance of being the starter on day one, it’s sure to be a heated battle throughout pre-season.

In the end, Stafford is a near-lock to be starting around mid-season.

1. When Will They Get That First “W”?

Despite the new regime, solid draft, and key additions on both sides of the ball, it still looks like quite the uphill climb for Detroit.

It’s not enough to just make progress in a growing division like the NFC North. The Lions, despite their best efforts, watched as the Vikings, Packers, and Bears all widened the gap between the cellar dwellers, furthering the notion that regardless of their record in 2009, Detroit will inevitably find themselves at the bottom of the division.

Don’t believe it? Well, on paper at least, the schedule to start the season is, well, brutal.

Detroit opens the season on the road against a New Orleans Saints offense that can score on anybody, along with a defense that is regarded as “much improved”.

They then go home to face the Vikings and Redskins, and then have road games at Chicago and Green Bay sandwiching a match-up against the Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers.

Their sigh of relief? Their bye week in week seven.

Their first realistic chance at victory comes the next week against a woeful St. Louis team that, after a overhaul of it’s own, probably is on even ground with them.

Can Detroit fans handle an 0-6 start? Well, they may have to.

2009 Chicago Bears: Five Things to Watch For

The big news this off-season in Chicago was the acquisition of former Denver quarterback Jay Cutler, as well as a sound NFL Draft.

The Bears added depth and competition to their receiving corps, and also added a few players on defense that bring youth and versatility to an aging defense.

There are many questions surrounding the Bears that could be answered by the end of August, as well as a few others that may take the entire season to answer.

5. Greg Olsen as the New Starting Tight End

It has recently been reported than Greg Olsen will officially take over in Chicago as the top tight end, relegating the veteran blocking tight end, Desmond Clark, to the bench.

While Clark will still be used a lot, and quite possibly just as much as Olsen, he will not be featured in the passing game as often.

Olsen’s tremendous size and speed should provide a big target for Jay Cutler, which should potentially open up a lethargic passing offense.

From a fantasy perspective, look for Olsen’s numbers to improve greatly, with 70 catches and over 800 yards being fairly realistic.

4. Will the Offensive Line Be Better?

Only a few years removed from having one of the better line’s in the NFL, Chicago is slowly but surely working it’s way back to the NFL’s elite.

They have some aging players, as well as a few young, raw prospects.

While they have made strides in the rush offense, pass protection continues to be their Achilles’ heel.

An established Pro Bowl quarterback like Jay Cutler could take some of the pressure off of this growing offensive line.

3. Can the Defense Still Be Elite?

Brian Urlacher had an off year, the Bears said good-bye to Mike Brown, and the few defensive rookies they did draft aren’t projected for immediate impacts.

Throw in an injury to Charles Tillman, and there are suddenly enough questions regarding this defense, that it’s difficult to call them elite anymore.

If Urlacher can bounce back and show he’s still a prime-time performer, he could take up enough space and garner enough attention over the middle to allow Lance Briggs and others to roam free and make plays.

Craig Stelz stepping up at safety will also be a huge issue to be watched. Stelz has a great cerebral game with goo instincts, while receiving knocks in regards to his speed and explosiveness.

His development, as well as the improvement of Chicago’s overall defense chemistry, could have a huge impact on how the defense plays out.

Still, even if there aren’t as many changes as Chicago fans would like, the defense as it stands is still easily the second-best defense in the NFC North, which won’t keep them from being competitive.

2. Who Will Step-Up at Receiver?

While Jay Cutler is a substantial improvement under center, his mere presence alone doesn’t guarantee any change of production out of the receiving corps.

The rookies and veterans will have to put their own effort in to make a successful transition to an above-average squad.

Devin Hester’s speed, explosiveness, and improved route-running keeps him s the number one option, while Earl Bennett and Rashied Davis are the early favorites to round out the top three spots.

Rookies Juaquin Iglesias and Johnny Knox are definitely going to be a part of the offense, but only their preseason play will guarantee one way or another just how much of a role they will play.

Iglesias is in a mold much like Bennett, while Knox is a flat-out burner who would potentially work as Chicago’s best slot receiver.

1. Is Jay Cutler Chicago’s Savior?

He’s not Jim McMahon, and there’s no guaranteed Super Bowl.

Then again, he’s not Cade McNown, Rex Grossman, or Kyle Orton, either.

He’s much better.

Cutler may not have won more than eight games in a season yet, but he’s young and hasn’t had much help in the form of solid defense in his two and a half seasons as a starter.

While his weapons regress to a return man-turned-receiver and a fast tight end (Greg Olsen), Cutler still has a big arm and the moxie and confidence to guide a dramatic offensive turn around.

If Kyle Orton could toss nearly 3,000 yards and 18 touchdowns with these weapons, just imagine what Cutler could be capable of.

Don’t expect a huge drop-off from 2008′s numbers.

I can’t believe the Bears Betting Odds this year. I think there is some value there.