From www.ToledoMuslims.com/Criterion/Article.asp?ID=153
Looking ahead to an exciting NFL season
Noure Alo
Sports
Brief: Noure Alo takes a look at the upcoming NFL season and gives readers a heads up on which teams will excel.
Article:
In other scenarios teams simply “mortgage the future” by signing numerous free agents for a year or two, consciously disregarding certain future failure because of the salary cap implications (see Dallas Cowboys, San Francisco 49ers of the mid 1990’s). These types of teams are willing to suffer through rebuilding years if they can win the championship in the present.
A recent scenario is a team that had been horrible for years, (which means they were always picking at the top of the draft) accumulates a ton of blue chip talent and manages to win before having to pay them all top dollar or lose them to free agency (see Baltimore Ravens, who had 13 former first round picks on their squad but lost something like 14 out of 22 starters this off season).
As a remedy to what has evolved, a new formula that may be duplicated in this copycat league is that of the New England Patriots. The plan is easy: sign a bunch of second rate, past their primes, thirty something veterans for cheap and hope they jell together and make one last run. If they don’t, then you didn’t risk much in the first place.
At any rate, add all of this up and that means that in any year, in any city, your team might be the next super bowl surprise (except the I-75 Pittifuls: you down there in Cincinnati and you poor saps up in Detroit). Don’t believe me? Take a quick look at the recent champs: ’99 St. Louis (record previous year was something like 4-12), 2000 Baltimore Ravens (previous record was average), 2001 Patriots (previous record sucked). In fact, it is almost more of a possibility for your team to emerge if they had a poor record the previous year. That is the case because teams who finish at the bottom of their division are handed an easier schedule the next year.
Looking more closely at the past few years, even the teams that lost the super bowl these past three years were not your perennial “powers”. You had the Titans in 99 and the Giants in 2000. Of these recent champs, the Rams are the only team that is considered a threat to win every year, but as we saw last year and the year before, by far not a sure thing.
This year, I have identified a few teams that could be poised to make improvements over last year:
Super Bowl Caliber:
Green Bay Packers: This team is ready to go for it all. The addition of supremely talented but troubled WR Terry Glenn has Brett Farve licking his chops. After years of having to throw to slow, mediocre, “unable to get open” wideouts (ever since Sterling Sharpe left he’s had Antonio Freeman, Derrick Mayes, Bill Schroeder…you get the picture) Farve finally has a receiver that instills fear into opposing cornerbacks. Glenn set the all time record for rookie receptions back in ’96 and led his team to the Super Bowl. If he stays in line and behaves (the word out of Cheeseland is that he’s been a model citizen) then look out for this lethal combination.
The running game is in great hands as Ahman Green is arguably a top 5 running back. If he can cure his fumble problems, look out, especially with Glenn now which will force defenses to play honest. Green also led the team in receptions last year (this tells you more about last year’s receiving corps). Also, Dorsey Levens was let go but former #1 overall pick.
Ki-Jana Carter was signed. Carter seems to finally have gotten over the disastrous knee injury he suffered as a rookie and is faster than Levens.
Tight end is manned by improving 3rd year pro Bubba Franks. Look for Franks to have more opportunities now that Glenn is there to stretch the field. Also, two young WR’s will make a difference in the passing game as well, rookie 1st round pick Javon Walker (FSU) and 2nd year pro Robert Ferguson.
The defense will also have a new and improved look. DE Joe Johnson of the Saints signed a huge free agent deal to lead the defensive line. Johnson is a double threat as he is very strong against the run and is a sack master. Don’t overlook the signing of inside linebacker Hardy Nickerson. The veteran will plug holes in the running lanes and will be a great locker room presence. The secondary remains solid with FS Darren Sharper flashing superstar potential last year. Also, young outside linebacker Nail Diggs is an emerging star.
This team is a threat to win it all, and should be much more explosive than the team that lost to St. Louis in the NFC Championship game last year. This time, Farve will have receivers who can actually get open and run past corners. Look for Glenn to amass over 90 receptions and around 1300 yards receiving.
Indianapolis Colts: The Edge (Edgerrin James) will be back, along with a capable backup and intriguing prospect Ben Gay. Peyton Manning will be ready to go and the receiving corps should be improved with the progress of Reggie Wayne. The defense improved the day that Tony Dungy signed on as head coach. We know what he did in Tampa with that defense, although the cupboard is much less stocked in Indy on the D side. It should be an interesting team to watch.
San Francisco 49ers: This team keeps adding and building to a young nucleus of good players. The defense is ever improving and the offense is exciting. The 49ers could be a legitimate NFC Championship Caliber team, however, there are a few question marks. Will the young defense mature quickly enough? Will Ahmed Plummer get any help at the other cornerback spot (latest draftee Mike Rumph will get a shot this time)? Will Garrison Hearst stay health? Will Terrell Owens get along with anybody? Will the offensive line continue it’s steady play? Is Jeff Garcia for real? If these questions are answered favorably, it could be a big year in SF.
Back to the Playoffs
New Orleans Saints: This team underwent some major changes, but added some great pieces. If their moves turn out to be right, look out. The team traded leading rusher Rickey Williams to the Dolphins as Williams never totally fit into the team’s personality and plans. Williams was a workhorse but had a weird personality and fumble problems. However, last year’s first round choice Duece McCallister is a speed demon who can run and catch. If Duece can produce, look out, he has loads of potential, the Saints are looking at him as a Marshall Faulk type back.
Tight End David Sloan was added and he should be a great outlet for young gun slinger Aaron Brooks. Sloan is a big, fast tight end who should excel in this suddenly exciting offense.
The receiving corps also received a big upgrade. No longer can defenses simply double team and roll coverages towards Joe Horn. Now they have Jerome Pathon (free agent, Colts), a young veteran who is coming into his own, to worry about. And if that doesn’t scare them, then rookie 13# overall pick Donte’ Stallworth should. Stallworth ran the fastest 40 time (4.24) since Joey Galloway ran a 4.18. Look for Brooks to pass for close to 3800 yards and for McCallister to rush for at least 1000 and receive for over 500.
The defense lost Laroi Glover but gained huge DT Grady Jackson from the Raiders. Teaming Jackson (over 360 pounds) with DT Norman Hand (around 340) will give the Saints two roadblocks in the middle.
They also added stud and extremely talented cornerback Dale Carter. Carter has been shutting everyone down in camp and is showing signs of returning to his all pro form (assuming he no longer has the ‘sniffs’). This team will be exciting and explosive. Brook’s arm will be slinging rifles all over the field and his receivers are going to be deadly. Look for another playoff run for New Orleans.
Dallas Cowboys: Although I don’t see them going to the Super bowl, I do think that they are back on their way to the top. A strong free agent class and a great draft day have them reloaded and ready. Also, don’t forget they had the league’s #2 rated defense last year to which they’ve added Kevin Hardy LB, Laroi Glover DT, Brian Westbrook CB, SS Roy Williams (#8 overall pick, Oklahoma), Derek Ross CB (draft pick from Cornerback U, otherwise known as Ohio State), and return from injury Greg Ellis DE and Ebeneezer Ekuban DE. The safety tandem of Williams and incumbent pro bowler Darren Woodson can become one of the best ever. Williams is considered to be the best safety prospect to come out of the draft since Eric Turner in 1991. Williams was the highest drafted safety (#8), since Eric Turner was drafted #2 overall in 1991.
Hardy will make an already solid linebacking corps even better as he teams with speedy youngsters Dexter Coakley and Dat Ngyen. The offense will be interesting to watch, Emmitt Smith needs only 540 yards to break Walter Payton’s all time record. The speediest receiving tandem of Raghib Ismail and Joey Galloway (OSU) will be joined by highly touted draft pick Antonio Bryant and emerging 2nd year pro Ken-Yon Rambo (another Buckeye). The early word is that Bryant is the next coming of Michael Irvin, and that Rambo has been flashing the talent that once made him the #1 receiver coming out of high school and a sure first round pick until his senior year. Also, the tight end position received a major upgrade with the addition of ex-Bengal Tony McGee. The only question mark could be QB where Quincy Carter has flashed potential. But the word out of the Cowboy mini camps in Valley Ranch has been that ex-Stanford star QB Chad Hutchinson (who left to play baseball for 4 years) has been phenomenal and will be starting soon.
You can see why they have something to be excited about in Irving, TX. Will Jerry Jones win another Championship? Only if he can find a solution at quarterback within the next two years. He’s banking that either Carter or Hutchinson will do the job.
Cleveland Browns: Yes, the Brownies made huge strides last season. After two years of absolutely pitiful (and somewhat understandable) play as an expansion team, the Browns through out the old regime and inserted highly energized and organized Butch Davis, ex-coach of the Univ. of Miami Hurricanes (who dominated college football last year).
In his first year, the attitude change in the Browns was evident. The players simply played their best for Davis as he has a knack for motivating his players.
This year, look for Tim Couch to make a huge stride into becoming a future star at quarterback. The addition of 1st round pick, 6’1 225 pound running back William Green, gives the Browns what they have lacked ever since coming back in ’99, an explosive, instinctive, 25+ carry a game workhorse. The drafting of Green motivated incumbents James Jackson and maddeningly shifty Jamel White to get bigger and stronger over the off season. The Browns now have a stable of capable backs, and a star in Green. This forces defenses to play Couch honest, and his batch of young receivers should flourish.
Look for Kevin Johnson to continue his ascent into the upper echelon of receivers and for youngsters Quincy Morgan, Jajuan Dawson, and rookie 2nd round pick Andre Davis to excel. Veteran Chris Sanders was signed away from the Titans for his speed and leadership. Andre Davis has been flashing his game breaking speed and ability at mini camp and the coaching staff is excited. Morgan, who has the size and speed to be a dominant receiver, seems to have cured the shaky hands of a year ago. Johnson became the Browns’ first 1,000 yard receiver of the new era last season and has a repore with Couch that is deadly. Dawson is a prototypical underneath receiver and should excel. Overall, this is a strong young group of receivers.
The tight end position will be deep and strong this year as Rickey Dudley returns from injury and will be joined by talented rookie Darnell Sanders (Ohio State) and veterans Aaron Shea and Mark Campbell. Dudley was building a great rhythm with Couch last year before he went down with an injury. His return will open things up on the outside for the receivers.
The offensive line underwent a much-needed overhaul. Out goes LT Romen Oben, in come free agents Barry Stokes (Green Bay), Ryan Tucker (St. Louis), Melvin Fowler (rookie from Maryland) and now healed Tre Johnson. This line should be much better at protecting Couch and opening holes for Green.
The defense which was amazing at times last year will be even better. LB Jamir Miller became a pro bowl player and registered an AFC 2nd best 13.5 sacks. The additions of highly touted free agents DT Kenard Lang (free agent, Redskins), SS Robert Griffith (Vikings), MLB Earl Holmes (Steelers) will make this defense one of the best against the run. The linebackers now are a formidable group, with Dwayne Rudd, Miller and Holmes. This should be a havoc wreaking group of playmakers. Rudd flies around the flats and chases down running backs. Holmes will make offenses accountable up the middle and will drop many for loss. Miller will continue his pass rushing and will instill fear into the minds of quarterbacks. 3rd year blue chipper Courtney Brown is poised for stardom if he can get through this year healthy. The 2000 #1 pick overall showed what kind of impact he can have on a game last year in Chicago where he had three sacks and forced a fumble which he recovered and ran back for a score. Brown can be scary good. Don’t forget last year’s #3 overall pick Gerard Warren. Warren became a run stuffing, QB pounding force in his rookie year (just as Mark Brunell).
With Brown, Lang and a healthy Orpheus Roye, the defensive line will be dominant. The DB’s will be improved with the addition of SS Robert Griffith. Griffith hits like a ton of bricks and is a master in coverages. This should help a unit that set the team record for total interceptions become even better against the pass. The free agents signed will greatly enhance this already strong D. Add the improvement of last year’s rookie sensations Gerard Warren and Anthony Henry (team record 10 interceptions) and you see why Davis is excited about his “D”. A playoff run in C-Town is not fantasy anymore.
Denver Broncos: A solid offseason may put this team back on the winning track. Recognizing a need to add speed to an aging, slowing set of skill position players, the team drafted WR Ashley Lelie of Hawaii and RB Clinton Portis of Miami. How many running backs do they need? Well, Mike Anderson has been switched to fullback (so far he’s not complaining), Olandis Gary is recovering from a broken leg, and we all know about Terrell Davis’s knee problems. So look for Portis to get a lot of carries early. The offensive line gets some new faces as former RT Trey Teague is gone and will be replaced by free agents Blake Brockermeyer or Ephriam Salaam. Hopefully for the Broncos, the newcomers will learn all the dirty, illegal blocks, leg whips, cut blocks and knee rolls by the first game. Lelie gives the team its first legitimate 3rd receiver in a long time. That’s assuming that he doesn’t have to start for the recovering Eddie McCaffrey, who suffered a gruesome leg injury last year. The Eddie Kennison experiment failed miserably, but he’s having success with the rival Chiefs. Just in case Lelie doesn’t come through, veteran Rob Moore was signed, and youngster Kevin Kasper is ready. Rod Smith had a huge year (because there was no one else to catch passes) but suffered a lot of lingering injuries.
Two years ago Mike Shannahan got arrogant and didn’t resign TE Shannon Sharpe, a vital part of the Bronco Super Bowl run. All Sharpe did was win a super bowl while the Broncos sucked and struggled to find an identity. At least Shannahan is honest enough to admit his stupidity and arrogance by resigning Sharpe now, but it might be too late. Because of quarterback Brian Griese’s fragile mindset and frail body, Sharpe is needed to provide leadership and a safety valve for Griese. Because Griese’s lack of major league arm strength restricts his ability to get the ball down field, Sharpe provides a much needed outlet receiver in the 10-15 yard range. Although Sharpe is injury prone and getting older, he can still get open.
The defense is iffy. Last year’s first round pick Willie Middlebrooks has been disappointing so far, but it’s too early to stamp bust on his forehead. He was injured early on and never recovered. Cornerback Ray Crockett is older than Mother Teresa. SS Eric Brown has not become the next Steve Atwater and leader Bill Romanowski (psycho) is gone to the rival Raiders. The team is expecting big things out of last year’s second round pick from Marshall, DE Paul Toviessi. Toviessi is tall (6-7), rangy and has added much needed muscle. Notwithstanding, the defense will have its share of problems this year.
This team is good enough to win 9 or 10 games and regain some respectability. That all depends on the health of Davis and Griese, and the progress of rookies Lelie and Portis.
Minnesota Vikings: After a tragic year which saw the team lose OT Korey Stringer (died of heat exhaustion) the team might finally be ready to go. WR Cris Carter ended his glorious career and that means that Randy Moss will get the ball even more. Moss should explode this year if he keeps his head. Carter will be replaced by veteran free agent Derrick Alexander and D’wayne Bates will be the 3rd receiver.
2nd year RB Michael Bennett is a speed back who improved as the season went on last year but should be ready for a breakout year. He will never make fans forget Robert Smith, but Bennett can make defenses pay for double teaming Moss.
Daunte Culpepper is an emerging star QB who can run and throw. Culpepper is one of the largest quarterbacks to ever play in the league. He should continue his pro bowl form.
New coach Mike Tice is well liked and is a better motivator than Dennis Green was. Matching Green’s record of reaching the playoffs will be hard to do, however.
The defense went the New England Patriot route by signing a lot of lower priced veterans, this should help the defense jell.
The Vikings should have an explosive offense that will scare teams. The defense must step up for a playoff run.
On the Right Track
Buffalo Bills: The Bills were horrible last season, but this season they have reason to hope. The addition of Drew Bledsoe and the drafting of nasty OT Mike Williams and highly productive WR Josh Reed makes the offense legitimate. Sure Bledsoe is a standing target, but he has the arm that few have in the NFL and he’s been to a couple of Super Bowls. Reed joins an already stellar duo of Eric Moulds and Peerless Price. Moulds and Price both have rare size and speed. With Bledsoe and this batch of receivers, opposing DB’s should be shaking in their boots. The running game has a big stable of backs, one or two of which will surely be traded before the season. Travis Henry, Shaun Bryson, Sammy Morris and free agent Richard Huntley make this arguably the deepest group in the league. This team should be interesting to watch. The bad news is that the defense will be young and inexperienced and probably pretty bad. Outside of their two young, outstanding blue chip corners, Antoine Winfield and Nate Clements, there’s not much there. Could be a long season on the defensive side of the ball.
Cincinnati Bengals: OK, I know I ripped the Bengals (it’s too easy), but to be honest, they have a nice young team developing down there in Cincinnati. After years and years of drafting early in the first round (they haven’t made the playoffs since 1991, the Boomer Easiason years), we might have a Baltimore Ravens situation. Cincinnati has made some horrible picks early in the first round over the years (David Klingler, Ki-Jana Carter, Akili Smith) but I guess if you draft that early every year, you’re bound to get some good players by mistake.
In Cincinnati’s case, the defense is strong with it’s linebackers, Takeo Spikes, Brian Simmons and Steve Foley. It drafted a good safety prospect in Lamont Thompson. The corners are weak but developing and the defensive line has a future star in 2nd year DE Justin Smith.
The offense is also on the verge of big things. RB Corey Dillon is a punishing workhorse back who at times can dominate a game (see Denver Broncos last year when he rushed for over 270 yards). The receivers are explosive with youngsters Peter Warrick, Chad Johnson, Ron Dugans, Danny Farmer and veteran Darnay Scott.
The quarterback situation is somewhat cloudy with John Kitna and Gus Frerrotte set for a training camp battle. The offensive line is solid and with the addition of rookie LT Levi Jones, it should be even better.
The Bengals are young and are sick of always finishing at the league’s bottom basement. Look for a strong year from the Bengals, and maybe a playoff push.
San Diego Chargers: This team is also looking up. 2nd year QB Drew Brees is set to take charge and improve the passing game. Doug Flutie will be regulated to a back up role, even though he wont be happy. The passing game also gets a boost with the addition of rookie 2nd round pick from Florida, Reche Caldwell.
The running game is in good hands (or legs) with last year’s rookie sensation LaDanian Tomlinson ready for another big year. Also, to help create more holes for him, big OG Toni Fonoti was drafted in the first round.
The defense should also be improved, as shut down corner Quentin Jammer of Texas was drafted as the 4th overall pick. This team should continue its ascent and become a solid playoff challenger.
Atlanta Falcons: QB Michael Vick is ready to take the league by storm. His laser for an arm and his unmatched speed and escapability make him the most dangerous QB since the “Ultimate Weapon”, Randall Cunnigham was in his prime.
Vick will have also have a new backfield combo of “thunder & lightening” with the additions of free agent RB Warrick Dunn (Tampa) and rookie 1st round pick T.J. Duckett. However, the lack of talent at the receiver spot will need to be addressed.
The Defense is building and has a chance to be OK. That will be enough for the exciting Vick to lead this team in the right direction. Playoffs might be a stretch, but 7-9 wins is not.
Arizona Cardinals: Don’t laugh. There is an explosion that is ready to happen in Arizona if a few things develop. Already, David Boston is one of the top 3 recievers in the game. He led the league in receiving yardage last season and still hasn’t even scratched his potential. QB Jake Plummer continues to improve and develop.
RB Thomas Jones, a former #7 overall pick, needs to live up to his potential. The offensive line, led by huge Leonard Davis, is jelling and getting stronger.
As for the defense, it needs a lot of help. The signing of CD Duane Starks from the Ravens will help tremendously an area that suffered after the loss of Aneas Williams. Look for the Cards to compete this year and win up to 9 games.
(ToledoMuslims.com-6/28/2002)-- The upcoming NFL season will be exciting for NFL fans all over the country. Over the past few years, the NFL has undergone a transformation. With the onset of the salary cap and parity, the league is no longer dominated by dynasties that can stock a roster with great players, veterans, young prospects and keep them. Super bowl championship rosters never stay intact nowadays for many reasons, one of which is that young or second string players leave for more money/playing time, or aging veterans looking for one last payday on winners leave their teams for big free agent money. Super Bowl teams and good teams simply cannot pay all of their players' star money.
Copyright
1998-2004 The Criterion. All Rights Reserved. www.ToledoMuslims.com.
For permission to reprint or use any material,editor@toledomuslims.com.
The Criterion receives over 50,000 unique vistors and 500,000 hits each month.
Reprint Information