Is that this the 12 months of the Colts? That’s what everyone seems to be asking and it’s clearly a wait and see scenario. They nonetheless have Manning and Harrison however they should discover a robust alternative for Edgerrin James who opted to go to Arizona.
Coach Dungy is clearly a frontrunner in his discipline however each playoff the Colts discover a technique to choke-whether or not it’s to the Patriots or the Steelers-makes no distinction. In 2005 the Colts received 13 straight out of the gate-then misplaced to San Diego-then the horrible tragedy that occurred within the Dungy household.
We’ll by no means know if feelings of ache so deep value the Colts the remainder of the season however it’s what it’s and life goes on. As a mum or dad of 6 kids and a pair of step-children I can’t fathom dropping a toddler and clearly my work can be affected for a really very long time. The Colts have all the time been a favourite of mine and I might like to see them within the Tremendous Bowl this 12 months. Go Colts!
AFC East
Buffalo Payments
New addition of Coach Dick Jauron will do little to leap begin the shortage lustre quarterbacking. No go-to man this 12 months in Eric Moulds who was traded to Houston. Peerles Value steps in simply traded from Dallas. Operating again McGahee continues to be within the ranks however has to do a lot better than 2005 as he failed to achieve 100 yards or rating a landing in 7 of the final 8 video games performed.
The Payments handed on Matt Leinart within the 2006 draft and determined to focus on the protection. The robust level for the Payments is the Specialty staff the place Brian Moorman is one the League’s greatest punters with a forty five.7 common. Kick returner Terrance McGee led the NFL final 12 months with a 30.2 common. The beginning QB should prepared the ground or the Payments will probably be misplaced within the shuffle.Their opener is Sept. 10 in New England.
Miami Dolphins
Can Culpepper be the magic ingredient the Dolphins want for 2006? After a disastrous season with the Vikings and accidents mid means and “the scandal” Daunte hopes to start out recent and get again to his profitable methods. No Randy Moss right here however there’s a fellow named Chris Chambers. It took 11 video games for the broad receiver to get up however after that there was no stopping him and the Dolphins received their closing 6 video games. Nevertheless it was too little too late and so they simply narrowly missed the playoffs with a 9-7 document for the season.
What worries me is Culpepper’s backup Joey Harrington-nice guy-not nice QB. If Culpepper will get damage again-and he will-that can be an excessive amount of for Joey to hold and the Fins would fade away. With the Superbowl being held in Miami this 12 months the strain is on the management. Ronnie Brown takes over the primary position of RB as Ricky Williams is suspended from the NFL and enjoying within the CFL now. The important thing will probably be to maintain the quarterback wholesome and the Dolphins will probably be within the hunt. Miami opens up the season dealing with the 2005 Champs on the highway September seventh.
New England Patriots
They could be down however they aren’t out-not by a protracted shot of us! Tom Brady handed for 4,110 yards in 2005 and threw 26 TD’s-playing injured for nearly the final half of the season. Not lots of people knew that until now. Fully recovered from the surgical procedure required Brady is able to go full tilt once more. He’ll want a lot better safety than the 28 occasions he was sacked final 12 months. With the retirement of Flutie the Pats have Matt Cassel to fall again on ought to Brady come out-not a terrific plan as he’s too unexperienced. We’ll most likely see him in pre-season video games and choose his potential at the moment.
The lack of Adam Vinateri will probably be felt this 12 months. Kickers Martin Gramatica and Stephen Gostkowski are vying for this place. The latter might prevail as he’s the a lot anticipated draft decide from Memphis. They open the season at house to the Payments September 10.
New York Jets
Final 12 months the Jets had a horrible 4-12 season and hope to place all that behind them with a brand new coach-Eric Mangini-who earned his stripes underneath the grasp coach Belichick and was there for all 3 superbowl victories. QB Chad Pennington could possibly be the poster boy for Rehab-physical that is-having 2 surgical procedures in 2005 on his proper shoulder. Proper behind him is Patrick Ramsey-recently traded from the Redskins and probably not a lot of a risk to Pennington.
WR Tim Dwight follows Mangini from the Pats roster to the Jets and ought to be a giant inspiration to the staff. Lord is aware of they want it! It seems to be like it will likely be the accountability of Pennington-and the accountability of his line-backers-to preserve any hope alive for the Jets this 12 months. They open the season on the highway in Tennessee Sept.10.
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens have misplaced 11 straight video games on the highway and this 12 months they open the season in Tampa bay. Steve McNair will breathe some life into the place of quarterback and provides Boller a run for his cash. Derrick Mason would be the go-to man and Jamal Lewis gives the working sport. A wide range of accidents have aspect lined the as soon as nice Ray Lewis 33% of the video games since 2004.
Coach Billick has been struggling the previous 2 years in his division with workers turnovers and sensing a lack of management together with his gamers. Two vibrant spots for the Ravens are the protection which was #5 within the NFL final 12 months and #1 in punt returns. With all of the growing older gamers Baltimore can solely hope to discover a fountain of youth-fast.
Cincinnati Bengals
IF Carson Palmer is wholesome sufficient the Bengals will probably be robust rivals this 12 months. The AFC North Division Champions have been properly on their technique to the playoffs for the primary time since 1990 when a humorous factor occurred alongside the way in which. Effectively not so humorous for Palmer who after main the way in which within the Wild Card sport towards the Steelers to the tune of 17-0 was pushed into the turf and ended up with ACL and MCL knee accidents. Steelers got here again to win 31-17.
The protection gave up a median of 31 factors per sport of their closing 8 video games of the season. That must be addressed. A wholesome Palmer and working again Rudi Johnson and receiver Chad Johnson will do the remainder. Final 12 months the Bengals ended up with a formidable 11-6 general and hope to equal or higher that this time. Bengals open the common season on the highway to Kansas September tenth.
Cleveland Browns
The Browns lack the depth wanted within the quarterbacking division. Charlie Frye performed the final 5 video games in 2005 as a rookie and his again up is Ken Dorsey traded from the 49ers-enough mentioned. Now an actual star is working again Reuben Droughns who rushed for 1232 yards final 12 months and broke the document for many carries(309). New receivers ought to mild up the top zone greater than ever earlier than. New man on the block is Joe Jurevicius and getting back from a knee operation Kellen Winslow Jr. They need to spark up a listless receiving corps.
Linebacker Willie McGinest comes over from the Patriots to beef up the O line. Ted Washington left Oakland to get the beginning as NT. All of it comes right down to the quarterback and can there be a powerful displaying from any of them. We’ll see when the Browns host the Saints September tenth.
Pittsburgh Steelers
With the retirement of Jerome Bettis and the lack of Randle El as a free agent the Steelers are surprisingly nonetheless fairly properly in tact. They nonetheless have large Ben however should see how he performs after his severe motorbike accident just a few months in the past. Tommy Maddox has been relaeased and Charlie batch steps in to #2 place. Steelers have been a stellar 15-5 final 12 months and Tremendous Bowl champions for 2005.
Operating again Duce Staley fills the hole left by Bettis completely. Again as much as Staley is Willie Parker who rushed for 1202 yards final 12 months. The go-to man stays strong and Hines Ward is just not solely skillful however affable as properly. He has been voted staff MVP 3 years out of 4. You want good morale within the locker room in addition to on the sphere and he gives that. Coach Invoice Cowher hs been within the place since 1992 and his metal jawed glares are well-known by out the League. The Steelers host Miami September tenth.
AFC South
Houston Texans
It can’t get any worse than final 12 months when the Texans have been a dismal 2-14 for the 12 months. What a let down that should have been for the fans-if there are any left. The Texans have been thirtieth in offense and and 31 st in protection. Eric Moulds came visiting from Buffalo to offer some high quality receiving for QB David Carr.
Rookie Coach Kubiak has the expertise of offensive coordinater for 11 years with Denver and in addition employed ex-Packers Coach Mike Sherman as assistant head coach for the offense. The nonetheless very younger staff is simply 4 years previous and needing a good displaying since their greatest 12 months of 7-9. The Texans host the Eagles September tenth.
Indianapolis Colts
There’s a large gap within the working again place and it stays to be seen if it will likely be crammed adequately this 12 months. They nonetheless have the powerhouse trio-Harrison/Wayne/Stokely. They nonetheless have the robust and correct arm of Peyton Manning who might be top-of-the-line quarterbacks within the NFL. The Colts dominated the League with 14-3 document however fell quick within the playoff closing with the Steelers.
DE Dwight Freeney continues to be a frontrunner for the protection. Final 12 months they have been #2 within the NFL for factors allowed. Kicker Vanderjagt left and one other nice kicker got here in by the title of Adam Vinateri-of Patriots fame. No slack within the kicking division. Opening sport will probably be historic with brother-brother matchups when the Colts play the Giants in New York September tenth.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars may be pleased with their 12-4 document final 12 months and hope to construct on that with QB Leftwich. If there may be flaw to be talked about it’s that Byron is a pocket guy-not very mobile-and susceptible to accidents. The guts of a Lion or Jaguar beats in his chest and one can solely admire his dedication to his job. Backup David Garrand is greater than in a position to step as much as the plate and proved it final 12 months going 4-1 within the closing 5 common video games.
The Jaguars are the poster boys for highway warriors. Profitable 8-2 final 10 common season highway video games. The retiremnet of WR Jimmy Smith will probably be felt and he can have large footwear to fill. A really fascinating addition to the teaching workers is former Vikings coach-Mike Tice. Del rio is a gamers coach and former participant himself and has steadily constructed the staff as much as be severe contenders within the League.
Price mentioning is the addition of UCLA rookies Mercedes Lewis and Maurice Drew. The kicker for the Jags is Josh Scobee who final 12 months had 20 touchbacks and accomplished 23 of 30 discipline objectives. If Byron stays wholesome and may get the ball to receivers the Jags will probably be within the finals for certain. Jacksonville hosts Dallas September tenth to kick off the season.
Tennessee Titans
The Titans are remaining tight lipped about the way forward for Vince Younger of the Texas Longhorns;Rose Bowl Champions for 2005. Younger is used to being the underdog and nonetheless comes up smelling like a rose-no pun meant. Coach Jeff Fisher desires to keep away from one other 4-12 season final final 12 months and may suppose lengthy and laborious about utilizing Younger’s skills. Starter Billy Volek has not had any success since 2004 and accidents have damage any alternatives which have come his means.
Among the finest additions to the receiving corps has been David Givens who came visiting from the Patriots. That may make 2 large targets that embody Drew Bennett. The Titans host the Jets September tenth.
AFC West
Denver Broncos
Jake Plummer isn’t any John Elway however he has been steadily bettering because the beginning quarterback for the Broncos. Now there’s a new child on the block-Jay Cutler-the boy marvel from Vanderbilt. The Broncos have been undefeated at house final 12 months in common season.
The Broncos have been 2nd within the NFL for inflicting turnovers which meant an extra 112 factors whereas solely dropping the ball 16 occasions and giving up 27 factors. Mike Shanahan continues to do what he does so well-coach. He led the Broncos to a 14-4 w/l lst 12 months. Champ Bailey leads one other solid of superstars on the protection returning 2 of his 8 interceptions for touchdowns. With the addition of Javon Walker from the Packers we’ve got a properly rounded staff. The Broncos begin the 12 months off in St.Louis September tenth.
Kansas Metropolis Chiefs
It simply is not going to be the identical with out the emotional Dick Vermeil. His retirement was due however he will probably be missed particularly by QB Trent Inexperienced. Even the premature loss of life of his father final 12 months didn’t cease Inexperienced from fulfilling his dedication to the Chiefs. Vermeil supplied that fatherly presence and supported the 33 12 months previous by the remainder of the season. The Chiefs racked up a median 10-6 season and new coach Herm Edwards thinks he is aware of the key to success. Extra protection and that clashes with the excessive scoring Chiefs. It didn’t appear to work for the Jets final 12 months.
Operating backs Johnson and Holmes are two of the most effective within the NFL. WR Tony Gonzales is the go-to man. Dante Corridor is on reserves however a deadly weapon when he’s on the sphere. A little bit of trivia here-the Chiefs have received 8 of their final 9 Sunday evening video games. The Chiefs host the Bengals for his or her house opener Sunday September tenth.
Oakland Raiders
When one door closes one other door opens-out walks Collins and in walks Aaron Brookes. They nonetheless have the palms of Randy Moss and Jerry Porter and the likes of defensive deal with Warren Sapp. After a horrible 4-12 season the Raiders wanted a powerful quarterback. Brookes was a giant a part of the 3-13 season the Saints had for 2005. Hurricane Katrina was a giant issue with the homeless staff and heartaches for most of the gamers who referred to as New Orleans house. Solely time will inform the story.
A giant downside with the Raiders was their penchant for penalties. Definitely they led the league in yards penalized. One other downside was they solely had 5 interceptions final season. New coach Artwork Shell hopes to instill self-discipline the place the out-going Norv Turner lacked these abilities. The Raiders host the Chargers September eleventh.
San Diego Chargers
QB Drew Brees is now enjoying for the Saints and enter first 12 months starter Phillip Rivers. After a so-so season of 9-7 and quite a lot of off season adjustments this will probably be a wait and see scenario. Star working again continues to be LaDainian Tomlinson and his workload will most likely improve as Rivers will use the run greater than the go till he will get extra cofidence.
The Chargers have been # 2 within the NFL once they scored from the pink zone. The Chargers host the raiders September 11 of their house opener for 2006.
NFC East
Dallas Cowboys
Large issues are anticipated from Dallas-but once more that is Texas. Large names have been signed together with returning stars Bledsoe and Jones. The bigger than life Terrell Owens and Mike Vanderjagt are on the identical staff and nice expectations are able to happen. They’re additionally 2 gamers with bigger than life egos and even larger mouths. Vandrjagt has been touted as essentially the most correct kicker in NFL history-and he’ll let you know so in a heartbeat.
Dallas video games will probably be probably the most watched by TV viewers this season. Freshly drafted Anthony Fasano is the TE from Notre Dame the place he excelled sport after sport. WR Keyshawn Johnson will probably be missed. Cowboys kick off the season at Jacksonville September tenth.
New York Giants
Supply,supply,supply! Manning must kick that up a notch and discover his receivers down discipline. He had a heck of a begin in 2005 going 6-2 after which simply pale into the sunset-taking the hopes of followers with him. Strahan continues to be robust for the Giants in protection. Tiki barber is a superb working again and the Giants nonetheless have nice receivers like Toomer and Burres and Shockey.
So the Giants open at house to the Colts and Peyton Manning. No pressure-right? New addition to SLB is LeVar Arrintgon from Washington. This must be factor. If he stays wholesome the followers in New York will probably be very completely happy.
Philadelphia Eagles
Final 12 months the two foremost issues have been an injured quarterback and a mushy protection. Brian Westbrook is again on the working sport and McNabb is again because the chief to take them to the finals-if he stays wholesome. Brian Dawkins stays robust within the security place Jeremiah Trotter is the protection chief again after being away for two years.
The Eagles are placing their disappointing 6-10 season behind them and seeking to the long run. Eagles begin their 2006 season in Houston Sept tenth.
Washington Redskins
In 2004 the Skins have been 6-10. In 2005 the Skins have been 11-7. Coach Joe Gibbs retains proving the nay sayers fallacious.
The Pores and skin’s growing older quarterback is Mark Brunell who appeared to have misplaced arm energy in direction of the top of the playoffs. He additionally is just not as fast on his ft as he was. Issues maybe-doubts by no means. Joe nonetheless has top-of-the-line working backs within the NFL with Clinton Portis. He’s additionally a reliable receiver when wanted.
WR Santana Moss is without doubt one of the league’s quickest receivers. Now he’s joined by Randle El previously of the Steelers who additionally does nice punt returns. The Redskins host the Vikings September tenth.
NFC North
Chicago Bears
One other staff that has nice expectations is the Bears. A decent 11-6 season underneath the information of Lovie Smith and quarterback Rex Grossman. This 12 months they’ve veteran backup Brian Griese for added insurance coverage. Final 12 months RB Thomas Jones rushed for 1335 yards and stored the Bears within the sport as a rule, Receivers look to be sparse within the expertise division
Ageless Brian Urlacher has been the mainstay for the Bears for all of the years he has been there. As MLB he has by no means waivered in his dedication to Chicago. Chicago’s protection was first within the NFL on factors allowed final 12 months. The Bears open their season in Inexperienced Bay September tenth.
Detroit Lions
No extra new age west-coast pampering of gamers like ex-coach Mariucci did. It’s all enterprise underneath new coach Marinelli. Each Italian-go determine. Offensive coordinator Mike Martz(previously of the Rams) desires to implement the laborious driving sport plan he had in St. Louis. the issue right here is quarterbacks or moderately lack of high quality quarterbacks. We now have Jon Kitna of the Bengals who has not tossed a landing since 2004. Josh McCown, previously of Arizona, is the backup man making an attempt to impress the coach. This stays to be labored out but.
The Lions have been solely in a position to muster 5 wins of 16 begins final 12 months. The one declare to fame the Lions do have is they’re second greatest in blocked kicks and the most effective at not making fumbles. Detroit hosts Seattle Sept tenth.
Inexperienced Bay Packers
Brett Favre appears like a member of the family. His private life is sort of an open e-book and followers respect him most likely greater than any quarterback in the present day. Some say he ought to retire however he’s the one to make that call and has mentioned he’ll go yet one more 12 months at the least.Operating again Gado is the cinderella story of the 12 months. Ahman Inexperienced goes down with an damage and in comes the again up. Now, after a knee damage ended his 2005 season ,Gado is again to third string as a result of Inexperienced is wholesome and able to resume his #1 spot.
Pretty or unfairly Mike Sherman was blamed for the 4-12 season and turfed. New coach McCarthy has no expertise as a head coach and will probably be studying as he goes alongside. New addition WR Charles Woodson will probably be a giant assist to Donald Driver who had many of the receiving duties. Number one draft alternative was LB A.J.Hawk of powerhouse Ohio State. Must be a beefed up protection together with his abilities. The Packers host the Bears September tenth.
Minnesota Vikings
We is not going to harp on the “boat scandal” that was a giant issue for the Vikings public relations workers. Culpepper was doing what he may with out Randy Moss to throw to when he bought damage mid season and Brad Johnson took over. They ended with a 9-7 season and coach Mike Tice hit the highway for Detroit.
New coach Brad Childress is new to the NFL as are all 3 of his coordinators. Extra revamping than rebuilding will probably be wanted to maintain the Vikings within the hunt. Common season begins for Minnesota in Washington September eleventh.