Predicting the AFC South: Who Shall Challenge for the Division in 2009?

The previews of divisions, playoffs, and eventual champion continues as the breakdown of the AFC South begins. Thus far, the AFC and NFC West have been previewed. Check out the profile if interested.

In 2008, the AFC South took a surprised turn at the top of the division. The Tennessee Titans captured the division crown, and earned the top seed in the AFC Playoffs. As usual, the Indianapolis Colts secured a spot, this time as a wild card team.

The Houston Texans continued to make strides as a franchise, with Andre Johnson making a name for himself as the best receiver in the game. The Jacksonville Jaguars battled with injuries, and saw a top 10 pick in front of their eyes.

A few changes were made during the off season for two of the franchises. Albert Haynesworth, the Pro-Bowl defensive tackle, fled Tennessee for the great bucks in Washington.

Tony Dungy, a face of the Indianapolis Colts along with Manning, decided it was time to retire. Can either of these teams recover from the changes that took place?

The division faces a tough schedule, playing opponents from the AFC East and NFC West.

1. Indianapolis Colts—The Colts have dealt with a tough fact of life this off-season: The loss of Tony Dungy from the coaching staff. Jim Caldwell has took the reigns of running the Colts, being familiar with many of the faces before hand while serving as an assistant. The changes could take some adjustment, which the team will have time to accomplish the task through the pre-season.

However, this shall not stop the Colts from taking back their division crown. The offense changes a bit of his playbook with Marvin Harrison out of town. Receiver Anthony Gonzalez will be more involved in the offense, along with Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark, who are the top targets for Peyton Manning once again.

Indianapolis will also rebound from injuries to the offensive line, while defenders Dwight Freeney and Bob Sanders should be ready for opening night. Look for running back Joseph Addai to avoid his disappointing season in ’08, and make an impact on the play action for Manning.

Though there are some crucial games on the schedule against New England, Baltimore, and Seattle, the Colts will be your AFC South champions in 2009.

Prediction: 12-4

2. Houston Texans—The Houston Texans, who just a short time ago was a very young franchise, continues to make strides as an organization as a competitive football team. Over the past few seasons, the team has been around a .500 record, yet has never been able to make the next leap as a challenger for the division.

In 2009, however, the Texans will continue to climb closer to post-season action. Wide receiver Andre Johnson was the showcase of the offense last season, being arguably the best overall receiver in the NFL. Quarterback Matt Schaub, who missed portion of the season due to injury, is back at full health.

Running back Steve Slayton, one of the more underrated rookies in ’08, should stabilize the rushing attack as the top string.

The key here is the defense, a young core that did struggle at times in 2009. Are they ready for the hype that 2009 brings? This franchise continues to improve its roster, and will take control of second place in the division.

Prediction: 9-7

3. Tennessee Titans—After finishing with the best record in the AFC last season, the Titans came up short against the Baltimore Ravens in the second round, ending the surprise season for Tennessee.

The team took a hit in the off-season when losing Albert Haynesworth to the Washington Redskins. As good as the defense is, Albert’s presence will be missed on the  line.

The team did add Nate Washington, receiver from the Steelers. However, he does not have the ability of being a No. 1 target.

Kerry Collins did put up a great campaign last season. For the most part, Collins was accurate, which kept the Titans in many close games.

Can he build on his success from last year? Can he keep it up?

Running back Chris Johnson has been dynamic for the Titans, and should keep up the success from 2008.

Jeff Fisher’s teams are always competitive, and a good team will be put on the field in 2009. Am I jumping on the bandwagon for another playoff season? Unfortunately, not this year. I do not see the same success in 2009, but instead be a .500 team where they belong.

Prediction: 9-7

4. Jacksonville Jaguars—The Jacksonville Jaguars faced a season of turmoil during their disappointing campaign of being near the bottom dwellers of the league. While injuries did affect him in some way, Jack Del Rio is on the hot seat in 2009. Fred Taylor, the veteran running back, left town to join Tom Brady and the Patriots.

Can Jones-Drew carry the entire load this season? In the off-season, Tory Holt, the longtime St. Louis Ram, was brought in to be the No. 1 target on an offense that has struggled for a receiver.

David Garrard should improve from a ’08 season that tailed off from his previous high, where he led the Jaguars to the playoffs then. Can the Jags be a surprise team from last to first?

It will not happen. The strongest part of the team, the defense, has fallen apart due to free agency and trades. Overall, just not enough talent on the defensive side to aid the inconsistency of the offense.

Prediction: 6-10

Matt Miselis is an NFL writer for BleacherReport.com. You can also follow him on twitter @ www.twitter.com/MattMiselis .

 

What Derrick Mason’s Un-Retirement Means for the Baltimore Ravens

The month of July was a controversial one for the NFL, along with many of its franchises.

The death of Steve McNair took the league by storm.

The re-instating of Michael Vick has also brought a media controversy around the sports world, especially to the teams that have not took their name out of the bidding.

In the beginning weeks of July, however, one moment shocked the city of Baltimore: the retirement of wide receiver Derrick Mason.

Mason, the most productive target on the Baltimore Ravens’ offense said, “I have accomplished everything I wanted to in my career, and it is time to call it a career.”

The retirement came just a week after McNair’s death. Mason and McNair were long-time teammates in Tennessee, and surely the passing of a close friend led to Mason needing time with his family.

Speculation was also made of a contract dispute with the team, with a raise being wanted for being a key contributor to the Ravens’ playoff success.

The retiring of Mason did not scare the Ravens in any matter. Coach John Harbough and general manager Ozzie Newsome wanted to do something about it, which led to on-going discussions with Mason over the past few weeks.

Harbough was “optimistic” about him returning, with many panicking, while others indeed feeling confident that he would return.

When the day of August 1 came around, the Ravens’ training camp felt a new buzz. Not from Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, or even coach Harbough, but the excited return of Derrick Mason sparked the locker room.

Mason, after a few weeks in retirement, decided it was time to come back to football to, “Finish what I have started.”

Surely the death of McNair took a toll on the veteran, and he simply needed time off, with his family.

The return of Mason to the Ravens is a positive for quarterback Joe Flacco, who knows his top receiver will be back.

Young wide out Mark Clayton benefits from the return of Mason, as he looks to continue improving his game as a strong No. 2 option.

The running game can also be as affective through play-action, which Flacco started to use through the playoffs.

Being in his second season as quarterback, knowing what the offense scheme is, and his limits, look for a much more efficient start to the season, which shall include more yards and touchdown throws.

It’s a sigh of relief in the Baltimore Ravens’ organization with the return of Derrick Mason, who can put the purple and black over the top as an elite threat to win the title this coming season.

 

Predicting The NFC West: Who Will Give Arizona A Run At The Division?

This article is the second part of the predictions of divisions, and soon to be playoffs and eventual champion. The 1st article written was on the AFC West.

 

The NFC West division has been looked down upon over the years as the weakest one in all of football. Last year, the division winner won only nine games, while the two bottom teams in the league earned top five draft picks. The mid-level team found themselves with a new coach.

However, last season came with a shock. The Arizona Cardinals saw a magic playoff run in them, as the team made an appearance in the Super Bowl, and just came up short of winning the title.

The overall division does experience many changes in 2009. Two new head coaches, free agents entering and departing.

This season, the AFC West does have a tough schedule, having to play the AFC South along with the improving NFC North.

Will anyone challenge the Arizona Cardinals for the division crown this season? Or shall it be Arizona representing once again?

1. Seattle Seahawks- As a surprise to some, a gut move to consider, the bold prediction of the series will be the Seattle Seahawks taking the division. Last season, the team battled with constant injuries, which included the starting quarterback Matt Hasselbeck. Sure, every team battles injuries, however, Seattle was one of the teams that suffered greatly because of them.

In the off season, Seattle signed the target Hasselbeck needed in TJ Houshmandzadeh. Housh has been in the recent news for ripping the Madden ’10 game for a low rating, one which should motivate him heading into the season.  

Even with an interesting schedule on their hands, the home part does favor Seattle. One of the more difficult teams to beat at home, they are lucky to face the Detroit Lions, Tampa Bay Bucs, Jacksonville Jaguars, teams which are struggling in the league.

They also get some slight edges over the Tennessee Titans, San Francisco 49ers, and possibly the Chicago Bears. The key for them as for most teams, is winning on the road. As of now, Seattle is in the drivers seat heading into the season, and I give them the edge for the division lead.

Prediction: 9-7

2. Arizona Cardinals- The Arizona Cardinals, who faced trouble on the road and victory at home, played their way into the Super Bowl against the Pittsburgh Steelers Heading into 2009, some questions do need to be answered. Last season they won on the road in the post-season, despite the fact that they were brutal during the regular season. Can they improve on that aspect heading into 2009?

After all, the team faces some interesting road games on the east coast, with @ Chicago, @ New York Giants, @ Tennessee, and @ Carolina ( who garnishes revenge). Just like Seattle, they do face a few teams that shall garnish them easy wins. However, when they face contenders such as the Indianapolis Colts and Minnesota Vikings at home, can we say for certain they will take care of business?

Unfortunately, it’s a tough statement to make. The off season was a crucial time for the team to make an addition, especially with Seattle stepping up their game. However, at this point in time the Cardinals still have a few questions needed to be answered, and as previous Super Bowl runner-ups, there will be no playoffs in Arizona.

Prediction: 9-7 ( lost tie-breaker)

3. San Francisco 49ers- The San Francisco 49ers head into 2009 with the hopes of getting back to the playoffs. Under head coach Mike Singletary, who brought some fire to the team mid-season in ’08, fans are hoping to see improvement on another disappointing performance. In the draft, the 49ers selected Michael Crabtree at the 10th overall pick. However, we are seeing a hold-out in Crabtree, which can hurt the team in the long-run for this year.

Aside from Crabtree, there is still to many issues on the offensive side. Running back Frank Gore was disappointing the past few seasons. Can he emerge as the top running back everyone believed he would be after his one dominant season?

Then, there is the quarterback issue. The battle is going on between Shaun Hill and bust Alex Smith. Hill most likely will be starting opening weekend, and frankly, that is not good enough. When you have major questions at the quarterback spot, and whether he can throw the ball down the field, you are not going to have much success.

On the defensive side, you have Patrick Willis, one of the best line backers in the league, leading along with Takeo Spikes. The team, though, is an average group at best.

It does look as if the coaching staff is in the right place, but a few more drafts and off seasons will be needed before we say this is a playoff club.

Prediction: 7-9

4. St. Louis Rams- Are the St. Louis a surprise at last place in the NFC West? Why should it be? Coming off a 2-14 horror show, the Rams hired Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo as the new head coach to try and clean up the mess of a franchise.

Their off season was a sure disappointment for Rams fans, as the front office let veterans Torry Holt and Orlando Pace hit free agency. Holt, the only productive target the offense had, went to Jacksonville. While Pace, the veteran lineman of the weak offensive line, went to Chicago.

With the second pick, St. Louis drafted Jason Smith, the top lineman out of Baylor. However, even he won’t be enough to save Marc Bulger from being on his back most of the season.

Running back Steven Jackson, who has been disappointing the past few seasons, faces more trouble in 2009. With Holt out of the offense, the line will be stacked against Jackson to stop the run, creating little to no production on that side of the ball

The defense also has been near the bottom of the league, one which will take a few years for Steve to change.

Right now, they have to be considered one of the worst teams in football this year. It shall be another rough season for the St. Louis Rams.

Prediction: 3-13

Matt Miselis is an NFL writer for BleacherReport.com. He is also a writer for the Baltimore Ravens on a new site, FanHuddle.com

Predicting The NFC West: Who Will Give Arizona A Run At The Division?

This article is the second part of the predictions of divisions, and soon to be playoffs and eventual champion. The 1st article written was on the AFC West.

 

The NFC West division has been looked down upon over the years as the weakest one in all of football. Last year, the division winner won only nine games, while the two bottom teams in the league earned top five draft picks. The mid-level team found themselves with a new coach.

However, last season came with a shock. The Arizona Cardinals saw a magic playoff run in them, as the team made an appearance in the Super Bowl, and just came up short of winning the title.

The overall division does experience many changes in 2009. Two new head coaches, free agents entering and departing.

This season, the AFC West does have a tough schedule, having to play the AFC South along with the improving NFC North.

Will anyone challenge the Arizona Cardinals for the division crown this season? Or shall it be Arizona representing once again?

1. Seattle Seahawks- As a surprise to some, a gut move to consider, the bold prediction of the series will be the Seattle Seahawks taking the division. Last season, the team battled with constant injuries, which included the starting quarterback Matt Hasselbeck. Sure, every team battles injuries, however, Seattle was one of the teams that suffered greatly because of them.

In the off season, Seattle signed the target Hasselbeck needed in TJ Houshmandzadeh. Housh has been in the recent news for ripping the Madden ’10 game for a low rating, one which should motivate him heading into the season.  

Even with an interesting schedule on their hands, the home part does favor Seattle. One of the more difficult teams to beat at home, they are lucky to face the Detroit Lions, Tampa Bay Bucs, Jacksonville Jaguars, teams which are struggling in the league.

They also get some slight edges over the Tennessee Titans, San Francisco 49ers, and possibly the Chicago Bears. The key for them as for most teams, is winning on the road. As of now, Seattle is in the drivers seat heading into the season, and I give them the edge for the division lead.

Prediction: 9-7

2. Arizona Cardinals- The Arizona Cardinals, who faced trouble on the road and victory at home, played their way into the Super Bowl against the Pittsburgh Steelers Heading into 2009, some questions do need to be answered. Last season they won on the road in the post-season, despite the fact that they were brutal during the regular season. Can they improve on that aspect heading into 2009?

After all, the team faces some interesting road games on the east coast, with @ Chicago, @ New York Giants, @ Tennessee, and @ Carolina ( who garnishes revenge). Just like Seattle, they do face a few teams that shall garnish them easy wins. However, when they face contenders such as the Indianapolis Colts and Minnesota Vikings at home, can we say for certain they will take care of business?

Unfortunately, it’s a tough statement to make. The off season was a crucial time for the team to make an addition, especially with Seattle stepping up their game. However, at this point in time the Cardinals still have a few questions needed to be answered, and as previous Super Bowl runner-ups, there will be no playoffs in Arizona.

Prediction: 9-7 ( lost tie-breaker)

3. San Francisco 49ers- The San Francisco 49ers head into 2009 with the hopes of getting back to the playoffs. Under head coach Mike Singletary, who brought some fire to the team mid-season in ’08, fans are hoping to see improvement on another disappointing performance. In the draft, the 49ers selected Michael Crabtree at the 10th overall pick. However, we are seeing a hold-out in Crabtree, which can hurt the team in the long-run for this year.

Aside from Crabtree, there is still to many issues on the offensive side. Running back Frank Gore was disappointing the past few seasons. Can he emerge as the top running back everyone believed he would be after his one dominant season?

Then, there is the quarterback issue. The battle is going on between Shaun Hill and bust Alex Smith. Hill most likely will be starting opening weekend, and frankly, that is not good enough. When you have major questions at the quarterback spot, and whether he can throw the ball down the field, you are not going to have much success.

On the defensive side, you have Patrick Willis, one of the best line backers in the league, leading along with Takeo Spikes. The team, though, is an average group at best.

It does look as if the coaching staff is in the right place, but a few more drafts and off seasons will be needed before we say this is a playoff club.

Prediction: 7-9

4. St. Louis Rams- Are the St. Louis a surprise at last place in the NFC West? Why should it be? Coming off a 2-14 horror show, the Rams hired Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo as the new head coach to try and clean up the mess of a franchise.

Their off season was a sure disappointment for Rams fans, as the front office let veterans Torry Holt and Orlando Pace hit free agency. Holt, the only productive target the offense had, went to Jacksonville. While Pace, the veteran lineman of the weak offensive line, went to Chicago.

With the second pick, St. Louis drafted Jason Smith, the top lineman out of Baylor. However, even he won’t be enough to save Marc Bulger from being on his back most of the season.

Running back Steven Jackson, who has been disappointing the past few seasons, faces more trouble in 2009. With Holt out of the offense, the line will be stacked against Jackson to stop the run, creating little to no production on that side of the ball

The defense also has been near the bottom of the league, one which will take a few years for Steve to change.

Right now, they have to be considered one of the worst teams in football this year. It shall be another rough season for the St. Louis Rams.

Prediction: 3-13

Matt Miselis is an NFL writer for BleacherReport.com. He is also a writer for the Baltimore Ravens on a new site, FanHuddle.com

Brett Favre Staying Retired: Why The End of the Saga Is Finished For Good

When Brett Favre retired last winter, he said without a doubt that his football career is over in an interview with ESPN. Frankly, not many were surprised, nor did they care about the headline throughout the sports world of Favre’s retirement again.

The general consensus was that Favre would come back to the NFL just around training camp when he is ready, and find a home that was open to him.

For months, the Brett Favre saga continued, with the Minnesota Vikings looking like they were going to give him a chance to play football once again.

After multiple tests with medical teams, workouts in Mississippi, and examining his past injuries in ’08, Brett Favre fooled many by deciding to stay retired as he had said earlier in the year.

Favre called it “the toughest decision I have made in my life.”

After the news broke, the Minnesota Vikings moved on, while many fans are upset with Favre for dragging out the retirement, and hanging the team out to dry.

Is it a shocker that Favre is staying retired? Did anybody believe he would go by his word and stay retired?

Even with Favre staying retired, it is still felt he is not done playing football, and a comeback in the 2010 season looks likely.

Though I would tend to agree, but what has to be considered is that Favre might be done for good in the National Football League. Of course many will have their doubts, asking what would stop Favre from returning next season?

Yet, it might seem harder than it looks. After all, Brett Favre reaches the age of 40 in early October.

Would any of the franchises who didn’t show interest this offseason (about 31 of them) really sign a 40 year quarterback who hadn’t played for a full season?

I sure wouldn’t, and frankly, I don’t know any team that would make the move.

Brett Favre should get some praise on one hand, for finally realizing that it was time to hang up the cleats. After all, he dealt with the wear and tear of the shoulder at the end of the 2008 season.

Favre went through with a procedure to fix the shoulder, and practiced within his home-town of Mississippi to prepare.

However, at the end of the day, Favre finally learned to say no. He finally realized he wouldn’t be able to play at the same dominant level he once able to at a younger age.

Even staying in shape at 39 years of age, Favre could have suffered an injury during the season. Sure he would play through it, as he is Brett Favre, the comeback kid as many still call him.

But how much would it have affected the Vikings, who are a contending team in the NFC, with or without Favre?

We know that Favre will start off on the right path, yet over a course of 16 game season, the body cannot handle the pressure it would be taking.

It is hard to imagine that Brett Favre will never be in the National Football League again. To many, it shall be difficult to not see him back in 2010.

The reality is though, this might just happen.

No-one will believe Favre is done until it happens, so yes, it will be hard to adjust to.

But the fan must think that the road is near. The era of Brett Favre, the saga that he has brought upon himself in the NFL is coming to a close, one that is happening in 2009.

 

Matt Miselis is a writer for BleacherReport.com. He is also writes a column on the Baltimore Ravens starting in September for new website, FanHuddle.com

 

Michael Vick: Five Teams That Are a Good Fit for the Quarterback

Earlier this week, Michael Vick was allowed back into the NFL, making him an available free agent to all 32 teams in the league. While some believe he will find a job, there are not many places that would fit for Michael Vick, especially a controversial city that would haunt his past wrong-doings. Today, I have come up with five teams that would be good fits for Michael Vick to continue his NFL career.

2008 NFL Draft: A Coinflip That Has Determined Three Franchises Futures

The 2009 NFL season is almost upon us, as training camp officially started yesterday in Buffalo. Many look to rebound from a disappointment of a season from 2008, while other teams look to continue their playoff success in 2009.

The 2009 NFL Draft was upon us in April, where once again we saw hopeful draftees selected to help turn around many of the franchises in the National Football League.

Three quarterbacks were taken in the first round, all of them will receive the pressure of turning their franchise around in one season as Joe Flacco and Matt Ryan did with their respectable organizations.

Speaking of Matt Ryan, what never is talked about on that day in the 2008 NFL Draft is the coin flip, the lucky charm that put Atlanta in the position to select their franchise quarterback.

Coin flip? What coin flip are you talking about involving the 2008 NFL Draft?

None can remember? Well, though I doubt many people to remember or think of this, what can be put into perspective is one coin flip has put three franchises in different futures.

As the 2007-2008 season came to a conclusion, there were three teams that were tied with a 4-12 record. These franchises are the Atlanta Falcons, the Oakland Raiders, along with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Just days before the draft began, the coin flip was going to be made, which would settle the three-way tie for the 3rd overall pick.

The Atlanta Falcons caught the most luck, earning the 3rd overall pick in the draft. Those Oakland Raiders went 2nd, and achieved the 4th overall pick, while the Chiefs found the least amount of luck in the coin flip, and earned the 5th pick.

In one way, none of these franchises shouldn’t be disappointed in their selections.

The Falcons selected Matt Ryan, quarterback out of Boston College.

The Raiders selected Darren McFadden, running back out of Arkansas.

The Chiefs at the fifth spot, selected Glenn Dorsey, defensive tackle from LSU.

These three selections have already made an impact on their organizations, and are now being the building block of the franchise. While nobody can be upset about these picks, what would have happened if the coin-flip went differently?

How much of a difference would it make on any of these franchises if they selected earlier or later? The relevant answer to this question would have to be involved mostly around the Falcons and the Chiefs.

Even though the what ifs can’t always be focused on, lets just think what would have happened if the Chiefs selected before the Falcons.

While the Chiefs did love Dorsey to help build a defensive squad that was weak, who would say that Kansas City wouldn’t have taken Matt Ryan if still on the board?

After all, at that point in time a quarterback was desperately needed. Tyler Thigpen was the best quarterback on the roster, and even though a great defensive tackle in Dorsey would be available, Matt Ryan would be a certain selection of the Chiefs, and become the new face of the franchise.

In case you don’t remember, the Atlanta Falcons were deciding at their pick whether to take Matt Ryan or Glenn Dorsey, both who intrigued the franchise. The team obviously needed a new face at quarterback, one who can lift the franchise from the damage caused by Michael Vick.

If the Chiefs found the same luck the Falcons did with the coin flip, and selected Ryan, the Falcons still would have drafted a great player, yet a whole new direction would be different. Earning a playoff spot in the 2008-2009 season would be highly unlikely if Atlanta did not have Ryan at the quarterback position.

If the Chiefs had the great QB, who knows how successful Kansas City could have put together, especially in a division that only took eight wins to clinch. Offensive weapons in Tony Gonzalez, Dwayne Bowe, and running back Larry Johnson would have been similar to the group Ryan had with Atlanta this season.

And then we have the Oakland Raiders. Heading into the draft, at the 4th selection it was made known that the silver and black would take Darren McFadden, the top running back in the draft, who was needed as the offensive threat for quarterback JaMarcus Russell.

If the coin flip went the Raiders way, and the 3rd pick was achieved, we would think Oakland would still have taken McFadden? Or would he?

We know Al Davis wouldn’t have selected another quarterback, but knowing the most-unlikely scenarios we have seen the Raiders at draft day, who knows the direction the franchise has gone in.

As we look heading into the 2009 season, how does each franchise look?

The Atlanta Falcons experienced the post-season under rookie quarterback Matt Ryan, who was awarded as the Offensive Rookie of the Year. The Oakland Raiders finished with a record of six wins and ten losses, however, ended the regular season on a winning streak under new head coach Tom Cable, bringing confidence heading into training camp.

The Kansas City Chiefs endured the most painful season of the three, which led to a new head coach in Todd Haley, general manager Scott Pioli, and quarterback Matt Cassell, who they acquired in a trade from the Patriots to be the new franchise quarterback.

In the National Football League, a franchise is built on success and hard-work from every man or woman in the organization.

In this case, one coin flip brought some good and bad luck to three of these franchises.

The good luck went Atlanta’s way, who selected Matt Ryan, and now leads one of the teams to beat in the NFC. Most importantly, the city has found hope, hope that this young man can lead this franchise to a Super Bowl and bestow the deviled past of Michael Vick.

The Oakland Raiders are still unproven on the good or bad side. McFadden was solid in his rookie season, and the team’s makes strides to get closer in post season contention once again. Yet, many feel the team is a few off seasons away from making another splash.

Finally, the bad luck has gone the way of the Kansas City Chiefs, who are beginning a great rebuilding plan under new management.

It shall be interesting to watch years down the line if any of these franchises find drastic changes along the way. But for now, one single coin-flip has determined the good, bad and worst of these NFL organizations.

 

Matt Miselis is a writer for BleacherReport.com

NFL Institutes New Draft Schedule, Procedure Will Begin Next Year

This year, the National Football League decided to shake things up, in changing the draft start time from 11 AM ET to the middle in the afternoon.

Apparently the NFL felt another change needed to be implemented, as a new NFL Draft schedule will begin in next years 2010 draft.

The schedule reportedly has widened the draft to three days long, where it shall begin Thursday night around 7 PM, along through Friday, and conclude Saturday evening.

The new twist surely will bring more energy to Radio City Music Hall in New York City, who, despite the changes, shall still host the NFL Draft.

The 2010 Draft will be the first one to experience the new change, and with names of Sam Bradford, Colt McCoy, and Tim Tebow in the draft next year, it shall be a great way of kicking off the new system.

 

Matt Miselis is a writer for BleacherReport.com

2008 Injury Bug: Which Returning Players Will Make Biggest Impact in ’09?

Many teams were hit by the injury bug during the 2008 season. Key components to an offense or defense were lost due to these injuries, most leading to a season of non-success. There are five worthy stars who were hit with injuries early on, and now, they are looking to make a comeback in 2009.

 

5. Shawne Merriman

San Diego Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman was decimated with injuries in the ACL area, which required season-ending surgery only a few weeks into the season.

Despite not being much of a factor last season, Merriman wants to make an impact on a Chargers defense that faced great trouble in 2008.

Though many people believe that Merriman is no longer a dominating player, from San Diego’s perspective, his rehab did go well, and he should be ready for opening weekend.

While Merriman is considered a linebacker, he is one of the best pass rushers in the game, recording 12.5 sacks in the 2007 season.

Merriman’s return improves San Diego’s pass rush and their run defense.

 

4. Matt Hasselbeck

The Seattle Seahawks faced a disappointing season that was littered with injured players, one of them being quarterback Matt Hasselbeck.

In the seven games he played, Hasselbeck passed for 1,216 yards along with five touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

The key to Seattle’s success under new coach Jim Mora is the health of Hasselbeck. His return will be beneficial, especially since he can rely on a new No. 1 target, T.J. Houshmandzadeh.

Many experts have tabbed the Seahawks as this year’s surprise team. If Hasselbeck plays up to his capability, playoffs will reign in the rainy city this time around.

 

3. Osi Umenyiora

The New York Giants were hit with the injury bug during the preseason when they lost Pro Bowl defensive end Osi Umenyiora for the season.

Umenyiora’s 13 sacks in 2007 led to the Giants’ magical Super Bowl run.

With Umenyiora back, the team receives a dominant pass rusher alongside Justin Tuck, which the Giants lacked due to the retirement of Michael Strahan.

Look for Osi’s return to be crucial for the Giants and their quest back to the Super Bowl.

 

2. Carson Palmer

The Cincinnati Bengals faced a horror show under backup quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, who, for the first time in his career, was under center as a starter for 10-plus games.

The horror show was created by the injury to Carson Palmer, who was shut down quickly in 2008.

Palmer has shown strides as a quarterback; however, injuries have kept him from taking the next step in his career. With the loss of T.J. Houshmandzadeh, the Bengals are lucky to have Chad Ocho Cinco around.

Some scouts think Cincinnati is a sleeper in the AFC this season. 

As Carson Palmer becomes a legitimate candidate for Comeback Player of the Year, he shall rise to the top of the quarterback rankings as he has in the past.

 

1. Tom Brady

Everyone had to see this coming. Like him or hate him, the Patriots will rely on Tom Brady to take them to another playoff appearance, even though he is coming off an injury that led to multiple surgeries.

New England has come out and said Brady is doing well and will be ready for the season. Though it’s hard to believe anything Bill Belichick says, the front office wouldn’t have dealt Matt Cassel if they felt Brady would not be ready for the season.

Besides, all their weapons from the record-breaking 2007 season have returned. A running game could be in the works as well with the signing of Fred Taylor.

The hype around Brady’s return is there for a reason, so I expect Brady will excel during the 2009 season.

 

Matt Miselis is a writer for BleacherReport.com. He is also a columnist for nfldraftbible.com along with being a Ravens writer for FanHuddle.com, which opens this fall.

Predicting The AFC West: Will Anybody Challenge San Diego In 2009?

As the 2009 NFL season begins, the talk begins. Who will stay on top of the league as true contenders? Who will disappoint? Who will surprise?

As the formal predictions begin, we are taking a look at the AFC West, a division that had an 8-8 team as a representative. Yet, there is promise in the future of this division.

The Denver Broncos begin the post-Cutler era. The Oakland Raiders are still trying to live up to the expectations of their fans, while the Chiefs begin a new plan under a new front office, and head coach Todd Haley.

Who will take the division? Who will slump? Who shall make the most improvement in the AFC West?

 

1. San Diego Chargers—The San Diego Chargers head into the season as the favorite to win the division, with not much surprise. While no major moves were made this off season, every contributor was brought back to the roster in 2009. San Diego’s defense comes at full strength this year, especially with linebacker Shawn Merriman back on the field.

On the offensive sign of the ball, Philip Rivers continues to improve his game, along with returning Antonio Gates at full health.

Not much trouble for San Diego this year, as the Chargers will head back to the playoffs once again.

Prediction: 11-5

2. Denver Broncos—The Denver Broncos begin the 2009 season, known as the post Cutler era, without their franchise quarterback in Jay Cutler. In the offseason, they signed Pro-Bowl safety Brian Dawkins to try and improve the offseason woes. In his first season as head coach, Josh McDaniels will find it difficult.

Kyle Orton could play well in McDaniels’ system, yet he didn’t prove in Chicago he can throw the ball downfield where the receiving corps, led by Brandon Marshall,who loves to make the big grabs.

The addition of Dawkins helps the defense; but there are many holes on the field, particularly the lack of pass-rush.

The Broncos will play well in their home stadium; though a rough season does await in 2009.

Prediction: 7-9

3. Oakland Raiders—The silver and black finished the 2008 season on a winning streak under Tom Cable, despite being six games under .500.

The organization is expecting a progression from JaMarcus Russell, who has underachieved as the number one pick in the draft.

Darren McFadden and Justin Fargas are becoming a forceful running back combo beneath our eyes.

On the defensive side, the brightest spot is Nnamdi Asomugha, whom they signed to a long-term contract as a building piece on defense.

Tom Cable could be the answer in Oakland, that is, if he gets lee-way as coach to help build the roster.

The Raiders do face a tough schedule on the road, which includes; New York, Pittsburgh, and Dallas, along with games against the Eagles, Ravens, and Redskins.

The Raiders will put on a show, but are a few off seasons away from contending again, another losing season is coming for Oakland.

Prediction: 6-10

4. Kansas City Chiefs—The Kansas City Chiefs began their project by hiring new head coach Todd Haley, an offensive mastermind who led the Arizona Cardinals to a Super Bowl appearance.

With that, Kansas City traded for quarterback Matt Cassel, who had his career year with the Patriots. Just a few weeks ago the front office signed him to an extension, making him the quarterback for the forseeable future.

Receiver Dwayne Bowe continues to make strides as an offense threat, however, he is still the only bright spot in a weak team.

One of the worst offenses in the league in 2008, Kansas City shipped Tony Gonzalez out of town, their only productive weapon, statistically the best tight end in the NFL.

This year with the third overall pick, the Chiefs selected Tyson Jackson out of LSU. Along with Glenn Dorsey, Kansas City is building a defensive line for the future. However, with a very young squad, the talent is simply not there to build a winning team at the moment.

Prediction: 4-12

Matt Miselis is a writer for BleacherReport.com

 

« Previous Page — Next Page »

NFL Sport Channel Latest

• Just How Far Would You Go?
• Sorry Rex, But It Isn’t Happening
• Super Bowl Predictions: Five Stat-Free Reasons Why the Eagles Will Reach The Super Bowl
• Seahawks Attempt to Turn Corner With Heavy Pursuit of Pete Carroll
• Bill Cowher Unlikely to Coach in 2010