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College Football Teams That Remind Us of the NFL
Published: November 4, 2009
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Have you ever noticed how much the Pittsburgh Steelers look like the Iowa Hawkeyes? On numerous occasions, I get mixed up between the Jayhawks and the Giants.
What about when two teams from nearby locations played great a season ago, but are in the tank the next year.
Whether it’s slight or significant, there’s always a College Football team out there that reminds us of a team in the NFL.
Feel free to give a list of your own, or leave any questions or comments you may have.
Now without further ado, Here are the College Football Teams That Remind Us of the NFL.
Expert Analysis: NFL ’09 Season Predictions AFC
Published: August 29, 2009
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AFC WEST
San Diego. (8-8):
After an offseason of continuous overrated media, the San Diego Chargers of 8-8 look to repeat.
But some…. are starting to realize the other teams lurking in this division. Keep in mind, the ‘San Diego Super Chargers’ were only 8-8 last season and barely sneaked out a comeback season, to win against the Broncos in Wk 17. They were 4-8 last season, and at the beginning of the season, the media suggested San Diego as a top-prospect for the super bowl. It seems that the media always has to give southern California special treatment, and talk endlessly about how great USC and San Diego is.
To be frank, I honestly don’t see them securely winning the division.
Denver (8-8):
A lot of speculation has gone on in the offseason for Denver. I think they’ve seen enough. The whole Jay Cutler/Brandon Marshall fiasco is just another distraction. Can Denver win the division? No one knows the answer, because there are too many questions, too many distractions, and not enough answers!
Another issue that it seems no one is talking about is running backs. A lot of teams now are shooting for the ‘1-2 running back tandem’ that seems to work for every team that has tried it – Tennessee, Carolina, and New Orleans – just to name a few.
But Denver’s running back position is remarkable. If you’re a Broncos fan – you’d like to think of it as just a team who’s prepared, and likes to have backups. It appears they took it a little bit further.
Statistics:
RB Ryan Torain 15 CAR, 69 YDS – (But looks to have a breakout season.)
RB LaMont Jordan 80 CAR, 363 YDS 4 TD, 4.8 AVG (NE)
FB Peyton Hills 68 CAR, 343 YDS, 5 TD, 5.0 AVG
RB Selvin Young 61 CAR, 303 YDS, 1 TD, 5.5 AVG
RB Andre Hall 35 CAR, 144 YDS, 8.0 AVG
RB Correll Buckhalter 76 CAR, 369 YDS, 2 TD, 4.9 AVG (PHI)
In addition to Darius Walker who appears to just be a late bloomer.
You have all of these guys, you obviously need a quarterback for depth, and a defense with a lot of missing holes, and you go and draft a running back in the first round?
Might I suggest a guide for this team – ‘How To Have A Quarterback, A Defense, And Not To Have 30 Running backs For Dummies’.
(Before the off-season)
I thought this team had a chance to win the AFC West.
Now, it looks like they’ll battle for second. This division will be a lot closer and more competitive than last year’s AFC West.
Oakland (5-11):
I’d like to see a turn around season from the Raiders. Wouldn’t you? Just because most people in general, don’t like to see something get obliterated over and over – unless they did something wrongfully so. It looks like they never have a chance.
But they really do, they always have. Year, after year, you make improvements, sooner or later you’re going to be at the top, and stay up there. Although they have had some great years, in recent years they have not. Now normally I would just end the conversation with Oakland is worst team in this division. But I can’t help but think this team actually does have a chance. Just with the unexpected flukes that happen throughout the season, and a few of their elite players that might get this team up to stability.
Kansas City (2-14)
The 2008 of Miami. Surprise team comes to mind. A much improved O-Line, a new quarterback added to the equation that was a nobody a year ago. QB Matt Cassel has the ability to be an elite quarterback, and leader of a team that can make it to the playoffs. I believe their time is now. Defense is in place, and this team is ready to roll.
RECAP AFC West:
SD – over-rated
DEN – confusion???
OAK – How ‘bad’ do they want a comeback season for the decade?
KC – Surprise team, contention for ’09 playoffs
AFC NORTH
Pittsburgh (12-4):
Not too much talk is going around about Pittsburgh this off-season. Could it be because we already know they’re destined to repeat? This team has excelled in almost every category known to man. They’re not set on an offensive-scheme, high-flying passing, big runs, or just based on a tough defense. A super-bowl caliber team usually is lacking in one area, but the area that they are good in, they’re usually the best.
What comes to mind when you think of the Pittsburgh Steelers?
Pittsburgh is unbearably cold, black and gold, old-style, gridiron, tough defensive football. Ready to plow the ball right out of your hands. Look – this team runs the ball, but they have two tremendous wide outs. They have tough run-stoppers up front, but they’ll pick one off in the secondary, or make you drop to pieces by their hard-hitting safety Troy Polamalu.
When you break this team up, they don’t like that great; they look good, but not like a super bowl team. Take a look at them as a team, and they are undoubtedly a playoff contender. And if anything, they’ve improved in the offseason, so it makes it that much tougher to contend for a playoff spot.
Baltimore (11-5):
Joe Flacco is into his second season, and though he ‘looked spectacular last season’, he had all the pieces, so it wasn’t too much effort on him, not like it will be for Matthew Stafford and the Lions, should Stafford be the starter.
Baltimore has a 1-2 RB tandem that is working very well with Ray Rice and Willis McGahee, in addition to Full Back Le’Ron McClain that had around a 1,000 yds last season – that’s uncanny for a full back!
Their Defensive Line blows my mind at times, secondary is extraordinary and their OL is relentless.
They need a WR. So look for them to pick up a wideout before the beginning of the regular season.
Baltimore – without question, will battle it out again with Pittsburgh for first place, with a hint of a nuisance from 3rd place contender Cincinnati.
Cincinnati (4-11-1):
From a year ago, Cincinnati has made a lot of progress. I believe they have the tools to contend with this division and the rest of the league but not enough to move past a wildcard spot.
I’d like to see Cincinnati have a chance at a playoff run. They have the pieces; they just need to put them together. They’ll have to contend with Jacksonville, N.Y. Jets, Buffalo, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Houston, and Denver.
Cleveland (4-12):
If there’s one thing Cleveland does have is an incredible set of wide receivers. With potential starters Rookie Brian Robiskie, Mohammad Massaquoi, potential superstar Braylon Edwards, that has gotten a few mishaps keep him from being a huge threat in the open field. Wide out Joshua Cribbs is way under-rated. This guy is very fast; Punt Returner, Returns kicks with precision, and catches his fair share of receptions. He’s a triple threat, much like Chicago Bear’s wideout Devin Hester.
Uncanny speed, a triple-threat. Talent, work ethic, he comes close to making the Top 50 Best Wide Receivers in the NFL. Watch out for this kid. Cleveland had an unfortunate incident w/ wide receiver Donte’ Stallworth, but with the additions of Mike Furrey and Syndric Steptoe, Derek Anderson/Brady Quinn should always have a man open, and should be fresh on the field.
Their OL is improved, and a few add-ons here and there, but not enough to have the successful ’07 season, they’re looking for.
RECAP AFC North
PIT – High expectations are here to stay.
BAL – Follow the leader.
CIN – Wildcard Potential?
CLE – Cleveland ’07 or ’08? Typical Cleveland is evident.
AFC SOUTH
Tennessee (13-3):
Two things come to mind. 1) Not going to repeat. It’s not going to happen. 2) How did this team go 13-3 last year? So why not? The Quarterback attention is a big distraction, and what if Vince Young isn’t the superstar we saw forming in the first two seasons, does this mean he is to be traded? Is he mature/ready enough to take over this team, because Kerry Collins is NOT a long-term solution? He’s a great quarterback, but he’s not the long term solution for this franchise.
Another issue is with the wide receivers. There is no one that jumps off the page, or even makes you glance twice. Rookie Kenny Britt alongside, Justin Gage, and Nate Washington? Really? Get some receivers; you have to mix up your game plan. That being said, their running game was a sure success, with Chris Johnson, having games of 300 yards+ is part of the ‘wow’ factor. Being accompanied by running back Lendale White, and rookie Javon Ringer – you can’t go wrong. Though their team is a little more on the ‘experienced’ side, they are full of potential. But don’t disregard the fact that their division has gone from hard-nose competitive, to division where one mistake, ruins your entire season.
Indianapolis (12-4):
Aside from this division getting ‘that much harder,’ Indianapolis is still one of the premier teams in this league. As long as Peyton Manning is still in Indy, they’ll stay that way. Still thought of as one of the best quarterbacks in the league, as expected – Peyton Manning has to regroup his guys and take this team back to the playoffs! With the absence of the extremely talented wide out, Marvin Harrison, head coach Tony Dungi, and a few other notables, the Colts might be in trouble. So who will take their place, should this happen…?
Houston (8-8):
This team is lacking in only one difference that the ’07 of Miami. They were actually good last season. They just blew it at the end, much like Dallas’ situation. They both have tough divisions, where any team is on the verge of falling off the edge.
Houston excites me. Maybe it’s the city feel and that I love the versatility to Houston’s surroundings. But there is something special to this team that is coming this season like a big round ball chasing you in the Indiana Jones movie! Count on Houston to make the playoffs, because I assure you they will. Their ‘Triangle’ is in store. The triangle referring to a great QB, RB, and WR. Unless you’re Denver with a terrible defense, then you should at minimal, be a playoff contender.
Jacksonville (5-11):
No one knows what to expect out Jacksonville. This team also refers to another team- the Cleveland Browns. Difficult division and even better expectations for this season. Both teams also had a great 07 season, but a reckless season in 2008. A bloody fantastic runningback, Maurice Jones-Drew, being accompanied by a great OLine. The wide receiver side is more on the over-experienced, as in already had their best days, or on the inexperienced side, with little experience and not playmakers yet.
In order to run in this division, you have got to have talent, a great set of coaches, a quarterback with leadership, a tough defensive and the passion and creativity to set yourself apart. For me, they have not done that. They are not a top team. As heard from Head Coach Jack Del Rio, “we are not rebuilding, we have a reset going”. Which further expresses my point, it will be a little while until Jacksonville is ready to grab hold, and take control.
RECAP AFC South
TEN – Not a playoff team?
IND – Might not have a playoff spot to contend with?
HOU – Definite playoff potential, huge improvements.
JAC – Not enough snap
AFC EAST
Miami (11-5):
Miami – Most noted for their Wildcat offense that worked extremely well last season, in addition to a killer comeback season from 2008. Word has gone around, that they will add more features to make the Wildcat offense even more efficient. This should be known as the Dolphin.
An aggressive defense, strong trio of receivers, not accounting for Tight Ends Anthony Fasano and David Martin, in addition to a growing Offensive, with much potential. Pat White will help take some the weight off of Chad Pennington’s shoulders, and should have high value in the new Wildcat format. A few questionable draft decisions jump off the page, but they’re talented players, nonetheless, and should be ready to get out on the field.
A mind-blowing trio of statistics at the WR position, with Ted Ginn Jr. with (56) catches, Greg Camarillo with (55) and Davone Bess with (54) receptions, in last year’s season. Did they plan this? I mean because that would be hard to do, keeping that in mind throughout the season, and into the playoffs. It just appears to be a joke.
Then, why would you draft two wide receivers in the 3rd round and 4th round, Patrick Turner and Brian Hartline? It just seems a little unnecessary. In addition, drafting two cornerbacks, the first round – Vontae Davis, and in the second round with Sean Smith, maybe they’re going on duos and trios, and just trying to fool everybody with their creativity.
Either way, whatever they’re doing – it seems to be working, so if it works again, watch what Miami is doing, because they’re doing something right. A tough season to predict, but it’s safe to say they’re a playoff contender, and should be in the playoffs.
New England (11-5):
“To be so close, and not make it.” Your quarterback, one of the best in the NFL – gets injured in the first half of the first game, of the season is not something easy to get used to. Sure enough, Matt Cassel was able to take control, and lead his team to a great season, just a disappointing end.
Matt Cassel, now a KC Chief, should also be a top contender in the NFL in the ’09 season. Cassel won’t have all the weapons he had in New England, but he’ll be on a good team – with great potential.
To be honest, New England has all the cards. They don’t really have any flaws at any position. That’s a sign of a great team.
N.Y. Jets (9-7):
Join the club. Join the club for Favre leaving you, deciding to retire, and then head back into the league. Nobody really knows if this is Favre’s last season. Tons of experience has its pros and cons, and he has a team to beat with Minnesota.
Betrayal?
Indecisive thinking?
Or wanting the ‘right’ team?
Whatever the issue was, he is on a super bowl caliber team and ready to bust Green Bay w/ revenge. That isn’t the only reason he came back, but it’s a big one. Onto the Jets:
Look, the Jet’s fans are great, they really are, they love their team (most of them do) and let’s face it they will be a team to contend with. But are the N.Y. Jets good enough to make it into the playoffs? No. They’re not. They do have a strong Defensive line, a strong set of sneaky players running the secondary, but their negatives outweigh the positives – in order to make the playoffs. Now, as far as having a good season, yes, stack that deck in the Jet’s favor.
The AFC is too difficult this season. A hard-working Offensive Line, and a great set of runners, ready to pound it down your throat. But for hanging with the big dogs, there’s not enough ammunition. Look for 9-7/10-6. The New England Pats were 11-5 last season, and didn’t make it, but 8-8 of San Diego did. A lil more sense and less about location.
The J-E-T-S, JETS! JETS! JETS! Have a new QB in town, and their won’t be near as much weight on his shoulder as that of Matthew Stafford, due to having a good OL, and a running game. A 10-6 season for the N.Y. Jets.
Buffalo (7-9):
I think you know where I’m headed. Let’s start with the positives.
Great running game potential, the O Line will be an asset, and Quarterback Trent Edwards will have a great group of wide receivers to throw to, including Lee Evans who is at his best. T.O. – yet on another team. Maybe he likes traveling? Josh Reed and Roscoe Parrish in the slot, and to help back them up, and then you also have Steve Johnson and James Hardy ready to make a case for them. The best asset of all will be the D Line with DE – Aaron Maybin and Ryan Denny, DT – Kyle Williams, Marcus Stroud, and Spencer Johnson. (DE Back-ups – Chris Kelsay, Aaron Schobel, and Copeland Bryan). Ready to bring the heat at the D Line, the secondary is heating up as well.
Starters: CB Terrence McGee, Leodis McKelvin, S Jarius Byrd, Donte Whitner Other Defensive backs: Ko Simpson, Drayton Florence, Ashton Youboty, Bryan Scott, George Wilson
Look for this division to exceed your highest expectations. N.Y. Jets and Buffalo could make it – in any other division.
They’re both great teams, but will not make the playoffs.
Here’s a recap of my analysis – Illustrating the ’09 AFC Playoff Prediction Picture
New England should contend for the win in the East, Tennessee and Houston will battle for the South, Pittsburgh with the North division and San Diego/Kansas City for the West.
1) Pittsburgh
2) New England
3) Tennessee/Houston
4) San Diego
5) Baltimore
6) Tennessee / Houston / Kansas City / Indianapolis
I appreciate your support, questions, comments, ect.
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