On to the NFC...
NFC East
Dallas Cowboys
2007 Record: 13-3
Notable Additions: CB Adam “Pacman” Jones, LB Zach Thomas, G Montrae Holland
Notable Losses: RB Julius Jones, WR Terry Glenn, LB Akin Ayodele, CB Jacques Reeves
Draft Picks (Round):
(1) Felix Jones, RB Arkansas
(1) Mike Jenkins, CB South Florida
(2) Martellus Bennett, TE Texas A&M
(4) Tashard Choice, RB Georgia Tech
(5) Orlando Scandrick, CB Boise State
(6) Erik Walden, DE Middle Tennessee State
Vegas total: 10 ½
Yet again, a promising Cowboys’ season ended in disappointment. The ‘Boys offense was close to unstoppable during most of the regular season but stumbled to the finish. For the 11th year in a row, they failed to notch playoff victory (a first round bye doesn’t equal a victory).
The good news for Cowboys fans is the team got better in the offseason. The free agent signing of veteran LB Zach Thomas has all the signs of being a spectacular pickup. Pairing Thomas in middle with fellow linebacker Bradie James will provide the defense with one of the league’s best and smartest middle linebacker tandems.
One of the most controversial offseason moves was trading for troubled CB Adam “Pacman” Jones. Jones will definitely have some rust to shake off and I don’t think he will be sharp enough to supplant Anthony Henry as the #2 cornerback spot (at least not by Week 1). With that said, Jones will be a huge asset in nickel and dime packages as well as the return game.
Running back was a hot topic during the offseason. Marion Barber proved he is the best back on the team and Julius Jones proved that he was not worth resigning. Losing Jones was addition by subtraction. The departure of one Jones made room for another. The Cowboys used the first of their two first round draft picks on a running back out of Arkansas named Felix Jones. The new Jones will add versatility to an already versatile offense. He has great speed and good vision. He will help in the return game and provide relief for Barber. They also used their fourth round draft pick on a running back, Tashard Choice out of Georgia Tech. I personally love this pick. I think Choice has the skills to contribute immediately. Hopefully, they can find a way to get him at least five touches a game.
The only position battle of note is for the #3 wide receiver spot. Right now, Sam Hurd and Miles Austin are both injured. Austin’s injury is more serious and he will miss more time than Hurd. Isaiah Stanback will be the fill in wide receiver.
Bottom line: The 2007 season was pretty much a failure. You can’t put up numbers like the Cowboys did and lose your first playoff game. They have the talent to make a Super Bowl run and if they don’t win a playoff game again in 2008, I wouldn’t want to be anywhere near Dallas. The offense should be even better in the second year under the “Boy Wonder.” I see the Cowboys winning the NFC East and possibly making a Super Bowl appearance. Wow, I made it through all of the without mentioning Jessica. Oh yeah Jessica, if Tony is your Sunday, I’ll be your Monday through Saturday.
3rd and Long Projected Record: 12-4 (Over)
New York Giants
2007 Record: 10-6 (Super Bowl Champs)
Notable Additions: S Sammy Knight, QB David Carr, DE Reynaldo Wynn, DE Jerome McDougle
Notable Losses: TE Jeremy Shockey, DE Michael Strahan, LB Kawika Mitchell
Draft Picks (Round):
(1) Kenny Phillips, S Miami (FL)
(2) Terrell Thomas, CB USC
(3) Mario Manningham, WR Michigan
(4) Bryan Kehl, LB BYU
(5) Jonathan Goff, LB Vanderbilt
(6) Andre Woodson, QB Kentucky
(6) Robert Henderson, DE Southern Mississippi
Vegas total: 8 ½
Wow. What a difference a year makes. The Giants went from a team with a head coach on the hot seat and a quarterback who needed to put up or shut up to Super Bowl championships.
They started the 2007 0-2 and nearly 0-3 then won 14 of their next 18 games. Not one of their playoff games was played in East Rutherford. Oh yeah, they also beat the then undefeated New England Patriots to win the ‘ship.
The Giants lost the captain and vocal leader of their defense Michael Strahan to FOX television. Justin Tuck will be called on to fill the gap (you see what I did there?) left by Strahan at left defensive end. Fellow DE Osi Umenyiora was lost for the season due to a knee injury suffered in a preseason game. Mathias Kiwanuka will transition back to defensive end from linebacker to fill the void. Another notable loss was bad boy tight end Jeremy Shockey. Shockey was traded to the Saints for draft picks after Kevin Boss emerged as a viable starter while Shockey was injured.
Assuming Plaxico Burress is healthy, he will be the #1 wide receiver with veteran Amani Toomer filling the #2 slot. From what I saw last year, it wouldn’t surprise me to see second year wide receiver Steve Smith emerge as Eli’s second favorite target. The #4 wide receiver seems to be up for grabs. David Tyree (PUP), Sinorice Moss and third round draft pick Mario Manningham will fight for the job throughout the year.
Bottom line: In my opinion, the Giants team overachieved last year. They caught fire at the right time and Eli played the best football of his life in the playoffs. Having said that, I still think they will be a pretty good team in 2008. The secondary worries me, but I think they can overcome it. I see the Giants finishing in the middle of the NFC East and contending for a wild card spot.
3rd and Long Projected Record: 10-6 (Over)
Philadelphia Eagles
2007 Record: 8-8
Notable Additions: CB Asante Samuel, DE Chris Clemons, RB Lorenzo Booker
Notable Losses: DE Jevon Kearse, LB Takeo Spikes, DE Jerome McDougle
Draft Picks (Round):
(2) Trevor Laws, DT Notre Dame
(2) DeSean Jackson, WR California
(3) Bryan Smith, LB McNeese State
(4) Mike McGlynn, OT Pittsburgh
(4) Quintin Demps, FS UTEP
(4) Jack Ikegwuonu, CB Wisconsin
(6) Mike Gibson, OT California
(6) Joe Mays, LB North Dakota State
(6) Andy Studebaker, LB Wheaton
(7) King Dunlap, OT Auburn
Vegas total: 8 ½
The Eagles posted a disappointing 8-8 record in 2007. McNabb missing two games didn’t help the situation, but anytime the Eagles miss the playoffs it’s a disappointment.
McNabb looked great in the last three games of 2007 and he seems to think it will carry over into 2008. The Eagles added Pro Bowl CB Asante Samuel to solidify their secondary. If healthy, Samuel will start at corner alongside Sheldon Brown.
Pro Bowl RB Brian Westbrook returns with a new contract and his eyes on another sensational season. Correll Buckhalter returns as his backup and Lorenzo Booker will be the third back.
Reggie Brown and Kevin Curtis will be the #1 and #2 wide receivers, respectively when healthy. However, the other two spots are up for grabs. Greg Lewis, Jason Avant, Hank Baskett and DeSean Jackson are all vying for the spots.
Bottom line: The Eagles finished 2007 strong and I think it will continue this year. If McNabb and Westbrook stay healthy, this could be a pretty good year for Philly. I see them finishing near the top of the NFC East and contending for a wild card spot.
3rd and Long Projected Record: 11-5 (Over)
Washington Redskins
2007 Record: 9-7
Notable Additions: DE Jason Taylor
Notable Losses: DE Phillip Daniels (IR), WR Brandon Lloyd
Draft Picks (Round):
(2) Devin Thomas, WR Michigan State
(2) Fred Davis, TE USC
(2) Malcolm Kelly, WR Oklahoma
(3) Chad Rinehart, OT Northern Iowa
(4) Justin Tryon, CB Arizona State
(6) Durant Brooks, P Georgia Tech
(6) Kareem Moore, CB Nicholls State
(6) Colt Brennan, QB Hawaii
(7) Rob Jackson, DE Kansas State
(7) Chris Horton, FS UCLA
Vegas total: 7 ½
The Redskins made the playoffs in 2007 despite losing starting QB Jason Campbell to a broken leg in Week 14. Career backup Todd Collins took over for Campbell and led the ‘Skins to the playoffs. They lost to the Seahawks in the first round and Head Coach Joe Gibbs retired.
Former Seahawks quarterback coach, Jim Zorn, was hired to replace Gibbs.
The Redskins suffered injuries to two of their defensive ends in same day which led to the acquisition of Dolphins DE Jason Taylor. It had been speculated that Parcells wanted to trade Taylor after he skipped some OTA’s to compete on Dancing with the Stars.
Bottom line: I think the Redskins should be “NFC good” this year, but I’m not sure that will be good enough to make the playoffs. Six games against the Cowboys, Eagles and Giants makes for a difficult schedule. Look for the Redskins to finish at the bottom of the NFC East and miss the playoffs.
3rd and Long Projected Record: 8-8 (Over)
NFC West
Arizona Cardinals
2007 Record: 8-8
Notable Additions: DE Travis LaBoy, P Dirk Johnson
Notable Losses: S Terrence Holt, LB Calvin Pace
Draft Picks (Round):
(1) Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, DB Tennessee State
(2) Calais Campbell, DE Miami (FL)
(3) Early Doucet, WR LSU
(4) Kenny Iwebema, DE Iowa
(5) Tim Hightower, RB Richmond
(6) Chris Harrington, DE Texas A&M
(7) Brandon Keith, OT Northern Iowa
Vegas total: 7 ½
I wasn’t drinking the Cardinals kool-aid last year and I won’t be this year. I’ve never really understood the hype. They always find a way to screw it up. Last year, my buddy Neil and I made a bet about two borderline team’s playoff chances. He said the Cardinals would make playoffs and I said the Titans would. Needless to say, I was $50 richer. Anyways, who is going to be the starting quarterback? Kurt Warner got the nod. I would go with Leinart. The defense will once again be mediocre and they’ll find a way to miss the playoffs even though they play in such a poor division.
3rd and Long Projected Record: 6-10 (Under)
San Francisco 49ers
2007 Record: 5-11
Notable Additions: WR Isaac Bruce, WR Bryant Johnson, DE Justin Smith, LB Takeo Spikes
Notable Losses: WR Darrell Jackson, WR Antonio Bryant, WR Ashley Lelie
Draft Picks (Round):
(1) Kentwan Balmer, DT North Carolina State
(2) Chilo Rachal, G USC
(3) Reggie Smith, CB Oklahoma
(4) Cody Wallace, C Texas A&M
(6) Josh Morgan, WR Virginia Tech
(7) Larry Grant, OLB Ohio State
Vegas total: 6 ½
Every year, some teams make good offseason moves and some make bad ones. The 49ers decided the best way to improve on a 5-11 2007 season was to hire Mike Martz as their offensive coordinator. In my opinion, they are committing team suicide. Martz’s system worked in St. Louis around the turn of the century, but hasn’t resembled any kind of success since. On top of all that, J.T. O’Sullivan will be their starting quarterback, beating out former #1 overall pick Alex Smith. I have a feeling that by Week 7 we will be wondering where Frank Gore has gone. Sorry bro. The 49ers have a pretty tough schedule and I think it could get pretty ugly this year.
3rd and Long Projected Record: 5-11 (Under)
Seattle Seahawks
2007 Record: 10-6
Notable Additions: RB Julius Jones, RB T.J. Duckett, TE Jeb Putzier, K Olindo Mare
Notable Losses: RB Shaun Alexander, K Josh Brown, WR D.J. Hackett, TE Marcus Pollard
Draft Picks (Round):
(1) Lawrence Jackson, DE USC
(2) John Carlson, TE Notre Dame
(4) Red Bryant, DT Texas A&M
(5) Owen Schmitt, FB West Virginia
(6) Tyler Schmitt, C San Diego State
(7) Justin Forsett, RB California
(7) Brandon Coutu, K Georgia
Vegas total: 8 ½
The Seahawks have been a pretty good team for a while now and I don’t see it coming to an end this season. Addition by subtraction for the Seahawks was getting rid of Shaun Alexander. That was a quick fall from glory. They signed the Cowboys’ sloppy seconds to take his place. Playing in the NFC West makes making the playoffs a much easier task. Their chances of missing the playoffs are the same as Matt Hasselbeck having to buy a comb.
3rd and Long Projected Record: 10-6 (Over)
St. Louis Rams
2007 Record: 3-13
Notable Additions: K Josh Brown, QB Trent Green
Notable Losses: WR Isaac Bruce, K Jeff Wilkins, QB Gus Frerotte
Draft Picks (Round):
(1) Chris Long, DE Virginia
(2) Donnie Avery, WR Houston
(3) John Greco, OT Toledo
(4) Justin King, CB Penn State
(4) Keenan Burton, WR Kentucky
(5) Roy Schuening, OG Oregon State
(7) Chris Chamberlain, LB Tulsa
(7) David Vobora, LB Idaho
Vegas total: 6 ½
What an incredibly disappointing 2007 season. The Rams had a makeshift offensive line all year, but 3-13 is unacceptable especially with the offensive firepower that this team supposedly possesses. Steven Jackson recently got paid so hopefully he will perform up to his capabilities. If everyone can stay healthy, they could be good, but they won’t make the playoffs. Hopefully, they won’t disappoint all the fantasy owners out there.
3rd and Long Projected Record: 8-8 (Over)
NFC North
Chicago Bears
2007 Record: 7-9
Notable Additions: RB Kevin Jones, WR Marty Booker, WR Brandon Lloyd
Notable Losses: RB Cedric Benson, WR Bernard Berrian, WR Muhsin Muhammad, S Adam Archuleta, LB Brendon Ayanbadejo
Draft Picks (Round):
(1) Chris Williams, OT Vanderbilt
(2) Matt Forte, RB Tulane
(3) Earl Bennett, WR Vanderbilt
(3) Marcus Harrison, DT Arkansas
(4) Craig Steltz, CB LSU
(5) Zackary Bowman, CB Nebraska
(5) Kellen Davis, TE Michigan State
(7) Ervin Baldwin, DE Michigan State
(7) Chester Adams, G Georgia
(7) Joey LaRocque, LB Oregon State
(7) Kirk Barton, OT Ohio State
(7) Marcus Monk, WR Arkansas
Vegas total: 8
I’m not sure what Kyle Orton did to earn the starting job. I guess it’s possible that Lovie Smith is a fan of facial hair. The more logical explanation is simple…he name isn’t Rex Grossman. One of the most interesting stories of the Bears’ offseason was the events leading up to the release of RB Cedric Benson. One of a couple run-ins with law this offseason included a BWI (boating while intoxicated). Here’s the best part. Fellow UT alum Ricky Williams was supposed to be with Benson on the boat, but didn’t make it for unspecified reasons. Williams said that if he had been there the incident would not have occurred because he has a “calming influence on people.” There is so much irony in that statement. Anyways, the Bears won’t be very good. They have a moderately difficult schedule and their record will reflect that.
3rd and Long Projected Record: 5-11 (Under)
Detroit Lions
2007 Record: 7-9
Notable Additions: CB Brian Kelly, CB Leigh Bodden, CB Travis Fisher, TE Michael Gaines, RB Rudi Johnson
Notable Losses: RB Kevin Jones, DT Shaun Rogers, CB Fernando Bryant, RB T.J. Duckett, RB Tatum Bell
Draft Picks (Round):
(1) Gosder Cherilus, OT Boston College
(2) Jordan Dizon, LB Colorado
(3) Kevin Smith, RB Central Florida
(3) Andre Fluellen, DT Florida State
(3) Cliff Avril, LB Purdue
(5) Kenneth Moore, RB Wake Forest
(5) Jerome Felton, FB Furman
(7) Landon Cohen, DT Ohio
(7) Caleb Campbell, SS Army (Was forced to serve in the Army)
Vegas total: 6 ½
I’m sure all of you Lions fans out there were happy to see Mike Martz go. I think that Kitna will be more efficient and take a lot few hits. The offense should feature more of a balanced attack with rookie Kevin Smith and former Bengal Rudi Johnson handling the running game. They are still a little weak on defensive side of the ball and need to prove that they can win on the road before I pick them to win their division.
3rd and Long Projected Record: 8-8 (Over)
Green Bay Packers
2007 Record: 13-3
Notable Additions: LB Brandon Chillar
Notable Losses: QB Brett Favre, TE Bubba Franks
Draft Picks (Round):
(2) Jordy Nelson, WR Kansas State
(2) Brian Brohm, QB Louisville
(2) Patrick Lee, CB Auburn
(3) Jermichael Finley, TE Texas
(4) Jeremy Thompson, DE Wake Forest
(4) Josh Sitton, G Central Florida
(5) Breno Giacomini, OT Louisville
(7) Matt Flynn, QB LSU
(7) Brett Swain, WR San Diego State
Vegas total: 8
Following the 2007 season, Brett Favre retired. Well, sort of…actually not really. He’s not a Packer anymore because they didn’t want him, so they traded him to the Jets. In return, the Packers received a 4th round draft pick, but it could be a 3rd or possibly a 2nd or if hell freezes over and the Jets go to the Super Bowl it could be a 1st.
Now, it’s the Aaron Rodgers era in Green Bay. For his sake, I hope he doesn’t suck it up in the first game. The Packers have pretty much the same team as their NFC Championship squad last season (except for Favre of course). It’s not easy replacing a legend and Hall of Famer. They are a borderline playoff team sans Favre.
3rd and Long Projected Record: 8-8 (Push)
Minnesota Vikings
2007 Record: 8-8
Notable Additions: DE Jared Allen, WR Bernard Berrian, FB Tony Richardson, RB Maurice Hicks
Notable Losses: DE Erasmus James, QB Kelly Holcomb
Draft Picks (Round):
(2) Tyrell Johnson, FS Arkansas State
(5) John David Booty, QB USC
(5) Letroy Guion, DT Florida State
(6) John Sullivan, C Notre Dame
(6) Jaymar Johnson, WR Jackson State
Vegas total: 9
The Vikings are no doubt this year’s sexy pick. I hate to jump on the bandwagon, but I like them too…a lot. I actually think that Tarvaris Jackson will be a lot better this year and even if he isn’t, I think they can win in spite of him. If Adrian Peterson stays healthy, he will dominate again. To go along with an already stellar defensive line featuring the best tackle tandem in the league, the Vikings traded for Pro Bowl DE Jared Allen. The sky is the limit for this team.
3rd and Long Projected Record: 11-5 (Over)
NFC South
Atlanta Falcons
2007 Record: 4-12
Notable Additions: RB Michael Turner, K Jason Elam, DT Grady Jackson
Notable Losses: CB DeAngelo Hall, TE Alge Crumpler, RB Warrick Dunn, CB Von Hutchins (IR), LB Demorrio Williams, QB Joey Harrington
Draft Picks (Round):
(1) Matt Ryan, QB Boston College
(1) Sam Baker, OT USC
(2) Curtis Lofton, LB Oklahoma
(3) Chevis Jackson, CB LSU
(3) Harry Douglas, WR Louisville
(3) Thomas DeCoud, S California
(5) Robert James, LB Arizona State
(5) Kroy Biermann, LB Montana
(6) Thomas Brown, RB Georgia
(7) Wilrey Fontenot, CB Arizona
(7) Keith Zinger, TE LSU
Vegas total: 4 ½
The Falcons are still suffering from a post-Michael Vick hangover. Joey Harrington wasn’t the answer. Neither was Chris Redmond nor Byron Leftwich. The Falcons spent their first round draft pick on QB Matt Ryan and anointed him as the starter following training camp. When a team chooses a rookie to be their starter, they are prepared to lose in the short term. The Falcons are preparing for the future and their record will reflect that.
3rd and Long Projected Record: 5-11
Carolina Panthers
2007 Record: 7-9
Notable Additions: WR Muhsin Muhammad, WR D.J. Hackett
Notable Losses: DE Mike Rucker, RB DeShaun Foster, WR Keary Colbert, WR Drew Carter
Draft Picks (Round):
(1) Jonathan Stewart, RB Oregon
(1) Jeff Otah, OT Pittsburgh
(3) Charles Godfrey, CB Iowa
(3) Dan Connor, LB Penn State
(5) Gary Barnidge, TE Louisville
(6) Nick Hayden, DT Wisconsin
(7) Hilee Taylor, LB North Carolina
(7) Geoff Schwartz, G Oregon
(7) Mackenzy Bernadeau, G Bentley
Vegas total: 8
Jake Delhomme’s health is the key to the Panthers’ success. David Carr, Matt Moore and Vinny Testaverde were all called on to fill in for the Great Jake last year and the Panthers still managed seven wins. The wide receiver corps will be much improved this year with the additions of Muhsin Muhammad and D.J. Hackett. They should be a borderline playoff team unless Steve Smith beats up more of his teammates.
3rd and Long Projected Record: 9-7 (Over)
New Orleans Saints
2007 Record: 7-9
Notable Additions: TE Jeremy Shockey, LB Jonathan Vilma, CB Randall Gay
Notable Losses:
Draft Picks (Round):
(1) Sedrick Ellis, DT USC
(2) Tracy Porter, CB Indiana
(5) DeMario Pressley, DT North Carolina State
(5) Carl Nicks, OT Nebraska
(6) Taylor Mehlhaff, K Wisconsin
(7) Adrian Arrington, WR Michigan
Vegas total: 9
After vastly underachieving last year, I think the Saints will be a force to be reckoned with in 2008. Brees rebounded after a rough start and put up great numbers last year. The acquisition of TE Jeremy Shockey gives Brees another Pro Bowl caliber target to throw to. It’s time for Reggie Bush to prove he can be a dynamic offensive player at the pro level. I just hope he has a bad game if Kim Kardashian shows up to watch him. The defense struggled last season. LB Jonathan Vilma and CB Randall Gay were acquired to help out. The Saints also used their first three draft picks on defensive players. I like this team a lot.
3rd and Long Projected Record: 11-5 (Over)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2007 Record: 9-7
Notable Additions: QB Brian Griese, RB Warrick Dunn
Notable Losses: QB Chris Simms
Draft Picks (Round):
(1) Aqib Talib, CB Kansas
(2) Dexter Jackson, WR Appalachian State
(3) Jeremy Zuttah, G Rutgers
(4) Dre Moore, DT Maryland
(5) Josh Johnson, QB San Diego
(6) Geno Hayes, LB Florida State
(7) Cory Boyd, RB South Carolina
Vegas total: 8 ½
The Buccaneers won’t make the playoffs this year. Their success in 2007 was partly a product of the Saints’ disappointing season. I don’t think Jeff Garcia and Joey Galloway can produce the way they did last year. The NFC South isn’t good enough to send two teams to the playoffs. Sorry Bucs.
3rd and Long Projected Record: 8-8 (Under)
Well, that does it for my team-by-team previews. The regular season gets underway tomorrow night with a battle of NFC East foes.
I'll be back tomorrow and I'll be introducing the newest contributor to the 3rd and Long blog.
Stay tuned,
3rd and Long
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