Quick Hit NFC Preview
NFC EAST
1. New York Giants – The defense will still crack heads and as hard as it is to say or believe, Eli Manning is a Super Bowl winning quarterback. Domenik Hixon and Hakeem Nicks play the role of Plaxico Buress just fine for Big Blue. Projected Record: 10-6
2. Dallas Cowboys – New stadium, scoreboard issues, no T.O. – there’s quite a bit going on in Big D. By the end of the season, everyone in the NFL will know the name Felix Jones. But the Cowboys still can’t win a playoff game. Projected Record: 9-7
3. Philadelphia Eagles – Loaded offensively, but the defense has taken one too many hits. The late Jim Johnson, Brian Dawkins (Broncos) and Stewart Bradley (IR) were arguably the three most important pieces to the ’08 D. Over/Under for Philly fans to start calling for Vick: Week 7. Projected Record: 9-7
4. Washington Redskins – Jim Zorn better learn how to make on-the-fly adjustments real soon. ‘Skins started last season 6-2, ended 2-6. All it took was a little bit of game film for the league to catch up to JZ. I love Jason Campbell, but his downfall may ultimately be what he wasn’t given – a viable #2 receiver. Lace up, Malcolm Kelly. Projected Record: 8-8
NFC NORTH
1. Minnesota Vikings – Love him or hate him, Favre and his Wranglers bring a dimension to the Vikings that they haven’t had under Brad Childress - a quarterback that stretches the field. The most complete team in the NFC. That dude Adrian Peterson is pretty good too. Projected Record: 11-5
2. Green Bay Packers – Aaron Rodgers is on the cusp of becoming a top 5 NFL quarterback and a sleeper candidate for this season’s MVP. You know he quietly wants to out-duel Favre head-to-head. He’ll have two cracks at it, at least. Projected Record: 10-6
3. Chicago Bears – It’s obvious Jay Cutler possesses all the tools to be a winning NFL quarterback. But the fact is he’s never done it and I don’t see a go-to #1 receiver on that team outside the tight end Greg Olsen. I had Cutler’s back when he left Denver, but now he’s got to walk the walk with less offensive talent. Just sayin’. Projected Record: 9-7
4. Detroit Lions – If you throw the ball to Calvin Johnson 20 times a game, you’re destined to win 3 or 4 games, right? Rookie Matthew Stafford showed a nice little rapport with Megatron in the preseason. Maybe it’s the start to something watchable in Motown. Projected Record 4-12
NFC SOUTH
1. New Orleans Saints – I think we all know what Brees and Co. can do, but it’ll be Gregg Williams’ defense that makes the difference this season. Plus, no one ever wins this division in consecutive years – everybody knows that. Projected Record: 11-5
2. Carolina Panthers – So Jake Delhomme throws 5 picks in last season’s playoff game against Arizona and gets rewarded with a 3-YEAR EXTENSION?? Cut the jokes. Unless D’Angelo Williams rushes for 2,000 yards, I just can’t see the Panthers taking the South crown again. Projected Record: 9-7
3. Atlanta Falcons – Even if the Falcons are better this season, their schedule is twice as brutal. Michael Turner won’t be running the ball against cupcakes and the defense is young and unproven. Sophomore Slump. Projected Record: 8-8
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Is it just me, or are teams going a little overboard with this rookie coach thing? I don’t know if Raheem Morris will be successful in Tampa or not, but it looks as if there’s already a lack of offensive identity. Firing the OC a week before the season doesn’t scream out the words ‘prepared’ or ‘confident’. Projected Record: 6-10
NFC WEST
1. Arizona Cardinals – Say it with me: YOUR DEFENDING NFC CHAMPS!! What are the chances Warner stays healthy for 16 games? Nill. Any chance Anquan Boldin isn’t nursing 26 different injuries throughout the season? Nope. Will they still win this horrid division? Absolutely! Projected Record: 9-7
2. San Francisco 49ers – The Niners WILL make noise in 2010. Only problem is it’s still 2009. Mike Singletary started to put his stamp on this team last season when he basically forced Mike Martz to run the ball against his will. It won’t be pretty, but Shaun Hill will manage the Niners to mediocrity. Projected Record: 8-8
3. Seattle Seahawks – Jim Mora Jr. inherits a team decimated by injuries last season and quite honestly you’d be lying if you knew what to expect. Remember when they used to win this division in their sleep? By the way, if I see that Matt Hasselbeck EAS commercial one more time, I might break my TV. NOW I’M DONE. Projected Record: 7-9
4. St. Louis Rams – You could EASILY argue that the ’08 Rams were just as, if not worse than the ’08 Lions. They went 2-14 and their two wins came consecutively in October after “rallying around Jim Haslett”. Hey Spags, welcome to the NFC West, where 6-10 may get you a home playoff game. Projected Record: 5-11
