Defense the Difference in New Orleans, Denver

Two teams that have struggled on defense in years past are making a statement so far this season and it currently has both teams undefeated.  These two teams are being led by new defensive coordinators.  In addition to that they both signed veteran free agent safeties in the off-season that have done more than their share through five weeks.  The fans at the Superdome and INVESCO Field could not be happier. 

The New Orleans Saints the last few seasons have had one of the better offenses in the league and their defense held them back.  Enter Gregg Williams and Darren Sharper.  By implementing Williams’ aggressive style, the Saints are 7^th in the league in points per game against, 7^th in the league in rushing defense and 11^th in passing defense per game.  Those numbers are unheard of in New Orleans over the last few seasons. 

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Bold Predictions for 2009 – Steelers are Repeat Defenders

September – the month when every team has hope, all fans have Super Bowl dreams and every pundit in America thinks they know how the upcoming NFL script will play out. By February, hope turns to despair and Super Bowl dreams become nightmares for all but one. As for the pundits, always wrong.  ALWAYS. Without further adieu, the 2009 NFL season according to yours truly:

Coach of the Year: Gary Kubiak, Texans – Houston makes the playoffs for the first time in franchise history as the offense thrives in the zone blocking scheme Kubiak helped make so famous in Denver.

Offensive Rookie of the Year: Percy Harvin, Vikings - Favre and Harvin will make defenses pay if they continue to stack eight in the box.  Just lay off that Gator green, Percy. … Continue Reading

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

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