Wow – it’s been awhile since I have contributed some NFL insights! Just a mixture of draft fatigue, running a brand consulting business, fitness (on a mission for a permanent re-shaping!), and family.
Every team in the NFL has issues and questions going in to the 2009 season. Here mine for the AFC … all beginning with “Why”.
Why do the Bills allow a player like Marshawn Lynch to be on their team? He brings a lot more ugly drama than Owens.
Why didn’t the Dolphins strengthen the WR position more? The Wildcat has become more of a myth than a threat. To become a contender, you have to stretch the field vertically. Who does this for Miami?
Why does everyone think that Brady will immediately be back to his old self? Think how long it took Peyton last year and Carson Palmer a few years ago to get back up to speed. The Pats really need to be able to run the ball first few weeks of the season to allow Brady to get into a groove.
Why does everyone think the Jets defense will be so good? Yes, Ryan brought in his system and some key former Ravens. However, they have significant issues on the D-line. The 3 front in a 3-4 is often over-looked because of the focus on the LBs. However, the rebuilding of the the DL in Baltimore was the key to the success of the back 8 of the rest of the D. The Jets just don’t have the horses up front to let the rest of the defense do their thing.
Why do the Bengals keep bringing in guys with sketchy pasts? In addition to Tank Johnson, check out the rap sheet on rookie Bernard Scott!
Why do people expect the Browns do different with Mangini as head coach? The “new” Browns have been a day-care disaster since their re-birth.
Why won’t the Steelers represent the AFC in the Super Bowl again? They have the best culture, one of the best head coaches and coaching staffs, great depth, etc. Of all the teams in the AFC, they have the least questions. Seems like only bad luck will keep them from going to the Super Bowl again.
Why won’t the Texans make the play-offs? They actually have a shot at winning the AFC South. Although the favorites, the Colts are in transition, the Titans have offensive issues, and the Jags just have too many questions across the board. The Texans have all of the elements of a winning team – steady QB play, near Pro Bowl level left tackle, game breaking WR, a decent running game, the ability to generate a pass rush without blitzing, strength in the middle of the defense, etc. Their biggest challenge is the continued maturation of Okoye at DT.
Why is the transition to Jim Caldwell being over-looked? Caldwell has been head coach in waiting the past few years, but he is not only a different personality than Dungy, he also has different philosophies. Also, don’t under estimate the retirement of two of the top assistant coaches in the NFL (although they have been re-hired as “consultants”).
Why is the future of the running game placed on Maurice Jones-Drew? Don’t get me wrong, I love MJD. However, I don’t believe he is a feature back. He has had the luxury of having Fred Taylor beat on the defense the past few years, allowing MJD to over-amplify his skills. Also, don’t over-look the impact of him not being on special teams. The Jags have very little depth behind him. They would be better off starting Greg Jones and rotating MJD.
Why can’t the Titans get over the hump to the Super Bowl? Under Jeff Fisher, the Titans have been consistent winners, with a tough, no-nonsense approach to football. Unfortunately, they just haven’t had enough play-makers on offense. Chris Johnson brought a spark, but you saw what happened in the play-offs when he got hurt. Outside of Johnson, there just isn’t anyone that causes opposing defenses to change the way they play. They’d do well to bring Vince Young in to run some version of the Wildcat.
Why did Bowlen fire Shanahan the way he did? Everyone blames Cutler, Marshall, etc. for the off-season drama, but the abrupt firing of Shanahan was the catalyst. I’m not saying firing him wasn’t the right move – it just came across as reactionary. This caused the players to doubt the stability of the organization.
Why did the Chiefs risk so much for Matt Cassell? Yeah – I know it’s just money, but wow – that is a lot of money for a potential one-year wonder. Of course, I could be completely wrong, but name a consistent Play-off team/Super Bowl contender that has been built around an expensive FA QB?
Why am I still an admitted Raider fan? I chalk it up to being a co-dependent, angst ridden Gen X’er.
Why is Norv Turner a head coach? I know I’ve railed on this before, but a team with this much talent shouldn’t have such crappy results. One of the side effects of having a leader with no charisma or presence is that the vacuum gets filled with drama – i.e. LT, Merriman, etc.
That’s it for now … NFC “why’s” soon …
