Let’s take a deep sigh of relief shall we?
FOOTBALL IS BACK. THE NFL IS BACK. REJOICE FANS! it’s time once again to put on your favorite jersey or team colors, sit in front of the TV on Sundays and Monday Nights and either scream for
joy, agony, or just for the love of the game.
Before we get into the good stuff let me go on an Editorial Rant.
I think it’s safe to say no matter whom your team is, I think that fans of the NFL are happy that we do indeed have a season to watch this year. Could you imagine our country not being able to watch Professional Football this season? Yes there are many issues in our country that need to be dealt with that may be more important than the sport, but there are many people within our country that need football for various reasons. From the small dive bars in small cities that depend on their Sunday Football crowds to keep their business going to the full time workers within the organization that work as vendors, gate keepers, security, maintenance, etc. Also think of those who have nothing within their life that depend on sports and their team to keep themselves happy in their life. The NFL lockout really can effect and change lives.
Now then let’s get started on the NFL 2011-2012 season shall we?
Don’t be surprised for the first three or four weeks of the season you will see games being either Defensive Struggles or Shootouts. Remember a lot of time was cut off for fundamentals to be taught as well as keeping in football shape. There were plenty of players seen out of shape and may be a few weeks before we really see a true competitive side.
I also would say that this year can be anyone’s year, with some teams doing extremely well due to the main core of their teams being still intact, while others will be far behind with new coaching changes, rookie starters, and many who were traded within the Free Agent Frenzy we saw once the lockout was lifted.
As we are close to kickoff (Two Days since it has now passed midnight on the east coast), everyone has their predictions and analyzing skills being put to the test. Here are a few things that we might see this year as well what each division will hold.
1. Peyton Manning’s streak of consecutive starts will end on Sunday. A Neck Surgery along with a snag in rehab means taking it slow. Let him work his way back rather than forcing him to come back to early...What would be better Colt Fans? Starting in Week 3 or 4 Healthy or him returning on opening day and a one and done with a nice upper body hit?
2. Michael Vick will NOT have the same numbers as he did last year. I know he had a true resurgence and had magical moments with Madden Game Numbers vs. the Redskins on MNF as well as the Miracle at the Meadowlands Part Two…but let’s face it. Opponents have now had a full year to look at the new and improved #7 and with the NFC East having to play the AFC east; I don’t see Vick having great numbers against the Patriots and Jets
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3. Tiki Barber and Terrell Owens WILL have a job by Week 8. I say this because injuries will happen and someone will need a Plan B or C just in case. What Teams? Not sure...but should be fun to see what happens
4. Peyton Hillis breaks the Madden Cover Curse. I would not be shocked if this guy stays healthy and runs for over 1,500 yards. A big running back with nice agility and vertical. Just hold onto the ball and the Browns might not be too bad of a team if Colt McCoy plays well
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5. Brett Favre stays retired…That’s all I say. Then again...if Tiki can gets a job...kidding folks.
6. The New QB Faces of the League emerge and take over. Sam Bradford, Matt Ryan, and Matt Schuab will put up huge numbers…I see all three throwing over 3,000 yards and at least 23 TD’s.
7. This is the year the Texans Make the Playoffs and begins to take over the AFC South. They are better than what their record was and lost a few heartbreakers last year. Don’t be shocked if you see the team from Houston is fighting for a Division Title down to the wire.
T Tebow does not start in any games before week 8 and would not be shocked if they trade him.
9. Alex Smith loses his job as Quarterback of the 49ers and fans of San Francisco will to this day still wonder why they did not Take Aaron Rodgers in the Draft.
10. 4 Coaches will be gone by the time Week 12 Rolls through
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Finally, my predictions of Winners, Surprises, Disappointments, and Champions
AFC PREDICTIONS
AFC East Winner: Patriots – Tom Brady is your QB, Bill Belichick is your Head Coach…No Shocker Here
AFC North Winner: Steelers – I was leaning towards Baltimore but they still have yet to get over that Black and Yellow Hump
AFC South Winner: Texans – This is the Year That Houston takes it. Manning still injured could put Indy behind in the race
AFC West Winner: Chiefs – won 10 games last year, and still a very young core of players, but wouldn’t be shocked if I’m wrong though. The west is always unexpected.
Last Two In: Jets, Ravens – Two good teams that could flip flop a lot this season with their divisional rivals, but just not sold yet.
Last Two Out: Chargers, Colts
Laughing Stock/Disaster Team: Bengals – Sorry Cincinnati, but I feel as if you are going backwards. Franchise Quarterback wants to retire than play for you? That’s already a bad sign. Looks like 3-13 at best and the bottom of the Division, probably for the next few years as well.
Dark Horse: Cleveland Browns- They showed poise beating the Saints and Patriots last year...No team should sleep on them or they could stop you in your tracks (Fact: No NFL team to this day has won a Super Bowl the same year they have Lost to the Cleveland Browns)
NFC PREDICTIONS:
NFC East Winner: Eagles –Dream Team will win 10 games this year but it will not be easy.
NFC North Winner: Packers- Super Bowl Reigning Champs won’t have too much of a hangover
NFC South Winner: Bucs- Won 10 games last season and I see nothing but going up for Tampa Bay
NFC West Winner: Rams- Missed out on making the playoffs last year on the last day of the season. Sam Bradford will be a lot better than he was last season and will make fewer mistakes. They will be 9-7 in a very weak division.
Last Two In: Falcons, Giants – NFC has been such a dog fight for playoff spots over the past few years. Plus no team has ever repeated as Division Champs in the NFC South. Have to put Atlanta here because I think they are that good. As for New York, they are not as bad as everyone says. I say 10 wins and in for the GMEN.
Last Two Out: Saints, Bears
Laughing Stock/Disaster Team: I really can’t say I see any disaster teams so ill change my tone to…
Disappointment Team: Cardinals- I don’t think Kevin Kolb is that great. I won’t see great chemistry between him and Larry Fitzgerald enough for them to make anywhere in that division. 7-9 at best
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Dark Horse: Detroit Lions- How fitting would it be to see a team who is only a few years separated from being the laughing stock of the NFL to becoming one of the most dangerous teams to play. If Matt Stafford can stay healthy along with monster plays by their defensive line, look for Detroit to make some noise this
season. This could be an 8-8, maybe 9-7 season perhaps?
AFC TITLE GAME: Jets over Steelers
NFC TITLE GAME: Eagles over Falcons
Super bowl Champs: New York Jets
Thoughts and opinions are more than welcomed!
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