andy benoit · August 8th, 2008
1. New England Patriots
A great rebound from devastating Super Bowl XLII loss will result in world championship. A terrible rebound will still result in a division title.
2. New York Jets
They’re apparently bent on winning now. If their upgraded O-line stays healthy, they’ll contend for a playoff spot.
3. Buffalo Bills
In a nice spot as they construct a long-term program. Jets are running a sprint for this year; these guys are running a marathon for this epoch.
4. Miami Dolphins
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andy benoit · August 8th, 2008
Predicted: 1st
2007 Record: 16-0 (1st AFC East)
Head Coach: Bill Belichick (9th year)
(Key: * denotes rookie, ** denotes new veteran)
Roster Quick View
Offense
QB: Tom Brady Can win Super Bowls, post big numbers, sell your product, whatever. The greatest QB of this generation.
RB: Laurence Maroney Most think he’s primed for a breakout season. He’s certainly good enough. But are there enough touches for him in this offense?
WR: Randy Moss Attitude problems? Effort issues? Ha!
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andy benoit · August 8th, 2008
Predicted: 2nd
2007 Record: 4-12 (3rd AFC East)
Head Coach: Eric Mangini (3rd year)
****Brett Favre was traded shortly after this report was published. Most of the Jets content, surprisingly, remains the same. But to read the Favre analysis, click here****
(Key: *rookie, ** denotes new veteran)
Roster Quick View
Offense
QB: Chad Pennington Wet noodle for an arm, but at least he’s accurate and smart.
RB: Thomas Jones Disappointing in his New York debut last season. But should have 1,300 yards behind this O-line in ’08.
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andy benoit · August 7th, 2008
Predicted: 4th
2007 Record: 1-15 (4th AFC East)
Head Coach: Tony Sparano (1st year)
(Key: * denotes rookie, ** denotes new veteran)
Roster Quick View
Offense
QB: Josh McCown** His starting experience gives him a mild edge over John Beck and Chad Henne in the quarterback competition. Not a long-term option though.
RB: Ronnie Brown Was leading the league in yards from scrimmage before tearing his ACL last October. Speedy recovery, but must regain trust in his knee.
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andy benoit · August 6th, 2008
1. San Diego Chargers
Injuries potentially pose major problems. Still, this team is loaded and this division, unequivocally, is not.
2. Denver Broncos
How many damaged free agents does this team have to sign before realizing they’re setting themselves up for mediocrity?
3. Oakland Raiders
Talent isn’t lacking, but the organization is a mess.
4. Kansas City Chiefs
Roughly half of their starters should be backups. That’s the nature of the rebuilding beast.
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andy benoit · August 6th, 2008
Predicted: 3rd
2007 Record: 7-9 (2nd AFC East)
Head Coach: Dick Jauron (third year)
(Key: * denotes rookie, ** denotes new veteran)
Roster Quick View
Offense
QB: Trent Edwards Has accumulated some admirers but has plenty to prove. Added 15 pounds of strength over the offseason. Will be given more audibling freedom in ’08.
RB: Marshawn Lynch Runs with Marion Barber-esque tenacity, and shows subtle elusiveness at times. Needs to do a better job at letting his holes develop.
FB: Darian Barnes Will be used as a traditional lead-blocker now that new offensive coordinator Turk Schonert has done away with the H-back position.
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andy benoit · August 5th, 2008
Predicted: 1st
2007 Record: 11-5 (1st AFC West)
Head Coach: Norv Turner (2nd year)
(Key: * denotes rookie, ** denotes new veteran)
Roster Quick View
Offense
QB: Philip Rivers Only 6 months removed from reconstructive knee surgery, though appears to be good to go. Amazing.
RB: LaDainian Tomlinson Finally has some naysayers after a disappointing end to last season. At 29, he’s still in his prime, which means he’s still the best RB in football.
WR: Chris Chambers Inconsistent from game to game, though partly because defenses tend to focus on him. Can really stretch the field.
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andy benoit · August 5th, 2008
Predicted: 3rd
2007 Record: 4-12 (3rd AFC West)
Head Coach: Lane Kiffin (2nd year)
(Key: * denotes rookie, ** denotes new veteran)
Roster Quick View
Offense
QB: JaMarcus Russell Ridiculously strong arm allows him to stretch the field and make plays on the move. Obviously, has plenty of maturation to do as a leader and decision-maker.
RB: Justin Fargas Coming off first 1,000-yard season and playing in a new three-year contract. His best work may actually be in pass-blocking.
FB: Justin Griffith Good ballhandler, but Oakland doesn’t need that from the FB position. Must hold off the more powerful though less alert Oren O’Neal.
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andy benoit · August 4th, 2008
1. Pittsburgh Steelers
They return essentially the same defense that ranked No. 1 last year, plus they have several promising new weapons on offense.
2. Cleveland Browns
The trendiest pick in football this season. A division title is within reach, but what happens if Jamal Lewis or one of the defensive backs goes down?
3. Cincinnati Bengals
It’s nothing but chaos here. There’s enough talent for a playoff run, but that hasn’t seemed to matter the past two seasons.
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andy benoit · August 4th, 2008
1. Minnesota Vikings
The league’s best rushing attack and run defense. Their postseason fate rests in the hands of Tarvaris Jackson.
2. Green Bay Packers
Sorry Pack, it’s just too big a change in one year.
3. Chicago Bears
Defense is very good and special teams are beyond excellent, but where is the talent on offense?
4. Detroit Lions
They overachieved early last season, which builds unrealistic expectations for 2008. Seven or eight wins would be a good year.
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