Tonight, the NFL preseason officially kicks off with the annual Hall of Fame Game. This season, the Cowboys and the Dolphins will square off. Then, next weekend, every team will be in action.
So, this is as good a time as any to finally finish off my NFL season preview, and I will make my official predictions for tomorrow. In the meantime, here is the breakdown of teams with the final two divisions that I have not yet reviewed. These divisions are important ones, because they feature some of the best and most promising teams out there.
Just a few years ago, the NFC West appeared to be the worst division in the league. No team really stood out, and the Rams and Seahawks, both relatively weak teams with mediocre records, were fighting to win the division title. Eventually, the Seahawks won, with a record of 7-9. They were the first team to qualify for the playoffs with a losing record.
Then, things seemed to change in a hurry. The 49ers got a new coach, ex-NFL quarterback Jim Harbaugh, and he brought the 49ers new results. They went 13-3 in his coaching debut, and the 49ers made it to the NFC Championship Game, and barely missed out on the Super Bowl. They followed that up with an actual Super Bowl appearance last year, after another stellar season. They fell behind badly, 28-6, but then fought to get back in the game, and came within two points of the Ravens, before Baltimore finally put the game away. The 49ers got a surprisingly hard challenge by the Seattle Seahawks, who impressed so many people, that suddenly, they seem like one of the favorites ging into this season. Plus, the Rams are a talentd bunch that seem overdue for a breakout season. And the Cardinals may have more weapons, particularly on offense, than they have enjoyed in a long while. So, things are looking u in the NFC West.
As for the NFC South, the Falcons seemed to have far too easy a time of it last season. They were the de facto champions of the division ridiculously early in the season, after a remarkable 8-0 start. The Falcons have made some moves in the offseason that would seem to assure that they should be a strong contender, and likely the class of this division. Yet, one wonders if the Saints really are as bad as they appeared last season, or if that was just an abberation, and they could return to strong form in 2013. After all, they did not have the disastrous offseason this year that they suffered through last year. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers showed some glimpses at times last season, but were not a serious contender down the stretch fora playoff spot. And the Carolina Panthers crashed and burned last season following much hype, and seemed clearly overated. The question surrounding them is whether or not they were truly as bad as they seemed through and through last year. All of those questions begin to be answered now, as the preseason is about to start.
NFC South
Atlanta Falcons - they have the pieces more or less in place on the offensive side. The Falcons have awesome potential. Matt Ryan seems ready to take his place among the elite quarterbacks in the league (well, at least the second tier, with potential for more in the future). There was no question that Atlanta could score plenty of points. The rushing game could probably be improved, but many teams have been successful of late without top notch running games, so why couldn't the Falcons be so, as well? The defense, at least statistically, was pretty strong, as well. To be sure, they allowed quite a few yards both against the run and against the pass. But they did not allow a lot of points, which would suggest that this was a team that bent but did not break. The questions, I think, were more on just how tough this team was. Many people, myself included, admittedly, just were not convinced that they really were as good as their 13-3 record indicated -a record that was easily good enough to secure the top seed in the NFC. Despite winning one close game and losing another in the playoffs, it felt like there were still more questions than answers with this team after the postseason. Were they the team that almost lost to Seattle in the divisional round, after what would have been an epic collapse? Or were they the team that almost knocked off San Francisco and went to the Super Bowl, only to lose (after an epic collapse) at home after carefully building a 17-0 lead? This season should really help clarify where the Falcons are. The Falcons picked up Stephen Jackson from the Rams, and he should be able to help some with the running game. On defense, they lost Abraham, but picked up Osi Umenyiora from the Giants. They also picked up some cornerbacks in the draft, which should strengthen their defensive backfield. All in all, I like their moves, and think that this team did enough to likely stay atop the division when the dust settles this season. As to whether or not they can compete for the NFC title or beyond? There still are a lot of questions, and it's up to the Falcons whether they can answer all of their critics.
New Orleans Saints - Now, I know that Saints had a terrible offseason prior to last year, but I guess my expectations were that this team was so good, it would not matter all that much. Boy, was I ever wrong! New Orleans started off terribly, getting off to what can only be considered a terrible start, dropping their first four games. The Packers are solid, and the Redskins were better than most expected, but the loss to the Chiefs and the Panthers pretty much set the tone for the kind of season New Orleans was going to have. They began to recover, evening up their record and perhaps looking like they were going to make a playoff run. But they then had to take on the 49ers, the Falcons, and the Giants, all in succession. That would be a lot to ask of anyone, and the Saints dropped all three, with each loss growing progressively worse, and the season was lost. Among the few highlights for a terrible season was the one victory against the previously unbeaten Falcons, that showed a glimpse of what this team is capable of. They also had an impressive sweep against Tamps (including one 41-0 win) and a win against the Cowboys that essentially, in effect, knocked Dallas out of the playoffs. But the rest of the season was terrible. The offense was still strong. Brees might not have looked as strong as he has in seasons past, but he still provides veteran leadership and very strong abilities, so the Saints have no problems there. He's not getting any younger, but he should still be quite effective. The running game was not as helpful as it could and perhaps should have been. Still, the Saints offense was not the problem last season. The defense was. They ranked close to the bottom of the league in overall defense, and they were almost equally bad against the run as against the pass. Overall, the defense gave up a league record 7,042 yards. That's most in NFL history! Not the kind of history that you want to make! They also allowed 452 points, which was the second most of any defense in the league last year. That explains why the Saints, despite having a top notch offense, were unable to avoid a losing record - their first in half a decade. And if they do not taste more success this season, the defense will be the likely author for the upcoming struggles this season, as well. But they did replace Spagnuolo with new defensive coordinator Rob Ryan from the Dallas Cowboys. Also, they picked up CB Keenan Lewis from Pittsburgh, and outside linebacker Victor Butler from Dallas. Still a lot of question marks on defense, but these changes should help. After the horrors of last year on defense, almost any changes would be good changes.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers - For a long time throughout their history, Tampa Bay was a team of extremes. They started off with a winless season, which until fairly recently, was the benchmark of futility by which all others were measured. Overall, they lost their first 26 games, also a record. They then enjoyed a few seasons of success, including hosting an NFC Championship Game, which they lost to the Los Angeles Rams. Still, they looked good for an expansion team up until 1982. Then, all hell broke loose, and the Bucs suffered a fourteen season stretch as one of the worst teams in all of sports. They went twelve straight seasons losing double digits games each season. When they finally broke that, it was only to go 7-9 in 1995, and they followed that up with another double digit losing season the next year. But then, they turned it around, behind a stellar defense. They were contenders in 1997, and went to the NFC Championship Game in 1999, narrowly losing to the high powered Rams. They kept knocking on the door, until they broke through in 2002, beating the Eagles in the NFC Championship (on the road!) and then destroying the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl XXXVII. Since then? Tampa Bay has been a middle of the pack team all the way. Nothing makes them truly stand out, good or bad. To that end, last season was more of the same. A 7-9 team that rated more or less in the middle, both offensively and defensively. The offense was closer to the top half of the league, particularly the passing game. The defense was closer to the bottom, but even there, a closer examination shows something revealing: Tampa's passing defense was the biggest problem, ranking almost among the worst in the league. The rushing defense was rated better. In fact, they ranked near the top against the run, although whether they were truly that strong, or whether teams were to busy exploiting the weakness of the defense against the pass to bother with the run, is anyone's guess. But Tampa obviously would have to improve dramatically with their pass defense to become a contender again. But they did not simply stand pat. They picked up Darrelle Revis from the Jets (a shutdown corner when he is at his best), and Dashon Goldson. Suddenly, some are suggesting that this might be the best secondary in the league. At the very least, they are the most improved secondary, and that could catapult this team to one of the contenders, and they should be at least the second best team in this division as a result.
Carolina Panthers - Speaking of middle of the pack teams....Carolina rated right smack in the middle pretty much on both offense and defense. Everyone expected Cam Newton to follow up on his incredible rookie season with an even better one in 2012. He was not horrendous last year, but he also was not as eye opening, jaw-dropping spectacular as he had been in 2011, when his play made people stand up and take notice. The Panthers just were not that good of a team last season, overall. They were not even close to competing for a playoff spot, even though some expected them to win the division. Yet, look a little more closely at last season, and you notice something interesting, that could show a glimpse of what the Panthers might be this season. Carolina got off to a horrendous start last season, going 1-6 as they approached the midway point. But they began to get a little better at that point, winning and competing more. Finally, that culminated in their winning the last four games of their 2012 season, stunning Atlanta and handing them one of the few losses of the season, and then soundly beating San Diego and Oakland, before completing a sweep of the Saints with a victory in the Superdome to end the season on a positive note. The addition of Zack Pianalto at tight end should help this team. But if they can play defense like they did in the final four games last season, and if Newton can get back in form this season (which also hinges on how the offensive line holds up, of course), then there really is no reason why this team cannot compete again. Still, the problems were many for the Panthers last season, and they would need quite a reversal to get back on track and make something special out of this upcoming season. It's kind of hard to see that kind of reversal in Carolina.
NFC West
Seattle Seahawks - What a grand reversal! The Seahwaks did not enter into last season with tons of expectations. But they came out of it with a buzz surrounding them, and that has remained the case through the offseason. But, since they had the league's top-ranked defense, and one of the better, often explosive, offenses, they have been spoken of as among the elites. Defensively, they were solid both against the run and against the pass. And offensively, they were fairly solid all around, as well. They got better as the season went along, and began to get so hot towards the end, that many expected them to be a real threat to make the Super Bowl. They didn't, but they knocked out Washington on the road in the Wild Card, for only their second playoff road win in franchise history, and their first in thirty years. Then, after seemingly, falling hopelessly behind in Atlanta, they battled back to make it exciting, and almost stole the game late in the final quarter. But they came up just short. Now, they have had some time to prepare for the upcoming season - a season that promises to be filled with opportunities that a team as talented as Seattle could utilize to make a serious run deep into the playoffs, and quite possibly all the way to the Super Bowl. Qwest Field is perhaps the loudest stadium in the league, and that makes it a very hard place to play. If Seattle can take care of business there, and win more often than they lose on the road, this is a team that could not only be back in the playoffs, but among the top seeds, as well. They have the talent, a coach who gets the most from his team, the hype and that buzz surrounding them, and an energetic fan base. They have a solid young quarterback in Rusell Wilson, who is dangerous with both his passing arm and his scrambling abilities, and Marshawn Lynch provides a serious threat with the running game. Having an effective offensive line helps, and although that remains a concer due to some weaknesses, the Seahawks still look loaded on offense. Defensively, this team ranked among the best for the last two seasons, and there is no reason why this season looks any different. This is a solid team all around. They just have to stay focused and healthy, and this season should be a success. No reason why this team can't give the 49ers a run for the money for the division title, if not outright take it this season!
San Francisco 49ers - The 49ers have been on the brink for quite a few seasons. Mike Singletary seemed to have them on the brink three seasons ago, but they just did not quite get there to be a serious contender. Of course, he may have been part of the problem, as he was more of a distraction than anything else. So out he went, and in came Jim Harbaugh, and the 49ers fortunes completely reversed. Suddenly, they broke through to not only be a legitimate playoff contender, but a legitimate Super Bowl contender. They got a playoff bye both of the last two seasons, and won their first playoff games at home each time against experienced playoff teams (New Orleans in 2011, and Green Bay in 2012). They qualified for the NFC Championship in both seasons, and barely lost to the eventual Super Bowl champion Giants at San Francisco. Then, they seemed on the verge of getting blown out at Atlanta, only to battle back and take the game from the Falcons. And there were the 49ers, once again in the Super Bowl, trying to add to their legacy. And despite a horrendous first half and first couple of minutes in the second, they battled back and almost took the title outright! Down 28-6 early in the third, the 49ers suddenly looked unstoppable. You can ask questions about the coaching towards the end, or perhaps you can wonder why they played so poorly in the beginning, to dig themselves such a deep hole that it was near impossible to get out of. One way or the other, they came short, although they were on the brink of greatness. Now, they enter another season on the brink, but they have a tough challenge against their division rival Seahawks. They ranked among the better units both offensively and defensively last season, and after some key additions during the offseason, you can truly say that they did everything that they could to give themselves the best chance at success this season. Between the draft and the veteran pickups like Anquan Boldin (the guy who burned them in the Super Bowl), the Niners have all the pieces in places to make a run to win a third straight division title, and another Super Bowl run, potentially. But Seattle should provide them with a real challenge this year.
St. Louis Rams - A few years ago, back in 2010, the lowly Rams surprised many by getting more wins than anyone expected them to, and almost winning the division title. Then, they had a miserable 2011 season, but hoped to change all of that for 2012. Although they improved from the season before, they were nowhere near the playoffs, but that may have had something to do with being in a division with the 49ers and the Seahawks, although the enjoyed a surprising amount of success against San Fran last year.That they played the 49ers so tough, and held their own against Seattle, splitting the series with each winning their home games, suggests that the Rams should be okay against them both this season (although that is not a given). In fact, the Rams did not fair too poorly against playoff teams last season, wining three games and tying another one (at San Francisco). That should bolster their confidence this season. St. Louis was often overlooked, because of the higher profile of the 49ers and Seahawks, but they had a pretty damn good offseason, as well. They helped themselves with key pickups to improve their offensive line and their running game, where they needed some help. They added a lot of depth with some fairly big name acquisitions that have the fans in St. Louis excited, and now, they have a chance to make good on this momentum as the new season approaches. But being in the same division with Seattle and San Francisco could prove detrimental for the Rams, as it would be asking a lot for them to overcome so soon.
Arizona Cardinals - Every division has to have it's cellar dweller. And in the NFC West, which may very well prove to be the toughest division in the league, the Cardinals are it. After a deceptive 4-0 start that had people buzzing last season, the Cardinals completely collapsed. Why? Because they just are not that good of a team. Their defense was more or less middle of the pack last season, but they started off red hot in that undefeated start, particularly in their first three games, as they beat the Seahawks, then shocked New England on the road, and then shut down Philadelphia, before outlasting Miami in overtime. People were amazed at the 4-0 start, and the Cardinals looked like a playoff contender. But that did not last long at all, as the Cardinals lost their next nine games! They beat the Lions to end the horrendous streak, but that was the only remaining win all season. The biggest problem was on offense, where the talents of a first rate wide receiver like Larry Fitzgerald are being wasted on a cosmetic franchise like this. Following those first four games, where the offense also played surprisingly well to complement the defensive effort, the Cardinals were held to under twenty points a game every time except for the Detroit game. They were terrible in both their passing and rushing game. The addition of veteran QB Chrism Palmer may help, but it is a gamble. And, if they lose that gamble, it could be a very long season indeed for Arizona. The thing is, the Cardinals play in a brutal division, and are not likely to seriously compete. I just can't see them being a viable contender even to the midseason point, and smack of being this division's one and only doormat. Sorry, Cardinals fans, but it's true!
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