www.WeAreTheHecklers.com
A team with a disastrous history, but I can see what owner Al Davis is trying to do here. He has drafted a talented running back in Darren McFadden, and Justin Fargas is no slouch. The much criticized drafting of Darrius Heyward-Bey may actually be a far better choice THIS year as opposed to the diva Michael Crabtree. Finally, they have a young quarterback in JaMarcus Russell who has the arm to BOMB it down to Heyward-Bey. What do you see Al Davis doing? Remember Aikman, Smith and Irvin?
Also, who should not be forgotten is Nnamdi Asomugha who now plays opposite Justin Miller. The Raiders have actually had well above average defenses the past few years, if that core of players sticks around for a while - don't be surprised to see the Raiders win about 6 games this upcoming season.
1 Sep 14 SD @ OAK Oakland Coliseum 10:15 PM
2 Sep 20 OAK @ KC Arrowhead Stadium 1:00 PM
3 Sep 27 DEN @ OAK Oakland Coliseum 4:15 PM
4 Oct 04 OAK @ HOU Reliant Stadium 1:00 PM
5 Oct 11 OAK @ NYG Giants Stadium 1:00 PM
6 Oct 18 PHI @ OAK Oakland Coliseum 4:05 PM
7 Oct 25 NYJ @ OAK Oakland Coliseum 4:05 PM
8 Nov 01 OAK @ SD Qualcomm Stadium 4:05 PM
9 Bye
10 Nov 15 KC @ OAK Oakland Coliseum 4:05 PM
11 Nov 22 CIN @ OAK Oakland Coliseum 4:15 PM
12 Nov 26 OAK @ DAL Cowboys Stadium 4:15 PM
13 Dec 06 OAK @ PIT Heinz Field 1:00 PM
14 Dec 13 WAS @ OAK Oakland Coliseum 4:05 PM
15 Dec 20 OAK @ DEN Invesco Field at Mile High 4:05 PM
16 Dec 27 OAK @ CLE Cleveland Browns Stadium 1:00 PM
17 Jan 03 BAL @ OAK Oakland Coliseum 4:15 PM
It's not that difficult of a schedule. They can beat the Chiefs who will have a QB battle still recently on their tail. They could likely defeat the Texans thanks to the Raiders pass D, and the same goes with Cincy, but that is dependent on Carson Palmer's arm. Considering Denver's potential to be a disaster, I'd chalk that in as a win, and of course, taking out the Browns should be easy.
Call it an optimistic outlook, but the Raiders could finish 7-9.
- Dave
Monday, August 24, 2009
Thursday, August 20, 2009
#25 Buffalo Bills
Since the AFL's inception in 1959, the Buffalo Bills have consistently been one of the league's proudest franchises with an extremely loyal fan base. This year has seen an outpouring of affection for their 90 year old owner Ralph Wilson, as well as their prolific Defensive End Bruce Smith; for they were inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Wilson played a crucial role in the NFL-AFL merger in 1966 as well as led his team to four consecutive Super Bowl appearances in the early nineties. Smith on the other hand is only the NFL's all-time sack king with 200 career sacks.
After a promising 5-1 start to 2008, the Bills stumbled down the stretch to a third consecutive 7-9 season. They were an abysmal 0-6 versus AFC East opponents, which will obviously need to be addressed if they want to make a playoff run. You cannot go 0-6 in your division and expect to go anywhere. That said, the Bills stirred up some controversy by acquiring the oft-controversial, yet talented WR, Terrell Owens.
Offense:
Week one in 2008 saw the Bills pound the Seahawks to the tune of 34-10, and although they started 5-1, their offense slowly collapsed and they finished the year ranked 25th in the league. The addition of T.O. will provide Buffalo with significant depth at the WR position, which in my humble opinion could turn out to be one of the better WR corps in the NFL. T.O. will be opposite veteran WRs Lee Evans and Josh Reed. These 3 receivers should provide QB Trent Edwards ample opportunity to improve upon his paltry numbers last season in which he had 2,699 yds and 11 TDs in 2008. The Bills rushing attack however is a little more suspect. Their main back, Marshawn Lynch will remain suspended for his violation of the leagues' personal conduct policy, and will be out the first 3 games of 2009. They will likely need him as the Bills face the Patriots Week 1, the Buccaneers in Week 2, and the Saints in Week 3. Their backups Fred Jackson and Dominic Rhodes need to step up for the Bills in order to survive these games. Jackson provided a spark for the struggling offense last season and in a short period of time gained over 500 yds rushing on 5 yds a carry as well as catching 37 balls for 317 yards. If Lynch does not produce when he returns look for Jackson to carry the load.
Defense:
Two words: Paul Posluszny. The Bills' linebacker had a fine rookie season, piling up 110 tackles, a forced fumble and an interception. Look for him to improve this season on a Bills defense that still includes Kawika Mitchell and Aaron Schobel. The defensive unit was ranked 15th in the NFL and it will likely get better when their first round pick Aaron Maybin finally signs. Maybin, a DE out of Penn State, was the 11th pick overall and will add some versatility and athleticism to the bills defensive line. He'll be a fun player to watch this year.
The Verdict:
While their defense and offense look to be improved, I still do not see the Bills anywhere but the basement of the highly competitive AFC East that now has a returning Tom Brady. They must figure out a way to win a game in that division if they want to make a playoff run. Also here's a few quick stats you might find interesting:
- 49-63 overall and 16-26 in the AFC East since 2002 (the first year of the 4 division format)
- 60-84 overall and a measly 19-39 within the division since 2000
- One winning season since 2000: in 2004 and they went 9-7
- Two .500 seasons since 2000: 2002 and 2000
Their schedule outside of AFC East opponents this year include games against the Colts, Falcons, Titans, Panthers, Saints, and Bucs. Good Luck.
2009 outlook: 6-10. It's going to be a rough year for the Bills.
~ Ash
After a promising 5-1 start to 2008, the Bills stumbled down the stretch to a third consecutive 7-9 season. They were an abysmal 0-6 versus AFC East opponents, which will obviously need to be addressed if they want to make a playoff run. You cannot go 0-6 in your division and expect to go anywhere. That said, the Bills stirred up some controversy by acquiring the oft-controversial, yet talented WR, Terrell Owens.
Offense:
Week one in 2008 saw the Bills pound the Seahawks to the tune of 34-10, and although they started 5-1, their offense slowly collapsed and they finished the year ranked 25th in the league. The addition of T.O. will provide Buffalo with significant depth at the WR position, which in my humble opinion could turn out to be one of the better WR corps in the NFL. T.O. will be opposite veteran WRs Lee Evans and Josh Reed. These 3 receivers should provide QB Trent Edwards ample opportunity to improve upon his paltry numbers last season in which he had 2,699 yds and 11 TDs in 2008. The Bills rushing attack however is a little more suspect. Their main back, Marshawn Lynch will remain suspended for his violation of the leagues' personal conduct policy, and will be out the first 3 games of 2009. They will likely need him as the Bills face the Patriots Week 1, the Buccaneers in Week 2, and the Saints in Week 3. Their backups Fred Jackson and Dominic Rhodes need to step up for the Bills in order to survive these games. Jackson provided a spark for the struggling offense last season and in a short period of time gained over 500 yds rushing on 5 yds a carry as well as catching 37 balls for 317 yards. If Lynch does not produce when he returns look for Jackson to carry the load.
Defense:
Two words: Paul Posluszny. The Bills' linebacker had a fine rookie season, piling up 110 tackles, a forced fumble and an interception. Look for him to improve this season on a Bills defense that still includes Kawika Mitchell and Aaron Schobel. The defensive unit was ranked 15th in the NFL and it will likely get better when their first round pick Aaron Maybin finally signs. Maybin, a DE out of Penn State, was the 11th pick overall and will add some versatility and athleticism to the bills defensive line. He'll be a fun player to watch this year.
The Verdict:
While their defense and offense look to be improved, I still do not see the Bills anywhere but the basement of the highly competitive AFC East that now has a returning Tom Brady. They must figure out a way to win a game in that division if they want to make a playoff run. Also here's a few quick stats you might find interesting:
- 49-63 overall and 16-26 in the AFC East since 2002 (the first year of the 4 division format)
- 60-84 overall and a measly 19-39 within the division since 2000
- One winning season since 2000: in 2004 and they went 9-7
- Two .500 seasons since 2000: 2002 and 2000
Their schedule outside of AFC East opponents this year include games against the Colts, Falcons, Titans, Panthers, Saints, and Bucs. Good Luck.
2009 outlook: 6-10. It's going to be a rough year for the Bills.
~ Ash
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Cincinnati Bengals - #27
www.WeAreTheHecklers.com
Cincinnati Bengals offense last year:
Last in yards
Last in points
Last in passing yards
They were just horrible. It is pretty simple. However, this upcoming year, they have a healthy Carson Palmer. He hasn't been the same since his knee was destroyed in the 2006 playoffs, but have hope Bengals fans. Laveranues Coles comes over from the Jets and provides a nice speedy veteran out of the backfield. He'll certainly miss T.J. Housh-man-whateva, but for all the negative press he gets from his attitude, Chad Ochocinco (yes, that's his name on the Bengals website) will be a solid target. Andre Smith should be great for blocking. It all sounds very nice and promising until we view the schedule.
Sun., Sept. 13, DENVER, 1 p.m.
Sun., Sept. 20, at Green Bay, 1 p.m.
Sun., Sept. 27, PITTSBURGH, 1 p.m.
Sun., Oct. 4, at Cleveland, 1 p.m.
Sun., Oct. 11, at Baltimore, 1 p.m.
Sun., Oct. 18, HOUSTON, 1 p.m.
Sun., Oct. 25, CHICAGO, 1 p.m.
Sun., Nov. 1, — BYE —
Sun., Nov. 8, BALTIMORE, 1 p.m.
Sun., Nov. 15, at Pittsburgh, 1 p.m.
Sun., Nov. 22, at Oakland*, 4:15 p.m.
Sun., Nov. 29, CLEVELAND*, 1 p.m.
Sun., Dec. 6, DETROIT*, 1 p.m.
Sun., Dec. 13, at Minnesota*, 1 p.m.
Sun., Dec. 20, at San Diego*, 4:05 p.m.
Sun., Dec. 27, KANSAS CITY*, 1 p.m.
Sun., Jan. 3, at N.Y. Jets*, 1 p.m.
That schedule seems downright harsh. There are six winnable games on that schedule as far as it looks on the surface.
6 - 10 with a hope for that random win in there. Good luck Bengals.
- Dave
Cincinnati Bengals offense last year:
Last in yards
Last in points
Last in passing yards
They were just horrible. It is pretty simple. However, this upcoming year, they have a healthy Carson Palmer. He hasn't been the same since his knee was destroyed in the 2006 playoffs, but have hope Bengals fans. Laveranues Coles comes over from the Jets and provides a nice speedy veteran out of the backfield. He'll certainly miss T.J. Housh-man-whateva, but for all the negative press he gets from his attitude, Chad Ochocinco (yes, that's his name on the Bengals website) will be a solid target. Andre Smith should be great for blocking. It all sounds very nice and promising until we view the schedule.
Sun., Sept. 13, DENVER, 1 p.m.
Sun., Sept. 20, at Green Bay, 1 p.m.
Sun., Sept. 27, PITTSBURGH, 1 p.m.
Sun., Oct. 4, at Cleveland, 1 p.m.
Sun., Oct. 11, at Baltimore, 1 p.m.
Sun., Oct. 18, HOUSTON, 1 p.m.
Sun., Oct. 25, CHICAGO, 1 p.m.
Sun., Nov. 1, — BYE —
Sun., Nov. 8, BALTIMORE, 1 p.m.
Sun., Nov. 15, at Pittsburgh, 1 p.m.
Sun., Nov. 22, at Oakland*, 4:15 p.m.
Sun., Nov. 29, CLEVELAND*, 1 p.m.
Sun., Dec. 6, DETROIT*, 1 p.m.
Sun., Dec. 13, at Minnesota*, 1 p.m.
Sun., Dec. 20, at San Diego*, 4:05 p.m.
Sun., Dec. 27, KANSAS CITY*, 1 p.m.
Sun., Jan. 3, at N.Y. Jets*, 1 p.m.
That schedule seems downright harsh. There are six winnable games on that schedule as far as it looks on the surface.
6 - 10 with a hope for that random win in there. Good luck Bengals.
- Dave
Thursday, August 13, 2009
#28 - Seattle Seahawks
Honestly, it shocks me to see this team ranked this low. Are there really only four teams in the NFL who are worse than the Seattle Seahawks?
Last season, that might have been true. A long, long, list of injuries conspired to give Mike Holmgren the worst kind of send-of imaginable, as Seattle managed only four wins.
For an offense that is built around the passing game (now that Shaun Alexander is gone), they were screwed from the very start. Before the first game of the season Seattle was missing the top four receivers on the depth chart, and QB Matt Hasselbeck played only seven games before a series of injuries forced him to finish the season on the bench.
The young defense was also a problem last year, as injuries piled up on that side of the ball as well.
As Seattle heads into the new season, the biggest question is the off-season coaching change. Holmgren had been the head coach since 1999, and he had guided Seattle to six playoff appearances, including four consecutive division titles (2004-2007), during his time there. Although new head coach Jim Mora has been an assistant under Holmgren for years - meaning there should be minimal changes to the system - there might still be an adjustment period.
Offensively, Seattle needs Matt Hasselbeck to be healthy. Remember, this is a guy who threw for more than 3,000 yards in five of six consecutive seasons before all the injuries last year. He has also completed more than 60 percent of his career passing attempts, and, at 34, he might still have a few good seasons left. Having targets like T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Deion Branch, along with underrated Nate Burleson, to throw to should help him regain his place as one of the top QBs in the NFC.
The running attack is going to be shared between Julius Jones and T.J. Ducket, so there isn't much there to scare defenses off the passing game. However, I'd personally love to see the Seahawks incorporate back-up QB Senaca Wallace into the offense a little more. He's lined up at wide receiver on occasion during his career, but I wonder if there is a second string signal caller anywhere in the league who would be a better fit for a wildcat offense. With him and Hasselbeck in the same backfield, you could force teams to lay off the blitz, guard Wallace for his scrambling abilities, and keep all your normal offensive options open.
Oh, and just in case you don't know what Wallace can do with his legs, you should see this.
The defense is still going to be a work in progress, but the biggest key will be a healthy group of linebackers. Lofa Tatupu and Leroy Hill were immediate impact guys a few years ago, and they need to get back to that level.
The schedule is mostly favorable, thanks to the fact that Seattle still plays in the NFC West. They also get to match up with the sub-par NFC North, and they will also host Tampa Bay. The tough part of the schedule includes trips to Indy, Dallas, and Minnesota, as well as a home game with Tennessee to close the season. Getting off to a good start will be essential, as they have four of their first six at home, including a crucial date with Arizona on October 18.
The bottom line: If they stay healthy at key positions, this team should be able to win 8 games this year (which is all it took to win the division last year). There is only one other team (Arizona) that could realistically win the division, so the Seahawks will open the season feeling like this season is a chance to redeem themselves after a pathetic showing in 2008.
- Eric
www.WeAreTheHecklers.com
Last season, that might have been true. A long, long, list of injuries conspired to give Mike Holmgren the worst kind of send-of imaginable, as Seattle managed only four wins.
For an offense that is built around the passing game (now that Shaun Alexander is gone), they were screwed from the very start. Before the first game of the season Seattle was missing the top four receivers on the depth chart, and QB Matt Hasselbeck played only seven games before a series of injuries forced him to finish the season on the bench.
The young defense was also a problem last year, as injuries piled up on that side of the ball as well.
As Seattle heads into the new season, the biggest question is the off-season coaching change. Holmgren had been the head coach since 1999, and he had guided Seattle to six playoff appearances, including four consecutive division titles (2004-2007), during his time there. Although new head coach Jim Mora has been an assistant under Holmgren for years - meaning there should be minimal changes to the system - there might still be an adjustment period.
Offensively, Seattle needs Matt Hasselbeck to be healthy. Remember, this is a guy who threw for more than 3,000 yards in five of six consecutive seasons before all the injuries last year. He has also completed more than 60 percent of his career passing attempts, and, at 34, he might still have a few good seasons left. Having targets like T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Deion Branch, along with underrated Nate Burleson, to throw to should help him regain his place as one of the top QBs in the NFC.
The running attack is going to be shared between Julius Jones and T.J. Ducket, so there isn't much there to scare defenses off the passing game. However, I'd personally love to see the Seahawks incorporate back-up QB Senaca Wallace into the offense a little more. He's lined up at wide receiver on occasion during his career, but I wonder if there is a second string signal caller anywhere in the league who would be a better fit for a wildcat offense. With him and Hasselbeck in the same backfield, you could force teams to lay off the blitz, guard Wallace for his scrambling abilities, and keep all your normal offensive options open.
Oh, and just in case you don't know what Wallace can do with his legs, you should see this.
The defense is still going to be a work in progress, but the biggest key will be a healthy group of linebackers. Lofa Tatupu and Leroy Hill were immediate impact guys a few years ago, and they need to get back to that level.
The schedule is mostly favorable, thanks to the fact that Seattle still plays in the NFC West. They also get to match up with the sub-par NFC North, and they will also host Tampa Bay. The tough part of the schedule includes trips to Indy, Dallas, and Minnesota, as well as a home game with Tennessee to close the season. Getting off to a good start will be essential, as they have four of their first six at home, including a crucial date with Arizona on October 18.
The bottom line: If they stay healthy at key positions, this team should be able to win 8 games this year (which is all it took to win the division last year). There is only one other team (Arizona) that could realistically win the division, so the Seahawks will open the season feeling like this season is a chance to redeem themselves after a pathetic showing in 2008.
- Eric
www.WeAreTheHecklers.com
#29 Kasas City Chiefs
www.WeAreTheHecklers.com
Guess who?
Those are the stats from Matt Cassell, the likely starting QB out of KC this upcoming season. His numbers are fantastic from 2008, that cannot be argued. However, the passing totals and career totals are incredibly identical. Meaning, he was a one hit wonder in the right system. No matter who played in the Pats system has been fantastic. However, Scott Pioli, the former Pats GM brought Cassell over to the Chiefs. It's a well known fact that GM's tend to stick with their guys in order to 'prove everyone wrong.'
That is what the Chiefs are going to focus on during this rebuilding year. With Tony Gonzalez, a sure fire Hall of Famer, departing, the number of targets dropped in KC. Dwayne Bowe is an underrated receiver in the NFL, but he cannot do it alone. Personally, I believe Larry Johnson still has enough left in the tank for one more good year as a productive football player. However the rest of the Chiefs are a huge question mark. Actually, it's a startlingly untalented team but they have a lot of potential. This team is going to be one of those units that will either work very well together or fall apart. There are no "me me me" athletes, but very few who can take over a game. The 2009 Chiefs are not looking good, but I can see them winning a surprise game here or there:
| Year | Passing | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Att | Comp | Yds | TD | Int | |
| 2008 | 516 | 327 | 3,693 | 21 | 11 |
| Career Total | 555 | 349 | 3,946 | 23 | 13 |
Guess who?
Those are the stats from Matt Cassell, the likely starting QB out of KC this upcoming season. His numbers are fantastic from 2008, that cannot be argued. However, the passing totals and career totals are incredibly identical. Meaning, he was a one hit wonder in the right system. No matter who played in the Pats system has been fantastic. However, Scott Pioli, the former Pats GM brought Cassell over to the Chiefs. It's a well known fact that GM's tend to stick with their guys in order to 'prove everyone wrong.'
That is what the Chiefs are going to focus on during this rebuilding year. With Tony Gonzalez, a sure fire Hall of Famer, departing, the number of targets dropped in KC. Dwayne Bowe is an underrated receiver in the NFL, but he cannot do it alone. Personally, I believe Larry Johnson still has enough left in the tank for one more good year as a productive football player. However the rest of the Chiefs are a huge question mark. Actually, it's a startlingly untalented team but they have a lot of potential. This team is going to be one of those units that will either work very well together or fall apart. There are no "me me me" athletes, but very few who can take over a game. The 2009 Chiefs are not looking good, but I can see them winning a surprise game here or there:
| 1 | Sun, Sep 13 | @ Baltimore | 1:00 PM | M&T Bank Stadium | |
| 2 | Sun, Sep 20 | Oakland | 1:00 PM | Arrowhead Stadium | |
| 3 | Sun, Sep 27 | @ Philadelphia | 1:00 PM | Lincoln Financial Field | |
| 4 | Sun, Oct 4 | NY Giants | 1:00 PM | Arrowhead Stadium | |
| 5 | Sun, Oct 11 | Dallas | 1:00 PM | Arrowhead Stadium | |
| 6 | Sun, Oct 18 | @ Washington | 1:00 PM | FedEx Field | |
| 7 | Sun, Oct 25 | San Diego | 1:00 PM | Arrowhead Stadium | |
| 8 | BYE WEEK | ||||
| 9 | Sun, Nov 8 | @ Jacksonville | 1:00 PM | Jacksonville Stadium | |
| 10 | Sun, Nov 15 | @ Oakland | 4:05 PM | Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum | |
| 11 | Sun, Nov 22 | Pittsburgh | 1:00 PM | Arrowhead Stadium | |
| 12 | Sun, Nov 29 | @ San Diego | 4:05 PM | Qualcomm Stadium | |
| 13 | Sun, Dec 6 | Denver | 1:00 PM | Arrowhead Stadium | |
| 14 | Sun, Dec 13 | Buffalo | 1:00 PM | Arrowhead Stadium | |
| 15 | Sun, Dec 20 | Cleveland | 1:00 PM | Arrowhead Stadium | |
| 16 | Sun, Dec 27 | @ Cincinnati | 1:00 PM | Paul Brown Stadium | |
| 17 | Sun, Jan 3 | @ Denver | 4:15 PM | Invesco Field at Mile High | |
- The Chiefs have the fortune of hosting the Raiders early and I expect that to be a good game.
- Anyone who plays the Browns has a chance to win this year, especially with the Browns awful defense.
- I can see the Bengals falling flat at the end of the year, but it depends on how Palmer is playing.
- Considering the Chiefs will be breaking out a new system and Dallas is a mess, I can see that being a surprise game.
- Best case scenerio for the Chiefs? Don't be surprised to see them go 7-9, but I think a 6-10 is very likely for this installment.
Monday, August 10, 2009
#30 - Cleveland Browns
You have to feel for Cleveland fans.
They haven't seen a championship team in 45 years, since the 1964 Cleveland Browns won the NFL Championship. They have seen way more than their fair share of painful playoff losses (The Drive, The Fumble, Jordan's buzzer beater, Game 7 of the 1997 World Series). They had to endure watching their beloved Browns leave town after 1995, and then they had to watch that same team win a Super Bowl only a few years later.
Through it all, they have handled the pain and heartbreak without trying to blame the losing streak on long dead sluggers or goats with supernatural powers.
Unfortunately for members of the Dawg Pound, that streak is going to continue, at least until next June's NBA Finals.
But that's not to say that this team is not going to be interesting to watch this year. The Browns have brought in Eric Mangini -- who was run out of town by the Jets when Brett Favre's arm fell off last December -- as the new head coach. Mangini replaces another former Bellicheck disciple, Romeo Crinnel. In 2006, his first season with the Jets, Mangini guided New York into the playoffs only one year after they had finished 4-12. Coming off a 4-12 season last year, Cleveland is hoping for a similar turnaround.
Offensively, this could be a season of transition for the Browns. After using a total of four starting quarterbacks last year, the team is letting Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn compete for the starting job in camp. When Quinn was drafted in 2007, he was going to be the future of the team, but then Derek Anderson won ten games that season and was rewarded with a huge contract. It seems unlikely the Browns would want to pay him that much money to hold a clipboard, and Quinn didn't exactly impress in his three starts last year (0-3, completed less than 50 percent of his passes, 2 TD, 2 INTs).
Losing Dante Stallworth to a suspension (for a DUI manslaughter) won't help the passing attack, but at least they still have Braylon Edwards, who is coming off a dissapointing season where he led the league in drops. However, he did have more than 1,200 yards and 16 TDs in 2007, so you know what he is capable of.
Jamal Lewis, coming off his sixth 1,000 yard season in the last seven years, is going to be the primary rushing threat. As good as his numbers have been throughout his career, last season he averaged nearly a full yard less than his career average per rush; and he will turn 30 later this month. The Browns need him to be productive to take pressure off whoever emerges as the starting QB.
Defensively, this is a team that ranked 16th in points allowing in 2008, but they allowed more yards per game than any team in the AFC that wasn't playing in the West Division (where the idea of defense just doesn't exist). They also allowed a 3rd down conversion rate of 46 percent, which was near last in the league. This offseason, the secondary was completely revamped, and Mangini brought in a number of former Jets to fill some other holes. Among the additions are Rod Hood, Hank Poteat, and Abram Elam, but defense is still going to be a question mark heading into the season.
Aside from having to play Baltimore and Pittsburgh twice each, the schedule is not all that difficult. Four of the first five games (Minnesota, at Denver, Cincinnati, at Buffalo) seem win-able, and they get to finish with four of their last five at home. Also helping matters is the fact that Cleveland gets to play the NFC North and the AFC West this season.
The bottom line: A lot will hinge on the QB situation. If that gets resolved, and whoever wins the job proves capable, this team could win a few games. More likely, Quinn will win the job, but won't be anything special. Derek Anderson will get another chance to prove himself elsewhere. Anything less than 5 wins would be a huge disappointment, and they should aim for a .500 season, but the AFC is too good for Cleveland to even think about the playoffs.
- Eric
www.WeAreTheHecklers.com
They haven't seen a championship team in 45 years, since the 1964 Cleveland Browns won the NFL Championship. They have seen way more than their fair share of painful playoff losses (The Drive, The Fumble, Jordan's buzzer beater, Game 7 of the 1997 World Series). They had to endure watching their beloved Browns leave town after 1995, and then they had to watch that same team win a Super Bowl only a few years later.
Through it all, they have handled the pain and heartbreak without trying to blame the losing streak on long dead sluggers or goats with supernatural powers.
Unfortunately for members of the Dawg Pound, that streak is going to continue, at least until next June's NBA Finals.
But that's not to say that this team is not going to be interesting to watch this year. The Browns have brought in Eric Mangini -- who was run out of town by the Jets when Brett Favre's arm fell off last December -- as the new head coach. Mangini replaces another former Bellicheck disciple, Romeo Crinnel. In 2006, his first season with the Jets, Mangini guided New York into the playoffs only one year after they had finished 4-12. Coming off a 4-12 season last year, Cleveland is hoping for a similar turnaround.
Offensively, this could be a season of transition for the Browns. After using a total of four starting quarterbacks last year, the team is letting Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn compete for the starting job in camp. When Quinn was drafted in 2007, he was going to be the future of the team, but then Derek Anderson won ten games that season and was rewarded with a huge contract. It seems unlikely the Browns would want to pay him that much money to hold a clipboard, and Quinn didn't exactly impress in his three starts last year (0-3, completed less than 50 percent of his passes, 2 TD, 2 INTs).
Losing Dante Stallworth to a suspension (for a DUI manslaughter) won't help the passing attack, but at least they still have Braylon Edwards, who is coming off a dissapointing season where he led the league in drops. However, he did have more than 1,200 yards and 16 TDs in 2007, so you know what he is capable of.
Jamal Lewis, coming off his sixth 1,000 yard season in the last seven years, is going to be the primary rushing threat. As good as his numbers have been throughout his career, last season he averaged nearly a full yard less than his career average per rush; and he will turn 30 later this month. The Browns need him to be productive to take pressure off whoever emerges as the starting QB.
Defensively, this is a team that ranked 16th in points allowing in 2008, but they allowed more yards per game than any team in the AFC that wasn't playing in the West Division (where the idea of defense just doesn't exist). They also allowed a 3rd down conversion rate of 46 percent, which was near last in the league. This offseason, the secondary was completely revamped, and Mangini brought in a number of former Jets to fill some other holes. Among the additions are Rod Hood, Hank Poteat, and Abram Elam, but defense is still going to be a question mark heading into the season.
Aside from having to play Baltimore and Pittsburgh twice each, the schedule is not all that difficult. Four of the first five games (Minnesota, at Denver, Cincinnati, at Buffalo) seem win-able, and they get to finish with four of their last five at home. Also helping matters is the fact that Cleveland gets to play the NFC North and the AFC West this season.
The bottom line: A lot will hinge on the QB situation. If that gets resolved, and whoever wins the job proves capable, this team could win a few games. More likely, Quinn will win the job, but won't be anything special. Derek Anderson will get another chance to prove himself elsewhere. Anything less than 5 wins would be a huge disappointment, and they should aim for a .500 season, but the AFC is too good for Cleveland to even think about the playoffs.
- Eric
www.WeAreTheHecklers.com
#31: The St. Louis Rams
www.WeAreTheHecklers.com
It was 10 years ago, when the Rams won their Super Bowl, but it feels like the team will never recover. Over the past few years the Rams have seen their number fall apart. Offensive ranks and defensive ranks for points per game are as follows:
Offense Defense
2003: 2 17
2004: 19 25
2005: 11 31
2006: 10 28
2007: 28 31
2008: 30 31
(source: http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/ram/)
Last year was the farthest they've fallen, and the Rams have added...well not that much. They still have Marc Bulger who never really panned out as their starting QB. Their running back, Steven Jackson, has been to one pro-bowl but that was back in 2006. In 2008, he started 11 games and barely broke 1000 yards. Although he does have some good receiving numbers, you need a good running back. The Rams offensive line still has a bit of a distance to go.
Gone are the days of Holt, and in are Laurent Robinson, Donnie Avery and Randy McMichael (at tight end). The only star power on this team is the previously mentioned aging Jackson. The defense has solid starter Leonard Little on the end, and the linebackers are good enough, but not great.
The schedule is decent, as they go to Seattle - but Seattle is never a good trip no matter where you are from.
They get a game against the Lions on Nov 1st, and then head into a bye - so that is a feasible win. The Rams also host the Seahawks again, that would work, and I can see them beating the 49ers in St. Louis.
As always in the NFL there will be that extra win or two - so I can see a best-case scenerio for the Rams at about 6-10, but look for something closer to 5-11.
- Dave
It was 10 years ago, when the Rams won their Super Bowl, but it feels like the team will never recover. Over the past few years the Rams have seen their number fall apart. Offensive ranks and defensive ranks for points per game are as follows:
Offense Defense
2003: 2 17
2004: 19 25
2005: 11 31
2006: 10 28
2007: 28 31
2008: 30 31
(source: http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/ram/)
Last year was the farthest they've fallen, and the Rams have added...well not that much. They still have Marc Bulger who never really panned out as their starting QB. Their running back, Steven Jackson, has been to one pro-bowl but that was back in 2006. In 2008, he started 11 games and barely broke 1000 yards. Although he does have some good receiving numbers, you need a good running back. The Rams offensive line still has a bit of a distance to go.
Gone are the days of Holt, and in are Laurent Robinson, Donnie Avery and Randy McMichael (at tight end). The only star power on this team is the previously mentioned aging Jackson. The defense has solid starter Leonard Little on the end, and the linebackers are good enough, but not great.
The schedule is decent, as they go to Seattle - but Seattle is never a good trip no matter where you are from.
They get a game against the Lions on Nov 1st, and then head into a bye - so that is a feasible win. The Rams also host the Seahawks again, that would work, and I can see them beating the 49ers in St. Louis.
As always in the NFL there will be that extra win or two - so I can see a best-case scenerio for the Rams at about 6-10, but look for something closer to 5-11.
- Dave
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