subject: 2010 Nfl Season Preview: Nfc [print this page] NFC East NFC East
Washington Redskins (5-11) The Mike Shanahan regime has seemingly injected new life into an ailing franchise, but a tough schedule and a shortage of playmakers will hurt Donovan McNabbs chances of reaching the playoffs with his former division rivals. One question remains unanswered: will the $100 million man finally prove his worth?
Philadelphia Eagles (8-8) Life without McNabb will be hard to swallow if Philly doesnt win right away. Kevin Kolb will be effective given the number of weapons he has, but the Eagles may suffer a letdown in their RB production from LeSean McCoy compared to pre-concussed Brian Westbrook.
New York Giants (10-6) The Giants are my NFC wildcard pick. Theyve bulked up with veteran leadership in key spots (i.e. Keith Bulluck, Shawn Andrews), and the receiving corps is looking better than ever. If Ahmad Bradshaw can fully embrace the starting RB role, theyll be tough to stop with Eli and his newly adjusted helmet.
Dallas Cowboys (10-6) Dallas has looked woeful this preseason, but then again.. its preseason. Theyll pick it up with their run-by-commitee ground attack, but ultimately itll be their defense that gets them back to the playoffs.
NFC North
Detroit Lions (7-9) One of the leagues brightest teams will look to give teams a run for their money. It will be crucial for Matthew Stafford to get into a rhythm with his O-line, his RBs (i.e. Jahvid Best), and his receiving corps, namely Calvin Johnson and newcomer Nate Burleson.
Chicago Bears (8-8) Hiring Mike Martz was definitely a step in the right direction for Jay Cutlers development. Brian Urlacher and the defense will look to bounce back, as will Matt Forte from his sophomore slump. A playoff berth could mean job security for Lovie Smith, so this could get interesting.
Minnesota Vikings (9-7) Surprise, surprise: training camp ends and Papa Favre shows up. But the dinosaur wont be able to recreate last years magic without Sidney Rice and Percy Harvin in full-capacity. Inevitably, the weight falls on Adrian Petersons shoulders.
Green Bay Packers (11-5) Aaron Rodgers is quickly becoming the Peyton Manning of the NFC, and with Ryan Grant in the backfield and a top 5 defense, the sky is the limit for this group. Watch out for 3rd year TE Jermichael Finley to step it up a notch and become a redzone regular for Rodgers.
NFC South
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-13) Every dark cloud has a silver Cadillac.
Carolina Panthers (6-10) Running and defense have always been John Fox staples. DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart fill handle the running, but the defense could be suspect. Matt Moore has yet to prove himself, but how tough can it be to match Jake Delhommes disgraceful performance.
Atlanta Falcons (10-6) Matt Ryan will return from his sophomore campaign with a newfound confidence. Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez will both have a hand in that, and a potent ground game should take the pressure off of him. The Falcons are my other NFC Wild Card pick.
New Orleans Saints (12-4) Not much has changed except that theres a huge X on New Orleans back (as in XLIV). But if any coach is up for the challenge, its Sean Payton and his gutsy playcalling. The defense was not as physical as other teams, but theyll have to be opportunistic with turnovers in order to get back to the Promised Land (a.k.a. The House That Jerry Jones Built).
NFC West
St. Louis Rams (4-12) With Steve Spagnuolos defense more firmly intact, Im giving last seasons 1-win wonder 3 more wins in the NFLs weakest division.
Seattle Seahawks (6-10) Pete Carroll gets another crack at the pros with Americas forgotten team. Leon Washington and Justin Forsett could put Seattles running game back on the map, but the defense needs to find more ways to apply pressure.
Arizona Cardinals (7-9) With the ongoing QB crisis in effect, Ken Whisenhunt might have to seriously reevaluate his teams identity. This could mean more touches for Tim Hightower and Beanie Wells, opening up the passing game for the Cardinals. Now all they need is a QB.
San Francisco 49ers (10-6) This could be the first time San Fran wins the division since the T.O. administration. Aside from enjoying an easy schedule, the Niners are a complete team- Frank Gore owns the backfield, Alex Smith is coming into his own, and the defense is taking on the persona of the mad man that is Mike Singletary.
by: Asaf Winer
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