jedi_hammer

Let's keep this real though. I'm a huge Packer fan, but I have to go with the Colts. Peyton Manning kills defenses.

Fantasma

but Patriots defense


PATRIOTS!!!

With Corey Dillon they look stronger than last year, championship year by the way.

__________________
Siempre es Hoy

jedi_hammer

good point

silent_jay

I hope my Chargers do well, but in reality, I know they won't but I'll still pick them. Or the Dolphins

__________________
Absence makes the heart grow fonder

onetime2

The RAIDERS.

They've got to do something to come back from the humiliating Superbowl defeat two seasons ago.

__________________
Strive to be more curious than ignorant.

absorbentishe

I have to go with the Patriots and Philly. Those are the teams I feel will be the strongest though the whole season.

cameroncrazy822

The Ravens will RULE this year!

magnum_xxxl

I like Dallas, If they can get a decent running game going.

djtestudo

I have to go with:

Ravens vs. Patriots in AFC Championship

Seahawks vs. Panthers in NFC Championship.

The Ravens actually have passing weapons this year, trading a draft pick for Kevin Johnson to start with Travis Taylor, and drafting Devard Darling. Jamal Lewis is looking like he'll be able to play the season, and the defense is a year more experianced.

The Patriots added a good running back to their already good passing game, plus their defense is among the very best.

The Seahawks have a solid young defense and a offense. They've been among the preseason picks the past couple years but haven't put it all together yet.

The Panthers return everybody, and if Jake Delhomme can become Tom Brady and last as a quality starter, they will be in great position for another run.

I think that Carolina makes the Super Bowl again, and Baltimore does in a close game at New England.

Baltimore over Carolina to win the Super Bowl.

I'll be back later to do an analysis of the Ravens like last year.

__________________
"Final thought: I just rented Michael Moore's Bowling for Columbine. Frankly, it was the worst sports movie I've ever seen."
--Peter Schmuck, The (Baltimore) Sun

djtestudo

Baltimore Ravens

2003 Record: 10-6

2004 Projected Record: 12-4

Defense:

The defense is, as it has been, the strength of the team. Starting up front with a solid front in the 3-4. Anchored by Kelly Gregg, with a successful rotation of tackle/ends Tony Weaver, Marquis Douglas, Jarrett Johnson, Maa'ke Keamatu, and Aubreyo Franklin, they showed solid ability increasing throughout last year, and that should continue.

The linebacker corps is as strong as ever. Defensive Rookie of the Year Terrell Suggs was great in his pass-rush role last season, and is likely going to be the starter at OLB if he can improve his coverage ability. Along with Peter Boulware, the underrated Ed Hartwell, and the football god known as Ray Lewis, they would likely be the best LB corps in the league. Plus, they have solid depth in Cornell Green and the versitile Adalious Thomas.

The secondary rivals the best in football. Chris McAlister is considered by experts to be one of the top three or four corners in football. On the other side is Gary Baxter, who had a breakout year last year. Playing strong saftey is Ed Reed, who is among the best at his position. The question is at free safety, where Will Demps has shown flashes of talent, and is expected to have a year like Gary Baxter last year.

Offense:

This year's offense could be the best of any team the Ravens have had. Jamal Lewis is looking at court troubles which could be the hinge on how the entire season turns, but all indications are that he will play the season. If not, Musa Smith is a very similar player to Jamal, and Chester Taylor is a solid third-down option.

The passing attack is looking solid. Kyle Boller showed steady improvement from his first game until his injury last year, and has something to prove this year. The Ravens traded for the ideal possesion receiver in Kevin Johnson, allowing Travis Taylor to move to a more natural speed receiver role. Also drafted was Devard Darling, who in most years would have been a first-round talent.

The offensive line is as solid as ever. Last year there were question marks at center, and right guard and tackle. Now, only right guard can be considered a question mark. Mike Flynn and Orlando Brown sure up center and right tackle, while Benny Anderson is still servicable at guard. The left side is All-World with Jon Ogdan and Edwin Mullitallo. They were a large part of the reason for Jamal's 2,000 yard season last year, and will attempt to repeat it.

Overall:

I think that the Ravens are looking at a possible Super Bowl season. If Boller continues his improvement, the receivers play like they should, Jamal's legal troubles stay in the background, and the defense plays like they have over the past few years, they will be.

(Edited to add the part on the O-line)

__________________
"Final thought: I just rented Michael Moore's Bowling for Columbine. Frankly, it was the worst sports movie I've ever seen."
--Peter Schmuck, The (Baltimore) Sun

dylanmarsh

Oh, of course you're gonna go with the Ravens beating the Pats.

My biggest concern with the Ravens is the status of Jamal Lewis. Isn't he being charged with or being prosecuted for something rather substantial? If the Ravens are without him, don't count on the Ravens going anywhere.

I also have my reservations with the Pats. I like the Dillon pick-up, but with Ted Washington jumping ship to Oakland, there's a big 350 lb. hole on the defense. Still, though, who else is really going to beat them come playoff time with the core group still intact.

I like the Ravens vs. Pats in the AFC championship, but if the Pats' defense is destroyed with Washington gone and the Ravens' offense weakened by a jailed Jamal, I'd go with Indy and Denver as the other hopefuls for the AFC title.

Super Bowl: Patriots 24 - Rams 3

BTW, damn your Orioles and taking the first two games from the Sox. I am very hateful, right now, towards Mora, Tejada, and Newhan, and wish them the same parasites that Giambi and Kevin Brown got in the MFYs' clubhouse.

djtestudo

From what I hear, the court date could be as early as mid-August, where he would probably just miss the end of camp, or in February. I have faith in Musa Smith, who looks and runs like he's Jamal's brother, but I DO hope he can play

As for the Pats, I think the Vince Wilfork was an absolute STEAL, and will be a perfect fit (literally ) in Washington's spot.

Hey, blame Johnny Damon; he's looking like they just signed Fred Lynn out of retirement right now.

Plus, we're on a roll right now. Don't be suprised if we finish the year breathing down the Sawks' necks

__________________
"Final thought: I just rented Michael Moore's Bowling for Columbine. Frankly, it was the worst sports movie I've ever seen."
--Peter Schmuck, The (Baltimore) Sun

Mitzkrieg

don't count the rams out. i have a feeling they'll finish better than the seahawks

SAM821

Im tired of giving expectations for the Dolphins, they have been one of the best teams on paper the last couple of years... I ALWAYS get disappointed...

So, Im gonna take a different approach and wait and see...

BUT, on a different note, there has be so many negative things going on this offseason for the fins, that I wouldnt doubt it if they surprise everyone and go all the way... we shall see

"could be..."

djtestudo

If they would realize that Fiedler is NOT the problem, they would be OK. They severely overpaid for a backup QB in AJ Feely.

That team goes the way Ricky Williams goes. The sooner they realize it and get a better line in front of him, they will be on their way. They are similar to the Ravens: the defense is there, the offense is lagging.

__________________
"Final thought: I just rented Michael Moore's Bowling for Columbine. Frankly, it was the worst sports movie I've ever seen."
--Peter Schmuck, The (Baltimore) Sun

Ace_O_Spades

Green bay to finish top two in their division, second or third round exit from the postseason....

I love the packers, but they just don't have it together enough to make it to the big show.

And by the way... You can make me eat my hat if I'm wrong in January, but the Raven's are NOT making the superbowl, let alone winning... you can quote me on that, and you can dig up this post and shove it in my face next January if they do.

[edit]

Fear the Madden curse... Lewis is going DOWN

__________________
Feh.

Jadedfox

Bears

Wishful thinking on my part but as long as they beat the packers I'm happy.

--jaded

__________________
There is no fucking you, there is only me.

spectre

Amen.


But I do think the Patriots will be in the AFC Championship game and will probably win it.

__________________
"Fuck these chains
No goddamn slave
I will be different" ~ Machine Head

braindamage351

I despise the Patriots...

wrongfullyaccuzd

I hate the Patriots too, but it's not a long shot to say they will go to the Super Bowl again. If not them, maybe the Colts. The AFC has some competition.
The NFC on the other hand...I'm putting all my eggs in the Eagles' basket. The only way I see them not getting there and possibly winning it is if Dallas' signing of George proves to be a stroke of genius, Dallas takes 2 or splits with Philly during the regular season, and beats them in the playoffs. The rest of the NFC will be thanking Dallas for the trouble it will give Philly in division games, I think.
More later.

cheezhead

The Pack will be back this year!

Willy

Niners and Raiders will both suck next year. Gonna be a bad year to be a Bay Area football fan.

bundy

i like the Titans and the Panthers.

__________________
Ohayo!!!

minusthesoul

About the Dolphins

Williams retiring completely screws the Dolphins for the next couple of seasons.

__________________
"When I played pool I was like a good psychiatrist.
I cured them of all their daydreams and delusions."
-- Minnesota Fats

Grondar

One of the teams I think could surprise people is the Buffalo Bills.

The Eagles have a weakened secondary, but added one and a half star star players (a full 2 if Kearse proves to be 100% all year), and they should have what it takes to get to the big dance this year.

Patriots added Dillon, who seems to be excited to be there, and also should know that they got to the Super Bowl without him, and if he acts like a little bitch again, they will likely cut him and move on. But he seems excited to be there, so it should make them a contender in the AFC again.

Williams leaving the Dolphins hurts a lot. They really need a star quarterback, and they don't have one at this point. They have receivers to throw to, but with Williams gone, the run threat is lessened immensely.

I don't consider the Buccaneers a contender, as they have way too many new pieces to be able to "jive" right away IMO. We'll see though, it's clearly Gruden's team now.

Lastly, I think the Seahawks have a chance at getting to the big dance. They are quietly getting better every year, and their younger players are starting to step up and be recognized.

__________________
"Yes, I rather like this God fellow. He's very theatrical, you know, a pestilence here, a plague there. Omnipotence. Gotta get me some of that." -Stewie

Jadedfox

Now that is a GREAT avatar you have!

--jaded

__________________
There is no fucking you, there is only me.

DDDDave

Buccaneers buddy....

Gonna be an interesting year. Why is Keenan McCardell holding out? He has two years left on his contract and he wants more money. Isn't a contract a contract? Keenan - this is a no-win situation. The Bucs will refuse to negotiate, you will hold out all of training camp with a $7,500 per day fine and then come back after the season starts out of shape.
We are all so glad that Me-Shawn is gone, but it looks like Joe Jurivicius is not going to make it back from knee surgery. He hasn't played since game 3 last season and still cannot work out at full speed. Good news is that Mike Alstott is back full speed and rested after a season ending neck injury last year.
First round pick rteceiver Michael Clayton from LSU shopuld replace MeShawn's size. Joey Galloway (still runs a 4.25 40) gives the Bucs their first real game breaker threat ever. Gruden signed Charley Garner to fill in for Michael (I run over women with cars) Pittman.

Sapp and Lynch are gone but they were out for several games last season. Brian Kelly and Ronde Barber are two solid corners. D should be okay overall.

Got a nice schedule after a 7-9 record last year.

Go Bucs !!

__________________
I am just a simple man trying to make my way in the universe...

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined." - Thoreau

"Nothing great was ever accomplished without enthusiasm" - Emerson

crow_daw

Well I'm gonna preach on my two teams... Titans and Raidahs

The Titans had a great year last year but the prize was still elusive. They had a fantastic draft(the selection of Ben Troupe to replace Frank Wycheck was outstanding), and hopefully the rooks will be able to help out a lot on the D-Line. We really need it there. The loss of Eddie was tough to take, but much more so for sentimental reasons than it being detrimental to the team. It's my opinion that Antowain Smith is very over-rated and he's not even really rated highly. The running game WILL suffer this year, but it is something that can be overcome. Maybe Smith will have a breakthrough year, and maybe Chris Brown will come into his own. The loss of Justin McCareins was hard to take, he was becoming, and will soon be, one of the best young wideouts in the game. However, Derrick Mason remains, along with Golden Hands Drew Bennet. Hopefully Tyrone Calico will be the hot talent everyone is hoping for. The defense overall will be still be tough, but it won't be the running-game-dominator it was last year.

And the most important factor: the best and toughest quarterback in the league, Steve McNair, will return. He alone could carry this team to the playoffs, IMO, and the Titans will still be a force to reckoned with in 2004.


The Raiders had a disappointing year last season due to coaching problems. But the most important main players are back and ready for action. The additions of Robert Gallery and Jake Grove is genius. These two vicious men embody the spirit of Silver and Black football. The best draft move made by any team, IMO. Warren Sapp is a ham, true, but the man is a definite force in the middle, and no one in the NFL can truly contain him when he get's fired up, not to mention the absolutely brilliant addition of man-beast Ted Washington. With he and Sapp in the middle, any running back will be hard pressed to gain 100 yards this season. The Raiders, under new leadership, will return to power this year and be the force everyone had come to respect.

__________________
"We each have a star, all we have to do is find it. Once you do, everyone who sees it will be blinded." - Earl Simmons

Lwang9276

i think cowboys.. they did well last year for an underdog team.. and with the new acquisition of eddie george.. its game over.. FLIP FLIP FLIP.. lol

pointbock69

Cowboys? game over? yeah, you are right, the Cowboys suck! Game over!!!

Packer fan here, wishin' that the Pack has what it takes to make it. I see a dismal season for them. It's all over but the crying for the Pack. Favre wants to mow his frickin lawn and throw a football to one of his kids, maybe coach HS football somewhere in Mississippi like his old man. he has been there and done that, won the big, had his time in the spotlight. As much as I WANT the PACK to be on top, it aint happenin'. I cannot even tell you who will be there. It's gonna be a Brittany Spears kind of season, if you are hot, you are hot, if you're not, well, wait a week...

cameroncrazy822

T.O. is knocked unconscious by Ray Lewis after he goes across the middle one too many tmes against the Ravens.

djtestudo

You kidding? Last year against the Ravens he caught a ball about three yards from the first down mark, and instead of taking a hit to get the first, turned and ran for the sideline.

And that was when we DIDN'T have a grudge against him

__________________
"Final thought: I just rented Michael Moore's Bowling for Columbine. Frankly, it was the worst sports movie I've ever seen."
--Peter Schmuck, The (Baltimore) Sun

Kodega

I hope the Bengals have a strong showing this year. My team, the Saints, will probably not even make it to the playoffs. If by some miracle they do make it I think they will go down in the first playoff game.

djtestudo

I believe they wasted their miracle LAST year

__________________
"Final thought: I just rented Michael Moore's Bowling for Columbine. Frankly, it was the worst sports movie I've ever seen."
--Peter Schmuck, The (Baltimore) Sun

cameroncrazy822

He's a head case and he'll forget the pain that lurks in the secondary. He'll make a mistake and Ray'll make him pay.

Blu2e354

Pats will add colvin too, because he was out all of last season, and they will be even more dominant.

clifclav

I want to see a some of the training camp injuries come in before I make my picks but I will pick two busts this year.

1 - Eagles - Not just because I hate TO but they are just about as old as old can be. Horrible run defense could allow as many as 13 - 100 yard rushing games if you look at their schedule. (They are very lucky they play the Giants twice this year.)

2 - Broncos - A lot of early mags are picking them to win the AFC based on the ability they have to always find a good rusher. That luck may end this year. Also Jake Plummer is still Jake Plummer and their pass defense is nothing outside of Champ Bailey.

__________________
Neither rain , nor cold, nor dark of night shall.......ahh whatever, just get me a beer!

thespian86

I also hope the Eagles go down in flames. In a related subject, I believe the Packers, if Favre really believes this is his last year, will make a dent.

__________________
EX: Whats new?
ME: I officially love coffee more then you now.
EX: uh...
ME: So, not much.

crow_daw

Let me just join this little Eagle-bashing bandwagon. There is no team I despise more than the Philadelphia Eagles, and I will enjoy watching them disappoint all of their fans for a fourth straight time.

__________________
"We each have a star, all we have to do is find it. Once you do, everyone who sees it will be blinded." - Earl Simmons

Jadedfox

Agreed. But I have to confess I loved the fact that they beat the Packers in the playoffs last year.

/me does the happy dance

--jaded

__________________
There is no fucking you, there is only me.