What NFL teams do you have your eye on this year?

[Paintrain]

Originally Posted by The Goat

Hmmm...

Aside from us the Saints are my next biggest interest. Probably won't see Williams turn the defense around in one year but they should be much improved, which basically makes NO an immediate NFC contender cuz that offense is so potent. If Peyton and the crew manages the team well NO should be in the SB within the next few years.

Also the Bengals. Palmer was very good before injury set in and has already started to talk up the season quite a bit. Now Cinci has my favorite defensive player from the draft in Rey-Rey...i would hope Cinci could at least compete in its division now.

I think Grilliams is way over-rated in these parts. He was a terrible head coach in Buffalo, was up and down here (top 10 defenses and 31st ranked also) and was a HUGE bust last year in Jacksonville. We'll see if he can turn the Saints defense into anything. I agree with you on Cincy, they could be in a similar position as us with Lewis and Palmer. Another poor year and they could be ready to move on from both.

Originally Posted by Paintrain

I think Grilliams is way over-rated in these parts. He was a terrible head coach in Buffalo, was up and down here (top 10 defenses and 31st ranked also) and was a HUGE bust last year in Jacksonville. We'll see if he can turn the Saints defense into anything. I agree with you on Cincy, they could be in a similar position as us with Lewis and Palmer. Another poor year and they could be ready to move on from both.

His track record imo proves otherwise. Williams was a top defensive coordinator in Tennessee, his defenses were good in Buffalo even though the teams werent, overall he was really good here in Washington. Last year in Jacksonville from what I heard he had problems with other coaches and wasnt able to do everything he wanted to do. I see Gregg Williams turning the Saints around and once again being one of the top defensive coordinators in the game.

[GridIron26]

I agree with Orakpo - I think he will do fine with NO defense.. Williams is mastermind when it comes to defense, but he makes some mistakes too.. And I believe half of it can be blamed on his high pride.. Regardless, I'm rooting for him; he's one of my favorite coordinators..

[Paintrain]

Originally Posted by GridIron26

I agree with Orakpo - I think he will do fine with NO defense.. Williams is mastermind when it comes to defense, but he makes some mistakes too.. And I believe half of it can be blamed on his high pride.. Regardless, I'm rooting for him; he's one of my favorite coordinators..

I guess Williams star got tarnished for me when he first couldn't find a way to implement Arrington (pre and post injury) and stubbornly stuck with stiffs like Warrick Holdman and also how he completely misjudged Pierce and we let him go to a division rival where he has owned us. He just seemed to be more hype than anything. His defenses never excelled in two key areas I judge a defense on, sacks and turnovers. The bend but don't break philosophy he (and Blache for that matter) employs is a recipe for disappointment in close games or vs. elite offenses.

[Eknox]

Redskins of course, and Lions I'd like what the lions do with there new additions ..

[skinsfan69]

I'm just looking forward to the 09 season. Every off season I miss it more. After last year I might make Canton a yearly thing.

[Chico23231]

Other than the Skins:

Texans- I think this team is about to explode. Regardless if tough division, I believe this offense is about to become really elite. If the defense can just be decent and their guys stay healthy, they can make the playoffs.

Colts- I think this team is about to fall off. Lots of new coaches including the head coach, defense looked to be struggling last year, and the running game was not solid as in years past. I look for this to continue.

Tom Brady and LaDainian Tomlinson - Both these elite players got something to prove. Can Brady be the same after the injury and can Tomlinson re establish himself as the best weapon in the league.

Atlanta Falcons - To me the biggest surprise in football last year. Didnt think the rookie QB was gonna have such an great first year. Wow. Can they build on it, in what I think is always an overrated division. I think they can.

Dallas- I love Wade Phillips, I was so happy when Jerry decided to keep him around. Hopefully he will continue to steer this team into the ground.

Farve- If he comes back, I cant help myself, I will continue to watch and pull for him.

[irish]

AZ - was the Super Bowl run a fluke?

Chi - Will Cutler make them a contender?

NE - Can Brady be Brady again?

[freddyg12]

Aside from our skins, who really are hard to predict, the team I'm most curious to see is the iggles. They made some moves & were already a good team.

I don't think anyone mentioned San Fran, but they finished strong & singletary gets his guys ready to play. They could be a dark horse.

[Dirtbag59]

Always have my eye on the Giants, Eagles, and Cowboys so that goes without saying, even though I said it.

The Falcons on the other hand have become relevant again and for the most part they seem to have put together a pretty classy bunch of individuals. The only one on their team that gives me pause is Roddy White due to his Michael Vick TD celebration stunt, which in the big scheme of things isn't that big of a deal.

The Bears will be intresting especially as I'll get a chance to see my theory concerning QB's vs WR's will be tested. The theory being that a good QB with mediocre Recievers can have a much bigger impact then an average QB with a dominant recieving core. Basically I'm banking on a QB everytime.

Broncos - for obvious reasons

Raiders - just because

Chiefs - to see how well a team does building with young talent.

[budw38]

A few teams could make a push for the playoffs this year and suprise . The Vikings could be an interesting team adding Harvin to go with A. Peterson ,,,,,, would the Vikings consider adding ,,,,, M. Vick to that offence ?

[Hamoskinz]

Bengals - I like their draft and their additions on D. I'm keeping a close eye on Rey M.
Lions - I like underdogs.

[53Fan]

For those interested in Maualuga, the Bengals lined him up at SAM backer at rookie camp and seem to be intent on leaving Dhani Jones at MLB. They want the best players on the field and instead of having Rey-Rey sit and learn, he may play SAM this year. That's the early report anyway.

[The Goat]

Originally Posted by 53Fan

For those interested in Maualuga, the Bengals lined him up at SAM backer at rookie camp and seem to be intent on leaving Dhani Jones at MLB. They want the best players on the field and instead of having Rey-Rey sit and learn, he may play SAM this year. That's the early report anyway.

That's interesting man...i totally forgot about Jones.

...i think it's very odd we took Orakpo @ 13 to stick him at SLB when we could have traded down and gotten a variety of true LBs and probably some other fresh talent too. Wonder if Blache had input on the pick, saying something like "yep I think the kid could make the transition to SLB in our system" or if the FO basically drafts what/who they want and Blache makes due. My gut is there's a disconnect of sorts between the deciders and the coaching staff...i mean Blache is one of the more laconic coordinators out there (even the overly gruff Williams praises his players more than Blache does) but think about how laudatory Blache was of Marcus last year through thick and thin. Meanwhile the FO hasn't said it would really like Marcus back...just a vet min contract on an olive branch.

On the other hand it would really be Blache's decision of how/where to play Orakpo right? I highly doubt the FO steps in and says put a guy here or there.

[53Fan]

I think they took Orakpo because they believe he's an outstanding talent. Now that they have him, where do they put him? We know Blache really likes Daniels and if Marcus doesn't come back we have have a real need at SAM. If he doesn't work out that well at LB, we may see another pick-up and keep him at DE. It depends a lot on some of the other backers but I think this shows they look at Blades as a backup for now. I think they feel Orakpo was too good to pass up and will find a way to get him in the game one way or another.