Thursday, May 1, 2008
NFL Draft Team Grades (Rounds 1-2)
The first two rounds of the 2008 NFL Draft were full of surprises, intrigue and many perplexing decisions involving the wide receiver crop. Some players were taken where they were projected, others not yet taken at all. There were reaches, big trades and even a little tension between Mel Kiper Jr. and Chris Berman. What more could you ask for? Oh, grades of the first two round picks for each team you say? Alright, here you go.
Teams are in alphabetical order because I figured if we're going to be giving out grades, we might as well keep it school oriented. Oh and there are no F’s in my class, although some teams were pretty close.
Picks: Round 1 - Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (CB), Round 2 - Calais Campbell (DE)
The Cardinals filled in two key weaknesses by landing a CB and a DE with their first two picks. Cromartie also gives them a return specialist while Campbell has the potential to finally give their defense a legitimate pass rush threat.
Grade: A
Picks: Round 1 - Matt Ryan (QB), Sam Baker (OT), Round 2 - Curtis Lofton (ILB)
After kicking themselves in the ass after giving away Matt Schaub, the Falcons decided the time was now with the third pick in the draft and selected Matt Ryan from Boston College. Ryan is generally regarded as the best QB in the draft and along with Sam Baker and second round pick Curtis Lofton, should make an immediate impact.
Grade: A
Picks: Round 1 - Joe Flacco (QB), Round 2 - Ray Rice (RB)
Everyone knew the Ravens needed a QB and apparently, so did they. After trading down and acquiring more mid round picks, the Ravens selected Delaware QB Joe Flacco, perhaps the most accurate QB of the bunch. Ray Rice was selected in Round 2 to spell McGahee and the two give a great upgrade to what otherwise was an anemic offense last year. They still need receivers, though.
Grade: A -
Picks: Round 1 - Leodis McKelvin (CB), Round 2 - James Hardy (WR)
The Bills get the top rated CB in McKelvin who should sure up their defensive pass attack and James Hardy, a second round receiver with the potential to be great.
Grade: A -
Picks: Round 1 - Jonathan Stewart (RB), Round 2 - Jeff Otah (OT)
The Panthers decided to continue the trend of two-back systems by taking Oregon running back Jonathan Stewart. He will be a fine power compliment to DeAngelo Williams speedster style. The Panthers also landed Jeff Otah in at pick 19, which is amazing considering some had him going as high as the Top 10.
Grade: A
Picks: Round 1 - Chris Williams (OT), Round 2 - Matt Forte (RB)
Why the Bears didn’t take a QB is completely beyond me. Rex Grossman and Kyle Orton? Come on! Brian Brohm and Chad Henne both fell to them and they failed to pull the trigger. Chris Williams however, is a great offensive tackle and Matt Forte will usher in the end of the disappointing Cedric Benson era. I’ll give the Bears the benefit of the doubt and assume they’re going to take a Woodson or Brennan later on in the rounds.
Grade: B -
Picks: Round 1 - Keith Rivers (OLB), Round 2 - Jerome Simpson (WR)
Keith Rivers is going to be a great linebacker and will finally fill the void of a playmaking linebacker that was left after the departure or Takeo Spikes. Jerome Simpson in Round 2 perplexed the shit out of me, however.
Grade: C -
Picks: N/A
Picks: Round 1 - Felix Jones (RB), Mike Jenkins (CB), Round 2 - Martellus Bennett (TE)
Reports said Jerry Jones wanted Felix Jones in the first round and it turned out to be true. In fact, it turned out to be really true because the Cowboys probably could have waited until their twenty-eighth pick to get him. Instead, they took Mike Jenkins -- a curious decision considering the amount of corner back depth they already have at the position. The round two selection of Martellus Bennett will go well in two TE sets along with Jason Witten.
Grade: B +
Picks: Round 1 - Ryan Clady (OT), Round 2 - Eddie Royal (WR)
As with the Bengals selections -- the Broncos first round selection of Ryan Clady was a good one (if a little puzzling due to his size) however their second round pick of Eddie Royal while many of the top receivers were still on the board? Um, what?
Grade: C -
Picks: Round 1 - Gosder Cherilus (OT), Round 2 - Jordon Dizon (OLB)
I’m not going to knock the Lions first and second round picks of Cherilus and Dizon, respectively, however I am going to knock the fact that they failed to take Rashard Mendenhall after he fell to them twice. Hey, at least they didn’t take a wide receiver.
Grade: C +
Picks: Round 2 - Jordy Nelson (WR), Brian Brohm (QB), Patrick Lee (CB)
Grade: B -
Picks: Round 1 - Duane Brown (OT)
The Texans had a need for an offensive tackle and Duane Brown will fit the bill. Simple enough.
Grade: A -
Picks: Round 2 - Mike Pollak (C )
The Colts are apparently planning for the future at the center position and Mike Pollack was considered by many the best one in this years draft.
Grade: A -
Picks: Round 1 - Derrick Harvey (DE), Round 2 - Quentin Groves (DE)
With the departure of Marcus Stroud the Jaguars didn’t want to lose their reputation of having a fearsome offensive line to go with a smash mouth offense. They did just that by obtaining Derrick Harvey (in some what of a reach) in round one and Quentin Groves in round two.
Grade: B
Picks: Round 1 - Glenn Dorsey (DT), Branden Albert (OG), Round 2 - Brandon Flowers (CB)
The most impressive first day out of any team, I think. They had three high profile picks and they stuck to their game plan and didn’t take what they didn’t need. Some thought they would take a QB early but there are still plenty available. Glenn Dorsey could be a franchise corner stone, Branden Albert must have Larry Johnson smiling and Brandon Flowers will make their secondary better.
Grade: A +
Picks: Round 1 - Jake Long (OT), Round 2 - Phillip Merling (DE), Chad Henne (QB)
Another great first day, the Dolphins selected Jake Long who could anchor their offensive line for the next decade, Phillip Merling (who freefell to them for some strange reason) and Chad Henne who will battle for the starting job and most likely get it.
Grade: A +
Picks: Round 2 - Tyrell Johnson (S)
The Vikings filled a need with a great safety here. Done and done.
Grade: A
Picks: Round 1 - Jerod Mayo (OLB), Round 2 - Terrance Wheatley (CB)
I’m not going to lie, me and my friends were flipping out after we traded up to number ten and the Bengals took Keith Rivers. After the selection though, we all began to calm down and realized Mayo is just as good if not better than Rivers. Belichick does know a thing or two about defensive players. Terrance Wheatley, while not one of my top choices is a great athlete who should do just fine in the system.
Grade: B +
Picks: Round 1 - Sedrick Ellis (DT), Round 2 - Tracy Porter (CB)
Trading up to the number seven pick, the Saints made an immediate upgrade to their defensive line with Sedrick Ellis. Does the selection of Tracy Porter in round two suggest that the Saints are no longer in the running for Lito Shephard?
Grade: A
Picks: Round 1 - Kenny Phillips (S), Round 2 - Terrell Thomas (CB)
The defending Super Bowl champion Giants upgraded their weaknesses with Kenny Phillips, the best safety in the draft and Terrell Thomas, a great athlete with the potential to make an impact.
Grade: A -
Picks: Round 1 - Vernon Gholston (DE), Round 2 - Dustin Keller (TE)
Again, I won’t lie. I’m jealous. Not for the Dustin Keller pick, although it was a good one -- but for the fact that Jets fans get to enjoy Vernon Gholston for the next couple of years. I got a little too attached to Gholston over the past few weeks and while I knew he wouldn’t fall to the Patriots, I just wish he hadn’t gone to the Jets. I’m still a fan, though.
Grade: A
Picks: Round 1 - Darren McFadden (RB)
You can’t knock the Raiders for taking the best running back in the draft, but you can knock them for doing it after giving Justin Fargas a three year deal and having Lamont Jordan and Dominic Rhodes on the roster. Still though, he’s a prime talent and they made a good decision. Or should I say Al Davis did.
Grade: A -
Picks: Round 2 - Trevor Laws (DT), DeSean Jackson (WR)
The Eagles upgraded their defensive line with Laws who should be a great professional player. DeSean Jackson gives them a playmaker, but they still don’t have a tall, physical possession receiver. Plenty of picks left to get one.
Grade: B+
Picks: Round 1 - Rashard Mendenhall, Round 2 - Limas Sweed (WR)
Although I think Willie Parker is one of the few backs in the NFL who should not be a part of a RB by committee, he has been an injury risk and Mendenhall fell right to them. It was a good pick and will be a fearsome duo. They also aimed to please Big Ben with the selection of Limas Sweed, a big tall receiver to replace the void left by Plaxico Burress.
Grade: A
Picks: Round 1 - Antoine Cason (CB)
I thought they might take an offensive lineman with this pick, but Antoine Cason is a great cornerback.
Grade: B+
Picks: Round 1 - Kentwan Balmer (DT), Round 2 - Chilo Rachal (OG)
I thought the 49ers would take one of the top tier QB’s early since Alex Smith has been a disappointment, instead they improved their offensive and defensive lines -- something they sorely needed to do. Still many QB’s left on the board for them to select.
Grade: B
Picks: Round 1 - Lawrence Jackson (DE), Round 2 - John Carlson (TE)
Why they didn’t take Phillip Merling is beyond me, but Lawrence Jackson is still a solid defensive end. John Carlson gives them a great catching and blocking tight end.
Grade: B -
Picks: Round 1 - Chris Long (DE), Round 2 - Donnie Avery (WR)
Chris Long was the obvious pick in round one but Donnie Avery in round 2? There were so many better wide receivers on the board! Did the teams know something we didn’t about the top receivers?
Grade: C
Picks: Round 1 - Aqib Talib (CB), Round 2 - Dexter Jackson (WR)
Aqib Talib perhaps would have been the best CB available was it not for his off the field problems. Dexter Jackson in round two? The definition of reach. What were they thinking?
Grade: C -
Picks: Round 1 - Chris Johnson (RB), Round 2 - Jason Jones (DE)
No wide receivers for Vince Young? Seriously? Chris Johnson is a great running back and Jason Jones a very capable defensive end, but why oh why wouldn’t you have taken one of the top receivers with the top two picks especially after every single one fell to the second round?
Grade: D+
Picks: Round 2 - Devin Thomas (WR), Fred Davis (TE), Malcolm Kelly (WR)
No Chad Johnson? No problem! The Redskins get the best wide receiver in the draft in Devin Thomas, the next best one in Malcolm Kelly and a fantastic receiving tight end in Fred Davis. Hey Tennessee, this is what trying to help out your QB by giving him weapons looks like.
Grade: A
Saturday, April 26, 2008
MLB Powerless Rankings (4.25/08)
We all know and love (or possibly hate) the phenomenon known as Power Rankings. They provide just about anyone an opportunity to give their opinion on who the best teams are each week in any given league. But don’t we owe it to ourselves to know who the bad teams are as well? Sport Crack is proud to present a new weekly feature: The Powerless Rankings!
This weeks edition holds host to four new teams not yet in the rankings until now. Two of them are on spectacular losing streaks, and the other two have the potential to stay in the bottom five for the majority of the season. The Tigers finally have begun to live up to expectations and have exited the cellar, while the Nationals are still holding strong as the undisputed worst team in the league. As always, feel free to disagree vehemently in the comments and enjoy!
5. Cincinnati Reds (9-14, LW: NR) - The Reds have dropped eight of their last eleven games and are currently sitting solely by themselves at the bottom of the NL Central standings. Luckily for them they have a three game set in San Francisco the next three games. Unluckily for them, they have a three game set in St. Louis right after that. Prognosis: They’ll be extremely lucky to win three of their next six games.
4. San Diego Padres (9-14, LW: NR) - Although the two next teams hog the spotlight with their seven game losing streaks, San Diego is on a just as unrespectable four game skid. Add to that that they are 1-8 in their last nine games and it makes sense why Adrian Gonzalez is the team leader in almost every offensive category. Prognosis: They are very lucky they have Jake Peavy as their ace, and that Randy Wolf is pitching well.
3. Kansas City Royals (9-13, LW: NR) - We all knew the Royals would end up here sooner or later didn’t we? Just when you think they just might have a good team, they go and drop seven in a row. You read that right, seven in a row. The one good thing they have going for them? Four of those losses were to solid teams. It’s still no excuse, though. Prognosis: Let’s give them a week or two more before we finally decide on them.
2. Texas Rangers (7-16, LW: NR) - Is anyone else surprised the Rangers also just dropped seven straight? Sure, four of them were to the Red Sox but the other three were to the Tigers. Is the number two spot too harsh for them? Maybe, but they had hardly any offense at all in each of those seven losses so until they prove me wrong, here they’ll stay. Prognosis: Tough schedule or preview of things to come? We’ll have to wait and see.
And the winner is…
1. Washington Nationals (7-16, LW: 1) - I have nothing nice to say about the Nationals, so I won’t say anything at all. Prognosis: Okay, I lied. They suck.
Mediocre mentions: L.A. Dodgers, Pittsburgh Pirates, San Francisco Giants, Toronto Blue Jays
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
NFL Draft Positional Breakdown: Quarterbacks
Yes, that’s right, it’s yet another NFL Draft article from yours truly. But since we’re less than a week away from the actual thing and with the AGM Mock Draft going on as we speak, I figured it would be okay. Let’s hope so.
The positional breakdown will break down the Top 5 players at each given position. It is not a list on how I think the quarterbacks will be drafted, just on what I think their skill level is and how successful of an NFL career they will have. And no, I’m not doing every single position (I’m not that crazy) so I’ll be breaking it down to rank the skill positions, defensive lineman, offensive lineman, linebackers, etc. As always, please enjoy.
Yeah, that’s right -- I did it. Matt Ryan is going to go ahead of Brohm in the draft, obviously, but I honestly believe in my heart that Brian Brohm is going to have a more successful career. Also, if I had to have one of the two quarterbacks for my own team (if I had one), it would be Brohm. I just think he is more talented. Don’t forget, Brohm was the unanimous number one last year if he had chosen to come out -- and he really didn’t take too much of a step backward this year other than having a less talented team. It puzzles me to no end how he isn’t the number one ranked quarterback.
2007 stats: 4,024 yards, 30 TD’s, 12 INT’s, 65.1% completion percentage
Not to say that I don’t think Ryan is talented. He’s very talented and I agree that he has some of the intangibles that make a great quarterback. All of last year, Ryan did more with less -- but that still doesn’t make him a better quarterback than Brohm. But please look at their stats before commencing with the bashing! Criticism aside, he still could save the Falcons franchise should they choose to take him. Or at least I hope so, for their sake.
2007 stats: 4,258 yards, 28 TD’s, 18 INT’s, 60.3% completion percentage
I’ve heard many people say that they believe that Joe Flacco will be the steal of the draft, quarterbacks wise. I haven’t seen enough of his game film to agree, but from what I have watched and from the stats I have studied, he certainly has what it takes. It’s hard to compare the stats from Flacco to someone else from such a stronger conference, but you have to admit they are still quite impressive.
2007 stats: 4,263 yards, 23 TD’s, 5 INT’s, 63.5% completion percentage
In my opinion, Woodson will be the steal of the draft. He’s going to go in the second to third round and is a great value pick for whoever gets him. Yes, he played for Kentucky whose schedule wasn’t the hardest in the country last year -- but the kid had a fantastic year. It makes you wonder about the whole recruiting process when it comes to quarterbacks. Some of the best quarterbacks in NFL history have come after the first two rounds. Yet we still swear by assuming anyone taken in the mid to late rounds just cannot be a superstar.
2007 stats: 3,709 yards, 40 TD’s, 11 INT’s, 63.1% completion percentage
Henne took a step back in 2007 but to be fair, so did his team. He has solid raw talent and if mentored under the right quarterback, could have a very respectable career. It’s also worth noting that he was a four year starter in the Big 10 and his senior year was riddled with various injuries. So, his stats are deceiving. Being essentially the fifth best quarterback in the entire draft makes this in my opinion, one of the most talented all around quarterback classes I have ever seen.
2007 stats: 1,938 yards, 17 TD’s, 9 INT’s, 58.3% completion percentage
Honorable mentions:
Colt Brennan - A lot of people think Brennan will be a good quarterback, and so do I -- but it will be interesting to see him on a level playing field when it comes to competition. Having played at Hawaii, he didn’t play too many elite teams every Saturday.
Dennis Dixon - Dixon is my sleeper of the entire draft. Had he not gotten injured at the end of the year, he very well could have led the Oregon Ducks charge for a national championship. He also has in my opinion, one of the best releases in the entire draft and can scramble with the best of them.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Sport Crack's 2008 NFL Games of the Week
Sure, some of next years great games landed themselves on Sunday and Monday night football, but does that really mean they can be classified as the Game of the Week? For no particular reason, I will choose a game of the week for all 17 weeks of the upcoming NFL season and then explain why it shall be so -- all the while pretending that this is important.You will find no feel good predictions about teams that may or may not be good here -- only cold, hard, solid facts about teams that we know will be great, barring key injuries and/or a massive collapse. Enjoy!
Week 1: Dallas Cowboys @ Cleveland Browns
The Cowboys, regardless of their unimpressive performance in last years playoffs, kick off their season in a west coast daytime game which most certainly looks to be the best of the week. Cleveland will also be the trendy sleeper pick for next year… write it down.
Week 2: Philadelphia Eagles @ Dallas Cowboys
While everyone’s sleeper for next year may be Cleveland, for better or worse, my sleeper is going to be Philadelphia. Yes, they play in the uber-NFC East and the division is so stacked it often makes my head spin… none-the-less, barring a complete collapse in the draft, the Eagles should be perfectly capable of yet again making a run for the divisional crown.
Week 3: Jacksonville Jaguars @ Indianapolis Colts
Two playoff teams in the first divisional clash of the season? Sign me up! Will Indianapolis continue to dominate the AFC South title, or will Jacksonville claim their spot as a contender for the next couple years with a divisional victory? The first part of that answer will be answered with this game.
Week 4: Washington Redskins @ Dallas Cowboys
Yet another divisional match up between two of last year’s playoff teams. The Redskins have a realistic chance of winning the NFC East, yet so does every other team in the division. If you haven’t heard, the NFC East is quite competitive.
Week 5: Pittsburgh Steelers @ Jacksonville Jaguars
A rematch from the postseason on Sunday Night Football? You mean to tell me they actually picked a decent football game to be broadcast? Weird!
Week 6: TIE: New England Patriots @ San Diego Chargers, New York Giants @ Cleveland Browns
The first tie of the year. I just couldn’t seem to choose which game should get the honors, so I decided to give it to both of them. Plus, if I picked the Pats game I would probably have been labeled a rabid homer. Seriously though, Pats/Bolts is yet another playoff rematch and Giants/Cleveland just has a fantastic ring to it. Barring a Browns collapse, which unfortunately tends to happen with most trendy sleeper picks. This should be a great game. I think the Browns are for real, though.
Week 7: Seattle Seahawks @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
In what could have been a playoff match up last year, we have the front running NFC West Seahawks taking on the defending NFC South champion Buccaneers. To put it simply: Game of the Week material.
Week 8: San Diego Chargers @ New Orleans Saints
Sure, the Saints failed to make the playoffs last year -- but are you going to tell me you wanted want to see this match up against two of the league’s highest caliber offenses? If you said no, than your lying.
Week 9: TIE: Dallas Cowboys @ New York Giants, New England Patriots @ Indianapolis Colts
The second tie of the season! A rematch of the NFC divisional game between the Boys and the G-Men and a match up of what could have easily been the AFC Championship game. Something is telling me all four of these teams are still going to be relevant come Week 9, you can call me crazy if you’d like.
Week 10: Indianapolis Colts @ Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers were a play or two away from getting past the Jaguars in last year’s wild card round. The Colts, just a play or two away from defeating the Chargers in the divisional round. Together, they make a great Week 10 match up.
Week 11: San Diego Chargers @ Pittsburgh Steelers
Are you beginning to see a pattern here? How is it wrong to pick many of last years playoff teams as this year’s Game of the Week winners? Doesn’t this make more sense than banking on some no chance sleepers?
Week 12: Washington Redskins @ Seattle Seahawks
Yet another playoff rematch. Am I feeling bad about it? Absolutely not. At the beginning of this year, would you watch these two teams duke it out on Monday Night Football or would you rather watch the Cardinals/Ravens game?
Week 13: TIE: Seattle Seahawks @ Dallas Cowboys, Indianapolis Colts @ Cleveland Browns
I’ve got a lot banking on Cleveland being for real this year, but I believe I’ll be correct. Seahawks and Dallas during Week 13 should give us a good look at who’s the elite in the upcoming NFL playoffs.
Week 14: New England Patriots @ Seattle Seahawks
A great inter-conference match up late in the season. Will both teams be playing to get by this week? Or will this be a game that decides either of the two teams fates?
Week 15: New York Giants @ Dallas Cowboys
If you need an explanation for this game, you need to learn a lot more about the NFL.
Week 16: Indianapolis Colts @ Jacksonville Jaguars
Jaguars/Colts met in Week 3 in the game of the week -- why not in Week 16? Going against all I know, it should still be competitive in the AFC South between the two by now.
Week 17: Dallas Cowboys @ Philadelphia Eagles
Some might feel this is a stretch, but I know in my heart that Philadelphia is going to be back competing for a playoff bid next year. This game very well could have similar ramifications as the Patriots/Giants game of last year (Not undefeated wise, but late in the season postseason important-wise).
State of the Franchise: The St. Louis Rams
Having finished the 2006 season 8-8, many were optimistic about the Rams chances going into 2007. Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt were yet again returning, along with newly crowned elite back Stephen Jackson. Not that anyone goes into an NFL season expecting the worst, but this particular Rams team had a lot of weapons and it was safe to assume they would contend for the NFC West title.
Unfortunately, they did not.
In fact, it wasn't even close. Not only did they not contend, but through various injuries they finished second worst in the entire NFL. Marc Bulger had his worst season since he came into the NFL in 2001. The defense wasn’t one of the best in the league, but it at least wasn’t the sole reason for their disappointing season. Through poor play and even poorer placed injuries, the Rams just never got it started for the 2007 season.
Luckily for them, one of their key weaknesses of the season can be easily remedied through the NFL draft. Sitting at number two in the first round, the Rams have a fantastic shot at Jake Long, the premier offensive lineman of the draft and a sure shot to make an impact for years to come.
The key thing for the Rams to build upon in the upcoming draft is the offensive line. Marc Bulger was actually knocked out for a couple of games for broken ribs in 2007. He broke these ribs because the offensive line failed to protect him on multiple plays. Yes, he had already injuried them the previous week and still decided to play (which is commendable, but come on) -- aggravating the injury -- but guess who’s fault the injury was in the first place? That’s right, the offensive line.
Are you noticing a pattern here? Assuming the Dolphins do not take Jake Long, the Rams would and should take him at number two. Never has such a prized prospect fit such a glaring weakness so perfectly in all the years that I could remember. With new rumors that Vernon Gholston might go number one to the Dolphins, the Rams still must be a mess. Just a week ago, it was reported that Jake Long was in contract talks with the Dolphins, should they choose to draft him.
Their entire franchises fate appears to hinge on how this plays out. Obviously, they can still succeed without him but it would still hurt if they failed to land him. It almost seems to be too good of a match and that in a perfect reality, the Dolphins would take J. Long, the Rams would be stuck between a rock and hard place and their entire draft strategy would be destroyed. Yes, there are many, many great O.L. prospects that will be available in the middle rounds but they would fit in all the better should the Rams acquire Jake Long. I don’t think I’ve ever been so excited about an offensive lineman going to a particular team in the Top 5 in my history with the game. Then again, I have Marc Bulger in my keeper league, so having Jake Long be his new bodyguard would make me all the more biased.Much has been said about the offensive line in regards to pass protection, but let’s look at the obvious here: They aren’t very good at run blocking either. Yes, 2006 saw them block their way towards Stephen Jackson becoming a league icon. But through different departures and here it is again, injuries, the offensive line took a step backwards in 2007. A fresh young recruit with the potential to be the anchor for the line for many years to come should add a spark to an otherwise anemic unit.
Although they lost Issac Bruce to free agency, the Rams did sign WR Reche Caldwell and TE Anthony Becht. Reche Caldwell obviously isn’t a premier receiver, but as he showed with the Patriots -- if he’s with a skilled quarterback (I'm looking at you Bulger, stay healthy!), he can put up some decent numbers.
Stephen Jackson looks to return from an injury riddled 2007 and build upon his previous dominance. Look for him to be a candidate for comeback player of the year.
Looking at the NFC West, the Seahawks would appear to be the early favorite, but with the 49ers and Cardinals rounding out the division, the Rams have to feel good about their chances.
If they can get back to their previous years’ form they could easily be a contender for the division title. Also, if the Rams can solidify their leaky O-line and build upon their defense, they could easily remedy their 2007 season. While they might not achieve the previous title of Greatest Show on Turf, they have the potential to put up some points when everyone is on and healthy. Key word healthy.
Prediction: A respectable 8-8 finish, 3rd place in the NFC West. Interaction: Add your prediction and why in the comments.
