By: Tyler Ward
Q: Are the Raiders on the right track?
A: I wouldn't say they're completely on track, but they're headed in the right direction. Jamarcus Russell was holding the Oakland offense back completely. He was one of the worst draft choices ever in NFL history (see my draft busts post). With the addition of Jason Campbell, they could finally get the offense stable. Also, with the signings of John Henderson and Kamerion Wimbley, the Raiders are slowly building their defense back to the Raider Nation's standards. Henderson and Richard Seymour can supply a formidable defensive line. Wimbley, along with young star Thomas Howard and newcomer Rolando McClain, can also produce a solid, young linebacker corps. The trade for Quentin Groves can provide a valuable back-up at the LB or DE position. Also, the Raiders' hiring of Offensive Coordinator Hue Jackson takes pressure off Head Coach Tom Cable, who was forced to call the plays last season. Their only real weak spots include lack of depth at Wide Receiver and the struggles of the offensive line. But, the Raiders could very well be a potential darkhorse this year and could contend at some point in the near future. They have definitely gotten better, but I think they will be competitive when Al Davis finally hands the reins over.
Q: Can Peyton Manning keep up the pace?
A: Of course, since I'm a Colts fan, I say yes. But, realistically, I think Peyton can put up the numbers he always does. Peyton has thrown for more than 4,000 yards in all but two of his NFL seasons. He has won 10 or more games since 2002 and although they may take a dip this year, I think they can still win more than 10 games. I also think that Peyton can pass for over 4,000 yards and 25 TD's this year. With the return of Anthony Gonzalez, Peyton has a nice corps of receivers in Gonzalez, Reggie Wayne, Dallas Clark, Pierre Garcon, and Austin Collie. With the receivers that he possesses, they still have a very talented corps. Manning may not have that many years left in the tank, but what he does have will probably still be considered up to the Colts' standards.
Q: Is Tim Tebow the QB of the future for the Broncos?
A: Simply put, no. I don't think he is an NFL caliber player. He had success in college, but it does not translate well into the NFL. Many teams thought that he would be a RB/FB or a TE, so he really didn't even have a natural NFL position until Josh McDaniels took him 25th overall in this year's draft. After an emotional loss to Alabama in the SEC championship game, he realized that he would not have a shot at another title. Tebow ended his career with a dominating win against the Cincinnati Bearcats in the Sugar Bowl. He entered the draft and was thought to get drafted anywhere from the 2nd-3rd round. But, McDaniels thought he was the best QB in the draft and even said that "Tebow would be the next Tom Brady". He isn't much better than Kyle Orton, but I think Orton can do a better job on the field than Tebow. I think that Tebow will end up being a bust and he will never succeed in the NFL like he did at the NCAA level.
Q: Will the Browns compete sometime soon?
A: They are the Browns, but they may be able to do decent. Mike Holmgren has proven they can lead a team. He led the Seahawks to a Super Bowl appearance in 2005, but lost to the Steelers. It was their first Super Bowl appearance ever and only one thus far. Eric Mangini isn't the best coach in the entire world, but he can do better with Holmgren hovering above him. Since they brought the expansion back in 1999, they have only been to the playoffs once (2002) under Butch Davis. They have somewhat solidified the QB position with the acquisition of Jake Delhomme. But, he is getting old and may not do that well on a very young Cleveland team. I think this is the last chance to revive his career because Colt McCoy will almost certainly be given the reins next year. The addition of CB Sheldon Brown also provides depth at that position and could have a formidable duo alongside Eric Wright. The retirement of RB Jamal Lewis hurts the running game slightly, but Jerome Harrison can be a very valuable player and with Peyton Hillis blocking for him, he could have another 1,000 yard season. Benjamin Watson's arrival works out for the passing game, as it was horrendous for Cleveland last year and the re-signing of WR/KR Josh Cribbs is spectacular because he may be the most electrifying player in the NFL. They are definitely a good amount of players away from competing, but when that happens they could be pretty decent. They will probably win 6-7 games this year, but they will not be the worst team in the NFL.
Q: Will the Jets supplant the Patriots as the best team in the division?
A: The Jets have slowly gotten better and better and I think they can possibly run the Patriots out of the AFC East lead. Mark Sanchez doesn't have a great arm, but he is solid enough to lead the franchise. With receivers like Braylon Edwards, Santonio Holmes, Jerricho Cotchery, and Dustin Keller, Sanchez can supply a good offense. And with the addition of LaDainian Tomlinson at RB, he can back up the underrated Shonn Greene. Jason Taylor also came over to help out one of the best defenses in the league last year. This is a very talented team, who could very well have had the best offseason than any other franchise. I think they can take over the East and beat out the older Patriots. New England has run the division since the beginning of the decade, but their time is running short. Miami is even getting better and could challenge both teams this upcoming year. Even though I wouldn't go as far to say the Jets will definitely make the Super Bowl, but I think they can go 12-4 or 13-3. I can say that they are my lock to win the division and this may be the year the Patriots finally take a downward spiral in the division.
Q: Is Roethlisberger's absence the end of the Steelers' season?
A: Ben Roethlisberger was suspended for the first 6 games by Commissioner Roger Goodell earlier this year for his off-the-field incidents. This leaves the Steelers with underachieving QB Byron Leftwich and incumbents Dennis Dixon and Charlie Batch at that position. The first six opponents for the Steelers include Atlanta, Tennessee, Tampa Bay, Baltimore, Cleveland, and Miami. They could very well lose 4 of those first 6 and almost fall out of playoff contention. The rest of their games don't get much better as they have tough games against New Orleans, Cincinnati (2x), New England, Baltimore, and the New York Jets. They may win 2 or 3 of those games behind Roethlisberger, but they will probably garner an 8-8 or 9-7 record. And with that, they will probably not make the playoffs. So, with the Steelers possibly starting off 1-5 or 2-4, they may not recover and miss the playoffs like last season.
