Joseph Biden Jr. is Delaware’s longest serving Senator. Biden was elected to office in 1972, just weeks before his 30th birthday, making him among the youngest Senators in history. Since then he’s won re-reelection five times, generally by a wide margin. His 35 years of congressional tenure include service on the powerful Senate Committee on Foreign Relations (which he currently chairs) and the Committee on the Judiciary, two of the oldest in the Senate.
Put another way; Joe Biden has been in Washington since Barack Obama was 11 years old.
To further acquaint you with this vice presidential hopeful, here are five things you didn’t know about Joe Biden.
1- Joe Biden survived a brain aneurysm
In the winter of 1988 Joe Biden was chairing the Senate Judiciary Committee’s hearings on Supreme Court nominee Anthony Kennedy when he began to experience neck pain. The pain worsened and was joined by other problems, including nausea. Eventually, Joe Biden went to the hospital.
Turns out Biden had what’s called a berry aneurysm at the base of his brain that was leaking blood into the space between his brain and the brain’s protective lining. An emergency, six-hour surgery at Walter Reed Medical Center took care of the problem and in this regard Joe Biden lucked out, since most people with a brain aneurysm get no advanced warning -- it simply bursts, resulting in paralysis, mental impairment, coma or death.
2- Joe Biden's son is going to Iraq
Joe Biden’s oldest son, 39-year-old Joseph Robinette "Beau" Biden III, is not only Delaware’s Attorney General but he is also a Captain in the Delaware Army National Guard's Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps, assigned to the 261st Signal Brigade in Smyrna, Delaware. Beau Biden and the 261st are being deployed to Iraq on October 3, the day after his father participates in the first vice presidential debate.
According to the Wilmington News Journal, Beau Biden’s job with the 261st is as a military lawyer who offers “legal advice on disciplining soldiers” and who advises “commanders and soldiers on issues such as wills and powers of attorney.” Their deployment is expected to last a year.
As for Joe Biden, he isn’t thrilled about his son’s deployment. Ever since he voted to authorize the use of force in 2002, Joe Biden has been one of the war’s more vocal critics.
3- Joe Biden is a member of the Alfalfa Club
Another thing you didn’t know about Joe Biden is his affiliation with one of Washington’s most secretive and elite clubs, the Alfalfa Club.
In 1913, a group of Southerners founded the Alfalfa Club in Washington D.C., allegedly for no other reason than to have an annual dinner on the birthday of Confederate General Robert E. Lee in late January.
Today, the secretive Alfalfa Club (journalists are barred from attending the dinner) has around 200 members. Most of them are part of Washington’s wealthy and elite. Along with Joe Biden, they include President Bush, his brothers and his father; Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts; a number of both Democratic and Republican members of Congress, state Governors and mayors; and some not directly involved in politics, such as Michael Dell.
4- Joe Biden was a below-average college student
Joe Biden completed his undergraduate work at the University of Delaware, but he didn’t do so in any exceptional manner. In his first three semesters he scored mostly Cs and Ds, and even an F in the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC). For about 100 years, starting in 1862, an ROTC class, which taught mechanics, military tactics, etc. was compulsory for most male U.S. college students. Only in physical education classes did Biden receive As.
His academic record didn’t improve much while at Syracuse College of Law either, where he graduated 76th in a class of 85.
5- Joe Biden drives a 1967 Corvette
The last thing you didn’t know about Joe Biden is what kind of wheels the man has.
Joe Biden’s current wife is his second; his first wife, Neilia, passed away, along with the couple’s daughter, in a car accident shortly after his initial election to the Senate in 1972. Joe and Neilia Biden were married on August 27, 1966, in Skaneateles, New York, and his father -- a car salesman -- gave his son a sweet wedding gift: a brand new 1967 Chevy Corvette, a car he still owns today.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
NFL 2008 Projections - AFC Edition
The AFC is supposed to be the Varsity team versus the NFC which is JV. Since 1998, the NFC wins the Super Bowl once every five years. The Giants ushered in what should be the once in this set of five years, but I think it is time for a new streak to form. In the same manner that most NFC teams beat up on each other all year and lose the big game, it is time for the AFC to hit the wall. The teams are getting better and all of the 'cupcake' games are out of the window. Here is how I see the AFC shaking out this year, underperforming.
AFC East
1. New England - How is it that the team that nearly went undefeated last year gets the easiest schedule in the world out of the gate? Granted, most of the opponents are division foes, but then to get the NFC West? The Pats however will be shot down to reality this year amassing at best 11 wins. The defense is not only getting old, but getting worse. The only bright spot is Mayo, the rookie from Tennessee. Brady's foot "injury" wont be a problem.
2. Buffalo - The Bills take the next step. No, not the playoffs. They will compete in the East and miss out with a winning record. There are a lot of key components that are one year away for the Bills. Young receivers Hardy, Evans, Parrish, and Reid are still learning. Hardy will be a TD machine with his 6-6 frame and Evans showed he can stretch the field when healthy. QB Edwards has been banged up but will be fine as long as Lynch is in the backfield. Bills peak at 9 wins.
3. New York Jets - J-E-T-S, Jets Jets Jets are better. Sure they have Brett Favre. Sure the Offensive line is better. Sure they can win some games. They play 2 different style teams their first 5 games - Air it out in Seattle and Cardinals versus Smashmouth - Oakland, Jax, and Rams. They are in fight with Bills for 2nd place in the division. My nod goes to Bills, not the Mangenius.
4. Miami - Can you smell upset potential? I can. The Fins have two pro-bowl caliber backs once Ronnie Brown returns to form. That probably wont be until October and by then Ricky Williams will be hurt. Ted Ginn Jr takes the sophmore leap to becoming a potential deep threat and Chad Pennington guides this team to 6-10. Not bad after losing Jason Taylor.
AFC South
1. Indianapolis - Tricked ya. Still got the Colts on top. Peyton Manning's knee will be the focal point on this team for the first 3 weeks or so until he hits his stride. Marvin Harrison is back, Anthony Gonzalez is the new Brandon Stokely, and Reggis Wayne is Reggie Wayne. Don't expect the Colts to cruise as this is probably the 2nd best division in football with the NFC East. Bob Sanders makes an impact when he is on the field, but he wont make it more than 3 more years in the league with his style of play.
2. Jacksonville - Still second fiddle in the South, Jacksonville is no slouch but at the same time, no surprise. Jacksonville was one tragedy away from overtaking the Colts this year. With Peyton Manning nursing a gimpy leg, the Jags could capitalize off their pass rush and ball control offense were set to overtake the division crown that lives in Indy. Jaguars still need a big play WR to keep the defenses guessing.
3. Houston - The Texans are coming. The Texans are coming. They are this year's Titans. They could possibly sneak into the playoff mix with a healthy Schaub to Johnson combo. Super Mario Williams is a sack artist and is getting help on defense with Okoye and Ryans. The problem with this team despite no running back, is the health of Schaub and Johnson, more importantly Johnson.
4. Tennessee - Titans fall into the same trap as the New York Giants this year. You can have a solid team and still fall to last in your division at 8-8 or 7-9. The only problem that Tennessee has is an inability to put anyone outside the hash marks at WR. They drafted a trailblazer in Chris Johnson, but unless he is going to line up at flanker on 3rd down, its going to be hard to keep the defense off of Vince Young.
AFC West
1. San Diego - When your best players on both sides of the ball are playing with bum knees, its hard to pick them as the division winner right? Fortunately for the Chargers, it seems like they caught the entire division retooling. LT will be back to form, he has 2-3 more years of dominance before he pulls a Barry Sanders and walks away. Merriman is going to attempt to play on one leg in a position where he plays on pure speed. That is like Usain Bolt trying to run the 100m with a walking boot on his foot. Good luck Lights Out, but you are making a big gamble.
2a. Oakland - I like the running game. Not too many people talk about Justin Fargas, but it will be his running that will be why McFadden wins Rookie of the Year if he does. Fargas is actually listed as the pseudo starter, somewhat like Julius Jones in Dallas the last few years over Marion Barber. Fargas was actually the leading act at USC before the Reggie Bush show arrived. This running game will be aided greatly by a great defense and also anything Jamarcus Russell can do in play action.
2b. Denver - This team is tricky to figure out. They have two of the best corners in the game, a good young QB, a great young WR, and a running scheme that has caught on like the Plague. Two questions still remain: Why can't they stop the run? Who is going to run through those zone blocks? The Broncos play in the wrong division to not be good against the run.
4. Kansas City - The Chiefs are rebuilding. But they are on the fast track. Brodie Croyle to Bowe is going to be a hot connection. Larry Johnson is going to show he is not a one trick pony. A midseason trade to dump Tony Gonzalez to a contender will prove good since Gonzalez will probably only play 2-3 more years.
AFC North
1. Pittsburgh - Omar Epps really has this team turning the corner, but not moving to far away from Pittsburgh Steelers brand of football. Running game - check, big play WR - check, possession WR - check, great defense - check. Throw in Big Ben and the Steelers appear to be a lock in this position for years to come. This will hold especially true if Polumalu returns to form and Mendenhall shows he was no one year wonder.
2. Cleveland - Speaking of going in the wrong direction, the Browns will be shocked back to reality. A lot of exposure and even more games on television than the Pats, the Browns will almost live up to the hype after a brutal first couple of weeks. It is still to early to hand over the keys to Brady Quinn even though he beat up on the JV team of Wisconsin Wesleyan College in the preseason.
3. Baltimore - The Ravens might be getting older faster than we think. Ed Reed is questionable and Ray Lewis is coming off his worse season as a pro. The Ravens still are scary. Willis McGahee is the focal point with two young QB's handing off to him, and soon handing off to Ray Rice once Willis is hurt again. Still nothing special at WR, and the special teams is coming back around to championship form in Figurs. Will compete, but 7-9 is on its way.
4. Cincinnati - Barring any massive reconstructions, this Bengals team will struggle. Carson Palmer was beat up by the Saints in preseason. Chad ***** (Since he might have changed his name again by now like the WR formerly known as Chad or something stupid) has a bum shoulder and even bigger mouth. They cut there "franchise" running back and even more importantly, their best known offensive lineman. I hope Marvin Lewis is working on his resume to take over Notre Dame after Charlie Weis is fired for losing to Applachian State.
Playoffs
San Diego, New England, Indy, Pittsburgh, WC - Jacksonville, Buffalo
AFC East
1. New England - How is it that the team that nearly went undefeated last year gets the easiest schedule in the world out of the gate? Granted, most of the opponents are division foes, but then to get the NFC West? The Pats however will be shot down to reality this year amassing at best 11 wins. The defense is not only getting old, but getting worse. The only bright spot is Mayo, the rookie from Tennessee. Brady's foot "injury" wont be a problem.
2. Buffalo - The Bills take the next step. No, not the playoffs. They will compete in the East and miss out with a winning record. There are a lot of key components that are one year away for the Bills. Young receivers Hardy, Evans, Parrish, and Reid are still learning. Hardy will be a TD machine with his 6-6 frame and Evans showed he can stretch the field when healthy. QB Edwards has been banged up but will be fine as long as Lynch is in the backfield. Bills peak at 9 wins.
3. New York Jets - J-E-T-S, Jets Jets Jets are better. Sure they have Brett Favre. Sure the Offensive line is better. Sure they can win some games. They play 2 different style teams their first 5 games - Air it out in Seattle and Cardinals versus Smashmouth - Oakland, Jax, and Rams. They are in fight with Bills for 2nd place in the division. My nod goes to Bills, not the Mangenius.
4. Miami - Can you smell upset potential? I can. The Fins have two pro-bowl caliber backs once Ronnie Brown returns to form. That probably wont be until October and by then Ricky Williams will be hurt. Ted Ginn Jr takes the sophmore leap to becoming a potential deep threat and Chad Pennington guides this team to 6-10. Not bad after losing Jason Taylor.
AFC South
1. Indianapolis - Tricked ya. Still got the Colts on top. Peyton Manning's knee will be the focal point on this team for the first 3 weeks or so until he hits his stride. Marvin Harrison is back, Anthony Gonzalez is the new Brandon Stokely, and Reggis Wayne is Reggie Wayne. Don't expect the Colts to cruise as this is probably the 2nd best division in football with the NFC East. Bob Sanders makes an impact when he is on the field, but he wont make it more than 3 more years in the league with his style of play.
2. Jacksonville - Still second fiddle in the South, Jacksonville is no slouch but at the same time, no surprise. Jacksonville was one tragedy away from overtaking the Colts this year. With Peyton Manning nursing a gimpy leg, the Jags could capitalize off their pass rush and ball control offense were set to overtake the division crown that lives in Indy. Jaguars still need a big play WR to keep the defenses guessing.
3. Houston - The Texans are coming. The Texans are coming. They are this year's Titans. They could possibly sneak into the playoff mix with a healthy Schaub to Johnson combo. Super Mario Williams is a sack artist and is getting help on defense with Okoye and Ryans. The problem with this team despite no running back, is the health of Schaub and Johnson, more importantly Johnson.
4. Tennessee - Titans fall into the same trap as the New York Giants this year. You can have a solid team and still fall to last in your division at 8-8 or 7-9. The only problem that Tennessee has is an inability to put anyone outside the hash marks at WR. They drafted a trailblazer in Chris Johnson, but unless he is going to line up at flanker on 3rd down, its going to be hard to keep the defense off of Vince Young.
AFC West
1. San Diego - When your best players on both sides of the ball are playing with bum knees, its hard to pick them as the division winner right? Fortunately for the Chargers, it seems like they caught the entire division retooling. LT will be back to form, he has 2-3 more years of dominance before he pulls a Barry Sanders and walks away. Merriman is going to attempt to play on one leg in a position where he plays on pure speed. That is like Usain Bolt trying to run the 100m with a walking boot on his foot. Good luck Lights Out, but you are making a big gamble.
2a. Oakland - I like the running game. Not too many people talk about Justin Fargas, but it will be his running that will be why McFadden wins Rookie of the Year if he does. Fargas is actually listed as the pseudo starter, somewhat like Julius Jones in Dallas the last few years over Marion Barber. Fargas was actually the leading act at USC before the Reggie Bush show arrived. This running game will be aided greatly by a great defense and also anything Jamarcus Russell can do in play action.
2b. Denver - This team is tricky to figure out. They have two of the best corners in the game, a good young QB, a great young WR, and a running scheme that has caught on like the Plague. Two questions still remain: Why can't they stop the run? Who is going to run through those zone blocks? The Broncos play in the wrong division to not be good against the run.
4. Kansas City - The Chiefs are rebuilding. But they are on the fast track. Brodie Croyle to Bowe is going to be a hot connection. Larry Johnson is going to show he is not a one trick pony. A midseason trade to dump Tony Gonzalez to a contender will prove good since Gonzalez will probably only play 2-3 more years.
AFC North
1. Pittsburgh - Omar Epps really has this team turning the corner, but not moving to far away from Pittsburgh Steelers brand of football. Running game - check, big play WR - check, possession WR - check, great defense - check. Throw in Big Ben and the Steelers appear to be a lock in this position for years to come. This will hold especially true if Polumalu returns to form and Mendenhall shows he was no one year wonder.
2. Cleveland - Speaking of going in the wrong direction, the Browns will be shocked back to reality. A lot of exposure and even more games on television than the Pats, the Browns will almost live up to the hype after a brutal first couple of weeks. It is still to early to hand over the keys to Brady Quinn even though he beat up on the JV team of Wisconsin Wesleyan College in the preseason.
3. Baltimore - The Ravens might be getting older faster than we think. Ed Reed is questionable and Ray Lewis is coming off his worse season as a pro. The Ravens still are scary. Willis McGahee is the focal point with two young QB's handing off to him, and soon handing off to Ray Rice once Willis is hurt again. Still nothing special at WR, and the special teams is coming back around to championship form in Figurs. Will compete, but 7-9 is on its way.
4. Cincinnati - Barring any massive reconstructions, this Bengals team will struggle. Carson Palmer was beat up by the Saints in preseason. Chad ***** (Since he might have changed his name again by now like the WR formerly known as Chad or something stupid) has a bum shoulder and even bigger mouth. They cut there "franchise" running back and even more importantly, their best known offensive lineman. I hope Marvin Lewis is working on his resume to take over Notre Dame after Charlie Weis is fired for losing to Applachian State.
Playoffs
San Diego, New England, Indy, Pittsburgh, WC - Jacksonville, Buffalo
Monday, August 25, 2008
NFL 2008 Projections - NFC Edition
Hate it or love it, the Boys are on top. No - this is not a 50 Cent remix with the former members of G-Unit, these are my predictions for the upcoming football season. I usually do pretty good in my head, so now it is time to put these projections on digital paper to revisit in the "I Told You" post sure to come in January after my dreams come true.
NFC East
1. Dallas - The Boys are truly the best team in the NFC on paper. They have had some let downs in the past 2 postseasons but don't let that fool you. This team is the real deal. They have sured up their pass coverage woes (yes I am talking about Roy Horse Collar Williams) by drafting Jenkins and getting Adam Jones. Throw in Zach Thomas and the defense should be able to repeat its performance from last year. On offense, Marion will be unleashed and Felix the Great will flash some of that 8ypc he showed at Arkansas. TO, is TO and Patrick Crayton has the best job as 3rd fiddle since Steve Kerr.
2. Philadelphia - McNabb despite not having anyone to throw to of Pro-Bowl status will have a great year. Letting Westbrook pace the team as usual, the Eagle are my surprise pick to win the Wild Card. The defense should be able to defend the spread better than any other with 3 Pro Bowl caliber CBs. Desean Jackson is the difference maker this team has yurned for.
3. Washington - Let's face it, this is an over achieving team. After Sean Taylor's murder, they really banned together and rode their emotions to the playoffs. This year, they will be right in the thick of things with a heavy dose of Portis and defense. Jason Taylor will be ready for the upcoming season, ready to prove he is more than just a dancer with great looks.
4. New York Giants - From 1st to worst is usually a horrible thing for a franchise. But when you play in the toughest division in football, worst could mean you are 8-8 or 7-9. The lost of Strahan (currently on Brett Favre's retirement plan) and now Osi have left a vital hole to fill in what essentially won the championship: dominating pass rush.
NFC South
1. New Orleans - New defense, healthy (somewhat) backfield and did I mention new defense? The Saints should return to the form that got them deep into the playoffs two years ago despite a banged up running game. Duece McCallister is coming back again from knee surgery and Reggie Bush is not an every down back just yet. Look out for Pierre Thomas to fill the main carries role if Duece can't get loose. On the defensive side of the ball, the additions of Jon Vilma, Randall Gay, Sedrick Ellis and a few others should give the Saints enough defense to get at least to the 2nd round of the playoffs.
2. Carolina - Despite losing Steve Smith for 2 games for going Tyson on his teammate, the Panthers are in a good position. For once, they wont have to worry about losing Smith to injury early. Add despite all of the woes they faced last year with QBs, the defense played lights out and the team finished 7-9.
3. Atlanta - Rebuilding is in full swing and so is the Matt Ryan era. He has been named the starter which equates to him trying not to mess up more than win games. This should be a clinic of Big Ben in Pitt his first year with a massive ground game. Michael Turner will try to prove he is worthy of starter money and Jerious Norwood will try to prove he is still relevant as a change of pace back.
4. Tampa Bay - Although they did not have any relevant personnel changes, I just think last year was a fluke. The Bucs played great defense, made plays when they had to, but mostly capitalized from a weak division and injuries. It seems like you just keep waiting on father time to finally catch up with this team (Garcia, Galloway, Brooks, Barber, etc.) and it seems it is this year. Everyone else in the division made significant moves, the Bucs dropped the buck.
NFC West
1. Seattle - It's not that the Seahawks are that good, but more of saying that this could be the weakest division in football. Despite the star power (Hasselbeck, Holt, Jackson, Warner/Leinart, Gore, Fitz/Bolden), this division has some of the weaker teams around. Seattle may struggle early with a number of receivers out, but it should be better after the return of Branch and Engram that should lead them to their 6th consecutive conference title.
2. St. Louis - Not that the Rams have made any key improvements, but again this division is lacking the key ingredients to knock them any lower. The Rams drafted a speed rush energy guy in Chris Long but didnt sure up the gaping holes they had at WR, DT, CB, S, or depth anywhere else. Long will be able to help get pressure on the pass happy West but these teams have superior talent at WR compared to the Rams Db's.
3. Arizona - Matt Leinart is about to lose his job to a busboy. Well not really, this busboy is Super Bowl MVP Kurt Warner. Leinart, overhyped but decent qb, has never really lived up to the hype. His lack of cannon arm has not been helped by his poor judgement or glaring accuracy problems. I liked Leinart coming into this year, he should have been able to hit a lot of quick hitters to his star combo of Fitzgerald/Bolden. However, after Kurt Warner gets hurt (its inevitable), the shine will be on Leinart, and if the light is too bright, he may become the next David Carr.
4. San Francisco - Mike Martz is a genius. He found a way to blow the biggest game and point spread in Super Bowl history (before the 18-1 Pats). What has that gotten him? Two more offensive coordinator positions. Will Martz finally run the ball in a WR deprived offense of the 49ers? Frank Gore will try to stay healthy, Ike Bruce will be a good role model and creep towards more HOF credentials, and the defense will be tough. But a team that is debating between JT O'Sullivan and Shaun Hill as the starting qb can not be serious about a playoff push, can they?
NFC North
1. Green Bay - Yes. Brett Favre is gone. Yes Aaron Rodgers is inexperienced and wide-eyed. But the Packers are going to prove the critics wrong and prosper post Favre. The defense is turning the corner, but needs some young blood in the secondary to help Woodson and Al Harris as they start to wind down. Otherwise, the defense is stout, Ryan Grant will see if he was a one-year wonder and the boo birds will be out early if Rodgers doesnt deliver. No fret, he will.
2. Minnesota - Despite all the hype surrounding the defense and running game, this team just doesn't seem to impress you. Of course, their is the traditional talk that Peterson and Taylor are enough to walk through the division, but your team can not be built solely on the ground. Tavaris Jackson will be good enough to lead them down the stretch, especially since they have one of the easiest schedules after week 9.
3. Detroit - Post Mike Martz Detroit will fair better on offense that with Martz. The arrogance that comes with Martz has rubbed off and the team is better for that, but even the genius needs a reality check sometimes. A more balanced attack will help this retooled defense keep a number of games close, but they still will fall under .500.
4. Chicago - The Bears are starting Kyle Orton at qb, Devin Hester at WR, and a rookie RB, Matt Forte. Yes they are rebuilding. A few years removed from a Super Bowl lost, the Bears seem to be getting long in the tooth on their staple, defense. Mike Brown doesn't look the same, Urlacher has chronic back pain, and the corners look very suspect.
Playoffs
Dallas, Green Bay, Seattle, New Orleans, WC - Philadelphia, Minnesota
NFC East
1. Dallas - The Boys are truly the best team in the NFC on paper. They have had some let downs in the past 2 postseasons but don't let that fool you. This team is the real deal. They have sured up their pass coverage woes (yes I am talking about Roy Horse Collar Williams) by drafting Jenkins and getting Adam Jones. Throw in Zach Thomas and the defense should be able to repeat its performance from last year. On offense, Marion will be unleashed and Felix the Great will flash some of that 8ypc he showed at Arkansas. TO, is TO and Patrick Crayton has the best job as 3rd fiddle since Steve Kerr.
2. Philadelphia - McNabb despite not having anyone to throw to of Pro-Bowl status will have a great year. Letting Westbrook pace the team as usual, the Eagle are my surprise pick to win the Wild Card. The defense should be able to defend the spread better than any other with 3 Pro Bowl caliber CBs. Desean Jackson is the difference maker this team has yurned for.
3. Washington - Let's face it, this is an over achieving team. After Sean Taylor's murder, they really banned together and rode their emotions to the playoffs. This year, they will be right in the thick of things with a heavy dose of Portis and defense. Jason Taylor will be ready for the upcoming season, ready to prove he is more than just a dancer with great looks.
4. New York Giants - From 1st to worst is usually a horrible thing for a franchise. But when you play in the toughest division in football, worst could mean you are 8-8 or 7-9. The lost of Strahan (currently on Brett Favre's retirement plan) and now Osi have left a vital hole to fill in what essentially won the championship: dominating pass rush.
NFC South
1. New Orleans - New defense, healthy (somewhat) backfield and did I mention new defense? The Saints should return to the form that got them deep into the playoffs two years ago despite a banged up running game. Duece McCallister is coming back again from knee surgery and Reggie Bush is not an every down back just yet. Look out for Pierre Thomas to fill the main carries role if Duece can't get loose. On the defensive side of the ball, the additions of Jon Vilma, Randall Gay, Sedrick Ellis and a few others should give the Saints enough defense to get at least to the 2nd round of the playoffs.
2. Carolina - Despite losing Steve Smith for 2 games for going Tyson on his teammate, the Panthers are in a good position. For once, they wont have to worry about losing Smith to injury early. Add despite all of the woes they faced last year with QBs, the defense played lights out and the team finished 7-9.
3. Atlanta - Rebuilding is in full swing and so is the Matt Ryan era. He has been named the starter which equates to him trying not to mess up more than win games. This should be a clinic of Big Ben in Pitt his first year with a massive ground game. Michael Turner will try to prove he is worthy of starter money and Jerious Norwood will try to prove he is still relevant as a change of pace back.
4. Tampa Bay - Although they did not have any relevant personnel changes, I just think last year was a fluke. The Bucs played great defense, made plays when they had to, but mostly capitalized from a weak division and injuries. It seems like you just keep waiting on father time to finally catch up with this team (Garcia, Galloway, Brooks, Barber, etc.) and it seems it is this year. Everyone else in the division made significant moves, the Bucs dropped the buck.
NFC West
1. Seattle - It's not that the Seahawks are that good, but more of saying that this could be the weakest division in football. Despite the star power (Hasselbeck, Holt, Jackson, Warner/Leinart, Gore, Fitz/Bolden), this division has some of the weaker teams around. Seattle may struggle early with a number of receivers out, but it should be better after the return of Branch and Engram that should lead them to their 6th consecutive conference title.
2. St. Louis - Not that the Rams have made any key improvements, but again this division is lacking the key ingredients to knock them any lower. The Rams drafted a speed rush energy guy in Chris Long but didnt sure up the gaping holes they had at WR, DT, CB, S, or depth anywhere else. Long will be able to help get pressure on the pass happy West but these teams have superior talent at WR compared to the Rams Db's.
3. Arizona - Matt Leinart is about to lose his job to a busboy. Well not really, this busboy is Super Bowl MVP Kurt Warner. Leinart, overhyped but decent qb, has never really lived up to the hype. His lack of cannon arm has not been helped by his poor judgement or glaring accuracy problems. I liked Leinart coming into this year, he should have been able to hit a lot of quick hitters to his star combo of Fitzgerald/Bolden. However, after Kurt Warner gets hurt (its inevitable), the shine will be on Leinart, and if the light is too bright, he may become the next David Carr.
4. San Francisco - Mike Martz is a genius. He found a way to blow the biggest game and point spread in Super Bowl history (before the 18-1 Pats). What has that gotten him? Two more offensive coordinator positions. Will Martz finally run the ball in a WR deprived offense of the 49ers? Frank Gore will try to stay healthy, Ike Bruce will be a good role model and creep towards more HOF credentials, and the defense will be tough. But a team that is debating between JT O'Sullivan and Shaun Hill as the starting qb can not be serious about a playoff push, can they?
NFC North
1. Green Bay - Yes. Brett Favre is gone. Yes Aaron Rodgers is inexperienced and wide-eyed. But the Packers are going to prove the critics wrong and prosper post Favre. The defense is turning the corner, but needs some young blood in the secondary to help Woodson and Al Harris as they start to wind down. Otherwise, the defense is stout, Ryan Grant will see if he was a one-year wonder and the boo birds will be out early if Rodgers doesnt deliver. No fret, he will.
2. Minnesota - Despite all the hype surrounding the defense and running game, this team just doesn't seem to impress you. Of course, their is the traditional talk that Peterson and Taylor are enough to walk through the division, but your team can not be built solely on the ground. Tavaris Jackson will be good enough to lead them down the stretch, especially since they have one of the easiest schedules after week 9.
3. Detroit - Post Mike Martz Detroit will fair better on offense that with Martz. The arrogance that comes with Martz has rubbed off and the team is better for that, but even the genius needs a reality check sometimes. A more balanced attack will help this retooled defense keep a number of games close, but they still will fall under .500.
4. Chicago - The Bears are starting Kyle Orton at qb, Devin Hester at WR, and a rookie RB, Matt Forte. Yes they are rebuilding. A few years removed from a Super Bowl lost, the Bears seem to be getting long in the tooth on their staple, defense. Mike Brown doesn't look the same, Urlacher has chronic back pain, and the corners look very suspect.
Playoffs
Dallas, Green Bay, Seattle, New Orleans, WC - Philadelphia, Minnesota
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