It is that time again. The smell of fresh cut
grass fills the nose. The chill of an autumn night is on the horizon. Shoulder
pads and helmets cracking ring through the ears of fans all over the country.
Carrie Underwood and those gorgeous legs are going to excite us even more for
Sunday night. However, America’s Game is back on Thursdays and Mondays too.
Football season is here again.
Like millions of sports fans, I am primarily an
NFL guy. Football is king; everything else is in competition for a distant
second. That is why this is such an important and exciting time of the year. Life
finally returns to normalcy with the return of professional football. Well,
professional football and whatever the New York Jets are doing. The 2013
regular season kicks off Thursday night when the defending Super Bowl Champion
Baltimore Ravens take on the Denver Broncos in Denver. Meanwhile, the rest of
the league kicks off their 2012 this upcoming Sunday and Monday. After a
wonderful summer with a terrific baseball season, an exciting IndyCar Series
season, thrilling marquee UFC fights, and even NASCAR providing a few
attention-grabbing moments, it is nice to say that football season is finally
back.
As I have done since the beginning of The
Highlight Reel, it is time for my annual preview of the upcoming NFL season. In
the upcoming series of blogs, I am briefly going to preview all 32 teams for
the upcoming 2013 season. In addition, I will be making predictions that you
can take to the bank. Last year, I predicted Baltimore would make the Super
Bowl while correctly predicting seven of the 12 NFL playoff teams. Yeah, I
know, not that great. Still, it is fun to make predictions about the upcoming
NFL season and watch as the majority of them are destroyed by Week 5. This is
my preview of the 2013 NFL season – concluding with the NFC.
NFL Team Previews - The NFC
NFC East
Dallas Cowboys – Dallas enters 2013 with another
offseason of lofty expectations delusions of grandeur. Tony Romo is entering
his eleventh season with a huge new contract and a new offensive coordinator in
Bill Callahan. After finishing 8-8 and missing the postseason again, the
Cowboys brought in Callahan and new defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin as part
of a coaching shake-up that changed everyone except for head coach Jason
Garrett. The Cowboys have many studs on offense including running back DeMarco
Murray, wide receiver Dez Bryant, and tight end Jason Witten for Romo to work
with. The Dallas defense, which faltered late in 2012, has a new look with
Kiffin installing a 4-3 defense. DeMarcus Ware returns to the defensive line
and, alongside Anthony Spencer, make for one of the more impressive front fours
in the game. Dallas’ secondary still looks like a mess though so any opposition
with a strong offensive line will give Dallas issues. Frankly, I love the
Cowboys. They are the team of my youth. However, I do not have faith in them
doing anything special again this season. Dallas is all talk and little
execution again in 2013. At best, they will contend for a Wild Card berth and
nothing more. (Estimated number of wins: 7-9)
New York Giants – Last season’s 9-7 record was a
disappointment for the New York Giants. They either seem to be feast or famine
when it comes to making the postseason. After winning it all in 2011, they
missed the postseason in 2012. I do not think they will miss the playoffs in
2013. Eli Manning has an explosive offense around him. I believe second-year
running back David Wilson has a lot of potential to become a breakout star in
New York. Meanwhile, the receiving tandem of Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks make
for one of the best receiving duos in the game. New York lost veteran defensive
end Osi Umenyiora to Atlanta through free agency but remains strong with the
addition of Cullen Jenkins to the defensive line. New York has all of the
potential in the world to go far and make another Super Bowl run. While they
will battle Washington for the division title, I think a postseason berth as a
division winner or Wild Card is inevitable. (Estimated number of wins: 9-11)
Philadelphia Eagles – 2013 is a new era for the
Philadelphia Eagles. After 14 years, Andy Reid is now in Kansas City. New head
coach Chip Kelly is bringing new energy to the Eagles after coaching the Oregon
Ducks to three Pac-12 titles and four BCS games in four seasons. Michael Vick
beat Nick Foles for the starting quarterback job; a decision I question as Vick
is more fragile than fine china in a bullpen. Philadelphia has an amazing
offense on paper with running back LeSean McCoy emerging as one of the premiere
backs in the game. DeSean Jackson and Riley Cooper make for a terrific wide
receiving tandem for Vick to work with while Brent Celek is quietly one of the
best tight ends in the game. However, I believe Philadelphia will miss Jeremy
Maclin after he suffered a season-ending injury in training camp. Philadelphia’s
defense still leaves a lot to desire, as the Eagles do not appear to have
improved on that end of the ball. I do not believe Philadelphia will contend
for the postseason, as I do not believe Vick will stay healthy again. However,
the Eagles will greatly improve on last season’s woeful 4-12 record. (Estimated
number of wins: 6-8)
Washington Redskins – Robert Griffin III and Albert
Morris led a rejuvenation of the Washington Redskins that few could have seen.
The Redskins returned to the playoffs and, if not for injuries late in the
season and a heartbreaking injury during their playoff game against the
Seahawks, appeared like a championship contender. I believe Washington can be a
dangerous team again in 2013 provided they remain healthy. Griffin, returning
from knee surgery, will see his first in-game action on Sunday. I believe we
will see quickly if RGIII is back or if he will suffer from a sophomore slump.
Frankly, I believe Griffin and the Redskins will be fine. The return of
linebacker Brian Orakpo to the defense after last season’s injury will only
make a solid defense that much stronger. I believe Washington will contend for
the division title or a return to the playoffs with a Wild Card berth. The
Washington Redskins are going to be a very dangerous team in 2013. (Estimated
number of wins: 9-11)
NFC North
Chicago Bears – After starting last season 7-1,
the Chicago Bears collapsed in an epic fashion and missed the playoffs. Head
coach Lovie Smith is gone, replaced with new head coach Marc Trestman. Jay
Cutler remains at quarterback and is coming off a decent 2012. Matt Forte is a
talented running back who worked wonderfully with Michael Bush last season in
the backfield. Brandon Marshall is still one of the premiere wide receivers in
the game while Earl Bennett is more clutch than people give him credit.
Chicago’s defense will look drastically different with the retirement of
linebacker Brian Urlacher. However, the defense remains strong with Julius
Peppers, Lance Briggs, and Charles Tillman as standout talents. In addition,
Devin Hester is still one of the most dangerous kick returners in the game. I
think Chicago could be a dangerous team in 2013. If the Bears can avoid another
collapse, a playoff appearance and run is not out of the question for Chicago.
(Estimated number of wins: 9-11)
Detroit Lions – This is a make-or-break season
for the Detroit Lions. In his fifth season, head coach Jim Schwartz must
improve on last year’s 4-12 disappointment. Matthew Stafford has the best wide
receiver in the game on his team in Calvin Johnson. The acquisition of running
back Reggie Bush from Miami will give Stafford another weapon to work with.
Detroit’s defense must learn to play cleaner football as penalties, especially
dumb penalties for over-aggressive play, hurt the Lions in 2012. Defensive
tackles Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley are dominant at their position but both
make dumb mistakes that only hurt the Lions. Detroit must clean up on that side
of the ball to return to the playoff success of 2011. I think Detroit will
improve, record-wise, but not enough to make the postseason. (Estimated number
of wins: 6-8)
Green Bay Packers – The Green Bay Packers are
looking to improve on an 11-5 season and loss to eventual NFC Champion San
Francisco in the playoffs. However, this year’s team looks completely different
from last year’s squad on the offense side of the ball. Aaron Rodgers finally
has some talent to work with at the running back position in the form of
rookies Eddie Lacy and Johnathan Franklin. Jordy Nelson, James Jones, and
Randall Cobb are Rodgers’ primary wide receiving threats with the departures of
Greg Jennings (now in Minnesota) and Donald Driver (retired). A healthy
Jermichael Finlay returning at tight end will boost the Packers offense. On the
defensive side of the ball, Green Bay is still young, powerful, and dominant
everywhere except for the secondary. I like Green Bay’s chances to make a run
in the postseason again in 2013. As long as Aaron Rodgers remains healthy, I
believe Green Bay will be a contender for the Super Bowl. (Estimated number of
wins: 10-12)
Minnesota Vikings – Without Adrian Peterson, the
Minnesota Vikings just look ugly to me. With Adrian Peterson, the Minnesota
Vikings are one of the most interesting teams in the league. Quarterback
Christian Ponder is leading a Vikings team that rode AP’s shoulders into the
postseason last year onto the field in 2013 with a new receiving corps including
Greg Jennings from Green Bay and a resigned Jerome Simpson. Still, I believe
Minnesota will miss Percy Harvin tremendously. Jennings is not the only Packer
to join the Vikings for 2013 as they also signed linebacker Desmond Bishop.
Bishop’s addition will only help a defense that was surprisingly dominant last
season. I do not believe Minnesota will return to the playoffs in 2013.
However, I do not believe they will be horrible either. Minnesota is going to
be in the hunt all season long and may flirt with a Wild Card berth. (Estimated
number of wins: 7-9)
NFC South
Atlanta Falcons – The Atlanta Falcons were one win
away from a Super Bowl appearance after losing in the NFC Championship Game to
the San Francisco 49ers. For the first time in a long time, the Atlanta Falcons
actually did something in the postseason and appeared to live up to all of
their potential. Coming off a division win, I believe Atlanta can actually improve
on their 2012 campaign with an offseason filled with quality additions. Atlanta
added running back Steven Jackson from St. Louis to replace Michael Turner, a
move that will add veteran motivation for young running back Jacquizz Rodgers.
Tight end Tony Gonzales returns for his 17th season and will be a
lead target for Matt Ryan alongside wide receivers Roddy White and Julio Jones.
On the defensive side of the ball, Atlanta improved with the addition of
defensive end Osi Umenyiora from New York. I think Atlanta is finally ready for
a major run after finally tasting success with a division title and a playoff
victory in 2012. The NFC South is going to be competitive with the returning
New Orleans Saints and youthful Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers in
the division. Even if Atlanta only lands a Wild Card bid, the Falcons will be a
threat in 2013. (Estimated number of wins: 10-12)
Carolina Panthers – 2013 is a make-or-break year for
Ron Rivera and the Carolina Panthers. As talented as quarterback Cam Newton is,
two years of showboating and “mine first” football have me looking for Newton
finally to prove himself as a leader in Carolina. The Panthers have plenty of
weapons on offense. DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart are terrific running
backs. Newly acquired wide receiver Ted Ginn, Jr. joins tight end Greg Olsen
and wide receivers Steve Smith and Brandon LaFell as part of a litany of
options for Newton. Carolina has arguably the best linebacker in the game right
now in Luke Kuechly and boasts a new mix of youth talent and veteran leadership
on defense. Carolina has no excuses for finishing with another losing season.
They have no excuses yet I fear they will end 2013 with another losing
campaign. (Estimated number of wins: 6-8)
New Orleans Saints – For the first time since 2011, the
New Orleans Saints are back in the league. Last season was a loss due to the
ridiculous punishments from the infamous “Bounty Gate.” Head coach Sean Payton
is back after serving a one-year suspension and inherits a team coming off a
7-9 record. Drew Brees is looking to get back in winning form with his coach
and high-powered offense. I love New Orleans’ three-man backfield of Mark
Ingram, Pierre Thomas, and Darren Sproles. Jimmy Graham is one of the best
tight ends in the league and still has lots of room to grow. New Orleans
defense has room to grow and it was a weakness of the team last season. New
defensive coordinator Rob Ryan should improve that defense greatly although the
loss of defensive end Will Smith for the season due to injury is a tough blow
early. I think New Orleans is going to return to playoff form in 2013. They
will fight Atlanta to the final week for the division title. Regardless of if
they win the division or not, the Saints will be a playoff team in 2013. (Estimated
number of wins: 10-12)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – For many teams, a 7-9 record was
a disappointment in 2012. For the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, it was a great
improvement. Greg Schiano led the Buccaneers with the energy and vigor he used
at Rutgers and turned Tampa Bay into one of the hardest teams to beat in the
league. Second-year running back Doug Martin looks to continue his fantastic
start as the main weapon for quarterback Josh Freeman. Tampa Bay’s outstanding
young defense should only improve with experience. The loss of Ronde Barber to
retirement places the leadership role on newly acquired CB Darrelle Revis. I
believe a healthy Revis elevates Tampa Bay’s defense to another level. Tampa
Bay may have a slim chance at a Wild Card berth. More than likely, Tampa Bay
will flirt with a .500 record and play spoiler to many late in the season. (Estimated
number of wins: 7-9)
NFC West
Arizona Cardinals – The Arizona Cardinals enter 2013
with a new head coach and finally some stability at quarterback. Bruce Arians,
the assistant who led Indianapolis to the postseason in 2012 while Chuck Pagano
battled cancer, takes over the Cardinals. Despite not returning to the form he
had in Cincinnati before his knee injury in 2005, Carson Palmer will provide
veteran leadership and more talent at quarterback than the revolving door of
starters had last season. The addition of running back Rashard Mendenhall from
Pittsburgh will improve one of the league’s worst running games. I think Palmer
will also help Larry Fitzgerald return to form as one of the elite wide
receivers in the game as well. On the defensive side of the ball, I think
Arizona could be one of the best defenses in the league as the talent is there.
Darnell Dockett is one of the best defensive linemen in the game. Meanwhile, if
rookie Tyrann Mathieu can stay out of legal troubles, he could join third-year
cornerback Patrick Peterson to form an exciting and dangerous secondary tandem.
I think Arizona could surprise many in 2013. I do not think they are in the
same league as San Francisco or Seattle. However, Arizona could flirt with .500
and be a spoiler to many late in the season. (Estimated number of wins: 6-8)
San Francisco 49ers – After coming so close to winning
the Super Bowl last season, the San Francisco 49ers are one of the odds-on
favorites to win it all in 2013. Quarterback Colin Kaepernick steps into his
first full season as starting QB with enough hype surrounding him to make you
believe he was the combination of Tim Tebow, Peyton Manning, and Tom Brady. Still,
even though he showed signs of greatness in 2012, I feel Kaepernick will come
back to Earth in 2013 because I do not believe he is as good as the hype
suggests. With that said, San Francisco is still a legit Super Bowl contender.
San Francisco will miss Mario Manningham for a chunk of the season and Michael
Crabtree for the entire season due to injuries. However, the addition of former
Raven Anquan Boldin will give Colin Kaepernick a much-needed weapon to go
alongside tight end Vernon Davis. Meanwhile, their defense is one of the best
in the game. Patrick Willis may be the best linebacker in all of football. The
addition of Nnamdi Asomugha only adds veteran leadership and experience to an
already-talented secondary. If the 49ers can stay healthy and productive on the
offensive side of the ball, their defense can carry them far into the
postseason. The 49ers will have a dogfight with Seattle for the division title.
However, I believe both teams will be postseason bound and the 49ers have another
Super Bowl appearance within their grasp. (Estimated number of wins: 10-12)
Seattle Seahawks – Russell Wilson brought in a
breath of fresh air to the Seattle Seahawks and it showed as Seattle almost
made it to the NFC Championship Game with their rookie QB last season. In his
second year, I think a sophomore slump is out of the question for Wilson as he
has too much talent around him. The addition of Percy Harvin from Minnesota
will only help Seattle when Harvin returns from injury. Marshawn Lynch
continues to be one of the league’s top running backs and Zach Miller is
quietly one of football’s top tight ends. Meanwhile, Seattle brings back one of
the best defenses in the game. For a defense loaded with unfamiliar names, the
group plays together as a whole unit unlike few in the league. I like Seattle’s
chances to win the challenging NFC West over San Francisco. However, even if
they do not win the division, a Wild Card berth is definitely not out of reason
for this talented team. (Estimated number of wins: 10-12)
St. Louis Rams – This is Sam Bradford’s year to
show if he is a superstar quarterback or another #1 Draft pick bust. Sadly, for
Bradford, he is going into 2013 without any major weapons around him. Wide
receiver Danny Amendola is now in New England. Running back Steven Jackson is
now in Atlanta. While the Rams are younger on offense, they are also going to
have to learn a lot while playing in a challenging NFC West. This is not the
same team that went 2-1-1 against San Francisco and Seattle in 2012. This team
is a lot weaker on both sides of the ball and I think it will show. Chris Long
and James Laurinaitis will do the best they can to lead this defense. However,
defense alone will not keep St. Louis in the thick of things. I think the Rams
will return to form as one of the league’s more disappointing teams in 2013.
There is just very little to like about the Rams. (Estimated number of wins:
4-6)
Division Predictions (w/ Division Winners and Wild Card
Teams in Bold)
NFC East – New York Giants, Washington Redskins, Dallas
Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles
NFC North - Green Bay Packers,
Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings,
Detroit Lions
NFC South – Atlanta Falcons,
New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Carolina Panthers
NFC West – Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers, Arizona
Cardinals, St. Louis Rams
NFC Championship Game Prediction
Seattle Seahawks 38 – New York
Giants 28
Super Bowl XLVII Prediction
On February 2nd, 2014, Super Bowl
XLVIII will take place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The
potential is there for snow, bitter cold weather, and one of the greatest
spectacles in professional sports history. I am sure an overrated and aging
musical act will perform at halftime. In addition, I am sure it will be the
biggest event in Super Bowl history to date.
My prediction for Super Bowl XLVIII is that the
Denver Broncos will defeat the Seattle Seahawks to win the Super Bowl. Despite
the hopes and dreams of New York faithful, a Manning will hold the Lombardi
Trophy in MetLife Stadium – Peyton Manning. Denver is winning it all this
season.
