Angry Pope
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Line Of Scrimmage: Five Teams On The Rise, Five On The Decline
Thursday July 06, 2006 6:10pm
Roughly two weeks remain until the Philadelphia Eagles become the first of the NFL's 32 teams to report to training camp. By the end of July, each of the league's clubs will be toiling in the mid-summer heat, preparing for a run toward Super Bowl XLI and the equally mild climate of Miami on February 4th.
Before the real fun starts, let's take a look at a handful of teams for which optimism should abound, as well as a few of those who should be concerned as they get set to report:
ON THE RISE
Philadelphia
It's not as if the Eagles are trying to pull themselves out of the ashes, though you wouldn't know it to hear some of the pessimism emanating throughout Philadelphia at this very moment. Yes, the Birds come off a last-place finish. Yes, the Cowboys, Giants, and Redskins (website - news) all appear to have improved within Philly's division. And yes, in the absence of Terrell Owens, Andy Reid's team once again lacks a bona fide No. 1 receiver. But here's why none of that matters. Donovan McNabb is back and healthy, and let's not forget those three straight NFC Championship appearances that he engineered before Owens disgraced the City of Brotherly Love with his presence. The draft, which netted potential immediate starters in defensive lineman Brodrick Bunkley (Florida State) and offensive tackle Winston Justice (USC), was a boon. In free agency, the team picked up former Saint Darren Howard, a top-of-the-line pass rusher still very much in his prime. And perhaps most significantly, the chemistry on this team will be immeasurably better in Owens' absence, as the players will be more relaxed and Reid won't have to worry about contending with the constant soap opera that was the T.O. saga. Worst to first in the NFC East? It's a distinct possibility.
Cleveland
The Browns' 2006 roster bears little resemblance to the one that Romeo Crennel inherited from Butch Davis prior to last season, when talent-thin Cleveland did well to find a way to win six games. The defensive side of the ball, Crennel's specialty, now has enough quality players to fit the scheme. First- round draft pick Kamerion Wimbley (Florida State) and free agent pickup Willie McGinest will prop up the league's worst pass rush from a year ago. Though a bit long in the tooth, veteran Ted Washington offers the Browns a much-needed d-line presence in the middle of the 3-4. Second-round draft choice and inside linebacker D'Qwell Jackson (Maryland) has a chance to make a million tackles in Crennel's system. Offense is still a concern, in that inexperienced Charlie Frye and Ken Dorsey are currently 1-2 on the depth chart at quarterback, but there is a great deal of promise here as well. Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow both have star potential, and free agent wideout Joe Jurevicius proved last year in Seattle that he can carry the load as a No. 1 receiver if necessary. The offensive line made major strides last season and now has former Saint LeCharles Bentley to anchor the group. Reuben Droughns' off-the- field problems are troubling, but he comes off a 1,000-yard season and can at least keep defenses honest. The AFC North will probably be about the Bengals and Steelers again this year, but the Browns figure to be mighty dangerous as well.
Oakland
Just when you were ready to write the Silver and Black off as a laughingstock, they go out and have their best offseason in recent memory. The Art Shell hiring may have lacked imagination, and the exhumation of Tom Walsh to reclaim offensive coordinator duties after nearly a decade away from the game may have been disconcerting, but a look at the talent on the roster should offer a tremendous amount of hope in Oakland. The defense was the major problem area last year, and the Raiders should be much better in that department. Rookie safeties Michael Huff (Texas) and Darnell Bing (USC) are both talented enough to start, and if free agent corners Tyrone Poole and Duane Starks can remain healthy (a big "if" given their injury history), the secondary should be in fine shape. Former Viking Lance Johnstone gives Oakland the pass rusher it has lacked, and his presence should also free up Warren Sapp to live up to the potential he has yet to realize in a Raider uniform. At quarterback, Aaron Brooks is an upgrade over Kerry Collins, and if Randy Moss and Jerry Porter are both healthy, it is hard to imagine him failing. LaMont Jordan showed glimpses of greatness at running back last season, and the young offensive line appears ready to arrive as well. If the Raiders can have a little better luck with injuries and Shell can help improve the locker room chemistry, a renaissance could be imminent for one of the league's most storied franchises.
Detroit
If you're a Lions fan, and you've seen your team win exactly one playoff game since 1957, you are no doubt chuckling at the mention of this star-crossed franchise in this section. Unless your last name is "Ford," you no doubt think Lions GM Matt Millen is an utter buffoon, and when the organization hired former Tampa Bay d-line coach Rod Marinelli as its latest head coach, you weren't scouting out a spot in Motor City's downtown for when the Super Bowl parade rolls through. But here's why you can allow yourself to believe. The two new coordinators - Mike Martz on offense and Donnie Henderson on defense - are two of the best in the business. Though neither Jon Kitna nor Josh McCown is much of an upgrade over Joey Harrington at the quarterback position, both are tough, likeable guys who won't divide the locker room as did Harrington. McCown, who has the better arm, figures to finish the year as the starter, and he does have some talent (remember Roy Williams, Charles Rogers, and Mike Williams?) with which to work. But the defensive side of the ball is where this team should undergo its greatest transformation. Marinelli added a couple of key pieces like linebacker Ernie Sims (Florida State) and safety Daniel Bullocks (Nebraska) via the draft, and should be able to get more out of talented holdovers like Dre' Bly, Kalimba Edwards, and Shaun Rogers than Steve Mariucci ever could. Plus, the NFC North is still basically up for grabs, meaning this team has a realistic shot to enter December with something to play for.
New Orleans
Well of course the Saints are on the rise, since there's nowhere else to go after a 3-13 season, right? True, but the franchise could be looking at something of a drastic turnaround, rather than just a modest one. The offense was a strong point before Drew Brees and Reggie Bush (USC) were added to the equation, and those two players, along with holdovers Joe Horn, Deuce McAllister, and Donte' Stallworth, will help this team score a lot of points. The defensive front seven will be the biggest concern for first-year head coach Sean Payton's squad, since former starters in end Darren Howard and linebackers Courtney Watson and Sedrick Hodge have all relocated, but there is enough talent within the pass rush (Will Smith, Charles Grant) and in the secondary (Dwight Smith, Mike McKenzie, Josh Bullocks) to ensure that the defense won't be a disaster. And let's not underestimate the fact that the Saints will once again have a home field at which to play and a home city behind the team for an entire year. It's not going to be easy for Payton and company to emerge from a division that includes recent playoff entries in the Panthers, Buccaneers, and Falcons, but the talent is there for the team to at least make an impression in the NFC South.
Honorable Mention: Cardinals, Falcons, Dolphins, Texans, Packers
cont'd....
Thursday July 06, 2006 6:10pm
Roughly two weeks remain until the Philadelphia Eagles become the first of the NFL's 32 teams to report to training camp. By the end of July, each of the league's clubs will be toiling in the mid-summer heat, preparing for a run toward Super Bowl XLI and the equally mild climate of Miami on February 4th.
Before the real fun starts, let's take a look at a handful of teams for which optimism should abound, as well as a few of those who should be concerned as they get set to report:
ON THE RISE
Philadelphia
It's not as if the Eagles are trying to pull themselves out of the ashes, though you wouldn't know it to hear some of the pessimism emanating throughout Philadelphia at this very moment. Yes, the Birds come off a last-place finish. Yes, the Cowboys, Giants, and Redskins (website - news) all appear to have improved within Philly's division. And yes, in the absence of Terrell Owens, Andy Reid's team once again lacks a bona fide No. 1 receiver. But here's why none of that matters. Donovan McNabb is back and healthy, and let's not forget those three straight NFC Championship appearances that he engineered before Owens disgraced the City of Brotherly Love with his presence. The draft, which netted potential immediate starters in defensive lineman Brodrick Bunkley (Florida State) and offensive tackle Winston Justice (USC), was a boon. In free agency, the team picked up former Saint Darren Howard, a top-of-the-line pass rusher still very much in his prime. And perhaps most significantly, the chemistry on this team will be immeasurably better in Owens' absence, as the players will be more relaxed and Reid won't have to worry about contending with the constant soap opera that was the T.O. saga. Worst to first in the NFC East? It's a distinct possibility.
Cleveland
The Browns' 2006 roster bears little resemblance to the one that Romeo Crennel inherited from Butch Davis prior to last season, when talent-thin Cleveland did well to find a way to win six games. The defensive side of the ball, Crennel's specialty, now has enough quality players to fit the scheme. First- round draft pick Kamerion Wimbley (Florida State) and free agent pickup Willie McGinest will prop up the league's worst pass rush from a year ago. Though a bit long in the tooth, veteran Ted Washington offers the Browns a much-needed d-line presence in the middle of the 3-4. Second-round draft choice and inside linebacker D'Qwell Jackson (Maryland) has a chance to make a million tackles in Crennel's system. Offense is still a concern, in that inexperienced Charlie Frye and Ken Dorsey are currently 1-2 on the depth chart at quarterback, but there is a great deal of promise here as well. Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow both have star potential, and free agent wideout Joe Jurevicius proved last year in Seattle that he can carry the load as a No. 1 receiver if necessary. The offensive line made major strides last season and now has former Saint LeCharles Bentley to anchor the group. Reuben Droughns' off-the- field problems are troubling, but he comes off a 1,000-yard season and can at least keep defenses honest. The AFC North will probably be about the Bengals and Steelers again this year, but the Browns figure to be mighty dangerous as well.
Oakland
Just when you were ready to write the Silver and Black off as a laughingstock, they go out and have their best offseason in recent memory. The Art Shell hiring may have lacked imagination, and the exhumation of Tom Walsh to reclaim offensive coordinator duties after nearly a decade away from the game may have been disconcerting, but a look at the talent on the roster should offer a tremendous amount of hope in Oakland. The defense was the major problem area last year, and the Raiders should be much better in that department. Rookie safeties Michael Huff (Texas) and Darnell Bing (USC) are both talented enough to start, and if free agent corners Tyrone Poole and Duane Starks can remain healthy (a big "if" given their injury history), the secondary should be in fine shape. Former Viking Lance Johnstone gives Oakland the pass rusher it has lacked, and his presence should also free up Warren Sapp to live up to the potential he has yet to realize in a Raider uniform. At quarterback, Aaron Brooks is an upgrade over Kerry Collins, and if Randy Moss and Jerry Porter are both healthy, it is hard to imagine him failing. LaMont Jordan showed glimpses of greatness at running back last season, and the young offensive line appears ready to arrive as well. If the Raiders can have a little better luck with injuries and Shell can help improve the locker room chemistry, a renaissance could be imminent for one of the league's most storied franchises.
Detroit
If you're a Lions fan, and you've seen your team win exactly one playoff game since 1957, you are no doubt chuckling at the mention of this star-crossed franchise in this section. Unless your last name is "Ford," you no doubt think Lions GM Matt Millen is an utter buffoon, and when the organization hired former Tampa Bay d-line coach Rod Marinelli as its latest head coach, you weren't scouting out a spot in Motor City's downtown for when the Super Bowl parade rolls through. But here's why you can allow yourself to believe. The two new coordinators - Mike Martz on offense and Donnie Henderson on defense - are two of the best in the business. Though neither Jon Kitna nor Josh McCown is much of an upgrade over Joey Harrington at the quarterback position, both are tough, likeable guys who won't divide the locker room as did Harrington. McCown, who has the better arm, figures to finish the year as the starter, and he does have some talent (remember Roy Williams, Charles Rogers, and Mike Williams?) with which to work. But the defensive side of the ball is where this team should undergo its greatest transformation. Marinelli added a couple of key pieces like linebacker Ernie Sims (Florida State) and safety Daniel Bullocks (Nebraska) via the draft, and should be able to get more out of talented holdovers like Dre' Bly, Kalimba Edwards, and Shaun Rogers than Steve Mariucci ever could. Plus, the NFC North is still basically up for grabs, meaning this team has a realistic shot to enter December with something to play for.
New Orleans
Well of course the Saints are on the rise, since there's nowhere else to go after a 3-13 season, right? True, but the franchise could be looking at something of a drastic turnaround, rather than just a modest one. The offense was a strong point before Drew Brees and Reggie Bush (USC) were added to the equation, and those two players, along with holdovers Joe Horn, Deuce McAllister, and Donte' Stallworth, will help this team score a lot of points. The defensive front seven will be the biggest concern for first-year head coach Sean Payton's squad, since former starters in end Darren Howard and linebackers Courtney Watson and Sedrick Hodge have all relocated, but there is enough talent within the pass rush (Will Smith, Charles Grant) and in the secondary (Dwight Smith, Mike McKenzie, Josh Bullocks) to ensure that the defense won't be a disaster. And let's not underestimate the fact that the Saints will once again have a home field at which to play and a home city behind the team for an entire year. It's not going to be easy for Payton and company to emerge from a division that includes recent playoff entries in the Panthers, Buccaneers, and Falcons, but the talent is there for the team to at least make an impression in the NFC South.
Honorable Mention: Cardinals, Falcons, Dolphins, Texans, Packers
cont'd....
