Last night the NFL started with a repeat of the NFC Championship Game last night with Drew Brees and the Saints extended their post-Super Bowl euphoria for at least another week and handed Brett Favre and the Vikings a second consecutive loss in the Louisiana Superdome. The New Orleans Saints survived a hard-fought season opener for a 14-9 victory over the Minnesota Vikings, this is the lowest points total for the Saints under coach Sean Payton but the Saints will take it, considering their defence limited Favre to 171 passing yards and one score, he didn't even complete a pass in the third quarter.
So lets take a quick preview of the season to come by asking some big questions. Can the Saints repeat in 2010? Can Tom Brady lead his Patriots back to the playoffs and maybe more? Are the Jets for real? Will Brett Favre stay with the Vikings? And can my team the Browns amount to anything?
Can the Saints repeat in 2010?
The obvious aim for the Saints this season is to repeat as Super Bowl champions which is never an easy task. With arm of Brees, the legs of Henderson and Thomas, with that offense (O) I think they have enough to reach the playoffs but their defence (D) is the problem they played out of their skin last year and they will struggle to do that again. It will be close but no cigar for the Saints this year no back to back Super Bowls.
Can Tom Brady lead his Patriots back to the playoffs and maybe more?
The Patriots are still looking to rebuild after their previous successes, Brady is not happy, the O line is old with Wes Welker and Randy Moss not getting any younger. The Patriots have a backbone in their team which knows lots of different ways to win. I think they will make the playoffs but it might be via a wildcard because ...
Are the Jets for real?
The New York Jets have made a lot of off season transfers, the phrase 'Out with the old, In with the new' comes to mind. They have added Antonio Cromartie as well as Ladainian Tomlinson, traded Kerry Rhodes and released Thomas Jones mainly so Shonn Greene can get more game time. These trade have made them better than the Patriots this year. If head coach Rex Ryan can keep the egos in check then the Jets are a genuine contender for the Super Bowl this year.
Will Brett Favre Stay with the Vikings?
It seems as though every season we are talking about the same thing…is he or isn’t he? Fact is he knows whether or not you can play, and whether or not you want to play to me if you string your team along that can’t be good for them or for you, who is to say that if he would have come in early we aren’t talking about the Vikings being Super Bowl Champions? If Favre stays the Vikings they are playoff contenders, if he goes they aren't.
And can my team the Browns amount to anything?
Cleveland's rebuilding has already begun a good end to last season, with the introduction of new general manager Tom Heckert. With the introduction Jake Delhomme from Carolina and Seneca Wallace from Seattle and they drafted gritty Texas quarterback Colt McCoy (hopefully not another QB controversy). With a D coming on leaps and bounds the O needs to improve to, I think Cleveland will improve on wins but they will need more pieces to make a serious run.
If everything I just said seemed like gibberish they you are not one of the growing numbers of NFL fans in the UK. I really believe that American Football is great to watch with the tactical masterpieces on show and the flair and talent on show, I think you really should pick a side and watch a game it doesn't matter who you pick, I am Cleveland fan in NBA, NFL and MLB it doesn't bring in many trophies, by picking a side you will suddenly become more involved the games.
If you do understand what I just said then I am sure you are looking forward to this as much as I am this season is going to be BIG. If i haven't mentioned you side as i only did a brief preview then check this page out has a preview for all of teams this year. There is nothing else to say than 'Game On'.
How many teams will run the wildcat this year?
ReplyDeleteSimple answers is all offenses will train it because all defences need to know how to deal with, but all I now for certain is that the Dolphins will defintely use it.
ReplyDeleteGo Dolphins!!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad NFL is back, I've only really started getting into it from the end of last year, so my knowledge is a bit limited but I'm just hoping that its a good season and that this year's Superbowl is as exciting and memorable as last years!
Russ, gotta say I find your blogs really interesting. I'm afraid I have to disagree with all four of your first five points though. I agree the chances of a repeat are slim for the Saints due to history, but I think their D will improve this year under the guidance of Gregg Williams one of the best coordinators in the league. In fact, credit for the W over the Vikes has to go the D, they bailed out the offense for once. Pats are nailed on for the playoffs, with Brady and Moss going downfield, Wes Welker will remind everyone how good he is and catch over 110 passes. I mostly think they'll go the playoffs because... I think Mark Sanchez is the most overly hyped player in the league. His stats were poor in his rookie year but he's painted as one of the best young QBs in the league. Although the D will be suffocating (and defense wins championships), the offense will be midtable. Even if Moss is stranded on Revis island, they won't be able to stay with Welker (Cromartie is too undisciplined) and Sanchez can't keep up. Finally, I can't believe Favre is going to play again like he did last year. Playing at 41 is incredible but surely it's got to catch up with him. I'd love to see you do a predictions blog for the season for MVP, OPY, DPY, ROY, Superbowl contenders etc. Keep up the good work!
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