In thirteen days the Bengals face the Cowboys in the Hall of Fame game. It’ll be the first chance to get a look at Dez Bryant, Jermaine Gresham and the other rookies. Antonio Bryant in a Bengals uniform and the always entertaining Chad Ochocinco.

In forty-five days, the mouth-watering matchup of the Minnesota Vikings at the New Orleans Saints. That’s a heck of a way to open the regular season and a game I suspect we’ll be staying up for it.

And in ninety-seven days we’ll be at Wembley (for the forth year running!) as the NFL comes again to the UK. This year the Broncos visit the 49ers. We get to see Alex Smith, Frank Gore and the rest of Mike Singletary’s 49ers as well as the Broncos. We’ll be keeping an eye on both of these teams in the build-up to October 31st.

Coming up in the next few weeks we’ll gear up for our in-season mode, which features predictions on every match as well as in-depth looks at three matches a week. Before then we’ll make our predictions on the post-season and keep our eyes on the big stories and how they’ll affect our predictions.

Keep visiting!

I did pretty badly with this last year, predicting that the Giants and Eagles would go into the post-season as winners and wildcard respectively. In the end, the Cowboys surprised and the Giants disappointed to swap places from my predictions. Unfortunately the ‘Skins did no better than I thought they would and were propping up the division.

Let’s see what’s happening for 2010…

New York Giants

The Giants started so promisingly last season, but then it all went wrong as the compiled an 3-8 record in the final 11 weeks. Although they scored good victories against the Redskins and Cowboys, after three easy games (Bucs, Chiefs and Raiders) it was a slippery slope that saw them unable to compete with any serious competition. On the bright side, they did sweep the Cowboys.

The off-season and draft saw the Giants make some steady, augmenting steps. This was not a rebuilding process, but plenty of attention – including 6 of the 7 Draft picks – being spent on the defence. DE Jason Pierre-Paul has great potential, but will need to be coached carefully to get the best out of him. Other picks included linebackers Phillip Dillard and Adrian Tracy that will look to replace the departing Antonio Pierce. Antrel Rolle came in as a free agent, becoming the most expensive Safety in history in in the process. Jim Sorgi also came in from the Colts, continuing his fine career of backing up a Manning.

With only a ‘tweaking’ of the offence, this is a team that feels they can compete on that side of the ball and with the new players coming in on the D, they’ll hope to improve of their middling 13th rating.

Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys surprised us all last year by turning up and playing when it mattered, and by getting the proverbial monkey of their backs in crunch games. They closed out the regular season with consecutive divisional shut-outs. Beating Washington and then Philadelphia to take the NFC East title. A rematch with the Eagles in the wildcard round saw them finish a three-game sweep against the divisional rivals and set up a game in Minnesota. This win was the first Cowboys’ playoff victory since 1996 and there was a real feeling that the tide had turned. Of course, it wasn’t to be but this is a team that’s looking strong for 2010.

Dez Bryant has come in, and he looks good so far. He’s certainly a rookie to watch. Roy Williams is making the right noises and the D has been deepened with the rest of the draft. They need to improve on takeaways, but it was overall a solid unit last year.
Tony Romo skipped golf for voluntary OTAs! You can’t say much more than that from a guy who looks more and more like a real leader of the team. For me, at the moment… and I hate saying it… the ‘Boys are the team to watch in this division next year.

Philadelphia Eagles

For too many years to remember the offence in Philli has been lead by Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook. Not any more. Westbrook hit that age, and also suffered with injuries a lot last year. Rather amusingly, his official page hasn’t had its stats updated since the 2007 season. McNabb is of course in Washington now.

Last season the Eagles ranked 11th in offence and 12th in defence overall, which is not bad really but this team was all over the place for the first half of the season before making real strides in the second half before it wall went wrong against Dallas.

9 of the Eagles’ whopping 13 draft selections were on defence and the offence is being put in the hands of Kevin Kolb. Kolb was drafted behind Brady Quinn and JaMarcus Russell back in 2007, and he’s been steady if unspectacular so far. All the right talk is coming out of the Eagles’ camp, but it remains to be seen if can lead a young team onwards.

Washington Redskins

I’ve spoken a lot already about some of the changes that the Redskins needed to make, and those that they have made. I won’t dwell too much on this team, as I’m sure I’ll be talking more about them soon enough, but there’s a real sense of optimism coming out of the team. Lots has changed, and that might take a while to bed in but there’s not one player who thinks that the changes aren’t a good thing. OK, there is one player who thinks that and I hope Big Albert gets back on side soon.
Could they take the division? Who knows at this point, but I guess you’re here to find out my opinion. I would say no, but think we’ll be competing up until the final week… Best case is a play-off spot coming the way of Burgandy and Gold.

Predictions (made 20th May 2010)

Thumbnail Credit: lil robs

I think there’s little arguing that it was a crass thing to ask to anyone, but moreso given Dez’s – and his mother’s – background and struggles over the years. However, can I see why it was asked? Absolutely. Here was a guy, of questionable character, being sounded out for a big contract. I’m sure in every interview to every draftee there were questions designed to raise their ire to see how the respond to it and how they handle it. The drafting process is lengthy and thorough. Also pretty unpleasant at times, it seems.

I’m a rational guy. Sensible. I find it difficult to get excited over this, though I don’t know if that is partly a cultural thing or if it’s purely that some people are… well, see the image. If someone asked that of me, it would tell me more of them than it would of me. I certainly wouldn’t get really ‘really mad’. I’m pretty sure I would laugh it off as it’s so misguided, though it’s obviously hard to put myself in Dez’s shoes. But to me it seems that a lot – too much, in fact – is being made of it all. I’m reminded of the scene in Roadhouse (which is an under-appreciated classic, by the way) where Dalton explains that it’s just two words put together to get a response, so don’t get angry.

Silver’s article, whilst probably factually correct is provocative, not very professional and pretty hypocritical. Apart from that, I’m sure Dez himself does not want it to drag on and on. He has a camps and OTAs to prepare for, a playbook to learn and all the other rookie-related activity that is part and parcel of going into the NFL. I’m sure his mother isn’t thrilled either, though she’s overcome much worse in her life. Despite my lack of passion, I suspect we’ll see more on this issue yet. Be it from Dolphins’ management, Roger Goodell or any number of late-night hosts.

What matters is that Dez has impressed already at the Cowboys minicamp, and we await to see how he performs with the rest of the team and then into the season. It’s looking like he’ll be given a chance to grow and develop in a deep corp.

As an NFL fan and blogger, I wish him good luck. As a Redskin’s fan, I’ll boo him all day long. That goes for any player, and that’s how I’ll treat him – just another player.

For Graham and me, it came down to last night as we were both 9-4 heading into it and I’d gone with the Vikings where he had the Packers. So I beat Graham this week, as did John from TheBettingAdvantage – both of us on 10-4.

Two upsets this weekend, with the Jaguars sending the Titans tumbling to 0-4 and with the Broncos surprising pretty much everyone to go 4-0 over a Cowboys team that are looking bad. As a Redskins fan, I approve, but even I was embarrassed for them watching Brandon Marshall outwit the entire secondary for a 51 yard score. Anyway… I’ve included it here for the chuckles it gives me (and as a Redskins fan, I have to take pleasure wherever I can this season!)

The Broncos though! Like most (outside of Denver) we haven’t been convinced. They have two tough games coming up (Patriots, then travelling to San Diego) but we’re keeping a wary eye on them now. The Titans are surprising us just as much, but in the other direction.

So I close the gap on Graham slightly, but he’s still in the lead.

Image credit: Schoonmaker III @ Flickr

Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys finally got to enjoy a win in their new stadium, and while it has only been a week it must have felt like a long one.  A crowd of 90,588 watched them take a 21 – 7 win over the Panthers.

Miami Dolphins
More bad news for the Dolphins today as Chad Pennington may be out for the rest of the season with a dislocated shoulder.

The other Chad – Chad Henne will likely start on Sunday and has to step right in with the pressure of a much needed win on him.

Joey Porter may also miss Sunday’s game after leaving the field with a hamstring problem.

New York Jets
T-Rex Ryan is showing his players who is boss after benching wide receiver David Clowney for tweeting about his performance after the New England game.

I can’t say that I blame him it must be frustrating for a coach when information is made public without your consent.

San Francisco 49ers
Frank Gore will be out for up to three weeks with an ankle injury.

Picture credit:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/philipsphotos/

Dallas Cowboys
The new standing room tickets did not go down well with fans at the new Cowboys stadium.  Many fans could not see the field and some left during the game.

Standing tickets have been removed from many grounds due to the problems that they can cause.  It will be interesting to see how the organisation handles the situation.

Pittsburgh Steelers
Safety Tyrone Carter is expected to be recovered enough to play on Sunday against Cincinnati.  Carter is standing in for Troy Polamalu.

These are based on what we’ve been watching, what we’ve been following, some blind faith and our guts. These are are our predictions for the 12 post-season teams of the 2009 season.

This topic and tables will be locked and not edited once it is published. It will then be used for mocking, gloating, fighting (and probably crying) throughout the course of the season. We’ll come back to this every few weeks to carry out at least one of the above acts.

Andrew’s Predictions

NFC
If you’ve been following my First and Second look articles, then there shouldn’t be any surprises here.

In the NFC, I have the Giants topping the east. I’m hoping that the Redskins can surprise me here and edge a playoff spot, but I don’t really see it. In the west, I’m calling Seattle after a lot of deliberation. I’m also giving a wildcard spot to the Arizona Cardinals, in one of the divisions I’ve struggled with the most. The North is just as bad, I’m going with Green Bay. I’d really have liked longer to make a call on the Vikings’ prospects but here we are…

Finally from one of the hardest to one of the easiest: The Panthers to win in the south.

The final NFC wildcard is very tricky. It’s between the Falcons and the Eagles and as much as I hate to go against the Falcons, I can’t see the NFC East not sending at least two teams. So I’m going with the Eagles.

AFC
Things are easier in the AFC. A little bit, anyway – I see all four divisions as two-horse races

The Pats to take win the AFC East. I’m taking a gamble here (of a sort) that Brady is back to something like his best, but I’m confident with it. I see the Titans edging out the Colts in the south, though I’m putting the Colts in the wildcard mix and they can never be counted out.

The north will see the Ravens as winners, beating the Steelers into second – this will be a close division though. Finally the west will crown the Chargers, because… well, because there’s really no-one else there who can mount a serious challenge.

The wildcard spot is a three-way battle (sorry Denver) between the Steelers, Dolphins and Colts. Like last year, I see a valiant AFC East team being left out – the Steelers and the Colts going into the post-season. I’m sorry Graham, I don’t see the Dolphins there… but at least the ‘Skins won’t be there either!
I wish there was room for the Texans, but I don’t see it this year.

Graham on Andrew’s Predictions…
Not much to disagree with here (other than the Dolphins not making the play offs). I have gone with some different choices, but it is difficult to predict at this early stage.  It will be interesting to see what our readers think, I am sure there are a few who could beat us hands down.

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Graham’s Predictions

NFC
In the East I can see the Dallas Cowboys being bouyed by their new home and looking for a good season to overcome the tragic events at their practice facility. Can they beat the NY Giants in the NFC East? Well I don’t think so, but I do see them taking one of the wildcard spots.

Heading to the North I am going with the Green Bay Packers.  I also think the arrival of Jay Cutler at the Bears will bring some improvement, but not enough for a wildcard.

In the south I have to agree with Andrew on the Panthers.  I am hoping for a good season from Tampa Bay though as I am hoping for a great game at Wembley Stadium this year.  It is a Bucs’ home game so – sorry Pats fans – I will be supporting them.

Finally to the NFC West.  I am going with Arizona.  I am looking for some 49ers improvement this season and was tempted to pick them as my second wildcard, but I think it will be out of reach this time.

With the above in mind, my second wildcard pick goes to the Atlanta Falcons.

AFC
Starting in the East, I am going to upset Pats fans again here.  I would agree that Tom Brady is the best, but he is not Superman.  A year off will leave him hungry but maybe a bit rusty.  Miami will be looking to build on last years amazing improvement and now have a team strong enough to do even more damage.  Yes they have a tough schedule, but I still see them taking the AFC East again with the Pats in a wildcard spot.

In the North I am also going with the Ravens. I also think the South will be as Andrew predicted with the Titans winning and the Colts taking the second wildcard.

In the West the Raiders should storm it… only joking. Sadly I can see the Raiders taking the Lions’ place as also-rans this season, things seem far from settled in Oakland.  The Chargers should wrap the West up without too much trouble.

Andrew on Graham’s Predictions…
I think you’re letting your heart rule your head re: Miami and I think the Steelers won’t make the mistakes of a few years ago and will be in the post-season in some way.

I’m glad you’ve picked Atlanta though. I only just left them out

I have Dallas battling the Washington for 3rd place in the NFC East too, so I’m not sure about that. Otherwise it’s hard to argue with your picks. Like you said: I bet there are readers who could beat us. They should be writing these articles!

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These are four questions that I’m hoping to learn more about. Because they’re interesting, and because they’ll likely affect my NFL predictions.

Will the Bengals receivers stay looking strong?
Coles, Ochocinco and Henry are all looking good so far. I’ve previously had digs are all three of these guys, but the early signs are that they are all in the mood and shape to make plays. Give a healthy Carson Palmer these three to throw to, include Andre Caldwell, and the chances are that good things will happen with this team.

Last year the Bengals averaged only 150 passing yards a game (a rank of 30th) but were straight last in points per game. Of course, they were pretty poor running the ball too, and there are many small issues to address, but willing and able receivers are a big positive. They remain in a tough division, but could easily do more than just play spoiler to the Ravens and Steelers.

Who will be the Lions starting QB
We’ve talked about this one before, but it’s still interesting.

Which one will it be come week 1?

As ever this time of year, there are a number of teams who have decisions to make (the Jets, Browns, possibly the Vikings) and some that do-but-don’t-really (the Dolphins, the Chiefs).

The financial commitment shown to Stafford means he’s the undoubted future of the team, and he’ll play a part this season. However, there is always the desire to protect a rookie QB; to let them grow into the role, to learn the system and the intangibles that are necessary to lead a team. But he’s come straight into the team and impressed his coaches and teammates immediately. He could be ready to go from week 1.

From there, it looks like an easy decision. However Culpepper is doing his best to make the decision tough: He’s impressing too, he’s lost weight, is looking fit, mobile and motivated, and wants to play.

Whoever starts is in the unique position that they cannot possibly do any worse than last year, however I’m sure they’re both setting their targets a little higher than 1 or 2 wins.

Will Seattle be able to reclaim the NFC West?

TJ Houshmandzadeh, one of the new Seahawks

Last year for the Seahawks was awful by any standard, but atrocious for them. Looking for their fifth divisional title, things started badly and got worse. Injuries to Matt Hasselbeck affected the team across the season. Hasselbeck, Seneca Wallace and Charlie Frye were all largely ineffectual.
Other injuries, such as the nine games Patrick Kerney missed, hurt them elsewhere. This was a team on the back foot for most of the year.

Whether the team was harmed by all knowing it was Holgrem’s last year as coach cannot be said for sure, but Jim Mora has come in and made sweeping changes across the staff. New coordinators on both sides of the ball, new coaches all over the place. This is a team that knows it needs to make changes, and is addressing that aggressively. The playing staff too have seen a high turnover.

My First Look at the NFC West had the Seahawks taking 1st place back. I may have been a bit optimistic on their behalf, but I still see them as this year’s turnaround team. This team will compete in the division, but it’ll be closer than I’ve made it sound in that article.

How strong is that sense of unity coming out of Dallas?
As a Redskins fan, I always worry about the strength in the NFC East. Last year – Washington aside – Dallas were the weakest link, with many things seeming to go wrong come the end of the season. The week 17 44-6 blowout against the Eagles is not only a surprising score, it’s a completely embarrassing one for them. The playoffs beckoned for the winner of that game, yet the whole team seemed to quit.

The departure of Terrell Owens is both a blessing and a curse (much like his arrival is), and it’s widely known and accepted that he’s a difficult but brilliant player. His leaving will change the shape of the offense – they lack a genuine deep threat now, but that’s not a bad thing. It may well be the case that him not being in the locker room will improve morale, and that could be a trade-off worth taking.

The whole team has suffered an horrific scare already, when their practice facility collapsed around and on them. Whilst the paralysis suffered by scouting assistant Rich Behm and the other injuries incurred cannot be forgotten or lessened, even then there were clear signs that the team was working together.

Going into their new stadium (which is very impressive) and with a unity that was missing last year, this team could be a real danger. Not just in the East, but in the NFC as a whole. Of course, they could self-destruct as readily as they have the last two seasons. A big part of me hopes so, a little part… not so much.

The Redskins still have Jason Campbell at QB, despite showing interest at several other options, none of which came off. Campbell is entering the last year of his contract looking to improve on last year’s showing, and establish himself as the leader and starter for the next few years.
James Thrash has been released, and will probably retire.
Long standing Tackle Jon Jansen has been released (and snapped up by the Lions). There are ongoing rumours of a rift between coach Jim Zorn and Clinton Portis, but rumour only and probably not worth worrying about… yet.

Donovan McNabb is getting paid! Yessir, the Eagles are sending some money his way, putting to rest the controversy that surrounded him last season: he’s their starter, end of discussion. Who he’s going to throw to is something else though. This looks like an offense that might struggle if Westbrook doesn’t show up.

The Cowboys’ new stadium has been officially opened, and the enormous screen has had an Xbox 360 hooked up to (something we all thought off when seeing it, I’m sure). There is a feeling of unity coming out of the camp, and they’ll be hoping that leads to good things on the field. Roy Williams is fighting fit, and has been working with Romo to develop a relationship. He needs to do well, and Patrick Crayton and Miles Austin will have to do their part too.

The Giants have been very quietly going about their business. Osi Umenyiora looks well after missing 2008, and first round pick Hakeem Nicks is also looking promising, though is still without a contract in place. Something to watch.

Summary
There’s not much to change from my initials thoughts. If anything, I could edge the Redskins past the Cowboys, but I’m going to leave them as is for now.

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Dallas Linemen Marc Colombo (vocals), Cory Procter (drums) and Leonard Davis (bass) are 3 of the 4-strong heavy metal band Free Reign who have now been signed to label Riot Entertainment and will have their debut album out later this year. Guitarist Justin Chapman sees out the lineup.

I’ve played in a band, and I’d argue that it’s a lot easier than protecting Tony Romo from the likes of Willie McGinest or chasing a Brian Dawkins’ produced fumble return. (Yeah, that’s a cheap shot. Hello! Redskins’ fan!).
The three lineman weigh nearly 950 lb, which puts them well ahead of Guns ‘n’ Roses announced weight of 850 lb (Get In The Ring) for all six of them at the time. It’s probably fair to say they wouldn’t get into many fights on the tour circuit and can say what they want about Axl Rose.

I like my guitar work heavy, but the vocals let this down for me. But I’m sure they’ll do relatively well.
Check them out at their MySpace page: http://www.myspace.com/freereign