Special Report from Joshua Modaberi:

After seven months away the NFL was back last night with the New Orleans Saints and the Minnesota Vikings in a repeat of last years NFC Championship match.

The Saints came out on top in that encounter which they won in overtime 31-28. New Orleans then went on to win their first Super Bowl against the Indianapolis Colts in Miami 31-17.

Sean Payton’s side continued from where they left off last season by beating the Vikings 14-9.

The NFL is a bit like a London double decker bus – having been away since February, this weekend in the UK there are still another five games on TV.

Joshua Modaberi has caught up with Kevin Cadle from Sky Sports and Dan Arkush from Pro Football Weekly to discuss the remaining television fixtures over the opening weekend.

Kevin Cadle on
Carolina @ NY Giants Live on Sky Sports 4 Sunday from 17.30:
“I don’t think you can look past the New York giants in this one, they are going to be opening the brand new stadium.

“Eli Manning is probably coming off his best season ever as a pro. Wide Receiver Steve Smith really came out and did a great job last year receiving the ball and Ahmad Bradshaw has established himself as the number one running back.

“You are still going to have to look at what the Giants are going to do defensively and that will be the key to their season. On Sunday they are going to have to go out there and do something with Carolina’s dynamic duo – they had two guys running 4,000 yards last year so you know they are going to be looking to run the football against the Giants.”

San Francisco @ Seattle Live on Sky Sports 4 Sunday from 21.00:
“We don’t know a lot about Seattle, right now you don’t know if Pete Carroll thinking is as a head coach of this particular team.

“What kind of team are the going to have, you have Justin Forsett as the top running back, and he’s only about 5’6 on a good day. With Seattle I think the betting will be out for them until teams can see exactly what they emphasise and what they are doing on both the offensive and defensive edge.

“As for San Francisco we know all about them, Mike Singletary has put a stamp on that defence and the defence is going to get better and better.

“Offensively I think the San Francisco organisation has done a tremendous job as far as trying to assist the role of Alex smith. Last year they brought in Michael Crabtree and now this year you have two new offensive linemen who where the top two draft choices – so they are trying to do whatever they can to get things in order for Alex Smith to be as successful as he can possibly be.”

Dan Arkush on
Dallas @ Washington Live on Channel 4 Monday from 00.55:
“Dallas in terms of pure talent probably have the most talented team in the league. That doesn’t necessarily mean they will get to the Super Bowl by any means.

“I think in this game they match up well against their opponents the Redskins. Nobody can really get a firm reading on what the deal is going to be with Washington.

“They have a new head coach in Mike Shanahan, who was a very successful head coach with the Broncos. By all accounts he seems to be heading in the right direction with the Redskins. Donovan McNabb is another great addition to Washington, but I think Dallas is going to win this game with the Super Bowl in Dallas they are going to want to have a good season and get off to a winning start.”

Baltimore @ NY Jets Live on ESPN Tuesday from 00.00:
“There is a lot of buzz about the Jets, Rex Ryan is a very entertaining head coach and is also a very good one. They have an excellent defence, which has been bolstered by the return of Darrelle Revis.

“Baltimore will be a tough opponent, for years the main thing people have thought about when they think of the Ravens is the defence, which remains strong.

“But what has happened in Baltimore now is that they have become an offensive powerhouse.

“Both these teams are looking really good and it’s going to be a great Monday night match up. I guess because the Jets are at home they might just snatch it, but it is a tough one to call.”

San Diego @ Kansas City Live on ESPN Tuesday from 03.00:
“San Diego are widely considered to be the top dog in the AFC West, which is a pretty week division overall.

“Kansas City I think has the chance to come on strong as the year progresses, they have good coordinators there. I think it will be a close encounter but I think San Diego will win.”

To listen to more of the interviews with Dan Arkush and Kevin Cadle check out -  http://www.worldsport.podbean.com/

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!

The run that the Saints went on took us by surprise. Indeed, from the pre- and off-season Graham and I both fancied the Panthers to be the err, big dogs of the division. As it happened, they were pussycats and the Saints went marching on and it’s now history. But enough of me murdering metaphors…

This NFC South has been particularly well balanced in recent years, with all four teams making the post season and each team has made the championship game and all but the Falcons made the Super Bowl since 2002. That could make things hard, but could make them fun too!

So let’s take a look…

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Ah the Bucs. Our party to Wembley last year for the International Series game were all (except one, Ant!) Bucs for a day but it was hard to cheer them on as they never looked like winning that game. In the end the Pats won at a canter in a pretty one-sided affair. But like with all the teams we’ve had he privilige to see; who’ve made the effort to come to Wembley and put on a display for us, we do feel a certain attachment to them.

Josh Freeman gave the offense a little spark in the second half of the season and we’ll watch his development. Carnell “Cadillac” Williams was back after injury and also did well. Antonio Bryant was released to free agency and has joined the Bengals. The defense has been looked after in the draft, with Gerald McCoy as the 3rd overall pick being the big name here. The Bucs would use 6 of their 9 picks addressing the defense.

But it’s hard to look beyond this team as having anything more than a rebuilding season. I could easily see them doing worse than the 3 wins of 2009. I hope not, but it’s very possible.

New Orleans Saints

As reigning champions, the Saints will have both a natural swagger and a huge target on their backs. Whilst there’s no doubt that this team will put up serious points, they have many frailties on the other side of the ball to rectify if they want to repeat… a task which is a tough ask for any team.

However, expect the confidence to show. To beat this team you have to shut down the offense, and that’s not easy with the weapons they have. But there are still questions here: Can Darren Sharper, coming off knee surgery and 34, be as effective as he was last year. How will Reggie Bush, going into his 5th season, play? He had a poor 2009 and has never been the standout that was expected though he remains a threat catching out of the backfield. Will Drew Brees put up 2008 level numbers again, how will Jeremy Shockey be? Can the defence improve?

This is a team that pretty much everyone is pleased to see doing so well and I hope they can carry that form into 2010. For now, they’re the team to beat in the South.

Atlanta Falcons

It was a strange season for the Falcons. Although the posted a winning record, they only beat one team with a winning record (the Jets in week 15). A result that saw them eliminated from the post-season due to other results. Whenever they faced the ‘better’ teams they seemed wanting. And that’s despite Matt Ryan taking real strides forward in his sophomore season. Michael Turner had a disappointing season after his stand-out showing in 2008. But they remain a team to be wary of. Stats-wise, the offence was steady despite key injuries and the defence improved on 2008 but needs to improve further.

The Falcons play the Panthers in weeks 14 and 17. Those two games will likely be the difference for these teams. What in soccer would be called “six pointers”.

Carolina Panthers

The Panthers were the disappointment of the division last season. Sure the Bucs were terrible, but we all expected that. The Panthers were just as bad considering they should have been contenders. As it happens, they lost key games early on and were always on the back foot. Whilst all the blame can’t be put on QB Jake Delhomme, a lot of it can. The experienced QB threw a career-high 18 interceptions on his way to posting the worst rating of his career… a career which will continue in Cleveland.

The Panthers will look to Matt Moore to take them forward, but were also lucky to get Jimmy Clausen as their first pick deep in the second round of the draft. Considered the most pro-ready of this year’s draft class, there’s a story there to watch. The Panthers will also need continued production from DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart who continue to look like the best running tandem in the league.

Defensively the Panthers were a good unit last year, and tweaks rather than mass changes are needed here. But this is a team defined by its offence. If they can click, move (and protect) the ball, then this will be a team to watch out for again.

Predictions (made 7th June 2010)
It’s very close between the Panthers and Falcons for me, but for now I can see the division shaping up the same way it did in 2009.

Thumbnail Credit: Khaijg

Philadelphia Eagles
Donovan McNabb suffered a broken rib during the game against Carolina. It is not yet known how long he will be out for, but Michael Vick must be getting on edge now.

New Orleans Saints
Drew Brees equalled the Saints single game record throwing six touchdown passes and 358 yards.

New York Jets
We didn’t have the Jets down to win in our predictions, but they proved us wrong. Rookie quarter back Mark Sanchez put in a wonderful performance which might make us have a rethink on the Jets season hopes.

Well, there have been a whole load of injuries… here are just some that could have wider impact.

Note that this update does not cover the four games that took place on the 13th August.

Rams’ wideout Donnie Avery is out for up to 6 weeks with a fracture in his foot. He’ll probably miss the games at the Seahawks and the Redskins. As their presumed #1 receiver, that could hurt them in a couple of difficult road games. The Rams beat the ‘Skins last year, largely on the back of thier mid-season coaching change. So I’m pleased to see them weakened even a little.

Steve Smith has a shoulder injury which will keep him out a little while. Bad news for the Panthers, who’ll be hoping it’s not too long. Another injured receiver is Antonio Bryant of the London-bound Bucs. He’s due to miss the whole of the pre-season, but hopes to be ready for week one. If he misses that game against the Eagles, then the week two divisional matchup with the Falcons is a good target.

Speaking of the Falcons… Roddy White is back and training after a short holdout for a new contract. And, oh my, he’s getting paid a fair whack to be Matt Ryan‘s main target. Even missing 8 days, you’d have to think he’ll be up to speed and raring to go.

Tarvaris Jackson is back with the Vikings after an injury forced him to sit out for a few days. That might affect his competition with Sage Rosenfels. I’ve also realised that I’ve been spelling his first name wrong for a while now… I think I’ve got it sorted now though.

Dallas Clark is still suffering with a concussion, so will rest up as needed in the pre-season. Expect to see him raring to go come the regular season. With him out and Marvin Harrison not about the Colts need a receiver to step up to support Reggie Wayne and Anthony Gonzales.

The Saints are looking to add a veteran linebacker or two: Derrick Brooks and Derek Smith both have work outs this week. Mark Simoneau is heading for surgery, so if one of them gets a spot they could be giving depth that he can’t anymore.

Texans’ rookie linebacker (and announced starter) Brian Cushing is also due to miss some games. Gary Kubiak has shown some skill with protecting rookie players and getting most out of them. We expect the same here.

There have been five pre-season games now, and a whole load more are happening this weekend. We’ll take another look at who’s doing well or got injured once those are out of the way.

The biggest concern the Panthers have this off-season is their cap space. With Peppers signed to a short-term franchsie-value contract, they have no money to spend anywhere else. If they can’t sort him out to something longer term, then they are going to struggle to provide depth where it is needed. The time is running out for a deal (15th July) so watch this space.

This division will surely be settled between these two teams.

The Bucs have released backup Brian Griese to make room for 3rd round pick Roy Miller (DT). Josh Freeman, their first round pick and presumed future QB, is still unsigned. Meaning that Brian Leftwich is the most likely starter, unless Luke McCown can show something during preseason.

The coaches will also be hoping that a happy Kellen Winslow is a productive Kellen Winslow, and there are signs that rookie WR Sammie Stroughter could play a part too… I feel better about the Bucs than I did earlier in the year: A strong performance in-division and they could move into 3rd. I’ll be watching.

The Falcons are looking to expand on their passing game this term – to progress Matt Ryan and to protect Michael Turner – and Tony Gonzales will surely look to play a part in any passing game.

As with last season there’s a fair bit of competition in the backfield, and Brent Grimes in particular, will be looking to get his CB starting place back. The Falcons’ training camp opens soon, and we’ll have to watch what comes out of there, but there’s not much right now to make me change my mind.

The Saints haven’t signed any of their draft picks yet, but typically they wrap that up quick. One pick already impressing is CB Malcolm Jenkins who will look to get some appearances sooner rather than later.

A result of the Panthers‘ lack of cap space has let the Saints pick up long snapper Jason Kyle, who could be a valuable, if under-appreciated, addition to the special teams. Gregg Williams is also mixing up the D, moving players about and generally making his presence felt. He’s been a bit hit and miss over the last few years, but there’s no doubting his credentials. I expect this unit to firm up as he gets the best out of the players he’s got.

Summary
No change… just. The Panthers have fallen a little and the Bucs risen, but not enough to make me update this table yet.
[table id=2 /]

We can’t vouch that these will be the best players in absolute terms, have the biggest fantasy foootball upside or even be any good (though they might be)… but they’re players that we like to watch.

Number 2 in our list is Will Smith.

Will Smith – Defensive End, New Orleans Saints

Smith kills Marc Bulger

Well, I just loved him in Ali, and iRobot was a great film in my opinion…..What’s that Andrew? Bugger! Well, it’s not like he hasn’t heard the jokes before!  Oh the readers…  Well, it’s all free here, they can take the rough with the smooth.

Will Smith was drafted out of Ohio State on the back of a All-Big 10 Defensive Player Of The Year performance. Taken in the first round by New Orleans Saints, he settled into the team and contributed immediately, appearing in all 16 games and starting 4. His performance improved through 2005 and he was the fulltime starter before that season was out.

The Saints emotional, and succesful, return to the Superdome in 2006 saw his best season so far, highlighted by a career high 10.5 sacks depsite only starting 14 games. 2007 was quieter (for the team and for Will Smith) but a new contract in 2008 means he’s getting paid.

Smith has been a controversial player in recent years, and that is one of the reasons he’s caught my eye. Weight loss suppliments that mask steriods? It doesn’t get much more controversial than that.  Though I can’t quite picture the scene where he was getting told off for weighting too much.

“Hey Will, you realise that the other Will Smith looks much lighter than you?”

“But I need the weight to prove effective at my position… or do I? And those London chicks might well dig the lighter man.”

Sillyness aside, I have loved watching him play. He had a strong game in London, but wasn’t able to sack Rivers (which would have got a great cheer from Andrew and me) but he stuffed LDT twice when he came his way and helped Sproles out of bounds for a small gain… he played his part.
I think he is great and that’s why he’s in this list. He goes into 2009 with 5 years to run on his hefty contract, and with some real prime years ahead of him… let’s hope he keeps it up.

Previous favourite DLs:
Renaldo Wynn

In the first of an ongoing series to look at our favourite players in each position, we take a look at good old D-line.

We can’t vouch that these will be the best players in absolute terms, have the biggest Fantasy Football upside or even be any good (though they might be)… but they’re players that we like to watch.

We start this series with… Renaldo Wynn.

Renaldo Wynn – Defensive End, Washington Redskins (by Andrew)
I should come straight out and say that this pick has nothing to do with his footballing prowess. Wynn remains a servicable Defensive End, though aging. Back now in his second stint as a Redskin, he’ll probably be a backup to the starters.

Renaldo Wynn gets to Donovan McNabb

But for many years, he was a constant fixture at Defensive End. And as I control a DE when playing D in Madden, I feel an attachment to him. Which is ludicrous, I know, but after taking him to so many Pro-Bowls I can’t help it.
When I’ve watched Washington Redskin games, I’m always keeping an eye out for him. Where’s he going to pop up, what’s he going to do… the few sacks a year he gets are highlights for me.

In the last two year, Wynn has done his best to avoid coming to London, playing for the New Orleans Saints and New York Giants in the seasons that they didn’t come here. In his twilight now, aged 34, and has started just 2 games in the last three season (though he’s been involved in most games across that time). I think it’s unlikely at this point that the Patriots or Bucs will take him from the ‘Skins… So I’m pretty much resigned to never seeing him play in the flesh. And I have a feeling it’d be a little disappointing anyway. However, being versatile, he’s able to backup the entire Defensive Line, so at least I should see him on GamePass at some point in 2009.

The Washington Redskins News is that with retirement looming, he may be consdering a post-playing career in the booth or studio. As this Washington Post article shows, he’s at least looking into that side of things.

Wynn is not heading to the Hall Of Fame. His number won’t be retired. But when he does leave the game, he leaves me with many memories… some real, some not.

Keep up to date with Washington Redskins News here on Mac Talks NFL

I was a ‘Saint for the Day‘ when the New Orleans Saints visited London’s Wembley for the game against the San Diago Chargers and the love and respect for McAllister was one of the main focuses of the crowd.  Maybe we are out of touch here on our island, but he seems like a player whose world wide fame would certainly be worth his fee at the moment.

Having also read that he runs a Jaguar dealership (my favourite car brand!) I feel an even bigger respect.  Saints if you don’t sign him then send him to the UK as an ambassador!  Sportsmen like this don’t come around often.

This year they have taken steps to tighten things up by taking on former Jaguars defensive coordinator Gregg Williams. Williams’ input on turnover strategy could turn things around for the Saints…

Defensive Ends Will Smith and Charles Grant have both now overcome the injuries that they picked up last season and are ready to return. This combined with all four of their draft picks being defensive players signals that they are taking this very seriously.

I will be hoping that the Saints can make their way to the play-offs. I really think they will be starting with a team that can do it. Most of all though I am excited about watching them play again.