2008 Previews: Philadelphia Eagles

Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles had what was considered by many to be a disappointing season last year, finishing last in the NFC East with an 8-8 record. However, the true story of their season could have been far different appears to be one of bad luck. 5 of their defeats came by 8 points or fewer (2 of which came without start quarterback Donovan McNabb). McNabb is hoping to enter the 2008 season fully fit after being rushed back from an ACL injury for 2007 which had an adverse effect on his performance.

The Eagles will strive to rise to the top of the NFC once again this year, and they have every
reason to be optimistic with a fit McNabb and Brian Westbrook in the backfield.

Andy Reid

Reid enters his ninth full season in charge of the Eagles hoping to build on the success of previous years that has seen him emerge as one of the best coaches in Eagles history. His 96 wins, .608 win percentage, and 8 postseason wins rank him as the best - and 4 NFC Championship games in that timespan speaks volumes for the way he has moulded this team. But the one thing missing from his resumé is that Superbowl ring, and he will see this season as another opportunity given the talent at his fingertips.

Reid is in an exclusive number of 2 (with Bill Belichick) NFL coaches who have the power of being in charge of player transactions. Whilst Tom Heckert also has a say, Reid ultimately makes the final call - and he was at the heart of the move to bring in Terrell Owens in 2004, as well as drafting McNabb in 1999. He is a consumate man-manager, and has the ability to bring the best out of what he is given; he has sent 19 players to the Pro Bowl, none of whom had previously gone to Hawaii.

Draft Class of 2008

2 - Trevor Laws, DT, Notre Dame
2 - DeSean Jackson, WR, California
3 - Bryan Smith, LB, McNeese State
4 - Mike McGlynn, T, Pittsburgh
4 - Quintin Demps, DB, Texas-El-Paso
4 - Jake Ikegwuonu, DB, Wisconsin
6 - Mike Gibson, T, California
6 - Joe Mays, LB, North Dakota State
6 - Andy Studebaker, LB, Wheaton
7 - King Dunlap, T, Auburn

Most critics felt the draft went well for the Eagles, who crucially picked up the playmaking receiver McNabb had asked for in DeSean Jackson. Trevor Laws will certainly help on the defensive side of the ball in the Eagles 4-3 defence, and Mike McGlynn's impressive Senior Bowl bodes well for him as a potential replacement for the aging William Thomas. They also acquired an extra 1st round pick for the 2009 draft.

Strong Side

The obvious strength for the Eagles should come from quarterback Donovan McNabb. Despite battling yet more injuries last season he threw for the best completion percentage of his career, going past the 3,000 yard barrier in the process. McNabb has managed to adapt his game to deal with his lessening mobility and remains one of the best QBs in the league. Unfortunately for him, his number one receiver is going to miss the start of the season with a sports hernia. Kevin Curtis caught for over 1,000 yards last year and his absence will be a blow. Tight End L.J. Smith, who signed as a Franchise Player in the off season, will have to pick up some of the slack. Running Back Brian Westbrook will undoubtedly deliver on the ground, and he could form a dangerous partnership with the recently acquired Lorenzo Booker.

Defensively the Eagles have a strong look about them also. Despite losing Jevon Kearse and Takeo Spikes, Andy Reid has brought in the excellent Asante Samuel and Chris Clemons to fill the voids, with youngsters such as Trevor Laws hoping to make an impact as well.

Weak Side

Like the other teams in the NFC East, the Eagles have no glaring weaknesses. The only real question marks hanging over them involve injuries - can McNabb and Smith remain fit for 16 games and the playoffs? If they can, the Eagles can expect to challenge not only for the Division but the Conference as well. Their ageing offensive line should stay together for another season, although once again a key injury or two there and Reid's men might struggle. Indeed, injury has already struck down receiver Kevin Curtis for a number of weeks, leaving the Eagles short of a WR to start the season.

Major Transactions

Ins

CB - Asante Samuel (NE)
DE - Chris Clemons (Oak)
FB - Dan Klecko (Ind)
LB - Rocky Boiman (Ind)
TE - Kris Wilson (KC)
RB - Lorenzo Booker(Mia)

Outs

DE - Jevon Kearse (Ten)
LB - Takeo Spikes (SF)

Schedule

1 Sun, Sep 7 St. Louis 1:00 PM Lincoln Financial Field
2 Mon, Sep 15 @ Dallas 8:30 PM Texas Stadium
3 Sun, Sep 21 Pittsburgh 4:15 PM Lincoln Financial Field
4 Sun, Sep 28 @ Chicago 8:15 PM Soldier Field
5 Sun, Oct 5 Washington 1:00 PM Lincoln Financial Field
6 Sun, Oct 12 @ San Francisco 4:15 PM Monster Park
7 BYE WEEK
8 Sun, Oct 26 Atlanta 1:00 PM Lincoln Financial Field
9 Sun, Nov 2 @ Seattle 4:15 PM Qwest Field
10 Sun, Nov 9 NY Giants 8:15 PM Lincoln Financial Field
11 Sun, Nov 16 @ Cincinnati 1:00 PM Paul Brown Stadium
12 Sun, Nov 23 @ Baltimore 1:00 PM M&T Bank Stadium
13 Thu, Nov 27 Arizona 8:15 PM Lincoln Financial Field
14 Sun, Dec 7 @ NY Giants 1:00 PM Giants Stadium
15 Mon, Dec 15 Cleveland 8:30 PM Lincoln Financial Field
16 Sun, Dec 21 @ Washington 1:00 PM FedEx Field
17 Sun, Dec 28 Dallas 1:00 PM Lincoln Financial Field

Wide-Right's View

The Eagles have been perennial contenders under Andy Reid, and that trend is not about to reverse now. 8-8 last year was disappointing, but it was clear that they were a handful of plays away from being 11-5. They look stronger this year, not least because McNabb appears to finally be fit again. Their schedule is also relatively kind, with road trips to the 49ers, Ravens, and Bengals all looking winnable on paper. But it could so easily turn into a repeat of last season's heartbreak. The lack of a true gamebreaker, especially at Receiver, means that their games are likely to be on a knife-edge, and it will take the extra effort to turn some of the losses into wins if they are to get into the postseason.

The season will hinge on the 6 Divisional match-ups starting with week 2 in Dallas, and ending with 3 of the last 4 games against fellow NFC East opposition. A positive record will surely give them a chance of superceding favourites Dallas for what would be their 6th divisional crown in 10 years.

Prediction for 2008

The Eagles will be as confident as any of the 4 teams in their division of reaching the play-offs, which will make 2008 one of the more interesting seasons of recent times in terms of the regular season battle. Outside of their divisional games, the Eagles appear to have a schedule that should provide them with enough wins to challenge for at least the Wild Card, and if they were to go 3-3 or 4-2 in the NFC East then you would expect to see the Eagles back in the postseason.

However, they are one of the few teams that does have questionmarks in vital positions, not least at quarterback, where the fitness of McNabb has been in doubt for the past 3 years. Combine that with the injury to Kevin Curtis and offensively Philadelphia could be without two key components to their offense. Injury-free, the Eagles should contend, but that would have been the case last season as well.

I would expect them to reach the play-offs, although the Wild Card is a more realistic route for them than winning the division.

Useful Links

Official Website
Depth Chart
Fansite

Dallas Cowboys: Season preview 2008

'America's team' as they have been daubed for nearly 30 years, move into the season with an enviable roster. Bill Parcells built strong foundations in recent years, and Wade Phillips will be hoping that his own refining of the roster will translate into another Superbowl for a franchise that remains one of the most popular in world sports. Much like the Bills, the Cowboys have suffered a postseason malaise since the mid nineties. In fact, despite several attempts, the team has not won a playoff game since 1996. During those twelve years, the team has seen a revolving door at the Quarterback position, and until Parcells took over, nobody strong enough to make better football decisions than owner Jerry Jones.

That is not a knock on Jones. As an owner, his commitment to the team is omparabale only to the Al Davis's of this world, but as that has proved, it is not always a guarantee of harmony within the organisation. What Parcells did admirably well, was balance both his own visions with that of Jones. Unfortunately, when Terrell Owens signed from Philadelphia (against Parcells wishes, if rumour is to be believed), the writing seemed to be on the wall for the Tuna. Nonetheless, his work is likely to have provided a more solid base for Phillips to work with than the one he himself inherited.

The Coach

Second year coach Wade Phillips did enough in 2007 to retain the support of not only Jerry Jones, but the fanbase. Certainly, it's hard to argue that the team is worse under him than Parcells. His management style is certainly very different to his predecessor, preffering a more relaxed, informal attitude with his players, something that veterans appreciate, but is not always the catalyst for greatness.

Phillips's biggest concern will be that his own successor is already anointed, in Jason Garrett, his Assistant. It's hard to imagine that without a Championship, he will be able to convince Jones to give him a third attempt. Garrett is highly coveted around the league, and in fact makes more money than some Head Coaches, such was Jones's commitment to him. If the owner believes that Garrett could walk next year, the chances are he will pull the trigger and get rid of Phillips. As such, it is common knowledge that without a ring, the genial Phillips may find himself looking for work next season.

Draft class of 2008

1 Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas
1 Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida
2 Martellus Bennett, TE, Texas A&M
4 Tashard Choice, RB, Georgia Tech
5 Orlando Scandrick, CB, Boise State
6 Erik Walden, DE, Middle Tennessee State

The Cowboys were faced with three positions of need entering this year's draft. They addressed the Cornerback and Running Back positions with two picks each, but the Wideout situation is certainly a bone of contention amongst many fans. It could easily be argued that with the addition of Pacman Jones to the already solid pairing of Anthony Henry and Terrence Newman, the selection of Jenkins was a luxury rather than a neccesity. Patrick Crayton had a difficult season opposite Terrell Owens, and the loss of Terry Glenn further hurts the receiving corps.

The selection of Felix Jones is an inspired one, however. Jones is the perfect compliment to the brutal Marion Barber, who remains pound for pound, the hardest player in the NFL to tackle. Jones brings a similiar dynamic that Reggie Bush brings to the Saints - but crucially at a reduced salary, and with none of the expectation or pressure that Bush suffers from. Expect Jones to line up in the slot as much as he lines up behind Tony Romo.

Strong side

It is rare for a team to grade out as well as the Cowboys for long. The team is coming towards the end of a crucial window, as Owens ages, and Defensive stalwarts such as Greg Ellis and Zach Thomas coming towards the end of their time as truly elite players.

On the other hand, Phillips has got a good blend of youth and experience, especially on Defence. The linebacking corps is without doubt one of the top three in the league, and as mentioned, the team now arguably has an embarrassment of riches at Cornerback. Quarterback Tony Romo is another elite piece to this puzzle, and it's hard to imagine that he will not play in at least one Superbowl with this team.

Weak side

The Cowboys have one of the most complete teams in the league. Of that, there is little doubt, but there are still holes at crucial positions that continue to thwart their efforts to bring back the Vince Lombardi trophy. For one thing, despite a plethora of starting Corners, the Safety position is up in the air as we enter the season. Roy Williams has been deemed a liability in coverage by the current staff, and his 'boom or bust' style is a worry for a team that struggles against elite receivers. Profootballfocus.com lists Williams as the second worst Safety in the league in coverage, and coming from a site that simply deals with each player's numbers - not reputations - it is a damning verdict.

Another major concern has to be the underperforming Offensive Line. While Flozell Adams and Leonard Davis are both relatively solid, Centre Andre Gurode, RT Marc Columbo, and LG Kyle Kosier, are all underperforming. All three were listed towards the bottom of their respective positions according to PFF, and if Romo is to be given a chance to thrive in the pocket, it may be that upgrades are needed amongst the interior linemen.

Major transactions

In:
Zach Thomas, LB, Miami
Adam Jones, CB, Tennessee

Out:

Jacques Reeves, CB, Houston
Julius Jones, RB, Seattle
Jason Ferguson, NT, Miami
Anthony Fasano, TE, Miami
Akin Ayodele, LB, Miami
Terry Glenn, WR, FA

2008 Schedule

1 September 7, 2008 3:15 p.m. @ Cleveland Browns
2 September 15, 2008 7:15 p.m. Philadelphia Eagles
3 September 21, 2008 7:15 p.m. @ Green Bay Packers
4 September 28, 2008 3:15 p.m. Washington Redskins
5 October 5, 2008 3:15 p.m. Cincinnati Bengals
6 October 12, 2008 3:15 p.m. @ Arizona Cardinals
7 October 19, 2008 12:00 p.m. @ St. Louis Rams
8 October 26, 2008 12:00 p.m. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
9 November 2, 2008 3:15 p.m. @ New York Giants
10 Bye week
11 November 16, 2008 7:15 p.m. @ Washington Redskins
12 November 23, 2008 12:00 p.m. San Francisco 49ers
13 November 27, 2008 3:15 p.m. Seattle Seahawks
14 December 7, 2008 3:15 p.m. @ Pittsburgh Steelers
15 December 14, 2008 7:15 p.m. New York Giants
16 December 20, 2008 7:15 p.m. Baltimore Ravens
17 December 28, 2008 12:00 p.m. @ Philadelphia Eagles

Wide-Right's view

Like any team, if 2008 is to be the Dallas Cowboys' Superbowl winning year, there are plenty of questions that will need answering. None of these will matter, however, if they cannot overcome the glass ceiling that exists when this franchise hits the Playoffs.

Last season, the team played the Giants three times. The regular season games were high scoring affairs that saw the Dallas Offence take the game by the scruff of the neck. Where the Defence gave up points, Romo controlled the Giants and in reality, the winning margins do not show the dominance that the 'boys had in either game. Fast forward to January, and the team's one and only playoff appearance. Again, the Giants came to town, but this time, the result was different. The Giants Defense managed to stifle what is a tremendously productive offence. Romo was consistently forced to check down for short gains to TE Jason Witten, and the weight of the playoffs appeared to weigh heavily on the entire team.

The Cowboys have every chance of breaking that psychological barrier this year, but the lack of a Wide Receiver to compliment Owens is still a major issue. T.O, even with his... what we will politely describe as 'eccentricities', is amongst not only the best receivers in the league, but also the best receivers ever. A grand statement? Not really. Very few players have had the production and impact that Owens has had in the NFL. A Superbowl would merely confirm his Hall of Fame credentials.

Prediction for 2008

It's hard to imagine the Cowboys not making the playoffs - though stranger things have happened. In what has quickly become the strongest division in football, nothing is guaranteed, and the Cowboys must not believe that they have any divine right to the crown of NFC East Champions. The schedule has been kind to Dallas though, and a relatively easy mid-season means that they should not be discounted from the playoff picture even if they start terribly.

To go out on a limb, this team will not make the Superbowl while such question marks surround the Offensive Line. A team can cover for many things, but poor line play will kill even the best Quarterbacks - though Romo should break his (and the team's) playoff duck.

Useful links for Dallas fans

Official site

Depth Chart

Cowboysnet - Blog

2008 Previews: New York Giants

It’s not very often that the Superbowl champions spend much of the preseason avoiding the limelight, but despite coming off one of the great Championship upsets, this is exactly the case for the New York Giants. Big Blue have been overshadowed in the Big Apple by the story of Brett Favre joining the Jets, and yet this is exactly how the Giants want to be. Unassuming, their defensive style kept them under the radar for all of 2007, even though they set an NFL record for consecutive road wins on their way to victory over the Patriots in Arizona.

They enter the 2008 season as a relatively unfancied team in the fiercely competitive NFC East. Many will see this as something of rebuilding season for the Giants having lost some key players, but have no doubt that they will continue to surprise, and will fully expect to still be in action come January.

Tom Coughlin

Rather unbelievably, Coughlin was almost sacked after 2 games of last season. The Giants were 0-2 and playing poorly, and amidst criticism that he was too hard on his players, many felt that a change of direction was needed. The Giants ownership felt differently, giving Coughlin one more chance to prove himself. He changed his ways, adapting his style of dictatorial rule to one where the senior players had more of a say, and the response was phenomenal.

Coughlin has helped mould several young players into established stars with New York, not least Eli Manning, who has constantly improved since his rookie season, and Osi Umenyiora, who was remarkable in 2007 and is now expected to take up the mantle left by the retiring Michael Strahan. Coughlin signed a 4-year, $21m contract extension in the summer, making him one of the highest paid coaches in the league.

Draft Class of 2008

1. Kenny Phillips, Safety, Miami
2. Terrell Thomas, Cornerback, Southern Cal
3. Mario Manningham, Wide Receiver, Michican
4. Bryan Kehl, Linebacker, BYU
5. Jonathan Goff, Linebacker, Vanderbilt
6. Andre Woodson, Quarterback, Kentucky
7. Robert Henderson, Defensive End, Southern Miss

ESPN.com analyst John Clayton called the Giants, “first day losers,” following the draft, but many fans disagree. Kenny Phillips addresses weakness at safety (even if he doesn’t start this season), and was certainly the most NFL-ready safety available in the draft. Thomas provides versatility that could see him move to safety if needed, and Manningham put up impressive stats in college and would likely have gone higher had it not been for a poor combine and a questionable personality.

The general opinion seems to be that the Giants succeeded by taking Phillips, and also taking players who performed well during their time at college, but may have been overlooked due to a disappointing combine. Question marks were raised by the need for a Linebacker not being dealt with until the fourth round, as well as a total neglect for the Offensive Line.

Strong Side

On paper the strongest component in the Giants’ locker will be the Manning-Burress axis that caused so many problems for defences last season, but as ever the press enter the season worrying about whether or not Manning has the ability to make it as a true franchise quarterback, and whether Burress will actually be fully fit for the season. In the wake of that, it will be up to emerging players to deliver once again. Kevin Boss, Mario Manningham, Justin Tuck, and Osi Umenyiora will be the names to look out for. Whilst Umenyiora is expected to have another solid season, much will depend on how well Tuck steps into the void left by Michael Strahan on the left hand side of the defensive line. Boss will have the chance to be the number one TE following the departure of Jeremy Shockey, and Manningham will fight it out with David Tyree and Steve Smith for the 3^rd receiver role.

A big key will be the performance of their experienced offensive line in protecting Eli Manning who has shown an ability to panic under pressure in the past, as well as the performance of Antonio Pierce at Linebacker, who will need to build upon a career year in 2007. The fact that the only free agent signing that is currently first string is Sammy Knight speaks volumes of Coach Coughlin’s in his current crop of players, which bodes well.

Weak Side

Without a doubt the weakness of the Giants is their lack of experience in key positions. Whilst they have two receivers in their 30s, no others have real experience in the number 3 role. Plaxico Burress’ fitness is a question mark, and there are doubts over the Giants’ ability to provide a deep threat (they ranked 25^th in the league for 20+ yard completions last season), but this is an issue that clearly did not affect them in 2007 too much. Tight End Boss has played only a handful of NFL games, and there are obvious question marks about how well Justin Tuck will perform replacing Michael Strahan. But this is a team that appear to like adversity, and they showed that losing a potential Hall-of-Famer and team leader doesn’t always mean doom and gloom, following the retirement of Tiki Barber in 2006.

Major Transactions

In

QB David Carr (Car)

DE Renaldo Wynn (NO)

LB Danny Clark (Hou)

S Sammy Knight (Jax)

WR Craphonso Thorpe (Ind)

Out

FB Jim Finn

DT William Joseph (Oak)

LB Kawika Mitchell (Buf)

TE Jeremy Shockey (NO)

DE Michael Strahan (retired)

LB Reggie Torbor (Mia)

S Gibril Wilson (Oak)

DT Manny Wright

Schedule

1 Thu, Sep 4 Washington 7:00 PM Giants Stadium

2 Sun, Sep 14 @ St. Louis 1:00 PM Edward Jones Dome

3 Sun, Sep 21 Cincinnati 1:00 PM Giants Stadium

4 BYE WEEK

5 Sun, Oct 5 Seattle 1:00 PM Giants Stadium

6 Mon, Oct 13 @ Cleveland 8:30 PM Cleveland Browns Stadium

7 Sun, Oct 19 San Francisco 1:00 PM Giants Stadium

8 Sun, Oct 26 @ Pittsburgh 4:15 PM Heinz Field

9 Sun, Nov 2 Dallas 4:15 PM Giants Stadium

10 Sun, Nov 9 @ Philadelphia 8:15 PM Lincoln Financial Field

11 Sun, Nov 16 Baltimore 1:00 PM Giants Stadium

12 Sun, Nov 23 @ Arizona 4:15 PM U of Phoenix Stadium

13 Sun, Nov 30 @ Washington 1:00 PM FedEx Field

14 Sun, Dec 7 Philadelphia 1:00 PM Giants Stadium

15 Sun, Dec 14 @ Dallas 8:15 PM Texas Stadium

16 Sun, Dec 21 Carolina 1:00 PM Giants Stadium

17 Sun, Dec 28 @ Minnesota 1:00 PM Metrodome

Wide-Right’s View

It seems near impossible for the Giants to repeat their successes of 2007, but the lesson learnt from last year is to not write off Tom Coughlin’s team. Their schedule is not particularly kind for 2008, not least because they are in a division with two teams that are expected to challenge for the Superbowl in Dallas and Washington. Even the Philadelphia Eagles are expected to enter 2008 a stronger outfit – making the NFC East arguably the toughest division in the league.

Enough of the core team remains from last season to give Giants’ fans hope for the year ahead, and they are the sort of team that seems to find a way to win from apparently impossible situations, and they will need good fortune to win the division. And they hope to not replicate the fortunes of the last Wild Card Superbowl champions – the 2005 Pittsburgh Steelers who went 8-8 and failed to reach the postseason in 2006.

Much will depend on the MVP Eli Manning. This year will mark a turning point in his career as to whether or not he can take the next step to becoming a great quarterback, as opposed to merely a good one who has had some great moments. In that respect there is a huge amount of pressure on his shoulders – but surely no more than comes with being a quarterback in New York anyway. Manning, in fact, could prove to benefit immensely by the arrival of Brett Favre to New York, who may attract more headlines throughout the season and thus keep Manning-mania to a minimum.

Prediction for 2008

The Giants are certainly not the strongest team to defend the Superbowl, but it would be foolish to write them off before the season starts. They will need to continue their prolific road form if they are to have any chance of the play-offs, as well as perform well in their divisional match-ups which could see them go from a 6-10 team to a 10-6 contender again. As long as they hold in the race going into Week 13 (when a run of 3 consecutive divisional match ups, two on the road, takes place) then they should have every hope of playing in January – although it seems safe to say that those 3 games will make or break the season.

Useful Links

Official Website

Depth Chart

Fansite

New England Patriots: Season Preview 2008

We could use this section to tell you just how good the New England Patriots have been recently, but that would be futile. If you have been living in a cave, however, we're obliged to let you know that the Patriots are one of the most dominant teams of the last decade - possibly ever, in fact - and came within one game of joining the Miami Dolphins as the only teams to have registered an undefeated season since the NFL began.

Where do they rank alongside the 'great' dynasties? They are probably best compared with the 49ers of the mid-late 80's. Leading the team is a Quarterback who's most important assets are not physical, but mental. Although he can make every throw, Tom Brady is above all, a composed leader of men on the field. He inspires confidence in his players, and will join his 49ers counterpart Joe Montana in the Hall of Fame one day.

The Patriots, of course, will now be synonymous with the videotaping incident known to imbecile commentators everywhere as 'Spygate'. Coach Bill Belichick was found to have authorised the taping of opponents Defensive signals during several games during the 01-02 period, and the fact that they were caught during last year's game against the Jets in the Meadowlands, suggests that the practice was widespread during the Patriots' recent successes.

Spygate is an unfortunate footnote that will not escape the Patriots, though some redemption could come in the form of another championship ring, one known to be untainted by any allegations of malpractice.

The Coach

Bill Belichick. An enigma wrapped in a riddle during a murder mystery weekend. Both infuriating and engrossing, he fascinates the media in a way that few coaches are capable of maintaining without incurring almost continuous negative coverage. During his press conferences, he is knowingly reticent, preferring to indulge instead in a game of 'Football clichés', in an attempt to give the press absolutely no copy that opponents can pin to a locker.

Belichick is an intensely private and guarded individual. Perhaps this stems from his coaching education under Bill Parcells, another man famous for his stonewalling of reporters. Also of note is that he is the only head coach in the entire league not to be a member of the NFL Head Coaches Association (NFLHCA), despite not having any contractual obligations (a-la Parcells when he was Cowboys coach) that prohibit such a move. The message is clear: Bill Belichick wants to win, and he doesn't care about who he upsets along the line, because nobody will remember how many friends he made in 5o years time.

2007 Season

The Patriots 2007 season almost brought the immediate redemption that Belichick seeks following Spygate. Falling at the last hurdle will be what the season is remembered for, but by all accounts, watching New England destroy the regular season opponents with an almost Pagan-like joy in the kill was an awesome sight to behold. Of course, we all know that the Patriots polarise fans, but there is no good reason to not appreciate their 'shock and awe' tactics during the 2007 season.

The Patriots' three Superbowl winning teams were built upon a team ethos that stifled the talents of almost all of the offensive playmakers. The message was always clear, that nobody has a divine right to throw, catch, or carry the ball under Belichick. In fact, it is an indication of just how that formula worked, that prior to this season, there were still people who classified Brady as lacking the ability to make certain passes. Of course, he proved this season that it was simply the case that he had never been asked to make those throws. With a predominantly passing attack, Brady - with the help of receivers Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Donte Stallworth, and even Jabar Gaffney - systematically exploited the gaps in every defence the team faced over the course of the season.

What makes this more impressive, is the fact that the Patriots were the victims of injuries to Running Backs Laurence Maroney, and his backup Sammy Morris. Morris in particular showed flashes of why the Patriots signed him following his release from the rival Dolphins. Maroney returned, and eventually, as Defences adjusted to the passing attack, his contributions increased accordingly.

Draft class of 2008

1 - Jerod Mayo, Linebacker, Tennessee
2 - Terrence Wheatley, Cornerback, Colorado
3 - Shawn Crable, Linebacker, Michigan
3 - Kevin O'Connell, Quarterback, San Diego State
4 - Jonathan Wilhite, Cornerback, Auburn
5 - Matt Slater, Safety, UCLA
6 - Bo Ruud, Linebacker, Nebraska

New England had the luxury of not having many positions that actually require an influx of new blood, and thus have invested multiple picks in both the secondary and Linebacker units. Jerod Mayo was a surprise pick for many at number 10, but it would be unwise to make a snap judgement on a player that Bill Belichick was prepared to reach for. Linebacker was a huge need, and even if Bruschi and Seau are back for at least this year, it would be unwise not to get a great deal younger at the most important positions on your Defence.

The surprise pick was Kevin O'Connell, who will be pushing incumbent backup Matt Cassell all the way in Training Camp. Cassell has seen limited action due to the Pats' insistence on closing out games with their starters on the field, but will still need to prove a great deal in preseason to keep out O'Connell, who is one of the best, if less heralded, Quarterbacks of this rookie class.


Strong Side

Where to begin? This team is dominant, so dominant that every facet could be classed as strong. Even their special teams, with Pro-Bowler Larry Izzo, is amongst the top units in the league. It's rare that a team can build a dynasty in the modern era of Free Agency and player power, but the Pats have managed it by giving players the incentive of Championships rather than money. They've also got the most out of veteran players such as Tedy Bruschi, Junior Seau, and Troy Brown, who's impact has far outweighed the cap room that they take up.

In fact, the strongest area on this team is almost certainly the coaching staff and front office personnel department. They have always put chemistry at the top of their list when signing players, and have been rewarded with a team that is full of stars, but stars who's primary focus is the success of the team. Big names like Randy Moss, who's reputation was hardly exemplary during his previous time in Oakland, have come in and immediately gelled into the mix. That's not a coincidence. It's a reflection on the Patriots' locker room dynamic. They are one of the few teams in the league that can approach a player and know that they can be upfront and not pander to egos, yet still have the pulling power to attract big names.

Weak Side

If New England have a weakness, it's the secondary. The departures of Asante Samuel, Eugene Wilson, and Randall Gay through Free Agency have depleted what was considered a solid unit. DB Willie Andrews was released after being arrested, which will hurt the depth chart more than anything, while former Detroit CB Fernando Bryant comes in to resurrect what has been an average career. The Pats selected three Rookie DB's in the draft, but they are now all playing for a chance to start. It's likely that the Pats will have at least one Rookie in their opening day lineup.

Much was made of problems on the Offensive line after the Patriots were manhandled by a very strong set of Defensive Ends in the Superbowl loss to the Giants, but it would be harsh to judge the entire group on one game. Tom Brady's lack of mobility due to injury probably cost them a few sacks in the game, and the fact that Belichick opted against signing any rookie linemen probably speaks volumes about his confidence in the current group.

Major Transactions

In

Fernando Bryant, CB
Jason Webster, CB
Tank Williams, S
Sam Aiken, WR
Victor Hobson, LB

Out

Rosevelt Colvin, LB
Donte Stallworth, WR
Kyle Brady, TE
Asante Samuel, CB
Randall Gay, CB/S
Eugene Wilson, S

2008 Schedule

1 1:00 PM September 7, 2008 Kansas City Chiefs Gillette Stadium
2 4:15 PM September 14, 2008 New York Jets Giants Stadium
3 1:00 PM September 21, 2008 Miami Dolphins Gillette Stadium
4 Bye
5 4:15 PM October 5, 2008 San Francisco 49ers Candlestick Park
6 8:15 PM October 12, 2008 San Diego ChargersQualcomm Stadium
7 8:30 PM October 20, 2008 Denver Broncos Gillette Stadium
8 1:00 PM October 26, 2008 St. Louis Rams Gillette Stadium
9 8:15 PM November 2, 2008 Indianapolis Colts Lucas Oil Stadium
10 1:00 PM November 9, 2008 Buffalo Bills Gillette Stadium
11 8:15 PM November 13, 2008 New York Jets Gillette Stadium
12 1:00 PM November 23, 2008 Miami Dolphins Dolphin Stadium
13 4:15 PM November 30, 2008 Pittsburgh Steelers Gillette Stadium
14 8:15 PM December 7, 2008 Seattle Seahawks Qwest Field
15 4:15 PM December 14, 2008 Oakland Raiders McAfee Coliseum
16 1:00 PM December 21, 2008 Arizona Cardinals Gillette Stadium
17 1:00 PM December 28, 2008 Buffalo Bills Ralph Wilson Stadium

Wide-Right's view

It's hard to improve on a perfect regular season, but of course, the Patriots will not be remembered for that in 2007, they will be remembered for falling at the last hurdle. As such, Coach Bill Belicheck will most likely employ the 'scorched earth' policy again, demoralising some teams into capitulation before games even start. Of course, going undefeated again would be an unlikely event, and in all truth, we can't see it happening. The Giants showed that no team is completely unbeatable in the modern era, and some teams such as the Jets have a grievance with the Patriots that means any matchup between the two could go either way.

In more general terms, the key pieces of the jigsaw are still in place. The team could do with Jerod Mayo and Victor Hobson contributing early in the season, as it is more than likely that neither Junior Seau or Tedy Bruschi will be around after this year. It is imperative that at least one of those two becomes a leader on Defence, because with Rodney Harrison also advancing in years, the Pats could soon find themselves a very inexperienced team on the Defensive side of the ball.

The offence is still very much capable of laying waste to some defences, and establishing early momentum would - as we said earlier - give plenty of teams a psychological millstone when their turn comes round. You always got the impression that some teams were just out to avoid a complete hiding, whereas teams like the Giants and Eagles did a good job blocking out the media in the run-up to their meetings - consequently running them closer than any other teams.

This season will make or break the Patriots' dynasty. Another win this year, and the team can lay to rest the Spygate issue. Fail, and perhaps history will ask what that edge they had in previous seasons was...

Prediction for 2008

The Patriots are far from untouchable in the AFC. It would take an almighty cock-up to miss the playoffs in what has become a weak division, but once there, the team will need to up it's game considerably. Indianapolis, Jacksonville, and San Diego are - once again - the main contenders, and the urgency of the Jags in particular, who have been aggressive in putting the final pieces of their own puzzle together, should tell the Patriots that this will be no stroll to the Superbowl.

Useful links for Patriots fans
Official website
Depth chart
Patriotsplanet - fansite

New York Jets: Season Preview 2008

The New York Jets

The past few seasons have not been kind to the Jets; despite the continued failings of the Buffalo Bills and the Miami Dolphins, the emergence of a New England Patriots dynasty within the NFL (and more significantly to the Jets, the AFC East) has done little to cheer a franchise whose last (and only) SB visit was in 1968.

The hiring of Eric Mangini - a former Patriots employee - as Head Coach in 2006 resulted in almost immediate success, however a 10-6 regular season record only led to a 37-16 Wild Card playoff defeat to 'you know who'. Was it possible that fans of the Jets could get any more irked by the Patriots in 2007? It turned out it was, as after the Week One 38-14 loss to "you know who" the Spygate soap opera debuted.

The Coach

Entering his 3rd season, The Mangenius might start to see questions about his role (if not his nickname) within the franchise raised should the Jets succumb to another 4-12 season. Upstairs Mike Tannenbaum will be entering his 3rd season as General Manager and will be adding Executive Vice President to his ever-growing list of responsibilities (he will also be sitting on the newly formed NFL GM committee). Kevin O'Dea has been named Special Teams Coordinator after the excellent Mike Westhoff was forced to step down from the role due to medical reasons. Bill Callahan joins as Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Line Coach while, to the surprise of some, Bob Sutton remains as Defensive Coordinator.

2007 season

2007 was a season to largely forget for the Jets. A lackluster running game (19th in rushing yards a game, tied 22nd in yards per carry), a defence who couldn't stop the run (29th in Yards allowed per game), and the lingering question of if Clemens really is the Jets' QB of the future. On the plus side the 4-12 record did result in the 6th overall pick in the draft (Vernon Gholston), Cotchery had another productive season while the standout rookie season of David Harris should minimise the effect of the departure of Jonathan Vilma in the off-season.

Draft class of 2008

Round 1 - Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State
Round 1 - Dustin Keller, TE, Purdue
Round 4 - Dwight Lowery, CB, San Jose State
Round 5 - Erik Ainge, QB, Tennessee
Round 6 - Marcus Henry, WR, Kansas
Round 7 - Nate Garner, OT, Arkansas

New York's draft effectively started on February 29th when they traded away their 3rd and 5th round picks for monster DT/NT Kris Jenkins.

Draft day picks Gholston and Lowery add further dimensions to what was a poor 2007 defence and Keller should have a chance to start at TE. The offensive line wasn't addressed till the 7th round, but that was partly due to the 2008 free agent acquisitions of Alan Faneca and Damien Woody.

Strong side

With the talent available to Mangini the 2008 season shouldn't be a repeat of 2007. D'Brickashaw Ferguson, Nick Mangold, Faneca and Woody should provide a more than adequate offensive line. The 3-4 defence received significant upgrades in Gholston and Jenkins, the play of David Harris after Vilma suffered a season ending injury in week 7 was extremely encouraging and Kerry Rhodes is becoming one of the best safeties in the league - This team, on paper, isn't a 4-12 team.

Weak side

Despite a strong off-season there is still one position above all in which doubts may remain - Quarterback. Through a combination of injuries and the rest of the league figuring out how to deal with his game, James Chadwick Pennington has never managed to repeat his 2002 season. One of the brightest young QBs in 2002 was one of the highest paid backup QBs for much of the second half of the 2007 season. Kellen Clemens, the 2nd round pick in 2006, didn't do much to impress when he played and while it was only his first season (and only half a season at that) as starter 2008 might be the last chance either QB gets with the Jets.

On the TE front Chris Baker is aggrieved at his contract situation and has asked to be traded. Bubba Franks came off an injury plagued season at Green Bay and at 30 years old might only see limited action in a Jets uniform. A lot may be expected of Keller in his rookie year.

Major transactions

In:
TE Bubba Franks
OG Alan Faneca
OG Damien Woody
DT Kris Jenkins
LB Calvin Pace

Out:
WR Justin McCareins
LB Jonathan Vilma
DT Dewayne Robertson

2008 Schedule

2 Thu, Aug 7th, 2008 at Cleveland 07:30 PM Cleveland Browns Stadium
3 Sat, Aug 16th, 2008 Washington 07:00 PM Meadowlands
4 Sat, Aug 23rd, 2008 NY Giants 07:00 PM Meadowlands
5 Thu, Aug 28th, 2008 at Philadelphia 06:30 PM Lincoln Financial Field

1 Sun, Sep 7th, 2008 at Miami 01:00 PM Dolphin Stadium
2 Sun, Sep 14th, 2008 New England 04:15 PM Meadowlands
3 Mon, Sep 22nd, 2008 at San Diego 08:30 PM Qualcomm Stadium
4 Sun, Sep 28th, 2008 Arizona 01:00 PM Meadowlands
5 Bye
6 Sun, Oct 12th, 2008 Cincinnati 01:00 PM Meadowlands
7 Sun, Oct 19th, 2008 at Oakland 04:15 PM McAfee Coliseum
8 Sun, Oct 26th, 2008 Kansas City 01:00 PM Meadowlands
9 Sun, Nov 2nd, 2008 at Buffalo 01:00 PM Ralph Wilson Stadium
10 Sun, Nov 9th, 2008 St. Louis 01:00 PM Meadowlands
11 Thu, Nov 13th, 2008 at New England 08:15 PM Gillette Stadium
12 Sun, Nov 23rd, 2008 at Tennessee 01:00 PM LP Field
13 Sun, Nov 30th, 2008 Denver 01:00 PM Meadowlands
14 Sun, Dec 7th, 2008 at San Francisco 04:05 PM Monster Park
15 Sun, Dec 14th, 2008 Buffalo 01:00 PM Meadowlands
16 Sun, Dec 21st, 2008 at Seattle 04:05 PM Qwest Field
17 Sun, Dec 28th, 2008 Miami 01:00 PM Meadowlands

Fan view

Jets fan Iain Bartholomew's (rather lengthy!) view on why the 2008 season is “Kellen or Bust”.

The state of the Jets is, to put it simply, unknown. There are so many things that should work, but if they all do work it will be remarkable. Adding two new pieces to the offensive line ought to shore up the unit and allow whichever QB starts the time to be effective and opening up holes for the running game. In theory the offense should be above average, no matter who the QB is. Kellen Clemens, by the way, should be the QB. We know what we have in Chad Pennington and what we have is a great guy who will never be an elite QB in the NFL. In Clemens there is a chance that he flames out. Big deal - At least then we know he’s not a QB.As a fan I want to be excited by the offense and Clemens is the QB with the potential to be explosive (as opposed to Chad whose shoulder has the potential to explode).

For what it’s worth, I believe that Eric Mangini and Mike Tannenbaum are on the right track here. They have a clear plan and are executing it. They clearly misjudged matters last year and failed to shore up the offensive and defensive lines. They clearly don’t know whether Kellen Clemens is the QB he was drafted to be, else Chad Pennington would no longer be on the roster.

Jets fans do appear to be somewhat split between those who have seen too much to retain any real sense of optimism and those who believe we’re going in the right direction. For me, this seems to be a win-now team without a win-now QB. If neither Chad nor Kellen can step up and take the job then we’re in a lot of trouble. By the time a replacement is groomed or integrated it will be too late for the likes of Faneca, Woody, Barton, Jones, Ellis, Jenkins and Coles. That’s a lot of key elements to replace. That’s also why it has to be Kellen or bust in 2008.

Wide-Right's view

2008 could go either way for the Jets. A repeat of 2006 (10-6 and a Wild Card playoff appearance) is not totally out of the question, but then neither is a 5-11 season.

A lot will depend on the form of Clemens and/or Pennington and how well rookies (most notably Gholston) quickly adapt to life within the NFL. While New England aren’t going to implode any time soon, the fortunes of Buffalo and Miami will be a big factor in the Jets season.

Prediction for 2008

The Jets won’t finish first in the AFC East, nor in all likelihood will they finish last,a fairly average 8-8 season may be on the cards. A week 1 matchup at Miami may set the tone for the whole season and a surprise week two win against NE could do wonders for the whole season. A 0-2 record however heading into week 3 could be a sign of a long season to come.

Mangini survives the 2008 season, but the fortunes of 2009 offer no less uncertainty...

Useful links for Jets fans

Official site
Depth chart
TheGangGreen - fansite

The Miami Dolphins: Season 2008 Preview

The Miami Dolphins

Recent history has been bittersweet for the Miami Dolphins. Traditionally one of the NFL's most popular franchises, the 'fins have not won a championship for nearly 35 years, and despite having one of the most prolific passers of the modern era, they did not convert several opportunities to win the big one during his Hall of Fame career. The Dan Marino era is long since departed, though, and as with almost all great Quarterbacks, his shoes have proved incredibly difficult to fill. We could list the assorted journeymen, high draft choices and complete bums who have attempted to follow Marino, but it would hurt the keyboard to do so.

Although generally a trendy 'sleeper pick' at this time of year, the Dolphins have not actually made the Playoffs since 2001, when they were destroyed by the Ravens 20-3. A revenge of sorts was exacted in 2007 - though probably not in the way owner Wayne Huizenga would have hoped for. Huizenga himself has half of his stake in the Dolphins, and it will soon be time for one of the more philanthropic owners in the NFL to leave behind his dream of winning sports championships in South Florida.

The Coach
Tony Sparano enters his first season as head coach with a great deal more support than most could expect from 'Vice President of Team Operations' Bill Parcells. Forget everything that title suggests - Parcells is pulling the strings here, and it won't be long before his protegé is wondering just whether the Tuna is quite ready to give up coaching.

One advantage Sparano has over almost any other person who could have taken the job, is that he was Parcells' choice no matter what. He made that clear when negotiating a similiar position with Atlanta owner Arthur Blank. Sparano was Quarterbacks coach at Dallas when Parcells coached their last season, but despite his relative anonymity, is highly regarded in league circles, perhaps even more so that Cowboys Assistant Jason Garrett, the successor to Wade Phillips.

2007 season
It's not always easy judging whether a team failed, met expectations, or punched above it's weight when you analyse a season. However, with the Miami Dolphins 2007 season, we can safely use the term 'debacle' to describe events. Despite a QB situation that seemed like some kind of terrible idea for a sitcom - including a starting QB one concussion shy of retirement (Trent Green) - the 'fins were everyone's trendy sleeper pick. Looking back, it's easy to laugh, but remember that Green was brought in to help veterans like Jason Taylor and Zach Thomas finally get that elusive championship ring by then coach Cam Cameron.

What transpired was laughable - unless you were a Dolphin fan. The team started well, and were unlucky to lose in Overtime to the Redskins in week one. Losing to the Texans in week 5 also saw Green go down with what turned out to be the final concussion of his Dolphins career, and the loss of Running back Ronnie Brown in week 7 effectively ended any outside hopes of a recovery.

With the team visiting London 0-7, the media were forced to reconfigure their predictions for the Dolphins. Just winning a game now looked an almighty task for a team playing with a backup QB and RB tandem, and with arguably the team's best WR Chris Chambers, shipped off to San Diego. The onus fell on Cleo Lemon - who was widely consider a placeholder for 2nd round pick John Beck - to lead a demoralised team in the Wembley mud. A sloppy game, probably more remarkable for it's location and the quality of streaker, ended in a Giants victory.

Naught much need be said about a team that was headed for the first 0-16 season in NFL history. That dubious distinction will fall to another set of cork-popping veterans, however, as the 'fins finally chalked a win (and revenge) up against the equally terrible Baltimore Ravens. It should be noted that they only managed a win in overtime, and that the Ravens had a pretty good shot at winning the game on their last drive, but had to settle for a field goal.

Expected losses at New England and against the Bungles followed, both under the gaze of new VP of Footballing operations (we still hate that term, he's just 'the VP' from now on ok?) Bill Parcells. Byt this point it seemed unlikely that Cam Cameron could save his job, and so it turned out, as he was unceremoniously sacked after one of the worst seasons in Dolphins and NFL History.

Draft class of 2008

1 - Jake Long T Michigan
2 - Phillip Merling DE Clemson
2 - Chad Henne QB Michigan
3 - Kendall Langford DE Hampton
4 - Shawn Murphy G Utah State
6 - Jalen Parmele RB Toledo
6 - Donald Thomas G Connecticut
6 - Lex Hilliard FB Montana
7 - Lionel Dotson DT Arizona

Parcells, a respected practitioner in the field of the NFL draft, has come up trumps in 2008. First of all, he eschewed the vocal majority who called for Chris Long, Matt Ryan, or Glenn Dorsey. All three are good players, but an offensive line that consisted of just one Tackle was the major concern. With Brown expected to be rehabilitated early from his torn ACL, he will need Jake Long to anchor his left side, and Long will also be critical in the development of either John Beck or Chad Henne at Quarterback. Henne is one of the better prospects from the 2008 class. He shows poise, leadership, and all the physical skills to become one of the best signal-callers in the NFL. That may sound like a wild exaggeration, but the guy is a leader of men. He comes from Michigan, along with his fellow rookie OT too, so it's difficult to imagine the questionable Beck keeping him out for long.

Elsewhere the Dolphins focused on Defensive ends, taking Merling and Langford in early rounds. Merling looked a steal in round 2, but keep an eye also, on rookie RB Jalene Parmele. Despite being third on the depth chart, he has to know that both Brown and Ricky Williams have health issues. He did not have a fumble in his career at Toledo, and was one of the quickest RB's at this year's combine.

Strong side

After such a weak season, it's not easy to characterise this team's strengths. The running game is healthy - when it's primary sources are healthy - and the addition of Long should give hope to Dolphins fans everywhere. Brown looked exceptional last year even behind a weak line, and was on course to finish at the top of the yardage list if not for his injury.

Elsewhere the depth at Linebacker and along the Defensive line is good, but the aging Joey Porter could well be the weak link alongside Channing Crowder and Akin Ayodele.

Weak side

Where do you start? the secondary is a good place. Jason Allen, a first rounder in 2006, needs to start fulfilling his potential. He is currently number three on a depth chart that is bereft of stars, and with the loss of Michael Lehan to injury, Allen will be forced to play CB this year, rather than at Free Safety, where the Dolphins have eased him into the defensive scheme. Ex-Dallas SS Keith Davis will likely supplant Yeremiah Bell, while Renaldo Hill will likely line up next to him.

On the offensive line questions still need to be answered. The lack of depth at tackle is particularly worrying, and that is after the addition of Long. One bright spot could be that Guard Justin Smiley, a Free Agent aquisition from the 49ers, will be able to nurture Long through the initial trials of his career.

The main question though, is in the passing game. At both WR and QB, the team is lacking identity. First of all, look at both Chris Chambers and Wes Welker. Both left the Dolphins last season, and we saw what happened. Welker produced a brilliant (yet not completely surprising) season for the Patriots, and the Chargers got something close to the best out of Chambers. Ted Ginn Jnr now leads the Receiving unit, but Ernest Wilford will hardly set the fans pulses racing (in the good way) heading into this year.

Couple that with the complete uncertainty regarding the QB situation, and you have a farce waiting to happen. Our guess? Josh McCown will start in week one, but expect Henne to beat out the other two by week four. Beck will need to show that he can play during pre-season or not at all. We wouldn't be surprised to see a Charlie Frye-esque trading of Beck before week six.

Major transactions

In:
WR Ernest Wilford
LB Akin Ayodele
DT Jason Ferguson
SS Keith Davis
LB Charlie Anderson
TE Anthony Fasano
OG Justin Smiley
DE Randy Starks
QB Josh McCown

Out:
QB Trent Green
OT L.J Shelton
WR Marty Booker
DT keith Traylor
LB Zach Thomas


2008 Schedule

1 Sun, Sep 7th, 2008 NY Jets 01:00 PM Dolphin Stadium
2 Sun, Sep 14th, 2008 at Arizona 04:15 PM University of Phoenix Stadium
3 Sun, Sep 21st, 2008 at New England 01:00 PM Gillette Stadium
4 Bye
5 Sun, Oct 5th, 2008 San Diego 01:00 PM Dolphin Stadium
6 Sun, Oct 12th, 2008 at Houston 01:00 PM Reliant Stadium
7 Sun, Oct 19th, 2008 Baltimore 01:00 PM Dolphin Stadium
8 Sun, Oct 26th, 2008 Buffalo 01:00 PM Dolphin Stadium
9 Sun, Nov 2nd, 2008 at Denver 04:05 PM Invesco Field at Mile High
10 Sun, Nov 9th, 2008 Seattle 01:00 PM Dolphin Stadium
11 Sun, Nov 16th, 2008 Oakland 01:00 PM Dolphin Stadium
12 Sun, Nov 23rd, 2008 New England 01:00 PM Dolphin Stadium
13 Sun, Nov 30th, 2008 at St. Louis 01:00 PM Edward Jones Dome
14 Sun, Dec 7th, 2008 at Buffalo 04:05 PM Rogers Centre - Toronto, Ontar
15 Sun, Dec 14th, 2008 San Francisco 01:00 PM Dolphin Stadium
16 Sun, Dec 21st, 2008 at Kansas City 01:00 PM Arrowhead Stadium
17 Sun, Dec 28th, 2008 at NY Jets 01:00 PM Meadowlands



Fan view

Miami fan Jay Rowell on whether the Dolphins can rebound in '08...

Yes! They can. Obviously, last year it was a very bad year for Miami. Tony Sparano worked under Bill Parcells as an Assistant head coach, so they already have this connection between them that could prove beneficial for the Dolphins. Hopefully he can re-build the bond between (the front office) and Jason Taylor... I think Parcells is the best thing that's come to Miami this year - that could really make the Difference.

My prediction is that they will make a huge comeback. They won't make the play-offs but I think they just need to make sure, they do a hell of a lot better than they did last year.

Wide-Right's view

'Desperate optimism' may be the order of the day in South Florida this year. The Solphins are a real mess, and even with Bill Parcells at the helm, they have a fight on their hands. We're not for one second suggesting that Parcells won't make the Dolphins better in the long run, but short term, his goal has to be to prevent a youthful coaching and playing staff from becoming shell shocked. When you've gone 1-15, you may think the only way is up, but countless franchises have spent considerable years without success because a young, core group of players developed losing habits early in their careers.

With this in mind, Tony Sparano needs to be strong enough to stand up to the Tuna and stamp his own identity on this team. Sparano is no walkover, nor is he Parcells' puppet, but everyone is aware that it is unlikely he would have his job were it not for the VP's insistence.

A bonus is the expected return of Ronnie Brown. Brown was a monster over the first half of last season, and if he returns anywhere near full speed, Miami have a shot at winning games. Brown is critical as he brings safe hands to a thin receiving corps, and his ability could be the crucial factor in developing one of the two young Quarterbacks on the Miami roster.

The Jason Taylor situation continues to fester, but realistically it's Miami or bust for the 2006 Defensive player of the year. Taylor is the face of this defence, and his loss would be a huge blow, no matter what renumeration the team received. The rumours of a trade to Green Bay, we dealt with in this article. In short, it's a risky trade that we don't see makes sense for either team. With Taylor's new-found love affair with the media likely to be a talking point all year, perhaps the Front Office would be wise to cash in on Taylor before he retires (as he has stated an intention to do so) next year. On the other hand, if the team actually believes they have any shot at winning, losing the two emotional leaders -Thomas and Taylor - in the same offseason, would likely put paid to those hopes.

Prediction for 2008

The Dolphins won't finish 0-16, but it's likely that the team will have another offseason rebuilding program come 2009. The opening games against the Jets and Cardinals provide ample opportunity to exorcise the demons of last year before the Patriots loom large in week 3. It is critical that one of those games is won, if only to avoid driving us all insane with Jason Taylor trade talk.

At a guess? 4-12. One step at a time for Bill and Co.

Useful links for Miami fans

Official site
Depth chart
Bitchin' Dave

Buffalo Bills: Season Preview 2008

The Buffalo Bills

It's been a long time since fans of the Buffalo Bills had much to cheer about. The last time the team won a playoff game was 1995, and since the team cut Bruce Smith, Thurman Thomas, and Andre Reed at the end of the 2000 season, the Bills have been a franchise with no faces. The glory days of the early nineties, when the Bills made four straight superbowl appearances (let's not dwell on the four straight losses...) have been replaced with a barren, playoff-free wilderness. In fact, their last playoff appearance was probably one of the more memorable - the music city miracle.

The Coach

Dick Jauron has quietly risen into one of the NFL's better coaches over the last two years. Since taking over in Buffalo, he has overseen the drafting of several key players, but perhaps his biggest asset - GM Marv Levy - has now retired. The enigmatic Levy brought much needed stability to the team, and Bills fans will be hoping that, as Levy's guy, Jauron is able to continue the progress made in recent seasons. Offensive co-ordinator Steve Fairchild left, and former QBs coach Turk Schonert will be hoping to do better than the predictable Fairchild as he enters his first job as an OC in the NFL.

2007 season

The Bills finished 7-9 last season. Although they finished second in the AFC East, they missed out on a playoff place after losing their last 3 games. The most important move of the season was the replacing of J.P. Losman with rookie Trent Edwards at the Quarterback position. Losman rarely looked like turning into the QB they envisaged when the Bills invested a first round pick on him back in '04, and his cards were marked even before he sustained an early season injury. Edwards, who was selected in the third round last year, but already looks more likely to cement the position as his own - something that Losman never achieved in 3 years.

Draft class of 2008

Round 1 - Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy
Round 2 - James Hardy, WR, Indiana
Round 3 - Chris Ellis, DE, Virginia Tech
Round 4 - Reggie Corner, CB, Akron
Round 4 - Derek Fine, TE, Kansas
Round 5 - Alvin Bowen, OLB, Iowa State
Round 6 - Xavier Omon, RB, Northwest Missouri State University
Round 7 - Demetrius Bell, OT, Northwestern State University
Round 7 - Steve Johnson, WR, Kentucky
Round 7 - Kennard Cox, DB, Pittsburgh

The Bills have done a good job in recent seasons of building through the draft. This year, they addressed most of the key needs on the team, and got a couple of steals in the process. Primarily, the Bills will be happy with the raw talent that Leodis McKelvin brings to the table at the cornerback position, which has been a problem area since the departure to San Francisco of Nate Clements. James Hardy should finally give Lee Evans a compliment at WR. Hardy is a big, bruising WR but also has the speed that could see him one day become an elite receiver in the league.

The only position that stands out on the Bills roster as a potential problem is Tight End. When Kevin Everett went down with his career ending injury, it was not only a sickening blow to the team's mental state, but yet another mid round TE prospect (see also: Tim Euhus) that would fail to challenge current incumbent Robert Royal. Royal is a serviceable TE, but the Bills have not used the position for receiving much in the last few years. Derek Fine should add the blocking ability that has been sorely missing from the Bills TE corps, but Royal will need to show he can catch the ball reliably, or his days in Buffalo may be numbered.

Strong side

Without doubt coach Dick Jauron has several talented players, probably more than the 7-9 record of last year would have people believe. The Offensive line is certainly looking formidable. Langston Walker and Derrick Dockery have both been succesful acquisition, and Tackle Jason Peters (alongside Dockery) give the Bills a very solid left side.

On the defensive side of the ball, the addition through Free Agency of ex-Jags DT Marcus Stroud is a crucial addition that could well help DE's Aaron Schobel and Chris Kelsay focus on the pass rush. It will also give young DT John McCargo a perfect role model as he looks to cement a starting role this year. The front four is formidable, and with MLB Paul Posluzny returning from injury, the linebacker group looks stronger than it has for many years. When Posluzny went down early last season, his replacement - John DiGiorgio - proved that he is more than capable of playing at this level, and gives the team depth that few others can match. Alongside another Free Agent, Kawika Mitchell, and with Angelo Crowell manning the strong side, the Bills are spoiled for choice in almost every position amongst the front seven.

Weak side

The Tight End situation aside, Buffalo also has question marks at the other offensive skill positions.

The addition of Hardy via the draft has given the team another option at receiver, but it is still a unit that lacks depth. Hardy and Lee Evans may be a tandem to strike fear into many secondaries, but if one of the two were to go down, the Bills are back to square one, somewhere they've been for the last three years. A question mark still hangs over the Running Back position too. Marshawn Lynch enters his second season as starter, and has shown the talent and durability to carry the load. Fred Jackson, too, looks to have talent. The release of veteran Anthony Thomas shows that Jauron and Schonert certainly have faith in him as a backup.

The question? Lynch's upcoming guilty plea for mowing down a Buffalo area girl at 3am. Wheras the charge is likely to be a misdemeanour, it will put Lynch on a very short leash with the league. In this age of Pacmans and Tanks, he will need to be extra careful to avoid problems with the law. It's a huge test of maturity for a young man, and his reaction to the original investigation into the incident didn't reflect positively on his current mindset. One of the problems an NFL player faces is that automatically, you become a potential target for the law, the media, and the average guy on the street. They're all going to try and take advantage of you, and often, it's the star that gets penalised. The last thing this team needs is it's most consistent offensive performer of 2007 to be hit with a suspension of any kind.

And finally, of course, there is young signal-caller Trent Edwards. Despite gaining the starting role for this season, Edwards must be concious that the Bills' decision to keep former first rounder J.P. Losman around is not the 100% faith that you'd like as a Quarterback. Edwards' play in 2007 showed a propensity for taking sacks and throwing interceptions, two things that no offence can afford to do on a regular basis. indeed, in the game against the Giants last December, Edwards threw three interceptions, two of which went back for scores (One, in fact, by Kawika Mitchell, then of the Giants.). Such a meltdown at a critical phase of the season is something that Edwards could have done without as he makes his case for being the franchise quarterback that Buffalo have not had since Jim Kelly.

Major transactions

In:
LB Kawika Mitchell
DT Marcus Stroud
TE Courtney Anderson
CB Will James
DT Spencer Johnson

Out:
WR Peerless Price
LB Coy Wire
RB Anthony Thomas
CB Jerametrius Butler
LB Kevin Harrison
DT Larry Tripplett

2008 Schedule

2 Sat, Aug 9th, 2008 at Washington 07:00 PM FedEx Field
3 Thu, Aug 14th, 2008 Pittsburgh 07:30 PM Rogers Centre - Toronto, Ontar
4 Sun, Aug 24th, 2008 at Indianapolis 08:00 PM Lucas Oil Stadium
5 Thu, Aug 28th, 2008 Detroit 06:30 PM Ralph Wilson Stadium

1 Sun, Sep 7th, 2008 Seattle 01:00 PM Ralph Wilson Stadium
2 Sun, Sep 14th, 2008 at Jacksonville 01:00 PM Jacksonville Municipal Stadium
3 Sun, Sep 21st, 2008 Oakland 01:00 PM Ralph Wilson Stadium
4 Sun, Sep 28th, 2008 at St. Louis 04:05 PM Edward Jones Dome
5 Sun, Oct 5th, 2008 at Arizona 04:15 PM University of Phoenix Stadium
6 Bye
7 Sun, Oct 19th, 2008 San Diego 01:00 PM Ralph Wilson Stadium
8 Sun, Oct 26th, 2008 at Miami 01:00 PM Dolphin Stadium
9 Sun, Nov 2nd, 2008 NY Jets 01:00 PM Ralph Wilson Stadium
10 Sun, Nov 9th, 2008 at New England 01:00 PM Gillette Stadium
11 Mon, Nov 17th, 2008 Cleveland 08:30 PM Ralph Wilson Stadium
12 Sun, Nov 23rd, 2008 at Kansas City 01:00 PM Arrowhead Stadium
13 Sun, Nov 30th, 2008 San Francisco 01:00 PM Ralph Wilson Stadium
14 Sun, Dec 7th, 2008 Miami 04:05 PM Rogers Centre - Toronto, Ontar
15 Sun, Dec 14th, 2008 at NY Jets 01:00 PM Meadowlands
16 Sun, Dec 21st, 2008 at Denver 04:05 PM Invesco Field at Mile High
17 Sun, Dec 28th, 2008 New England 01:00 PM Ralph Wilson Stadium

Fan view

Buffalo fan Philip Rolfe on whether the team is at risk of falling behind in the AFC East race:

Miami worries me more than the Jets do, but in general I don’t think there’s much danger. Teams can go and get whichever players they want to, and most teams will be able to offer more attractive packages both financially and in location than Buffalo can, which just means the team has to focus on its own strategies, principally developing its own talent and not making a free agency splash. They’ve done that most of this decade, and yeah, no playoff place since 2002 to show for it, but it’s not that far off.

Wide-Right's view

After years of building through the draft, it's a critical juncture for the Buffalo Bills in 2008. Not only have they suffered the indignity of missing the playoffs since 1999, but the franchise finds itself under the microscope regarding it's viability as a financial concern. The 2008 season sees the first in a series of five games that will be played in Toronto, and with the South Ontario market and it's 5m residents clearly of some appeal to the NFL, it is critical that the Bills have some form of success in the next 2-3 years that generates a slew of new revenue from the current Rochester market. Even now, it is difficult to see the Toronto games as anything other than a trial seperation, and we all know how they end...

On the field, it is vital that Trent Edwards starts well. The Bills can ill afford another QB project to fail, and Edwards needs to step up and build on a solid, yet unspectacular 2007. Buffalo have been perenially 'almost there' as far as their rosters, but the free agency additions of the last two seasons seem to be paying dividents. Having stability on your line is the first building block of any successful franchise, and they certainly have that much. It remains to be seen whether new Offensive coordinator Schonert can 'revamp the passing game' as he claims.

Another cause for concern is that despite this improvement, the Bills still slid to 7-9 in a year where both the Jets and Dolphins were abysmal. Nobody expects the Patriots to be anything other than dominant in the East, but the competition underneath them has hotted up this offseason. New York made several big money moves into free agency, and the Dolphins used the draft wisely under new GM Bill Parcells. Both teams are trying their hardest to win, and it remains to be seen whether the Bills could have fallen from 2nd to 4th in the AFC East rankings.

Prediction for 2008

Ah predictions. Can't go wrong with these! Let's see, heads = winning season, tails = losing season. Coin says tails I'm afraid, but in all seriousness, we think the Bills could be a surprise package. A lot will depend on how they match up in the division, but we're going for second place again for Buffalo. if the receivers stay healthy, they could even make the playoffs.

You heard it here first.

Useful links for Buffalo fans

Official site
Depth chart
Billsinsider - fansite