2009 NFL Preview: Team by Team – The Keys to a Successful 2009 Season

With the return of Tom Brady from knee surgery and the past success of the franchise, the NFL odds makers have placed the New England Patriots as the odds favorite to win yet another Super Bowl. Unfortunately for New England there are thirty one other teams, including the defending champion Pittsburgh Steelers, that will definitevely have something to say about that. here at NFL Odds we want to bring you the best info for you to enjoy the game, sit down with your buddies at home, or at the Stadium and have a prspective of what we think will happen in this 2009 Football Seaason.

Here is a look at each team as we see them and their chances to grab the Vince Lombardi Trophy.

AFC

Baltimore Ravens
2008 Record: 11-5, Second AFC North; 2-1 in postseason, lost to Pittsburgh Steelers in AFC Championship game

Head Coach: John Harbaugh; Second year
Key Additions: C Matt Birk, CB Domonique Foxworth, TE L.J. Smith, CB Chris Carr
Key Losses: LB Bart Scott, OT Willie Anderson, CB Chris McAlister, FB Lorenzo Neal, CB Corey Ivy
1st Round Draft Picks: Michael Oher – Offensive Tackle
2nd Round Draft Picks: Paul Kruger – Defensive End

The Ravens need to find a way to get past Pittsburgh, having lost to them three times last season including the playoffs. They will need more production from Joe Flacco than just managing the offense.

The Ravens have big hopes for year two with Joe Flacco, and why not? With a year of experience including some big playoff games he should be ready to continue developing. The team lost a few major faces on the defensive end of the ball however: defensive coordinator Rex Ryan who now is the head coach of the New York Jets as well as Bart Scott.

2009 Baltimore Ravens Offense: The Baltimore Ravens improved their offensive line by signing center Matt Birk, a player who should help protect Flacco. They do need to guard against a  slump for the young quarterback. Veteran Derrick Mason should help accomplish that.

With the loss of Lorenzo Neal, Le’Ron McClain will once again be a fullback, leaving Willis McGahee and Ray Rice the responsibilities of the carries. Todd Heap didn’t have a great 2008 season and has some competition in the form of free agent acquisition L.J. Smith.

2009 Baltimore Ravens Defense: Will the 2009 Baltimore Ravens be able to put together a defense similar in quality to last year’s, even with the loss of coordinator Rex Ryan and linebacker Bart Scott? You can’t replace a coach and player like that, but the Ravens have so much talent on the defensive side of the ball that they shouldn’t suffer much.

That’s of course if Ray Lewis plays in 2009 like he played in 2008. The club resigned Lewis to a new deal after rumors circulated that he would be leaving in the off season. Joining him is the usual cast, fellow linebacker Terrell Suggs, run stuffing big men and defensive line stalwarts Haloti Ngata and Trevor Pryce and defensive backfield standouts Ed Reed and Samari Rolle.

 2009 Baltimore Ravens Prediction: Second AFC North

 Buffalo Bills
2008 Record: 7-9, Fourth AFC East

Head Coach: Dick Jauron; Fourth year
Key Additions: WR Terrell Owens, OG Geoff Hangrtner, C Seth McKinney, RB Dominic Rhodes
Key Losses: OT Jason Peters, OG Derick Dockery, DE Anthony Hargrove
1st Round Draft Picks: Aaron Maybin – Defensive End, Eric Wood – Center
2nd Round Draft Picks: Jairus Byrd – Cornerback, Andy Levitre – Offensive Lineman

The pressure will be Trent Edwards for a number of reasons. He will have to find a way to run the Bills this offense and keep Terrell Owens happy, which no other quarterback has been able to do for an extended period of time.

The big splash that the Bills made in the off season was of course bringing in wide receiver Terrell Owens. Will he be the difference maker that Trent Edwards need to thrive?

 2009 Buffalo Bills Offense: The Buffalo Bills now have a crew of legitimate weapons to help Trent Edwards. The club also plans on using a more fast paced offensive attack, featuring a lot of no huddle action. Questions about premier running back Marshawn Lynch’s health and durability linger, and the Bills brought in Dominic Rhodes to be a stop gap solution. If Terrell Owens and Lee Evans can get along and share the ball, they could each help each other out while opening up room for the ground game to get going. The potential is there and the pieces are in place, but whether or not everyone executes will decide the team’s 2009 fate.

2009 Buffalo Bills Defense: The 2008 defense was led by Penn State alum Paul Posluszny. Now the club has added another Penn State product, defensive end Aaron Maybin to the mix. The Bills also help to have a healthy Aaron Schobel on the defensive line for the entire season, as he missed most of the 2008 campaign with injury. A line featuring Schobel and Maybin would go a long way towards picking up the pass rush and stiffening up against the run as well. It would also allow playmakers such as Kawika Mitchell more room to operate.

 2009 Buffalo Bills Prediction: Fourth AFC East

 Cincinnati Bengals
2008 Record: 4-11-1, Third AFC North

Head Coach: Marvin Lewis; Seventh year
Key Additions: WR Laveranues Coles, DT Tank Johnson, S Roy Williams
Key Losses: WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh, OT Stacy Andrews, OT Levi Jones, S Mike Doss
1st Round Draft Picks: Andre Smith – Offensive Lineman
2nd Round Draft Picks: Rey Maualuga – Linebacker

Cincinnati has done little this off season to try and improve a very poor team. Carson Palmer will be back and healthy and they still have Chad (Ochocinco) Johnson but it will not be enough to avoid another losing season.

The Bengals don’t have anywhere go besides up, however the journey won’t be an easy one. Coach Marvin Lewis still has a seemingly tenuous grip on his coaching position, and arguably the best active player from the team last season, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, is no longer on the club. Can a few big name draft picks, a healthy quarterback and a wide receiver with a new last name turn the team around, headed back to respectability?

2009 Cincinnati Bengals Offense: The Bengals offense was absolutely putrid in the 2008 NFL season, ranking last throughout the entire league in both yards gained and points scored. A dubious feat, it has much to do with the injuries suffered by Carson Palmer. Without Palmer in the lineup, the wide receiving tandem of Houshmandzadeh and Johnson were no longer major threats, and the running game was snuffed out without much of a fight.

With Houshmandzadeh gone, Palmer will have one less target to turn to. Laveraneus Coles is a solid number two wide receiver, but he can’t completely fill the shoes of Houshmandzadeh. More concerning is the lack of a running game. The club hopes first round draft pick Andre Smith can help that, as well as help to keep Palmer healthy. However, first year offensive tackles, especially ones changing sides of the formation, are never guarantees to make a positive instant impact.

2009 Cincinnati Bengals Defense: The once proud leader of the Baltimore Ravens Super Bowl winning defense, Marvin Lewis has been unable to craft a squad that comes anywhere close to that kind of quality. The club took a flier on defensive tackle Tank Johnson to help plug up the middle, and considering their recent history with players having legal troubles, it shows the desperate status of the club. Second round draft pick, linebacker Ray Maualuga out of USC, may be able to inject some life, energy and teeth into the entire unit. At least that’s what the club is pinning their defensive hopes on for the 2009 NFL season.

2009 Cincinnati Bengals Prediction: Third AFC North

Cleveland Browns
2008 Record: 4-12, Fourth AFC North

Head Coach: Eric Mangini; First Year
Key Additions: LB Eric Barton, TE Robert Royal, DE Kenyon Coleman, S Abram Elam, OL John St. Clair, LB David Bowens, CB Rod Hood, CB Corey Ivy, WR David Patten, CB Hank Poteat
Key Losses: TE Kellen Winslow, WR Joe Jurevicius, OT Kevin Shaffer, CB Terry Cousin, QB Bruce Gradkowski, S Sean Jones, OL Seth McKinney
1st Round Draft Picks: Alex Mack – Center
2nd Round Draft Picks: Brian Robiskie – Wide Receiver, Mohamed Massaquoi – Wide Receiver, David Veikune – Defensive Lineman

Cleveland has really done nothing to try and reverse their dismal performance the past few seasons. Hiring a coach who has no track record of winning on a consistent basis was not a step in the right direction. Sorry Browns fans but your team is bringing up the rear this year in the AFC North.

New coach Eric Mangini is in town, which is somewhat surprising considering that the fired coach was Romeo Crennel, another branch in the Bill Belichick/Bill Parcells coaching tree. He quickly brought in a slew of his favorite players from the Jets to try to remake the defense. However, the largest question remaining is who will win the starting quarterback position, and then deserve to keep it?

2009 Cleveland Browns Offense: Will it be Brady Quinn or will it be Derek Anderson? With Mangini at the helm nobody will be given anything, not like either man earned that from his play last season anyway. One would think that the clock is ticking for Brady Quinn to get a chance to play a full year or be permanently shoved to the end of the bench, however neither man has as of yet emerged as the clear go to player.

Braylon Edwards should bounce back from a down year with either man at quarterback. The other weapons for the club remain shrouded in mystery. Kellen Winslow is gone and Stallworth is tied up with serious legal concerns. Most think the team reached when they took wide receiver Brian Robiskie in the second round and the team followed that by selecting a second wide receiver later in the round in Mohamed Massaquoi. Jamal Lewis is much closer to Empty than Full on the career gas tank and the lack of clarity in the passing game won’t help him any.

2009 Cleveland Browns Defense: Eric Mangini brought in seemingly every Jets player that was willing to the Cleveland Browns. Through trades and signings, no less than six former Jets will be suiting up for Cleveland’s defense in 2009 if they all make the squad. The club was terrible against the run but respectable against the pass in 2008.

They’ll need an improved pass rush to keep the other team guessing if they want to improve in 2009. They’ll also need young players like safety Brodney Pool, linebackers Kamerion Wimbley and D’Qwell Jackson and cornerbacks Eric Wright and Brandon McDonald to continue developing if the squad is to see a big improvement on the year. The talent is certainly there, will Mangini be able to coach them up and regain his “Mangenius” status?

2009 Cleveland Browns Prediction: Fourth AFC North

Denver Broncos
2008 Record: 8-8, Second AFC West

Head Coach: Josh McDaniels; First year
Key Additions: S Brian Dawkins, CB Andre Goodman, S Renaldo Hill, QB Chris Simms, RB Correll Buckhalter, RB LaMont Jordan, LB Nick Greisen, WR Jabar Gaffney, DT Ronald Fields, LB Andra Davis
Key Losses: QB Jay Cutler, CB Dre’ Bly, S Marlon McCree, S Marquand Manuel, LB Jamie Winborn, RB Selvin Young, DE John Engelberger, DE Dewayne Robertson
1st Round Draft Picks: Knowshon Moreno – Running Back, Robert Ayers – Defensive End
2nd Round Draft Picks: Alphonso Smith – Cornerback, Darcel McBath – Safety, Richard Quinn – Tight End

New head coach, Josh McDaniels hasn’t coached one single game yet and has been involved in enough drama to last a season. He needs to get control of this team and move forward with the players that are there.

Things are going to be quite different in 2009 for the Denver Broncos. First year coach Josh McDaniels takes over in place of franchise face Mike Shanahan. Quarterback of the future Jay Cutler has been traded, a running back was drafted in the first round and clearly the club has taken on a new direction. The good news for fans of the Broncos is that the AFC West is still a very soft division.

2009 Denver Broncos Offense: Kyle Orton looks to be the starting quarterback for the Broncos 2009 campaign. However he still faces competition from newly acquired Chris Simms for the starting spot. Although Jay Cutler is gone, the talented group of wide receivers he threw too often remains in place. The big question mark is Brandon Marshall. Marshall has been in constant trouble with the law and may be demanding a trade out of Denver to boot. The remaining receiving threats will primarily be Eddie Royal, Brandon Stokley and Tony Scheffler.

The team drafted Georgia running back Knowshon Moreno with the 12 th pick in the first round, could you imagine Shanahan doing that? Moreno may emerge as the leader with a talented backfield including Correll Buckhalter. The running game will need to take the pressure off the passing game, which will absolutely miss the arm strength, accuracy and play making of Jay Cutler.

2009 Denver Broncos Defense: The defense will be featuring many new faces during the 2009 season, which is a good thing considering the terrible performance they put forward in 2008. Of course it will be very helpful to have a healthy Champ Bailey for a whole season. He’ll now be joined by quite an intense former Eagles standout Brian Dawkins, in a move very similar to bringing in the hard-hitting John Lynch in the latter stages of his career. Andre Goodman was also brought in to replace Dre Bly at cornerback.

The leading tackler from last season, Jamie Winborn, is no longer with the team which places even more importance on the health and play of players like D.J. Williams. The Bailey, Goodman and Dawkins defensive backfield will be the strength of the club and should allow the Bronocs to blitz early and often.

2009 Denver Broncos Prediction: Second AFC West

Houston Texans
2008 Record: 8-8, Third AFC South

Head Coach: Gary Kubiak; Fourth year
Key Additions: DE Antonio Smith, DT Shaun Cody, OG Adrian Jones, LB Cato June, QB Dan Orlovsky
Key Losses: S Will Demps, CB DeMarcus Faggins, RB Ahman Green, QB Sage Rosenfels
1st Round Draft Picks: Brian Cushing – Linebacker
2nd Round Draft Picks: Connor Barwin – Defensive End

The Texans schedule sets up nice as I see them getting off to a good start. They have been slowly improving and this could be a break out year for them. I look for Houston to be in the playoff hunt right down to the end.

The Texans have brought in a lot of new faces on defense and hope to capitalize on their strong finish to the 2008 season. The team needs to stay healthy and see major contributions from their new imports, as well as their draft picks, if they want to compete in the deep AFC South.

2009 Houston Texans Offense: It’s crucial for the club that Matt Schaub be able to stay healthy for the entire season. He finished the 2008 season with a 66% completion percentage and 15 touchdowns however only played in 11 games. Steve Slaton showed in 2008 that he was much more than just a college player and he had the goods to compete in the NFL. With a full season of being the starter and another off season of training, Slaton should have another great year. Andre Johnson is also sure to have another great season, as he’s in the upper echelon of wide receivers in the league.

The questions lie beyond Johnson and Slaton. Will other weapons such as Kevin Walter and Owen Daniels produce enough to spread the defense out? Will the team find a power inside game to help put more touchdowns on the board instead of stalling out near the end zone?

2009 Houston Texans Defense: The focus of the 2008 off season for the Texans was clearly on the defensive side of the ball. They spent their first round draft pick on coveted USC linebacker Brian Cushing. They also added power, skill and depth to the defensive line by signing defensive end Antonio Smith away from the Cardinals and DT Shaun Cody away from the Lions. Linebacker DeMeco Ryans should emerge as a star with his new supporting cast, and Mario Williams should continue to silence his former critics as well.

 2009 Houston Texans Prediction: Third AFC South

Indianapolis Colts
2008 Record: 12-4, Second in AFC South; 0-1 in postseason

Head Coach: Jim Caldwell; First year
Key Additions: DT Ed Johnson
Key Losses: WR Marvin Harrison, RB Dominic Rhodes, DT Darrell Reid
1st Round Draft Picks: Donald Brown – Running Back
2nd Round Draft Picks: Fili Moala – Defensive Tackle

With Tony Dungee gone this will be a transition year for the Colts. They still have enough talent to win their division, but I see them actually taking a step backward this year. Tennessee and Houston could keep them from even making the playoffs.

The Colts will be missing some very familiar faces for the 2009 NFL season. The most glaring will be former head coach Tony Dungy who retired in the off season. However, the club was prepared for the departure and the coaching staff and schemes didn’t change drastically. Also missing will be longtime number 1 option Marvin Harrison, who began to show signs of slowing down.

 2009 Indianapolis Colts Offense: The biggest concern for the offense of the 2009 Indianapolis Colts has to be the collective health of the team. They drafted running back Donald Brown from Connecticut to back up and share carries with Joseph Addai. However Addai is a key member of the team and needs to be at full capacity for the offense to be as dynamic as it can be. The offensive line also needs to stay together as a unit.

Peyton Manning will bring to the table what he does every year, great intelligence, leadership and play making ability. Marvin Harrison is gone, but Reggie Wayne had already taken over the number 1 spot on the team. Anthony Gonzalez will also see more balls thrown in his direction, and should be a very solid number 2 option. Additionally, Dallas Clark is coming off a fantastic season and will continue to have a prominent role in the passing game, maintaining his status as Manning’s safety valve.

2009 Indianapolis Colts Defense: The biggest concern for the defense for the Colts also will be injuries. Perennially injured Bob Sanders needs to find a way to stay on the field for a full season. His break neck, aggressive style is what makes him so effective but it also leaves him on the disabled list far too often. The tandem of Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney will continue to provide great pressure on opposing quarterbacks, but the club needs help against the run, particularly (and inevitably) when Sanders is out of the lineup.

Their linebackers are quick but undersized. Led by Freddy Keiaho they are an overachieving bunch that is effective as a unit but can use some additional help. The club tried to address this problem by drafting defensive tackle Fili Moala out of USC.

2009 Indianapolis Colts Prediction: First AFC South

Jacksonville Jaguars
2008 Record: 5-11, Fourth AFC South

Head Coach: Jack Del Rio; Seventh year
Key Additions: WR Torry Holt, OT Tra Thomas, S Marlon McCree
Key Losses: LB Mike Peterson, RB Fred Taylor, DE Paul Spicer, DT Tony McDaniel, S Gerald Sensabaugh, CB Drayton Florence, WR Matt Jones, WR Jerry Porter
1st Round Draft Picks: Eugene Monroe – Offensive Tackle
2nd Round Draft Picks: Eben Britton – Offensive Tackle

It will be interesting to see how the Jaguars respond after last season’s disappointing performance. It seems when nobody picks them to win, they do well. As soon as they are in the spotlight, they tend to fold.

Jack Del Rio is likely in a make or break season for his tenure as head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Another year like 2008 will not be excused. The team has added some veteran talent and hopes to stay healthy to have a chance at making a postseason run in the competitive AFC South.

 2009 Jacksonville Jaguars Offense: The team made most of their upgrades in the off season to the offense. They ditched a few troublesome, underachieving wide receivers and brought in Torry Holt to be the number 1 receiver on the club. They signed offensive tackle Tra Thomas and drafted tackle Eugene Monroe in the first round. The presence of the additional beef on the front line, as well as a consistent and capable deep threat should help David Garrard bounce book in 2009.

Maurice Jones-Drew is now the fulltime number 1 back as Fred Taylor is no longer with the club. If he can continue to produce in the running and passing game with a full workload, the Jaguars could have a high power offensive attack.

2009 Jacksonville Jaguars Defense: The team lost veteran leader Mike Peterson in the off season, along with defensive end Paul Spicer and defensive tackle Tony McDaniel. However, the defensive line can still be an intimidating force with John Henderson, Reggie Hayward and company. A young group of linebackers, cornerbacks and safeties will have to step up and fill in larger roles. If Rashean Mathis, Reggie Nelson and Brian Williams all play up to potential and produce turnovers, the unit may be able to drastically improve over their poor 2008 showing. Most important of all however is that the big men on the line stay healthy and play a full, productive season.

 2009 Jacksonville JaguarsPrediction: Fourth AFC South

 Kansas City Chiefs
2008 Record: 2-14, Fourth AFC West

Head Coach: Todd Haley; First year
Key Additions: QB Matt Cassel, LB Monty Beisel, LB Mike Vrabel, G Mike Goff, C Eric Ghiaciuc, LB Zach Thomas, WR Bobby Engram
Key Losses: TE Tony Gonzalez, LB Donnie Edwards, G Adrian Jones, CB Patrick Surtain, LB Pat Thomas, QB Damn Huard
1st Round Draft Picks: Tyson Jackson – Defensive End

The Todd Haley era begins in Kansas City after the Chiefs cleaned house after last year’s dismal performance. Fortunately for them they play in a very weak division that an 8-8 record could still win it.

Can Matt Cassel lead a turn around in Kansas City? That’s what the Chiefs and new coach Todd Haley have bet their futures on. Cassel though won’t have the best pass catching tight end in history to help him out however, as Tony Gonzalez was finally traded. The division is poor enough that the club may be able to make some headway.

 2009 Kansas City Chiefs Offense: Matt Cassel is the new starting quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs. In his one season as a starter in the NFL he showed he had the fundamentals and the intelligence to direct a high quality offensive attack. He won’t have the talent around him that he had on the Patriots however. The good news is that wide receiver Dwayne Bowe is a large target and is a legitimate deep threat. The Chiefs are counting on Bobby Engram to stay healthy and produce as a number 2 wide receiver.

The Chiefs made several upgrades to the offensive line, improving a squad that dropped off due to the absence of several top tier players after being renowned as one of the best units in the NFL just a few years ago. If the line can pave the way for Larry Johnson to have a rebound year, Cassel and Bowe will have a much easier time of things.

2009 Kansas City Chiefs Defense: Derrick Johnson has what it takes to be a great linebacker. The Chiefs have now surrounded him with talent and experience with linebackers Mike Vrabel, Zach Thomas and Monty Beisel all being brought in. The unit will need to generate a pass rush from the outside as well as stiffen up against the run. The Chiefs have a young secondary and need those players to step into larger roles. Led by Bernard Pollard, Brandon Carr, Jarrad Page and Brandon Flowers the unit has talent, they need to live up to it now that they have more support in the middle of the field.

2009 Kansas City Chiefs Prediction: Third AFC West

Miami Dolphins
2008 Record: 11-5, First AFC East; 0-1 in postseason

Head Coach: Tony Sparano; Second year
Key Additions: LB Jason Taylor, S Gibril Wilson, C Jake Grove
Key Losses: S Renaldo Hill, CB Andre Goodman
1st Round Draft Picks: Vontae Davis – Defensive Back
2nd Round Draft Picks: Pat White – Quarterback/Running Back, Sean Smith Defensive Back

The Dolphins turn around last season was one of the best stories in football. Unfortunately, this season they are not going to sneak up on anyone. They need to go at least .500 in their division and 3-1 against the NFC South to have a chance to make the playoffs.

There wasn’t a terribly large amount of changes during the off season for the Miami Dolphins. They tried to upgrade several spots on defense and the 2009 NFL season promises to have a whole lot more Wildcat in it with the drafting of speedster Pat White. Can the Dolphins keep pace with the expectations they set last season however, or will the 2009 campaign be a letdown?

2009 Miami Dolphins Offense: The Dolphins coaching staff was obviously thrilled for the chance to draft Pat White and add him into the fold for the Wildcat attack. Chad Pennington will continue to be the every down passer but additional folds can be worked into the freewheeling scheme with the speed and passing of White. This adds to an already dangerous attack featuring Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams. Still, the club doesn’t have many threats at wide receiver and will need Ted Ginn to continue to develop into a reliable option.

2009 Miami Dolphins Defense: Jason Taylor returns to his former club, adding depth to a talented group of linebackers. Will Joey Porter be able to have a 2009 season that is up to par with his stellar 2008 season? The Dolphins worked to improve the secondary over the off season, a weak spot for the club last year. They drafted a defensive backs in the first and second round in Vontae Davis and Sean Smith. The Dolphins also signed free agent safety Gibril Wilson. If Porter can put together another great season and the new members of the defensive backfield can pick up their game, the Dolphins defense will be solid from top to bottom.

2009 Miami Dolphins Prediction: Second AFC East

 New England Patriots
2008 Record: 11-5, Second AFC East

Head Coach: Bill Belichick; Tenth season
Key Additions: RB Fred Taylor, CB Shawn Springs, CB Leigh Bodden, LB Tully Banta-Cain, WR Greg Lewis, TE Alex Smith
Key Losses: QB Matt Cassel, LB Mike Vrabel, S Rodney Harrison, CB Ellis Hobbs, LB Larry Izzo, RB LaMont Jordan
2nd Round Draft Picks: Patrick Chung – Defensive Back, Ron Brace – Defensive Tackle, Darius Butler – Cornerback, Sebastian Vollmer – Offensive Lineman

If Tom Brady is able to perform at a high level this season, the Patriots should be right back on top in the AFC East. This team always finds a way to compete no matter whom is on the roster, but Brady is the key to winning it all.

Things shine eternally when Tom Brady is slated to return to your club. He rejoins some great targets on the offensive side of the ball while the defense is missing some familiar faces from his tenure. A healthy Brady has to make the Patriots the favorite in the division once again, despite improvements made by every other team in the division.

2009 New England Patriots Offense: It’s never a bad thing to get a sure firer Hall of Fame quarterback returning to the lineup in his prime and feeling fit to play some football. Brady has been itching to get back into the action and seems motivated to make up for lost time. Wide receivers Randy Moss and Wes Welker will make that easy to do. Additionally, the team grabbed up underrated veteran running back Fred Taylor. In a reduced role he should be able to stay fresh while proving to be a difference maker for the club.

2009 New England Patriots Defense: The defense for the 2009 New England Patriots will be missing some of their big names and some of their fiery leadership with the Mike Vrabel and Rodney Harrison gone. However, Pro Bowl lineman Richard Seymour remains, as does Tedy Bruschi. Jerod Mayo was a revelation in his rookie season, leading the team in tackles. The team hopes to have a healthy Adalius Thomas as well, which could return the unit to dominance. The Patriots brought in two cornerbacks, Shawn Springs and Leigh Bodden, to patch up the secondary.

2009 New England Patriots Prediction: First AFC East

New York Jets
2008 Record: 9-7, Third AFC East

Head Coach: Rex Ryan; First year
Key Additions: LB Bart Scott, CB Lito Sheppard, CB Donald Strickland, SS Jim Leonhard, LB Larry Izzo
Key Losses: LB Eric Barton, WR Laveranues Coles, QB Brett Favre, CB Hank Poteat
1st Round Draft Picks: Mark Sanchez – Quarterback

The big question for the Jets is will Mark Sanchez be ready to start at quarterback against Houston in week one. I think he has the ability to come in a play at a high level right from the start. We will have to wait and see if he gets the chance.

If the 2008 New York Jets season was the Brett Favre show, this season is A.F. 1, or After Favre 1. All of those newly acquired Favre jerseys no longer have use. New coach Rex Ryan is shaking things up and all eyes are on Mark Sanchez.

 2009 New York Jets Offense: The offense for the 2009 New York Jets is going to continue to operate primarily through the running attack. Thomas Jones proved himself to be a worthy number 1 back, and Leon Washington showed himself to be a great change of pace back. Washington’s contributions to the return game will also continue to help the offense a great deal. Mark Sanchez will likely win the starting job and be thrown into the fire from the beginning. The offensive line and running game will need to be firing on all cylinders to give Sanchez a chance to compete, particularly with a thin group of wide receivers.

2009 New York Jets Defense: New coach Rex Ryan established his reputation not just from his last name, but from the fierce defenses he coached in Baltimore. The plan is to bring that same fire, and those same schemes to the Jets to lead a defensive revival for the team. Of course, bringing in LB Bart Scott from the Ravens will go a long way towards achieving that goal. Safety Kerry Rhodes is another bright spot on the defensive unit but the team will need better play from the entire secondary to see major improvement in 2009. The pass rushing and complete field coverage that Scott provides should also help further that cause. As should the acquisition of cornerback Lito Sheppard from the Eagles.

2009 New York Jets Prediction: Third AFC East

Oakland Raiders
2008 Record: 5-11, Third AFC West

Head Coach: Tom Cable; First full year
Key Additions: FB Lorenzo Neal, QB Jeff Garcia, S Keith Davis, C Samson Satele
Key Losses: C Jake Grove, S Gibril Wilson, LB Marquis Cooper, WR Ronald Curry, FB Justin Griffith
1st Round Draft Picks: Darrius Heyward-Bey – Wide Receiver
2nd Round Draft Picks: Michael Mitchell – Safety

The big question for the Raiders will be how long do they stick with JaMarcas Russell at quarterback. I think Garcia will get his shot in about week six or seven to try and salvage the season.

The Raiders threw everyone a curve ball when they surprisingly chose wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey in the draft, passing up highly touted wide receivers such as Michael Crabtree. Tom Cable will have the reigns from the beginning of the season, but the success of the club doesn’t rest on his shoulders, it rests on the development of JaMarcus Russell and Darren McFadden.

2009 Oakland Raiders Offense: JaMarcus Russell is a player clearly gifted with a lot of physical talent, including arm strength to seemingly throw the ball out of the stadium if he chooses to. He needs to significantly improve his accuracy and decision making however, he completed only 53.8% of his passes in 2008. The Raiders have some deep threats in their lineup, including Johnny Lee Higgins and potentially Ashley Lelie and Javon Walker, along with first round draft pick Darrius Heyward-Bey. But none of them are number 1 receivers at this stage.

Russell will therefore need a lot of help from last year’s first round pick Darren McFadden. If McFadden develops into a dangerous number 1 running back, Russell will have a few more openings to throw the ball into. If both players don’t enjoy a major surge however, the Raiders offense will struggle in 2008.

2009 Oakland Raiders Defense: The bright spot of the Raiders defense is really one man, Nnamdi Asomugha. However, an elite cornerback can only have so much impact on a game when the other team refuses to throw the ball in his direction. Safety Michael Huff is also developing into a strong player however the club needs more help in other areas. The defensive line needs to have a better year. Gerard Warren, Kalimba Edwards and Derrick Burgess can all be disruptive players when they are playing to their potential. They will need to be, to take the pressure off of a group of linebackers without many recognizable names.

2009 Oakland Raiders Prediction: Fourth AFC West

Pittsburgh Steelers
2008 Record: 12-4, First AFC North; 3-0 in postseason, Super Bowl Champions

Head Coach: Mike Tomlin; Third year
Key Additions: CB Keiwan Ratliff
Key Losses: LB Larry Foote, QB Byron Leftwich, CB Bryant McFadden, OG Kendall Simmons, WR Nate Washington
1st Round Draft Picks: Ziggy Hood – Defensive Tackle 

The Steelers do not play arch rival Baltimore until week 12 so we will know a lot about these two teams before this game. They meet again in week 16 in a game that could very well decide the division.

If it looks like the Steelers didn’t do a whole lot in the off season you’d be correct. But then, why shake things up when you just won the Super Bowl and are primed to make another run deep into the postseason? More importantly than bringing anybody onto the team, all of the star players remain, leaving Tomlin, Roethlisberger and company a great shot at another Super Bowl run.

2009 Pittsburgh Steelers Offense: Ben Roethlisberger didn’t have a great statistical year in 2008, however he made clutch plays and showed leadership when it mattered most. He’ll be relieved to have a healthy cast of running backs behind him, to take the pressure off of his 1-2 receiving punch of Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes. Heath Miller is as reliable a target as there is in the league and the only problem is keeping Roethlisberger on his feet without getting too banged up. The healthy running backs should help that proposition by keeping defenses less primed to pin their ears back and blitz.

2009 Pittsburgh Steelers Defense: What do you give the number 1 defense in the league for an off season present? How about a Super Bowl hero and the 2008 Defensive Player of the year secured to be with the team for the foreseeable future. That’s what the Steelers did in resigning James Harrison to a large new contract. Of course, Pro Bowl caliber players line the unit, none more important than Troy Polamalu. With their ball hawking and play making, as well as their ability to stuff the run and blitz the quarterback, there’s no reason that this defense shouldn’t be dominant once again.

2009 Pittsburgh Steelers Prediction: First AFC North

San Diego Chargers
2008 Record: 8-8, First AFC West; 1-1 in postseason, lost to Pittsburgh Steelers

Head Coach: Norv Turner; Third year
Key Additions: LB Kevin Burnett
Key Losses: DE Igor Olshansky, OG Mike Goff
1st Round Draft Picks: Larry English – Defensive End

The Chargers are still loaded with talent especially on the offensive side of the ball. If they can develop some consistency week in and week out they have the ability to win it all.

The Chargers have to be optimistic about the 2009 season. The roster experienced almost no turnover, and they successfully brought back running back Darren Sproles. Shawne Merriman will be back in the lineup and the Chargers hope to have a healthy LaDainian Tomlinson and Antonio Gates for the full season as well.

2009 San Diego Chargers Offense: The Chargers are going to once again have a very high powered attack in 2009. In truth the offense should outperform the 2008 team, which featured a frequently banged up LaDainian Tomlinson and Antonio Gates. In fact, Tomlinson looked utterly human last season, if that’s possible considering he still scored 12 touchdowns and accounted for over 1500 yards from scrimmage on the ground and through the air.

Expect Darren Sproles to play a more prominent role in the offense after his breakthrough postseason performance, subbing in for the injured LT. If Sproles sees more carries through the regular season, Tomlinson should finally be able to have a healthy postseason, which the club desperately needs if they want to make a deep playoff push. Philip Rivers did more than hit his stride in 2008, he set a benchmark, and if he plays up to that caliber once again it will be hard to derail this dynamic offensive club.

2009 San Diego Chargers Defense: Chargers fans will be thrilled to see havoc wrecking Shawne Merriman back on the field for the entire season. With Merriman back in the lineup the Chargers will be able to get significantly more pressure on the defense, shoring up a defense that ranked 31 st in pass yards allowed last season. While the loss of defensive end Igor Olshansky shouldn’t be understated, the return of Merriman outweighs it. Coupled with linebacker Shaun Phillips and defensive end Luis Castillo, the Chargers will once again have a dangerous pass rush. Safeties Quentin Jammer and Eric Weddle anchor the defensive backfield and the cornerbacks will surely have an easier time of it this season with the pass rush ignited.

2009 San Diego Chargers Prediction: First AFC West

Tennessee Titans
2008 Record: 13-3, First AFC South; 0-1 in postseason

Head Coach: Jeff Fisher; Fifteenth year
Key Additions: DT Jovan Haye, WR Nate Washington, CB DeMarcus Faggins
Key Losses: DT Albert Haynesworth, WR Brandon Jones, CB Eric King
1st Round Draft Picks: Kenny Britt – Wide Receiver
2nd Round Draft Picks: Sen’Derrick Marks – Defensive End

The Titans success depends on Kerry Collins having one more productive season in him or Vince Young putting last season behind him and getting is head in the right frame of mind to play football.

It wasn’t far into the off season when the Titans were dealt the blow of losing all world defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth to free agency. The defense however is talented enough to recover in his absence, the question will be who is going to lead the offense and how effective will he be?

2009 Tennessee Titans Offense: You can’t ask for a much better running back tandem than Chris Johnson and LenDale White. Not only are both productive and dangerous, but they are completely opposite from one another, forcing teams to have to defend both styles of the running attack. Vince Young is eager to reclaim his starting quarterback job, but Kerry Collins isn’t eager to relinquish his perch.

It’s entirely possible that the reverse of last year happens, with Collins opening the season and Young coming in quickly to replace him. The team upgraded at wide receiver by bringing in Nate Washington, but he isn’t a number 1 guy. Luckily all of the wide receivers will face single coverage as the running attack commands more attention.

2009 Tennessee Titans Defense: You just can’t replace a player like Albert Haynesworth, he was an absolutely dominating force over the 2008 season. The question is if the rest of the defensive line proves their own talent in 2009 or if they collapse in his absence. The former is much more likely with this group of players.

The defensive backfield is another strong spot for the club. Cortland Finnegan and Michael Griffin both emerged as big time players during the 2008 season, and having the veteran Chris Hope back there with them certainly helps. The defense should be able to put together another very solid season even without Haynesworth, as the unit is ripe with talent.

2009 Tennessee Titans Prediction: Second AFC South

NFC

Arizona Cardinals
2008 Record: 9-7, First AFC West; 3-1 in postseason, lost Super Bowl to Pittsburgh Steelers

Head Coach: Ken Whisenhunt; Third Year
Key Additions: CB Bryant McFadden, TE Anthony Becht, S Keith Lewis
Key Losses: DE Antonio Smith, LB Monty Beisel, CB Rod Hood, RB Edgerrin James
1st Round Draft Picks: Chris Wells – Running Back
2nd Round Draft Picks: Cody Brown – Defensive End

The Cardinals have basically the same roster as last year’s Super Bowl team so there is no reason they shouldn’t be right in the mix. Unfortunately for them, the recent track record of teams that lose the Super Bowl next season’s performance is often horrible.

Is there anyway that the Cardinals can repeat the magic they had for their playoff run last year? The team didn’t make many large off season moves, but did resign Kurt Warner to a new deal, which means he is very likely to be the starting quarterback for the coming season. Besides resigning Warner and drafting Beanie Wells, the best news for the Cardinals is that their division is still wide open and should be theirs for the taking.

2009 Arizona Cardinals Offense: Kurt Warner is still a Cardinals player, which is great news for the offense that soared in 2008. Leinart will really need to be spectacular to win the job away from Warner, and even then it might not be readily given up. With the cast of wide receivers the attack is lethal, although Anquan Boldin is still unhappy with his contract situation and was nearly traded during the off season. The arrival of rookie running back Chris Beanie Wells from Ohio State should make the offense more complete and versatile. The Cardinals will definitely be able to put points on the board in big numbers, but will the defense be able to hold opponents down?

2009 Arizona Cardinals Defense: There isn’t much of a difference between last year’s Cardinals defense and this year’s, which is not a good thing for the club’s chances. The offense can outscore most opponents and should be even stronger than last year with Wells, but the defense needs to show some of the buckling down ability they flashed at times during the playoffs. Adrian Wilson, Antrel Rolle and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie make for a sensationally gifted and athletic defensive backfield. But more consistency in coverage is needed. Linebackers Karlos Dansy and defensive end Chike Okeafor need to step up, as the team lost defensive end Antonio Smith to free agency.

2009 Arizona Cardinals Prediction: First NFC West

Atlanta Falcons
2008 Record: 11-5, Second NFC South; 0-1 in postseason

Head Coach: Mike Smith; Second year
Key Additions: TE Tony Gonzalez, C Jeremy Newberry, LB Mike Peterson
Key Losses: LB Mike Boley, LB Keith Brooking, CB Domonique Foxworth, DT Grady Jackson
1st Round Draft Picks: Peria Jerry – Defensive Tackle
2nd Round Draft Picks: William Moore – Safety

The big question for the Falcons will be the continued development of QB Matt Ryan. As a rookie he caught a lot of teams by surprise last season. He will not be sneaking up on anyone this year.

Will the Atlanta Falcons benefit from Matt Ryan improving further from his strong 2008 season? Or will the young quarterback have a sophomore slump? Either way he will have a new favorite target in Tony Gonzalez but the defense will be missing some key members of a strong 2008 unit. The NFC South is ultra competitive and it will be hard for the team to repeat its success.

2009 Atlanta Falcons Offense: The Falcons are going to have a very strong offense in 2009. All of the key pieces from last year’s units are back, with one major addition, all time great tight end Tony Gonzalez. Gonzalez will add to Matt Ryan’s weapons of Roddy White and Michael Jenkins. Running back Michael Turner will also benefit from a middle of the field receiving threat. The only question is if Ryan will continue to progress or if he will suffer a downturn in his second year. The intelligent and collected Ryan shows no signs of the latter and he should benefit from having his first year under his belt.

2009 Atlanta Falcons Defense: The defense will be missing some of the best players on a strong 2008 Falcons squad. Cornerback Domonique Foxworth is gone and team leader Keith Brooking has departed as well. Linebacker Mike Boley and defensive tackle Grady Jackson are also gone. Filling these gaps will be draft picks and acquisitions. The team drafted defensive tackle Peria Jerry in the first round safety William Moore in the second. They also signed linebacker Mike Peterson. The key to the success or failure of the unit will be the level these new players play at, as well as the play and health of John Abraham. If Abraham has another healthy and terrorizing season, the defense should return to form.

2009 Atlanta Falcons Prediction: Second NFC South

Carolina Panthers
2008 Record: 12-4, First NFC South; 0-1 in postseason, lost to Arizona Cardinals

Head Coach: John Fox; Eighth year
Key Additions: C Justin Geisinger
Key Losses: CB Ken Lucas, OT Frank Omiyale, OG Geoff Hangartner
2nd Round Draft Picks: Everette Brown – Defensive End, Sherrod Martin – Defensive Back

With their two biggest stars QB Jake Delhomme and DE Julius Peppers rich and happy they can now concentrate on repeating as NFC South champs.

 The Panthers did not do much to change their roster from the 2008 club. Head coach John Fox is back and is ready to take the same punishing ground attack and the same defensive unit through the season once again. The NFC South is a competitive division, and it won’t be easy to repeat as division champions again even with their strong cast of stars.

 2009 Carolina Panthers Offense: Will Jake Delhomme regain the form he once had as one of the premier passers in the game? He was consistent in 2008 but unspectacular, completing less than 60% of his passes and throwing just 15 touchdowns with 12 interceptions. The running game will continue be the strength of the attack. DeAngelo Williams emerged in 2008 as one of the best running backs in the entire NFL and averaged a stellar 5.5 yards per carry as he racked up a 1,500 yard and 18 touchdown season. Jonathon Stewart was also sensational, putting up another 10 TDs and 800 yards with a 4.5 YPC.

Steve Smith is still one of the most dangerous playmakers at wide receiver. Muhsin Muhammad is getting older but is a viable second option the passing game and his large body is perfect for picking up hard conversions and making plays in the red zone. If all of these players remain healthy, the Panthers will put a great deal of points on the board in 2009.

2009 Carolina Panthers Defense: Julius Peppers once again needs to play at a Pro Bowl – or better – level for the Carolina Panthers. The athletic defensive end also needs to make plays against the run, in addition to generating sacks and quarterback pressures. Linebacker Jon Beason had a great second season and Thomas Davis had a great third season, and both should continue to improve alongside one another. The Panthers will hope that both of their second round draft picks, defensive end Everette Brown and safety Sherrod Martin can play a big role immediately, which would go a long way towards rounding out the unit.

2009 Carolina Panthers Prediction: First NFC South

Chicago Bears
2008 Record: 9-7, Second NFC North

Head Coach: Lovie Smith; Sixth year
Key Additions: QB Jay Cutler, OT Frank Omiyale, OT Orlando Pace, OT Kevin Shaffer
Key Losses: QB Kyle Orton, QB Rex grossman, OT John Tait, OT John St. Clair

With the arrival of Jay Cutler in Chicago expectations are high for this season. I see the Bears as the class of the NFC North, but not the NFC. They will most likely win the division and Cutler will throw for 4000 yards, but still end up with an early exit from the playoffs.

Just how much of a difference can a quarterback make to a team that believes it still has a legitimate shot at winning a Super Bowl? Jay Cutler, Lovie Smith and Chicago Bears fans everywhere are betting the bank that the position could make a substantial difference, carrying a mediocre club to a contender. Just as importantly however for the Bears will be the defense to return to form.

 2009 Chicago Bears Offense: Jay Cutler is a huge improvement for the Chicago Bears on the offensive side of the ball. Not only will he make more plays in the passing game and help the production and development of players such as Devin Hester and Greg Olsen, but he’ll also free up the middle of the field for Matt Forte. Forte should significantly improve on his 3.9 YPC average while facing defenses less focused on only shutting him down.

There are rumors that the Bears may be going after renegade wide receivers Plaxico Burress or Brandon Marshall, Cutler’s former teammate in Denver, to upgrade his weapons for throwing the ball. Each player, while talented, clearly comes with a risk, and as of the time of this writing neither had been brought to the club.

2009 Chicago Bears Defense: It was almost shocking to see the Chicago Bears giving up so many points in games throughout the season, 41 to the Vikings in week 7, 37 to the Packers in Week 11, 31 to the Texans in week 17, to name a few of such occasions. The Bears are hoping to have their defensive backs like Nathan Vasher and Mike Brown stay healthy for an entire season.

On the defensive line, Adewale Ogunleye Tommie Harris and Alex Brown all had five or more sacks in 2008, but no other player on the team had more than 3.5 sacks on the season. Increasing the pressure they get on the quarterback will help the secondary cover their men better and allow star linebackers Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs to make more plays in the middle of the field.

 2009 Chicago Bears Prediction: First NFC North

 Dallas Cowboys
2008 Record: 9-7, 3 rd NFC East

Head Coach: Wade Phillips; 3 rd year
Key Additions: LB Keith Brooking, DE Igor Olshansky
Key Losses: WR Terrell Owens, DE Chris Canty, LB Zach Thomas, S Roy Williams DT Tank Johnson, CB Adam Jones, LB Greg Ellis

I see the Cowboys as a .500 ball club this season. They have done little to improve their current roster as New York, Philly, and Washington all made some moves to improve.

A lot of the familiar faces around Dallas are no longer suiting up for the squad as the team prepares to do battle out of their new billion dollar facility. Big names such as Terrell Owens, Roy Williams, Chris Canty and Zach Thomas are all gone, putting pressure on a talented group of young stars including Tony Romo, Jason Witten, Felix Jones and DeMarcus Ware to produce.

 2009 Dallas Cowboys Offense: The offense now clearly belongs to Tony Romo, and it will be his job to steer the team. He has no shortage of weapons which means there should be no shortage of big plays and high scoring games. Anything else could spell trouble for the Phillips, Garrett and Romo combination. The Cowboys hope to suit up a healthy Marion Barber and Felix Jones along with Tashard Choice, which would provide potentially one of the most effective running games in the league. Tight end Jason Witten is reliably fantastic and could be a threat to catch 100 balls. Will Roy Williams prove to be a worthwhile pickup and replacement to Terrell Owens?

2009 Dallas Cowboys Defense: The defensive hopes of the Cowboys clearly rest on the broad shoulders and quick feet of pass rusher DeMarcus Ware. The Cowboys let go of or lost to free agency many players from the defensive line. In their places they have brought in veteran linebacker Keith Brooking from Atlanta and underrated defensive end Igor Olshansky from San Diego. The team will need development from some of their young defensive backs to help keep opponents from having their way with big plays in the passing game.

 2009 Dallas Cowboys Prediction: 4th NFC East

 Detroit Lions

2008 Record: 0-16, Fourth NFC North

Head Coach: Jim Schwartz; First year

Key Additions: LB Julian Peterson, LB Larry Foote, CB Phillip Buchanon, CB Anthony Henry, DT Grady Jackson, OT Jon Jansen, WR Bryant Johnson, RB Maurice Morris, WR Ronald Curry, CB Eric King

Key Losses: CB Leigh Bodden, DT Shaun Cody, DT Cory Redding, DE Corey Smith, QB Jon Kitna, QB Dan Orlovsky, WR Shaun cDonald, FB Moran Norris, G Edwin Mulitalo, S Dwight Smith, WR Travis Taylor

1st Round Draft Picks: Matthew Stafford – Quarterback, Brandon Pettigrew – Tight End

2nd Round Draft Picks: Louis Delmas – Safety

 Unfortunately for the Lions, after looking at their schedule, if things do not get better quickly their losing streak could go on for quite awhile. You might have to look all the way to week 8 at home against the Rams for their first possible win.

 The Detroit Lions have nowhere to go but up in the 2009 NFL season, literally of course, they could not finish any worse than they did in 2008. Unfortunately, every team in their division has gotten better, and new coach Jim Schwartz and number 1 overall pick Matthew Stafford will need time to remake the club, needing more than a remade logo to shape the team into a contender. The lineup has been overhauled and some talent was brought in through the draft and through the trade, so it will be interesting to see how much progress can be made in year one.

2009 Detroit Lions Offense:

The 2009 offense is clearly pinned on the development of young quarterback Matthew Stafford, who the Lions are desperately hoping is a level headed star in the (quick) making. He’ll have a legitimate deep threat and number 1 receiver in Calvin Johnson and a good number 2 in Bryant Johnson to throw the ball to if the offensive line can keep him upright long enough to do so. The Lions also drafted tight end Brandon Pettigrew in the first line to provide more weapons for young Stafford. The Lions upgraded their running game by adding Maurice Morris to share the load or win the job from Kevin Smith.

2009 Detroit Lions Defense:

Jim Schwartz had been the defensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans since the 2001 season, and so is clearly a coach with a mind on the defensive side of the ball, something the club was inexcusably woeful in during the 2008 season. There are some new acquisitions to the lineup that can start paying dividends right away, such as linebackers Julian Peterson and Larry Foote, cornerback Philip Buchanon and defensive tackle Grady Jackson. The club shouldn’t surrender 32 points a game this season, but just how far they improve remains up in the air.

2009 Detroit Lions Prediction: Fourth NFC North

Green Bay Packers

2008 Record: 6-10, Third NFC North

Head Coach: Mike McCarthy; Fourth year
Key Additions: S Anthony Smith, C Duke Preston
Key Losses: DT Colin Cole
1st Round Draft Picks: B.J. Raji – Defensive Tackle, Clay Matthews – Linebacker

This team is firmly in the hands of QB Aaron Rodgers which may be good or bad. He will need to develop much more consistency than he has shown if this team is going to compete in the North.

As division rival Minnesota is struggling with the latest round of the endless Brett Favre saga, the Packers just have to be happy it’s no longer their turn. The lineup wasn’t changed dramatically in the off season through free agency or trades. Instead, the Packers are hoping that two first round draft picks on the defensive side of the ball and a healthy season will boost them into playoff contention.

2009 Green Bay Packers Offense: Aaron Rodgers displayed grit, skill and intelligence in his first full year as the starting quarterback. He played through injury and put up huge numbers. Without the distractions of last season, one has to think that he has the potential to be at least as good if not better than he was in 2008. His favorite weapons, wide receivers Greg Jennings and Donald Driver both remain on the club and are an excellent 1-2 combination. The Packers also hope to have another solid year from unheralded running back Ryan Grant, to complete the offense as a dynamic unit.

 2009 Green Bay Packers Defense: Young team leader A.J. Hawk is going to have the help of a few more young college standouts on the defensive side of the scrimmage. Linebacker Clay Matthews and defensive tackle B.J. Raji, both first round draft choices, should both help to patch the holes in a porous running unit. Their presences should also help Hawk and Aaron Kampman pressure the quarterback more effectively.

In 2008, cornerback Al Harris missed four games, safety Atari Bigby missed nine, defensive lineman Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila missed nine and linebacker Nick Barnett missed seven. Getting these players back healthy will add talent, depth and experience to the defense. If backfield members Charles Woodson and Nick Collins can continue their ball hawking ways, the healthy lineup and the young draft choices could significantly improve the Packers defensive performance.

2009 Green Bay Packers Prediction: Third NFC North

Minnesota Vikings

2008 Record: 10-6, First NFC North; 0-1 in postseason, lost to Philadelphia Eagles

Head Coach: Brad Childress; Fourth year
Key Additions: QB Sage Rosenfels
Key Losses: C Matt Birk, QB Gus Frerotte, S Darren Sharper
1st Round Draft Picks: Percy Harvin – Wide Receiver
2nd Round Draft Picks: Phil Loadholt – Offensive Tackle

Brad Childress is resting his hopes on Brett Favre’s ability to squeeze one more productive year out of his battered body. That just shows you how much confidence he has in Tavaris Jackson.

The Minnesota Vikings have already found out what the New York Jets did in 2008, which is that their season will be dominated by Brett Favre headlines. As of the time of this writing, Brett Favre was not an official member of the club but both the ownership team and Favre himself have stated that should he be healthy enough to play, he will play and it will be for Minnesota. In the meantime, the team is in flux and once again they feel they have all of the pieces they need to make a postseason run if the quarterback position was secured.

2009 Minnesota Vikings Offense: As the Vikings have continually maneuvered over the last two years to try to find a better quarterback, they have done more harm than anything else, as Tarvaris Jackson’s development and confidence have surely been stunted. If Favre is healthy enough to play for the Vikings in 2009, one has to wonder how much of an upgrade he truly will be.

Of course, whoever the quarterback will be, the offense will be run through Adrian Peterson. There have been a few rumors that people are worried that Peterson bulked up too much in the off season, saying it could slow him down more than it helps him. That said, it’s hard to imagine him being slowed down very much.

Four players on the club caught 40 or more passes in 2008, but none more than 53. The Vikings need somebody to step up, and they hope the versatile play making ability of Percy Harvin could make him that man. With the spread of the Wild Cat formation and with Peterson in the backfield, it will be interesting how the University of Florida speedster is put to use.

2009 Minnesota Vikings Defense: The defense remains largely intact from a strong 2008 unit, despite losing safety Darren Sharper, who was the club’s fourth leading tackler. Cornerback Antoine Winfield is one of the besting the game, but he needs help from the rest of the unit to help the Vikings get stronger against the pass. The futures of defensive tackles Kevin Williams and Pat Williams could include suspensions, which would hurt the Vikings significantly in the opening weeks of the season. Jared Allen is one of the best defensive ends in the game and another double digit sack season will be necessary for the team to maintain form.

2009 Minnesota Vikings Prediction: Second NFC North

New Orleans Saints

2008 Record: 8-8, Fourth NFC South

Head Coach: Sean Payton; Fourth year

Key Additions: CB Jabari Greer FB Heath Evans, S Darren Sharper, S Pierson Prioleau, DE Paul Spicer

Key Losses: RB Deuce McAllister, LB Dan Morgan, CB Mike McKenzie, FB Mike Karney, DT Hollis Thomas

1st Round Draft Picks: Malcolm Jenkins – Defensive Back

The Saints will be a factor in the NFC South this season as that division is up for grabs. Playing three division teams in their last four games will most likely determine their playoff future.

The 2009 NFL season could potentially be a make or break year for Saints coach Sean Payton. Drew Brees is one of the best quarterbacks in the league, but can be put up enough points to make up for a lacking running game and a sub par defensive unit? New defensive coordinator Greg Williams hopes to eliminate the second problem with a more aggressive and effective scheme.

2009 New Orleans Saints Offense:

The Saints are led by Pro Bowl quarterback Drew Brees, who is coming off of an absolutely phenomenal 2008 season. He threw for more than 5,000 yards and put the ball in the end zone 34 times. This year he hopes to have a healthier offensive arsenal to boot. If Jeremy Shockey is healthy and plays consistently, and Marques Colston, Devery Henderson and Lance Moore all keep catching the ball, the Saints could lead the league in scoring once again.

The X factor is of course Reggie Bush, and an already struggling running attack may be worse in 2009 with running back Deuce McAllister possibly not returning to the club. This means that Pierre Thomas and Bush will see increased carries in the ground game, but either way the offense starts and ends with Brees and his strong aerial attack.

2009 New Orleans Saints Defense:

The Saints have brought in a lot of defensive backfield players to help strengthen a unit that ranked 23 rd in passing yardage allowed. This includes first round draft pick Malcolm Jenkins and free agent acquisitions Jabari Greer, Pierson Prioleau and Darren Sharper. New defensive coordinator Greg Williams is bringing a hopefully upgraded scheme and mindset, as well as a few favorites from the Jaguars squad he coached last season. This includes Prioleau and defensive end Paul Spicer. Spicer should provide a needed boost to the pass rush. The play of the linebackers, led by Jonathan Vilma, should improve with improvements to the backfield and the line, and will need to if the club’s defense is going to be a strength instead of a liability.

2009 New Orleans Saints Prediction: Fourth NFC South

New York Giants

2008 Record: 12-4, 1 st NFC East; 1 st round playoff bye, 0-1 in postseason

Head Coach: Tom Coughlin; 6 th season

Key Additions: DT Rocky Bernard, LB Michael Boley, DT Chris Canty

Key Losses: WR Plaxico Burress, RB Derrick Ward, DE Renaldo Wynn, S James Butler, S Sammy Knight, CB Sam Madison, RB Reuben Droughns

1 st Round Draft Picks: Hakeem Nicks – Wide Receiver

2 nd Round Draft Picks: Clint Sintim – Linebacker; Will Beatty – Tackle

As with most seasons, the Giant’s fortunes are going to come down to games against Dallas and Philadelphia at home, whom they play this year back to back in weeks 13 and 14.

The Giants are finally looking to move on from the Burress fiasco and reestablish themselves as one of the premier teams in the league. In the competitive NFC East however, what separates a 1 st place team from a last place team isn’t much at all and anything can happen. The defense should be stronger and the team should be distraction free.

2009 New York Giants Offense:

The Giants used their first round pick on wide receiver Hakeem Nicks, a player they hope can immediately step into the fold as a downfield threat. As of the time of this writing it was still unclear whether Amani Toomer would return to the team. Another loss was running back Derrick Ward, but the Giants have high hopes for fourth round draft pick Andre Brown to eventually take some of those carries.

With the offensive line intact, Eli Manning has the opportunity for another solid year with his horse Brandon Jacobs behind him. The team will need someone to step up at tight end, and for young wide receivers Steve Smith and Domenik Hixon to continue emerging as consistent weapons.

2009 New York Giants Defense:

The defense for the New York Giants will be buoyed by the return of Pro Bowl player Osi Umenyiora on the defensive line. This will eliminate some of the pressure on Justin Tuck to always be the playmaker. Those two lining up at the same time is a scary thought for many teams, particularly since the Giants also added two big names to the defensive front, Chris Canty and Rocky Bernard. This adds to a unit which also features Fred Robbins and Barry Cofield.

The pass rushing eliminates some of the pressure on the thin ranks of defensive backs, which are led by young players Aaron Ross, Corey Webster and Kenny Phillips. Antonio Pierce remains a great leader at middle linebacker however the linebackers also do not have much depth.

2009 New York Giants Prediction: First NFC East

Philadelphia Eagles

2008 Record: 9-6-1, 2 nd NFC East; 2-1 in postseason, lost to Cardinals in NFC Championship

Head Coach: Andy Reid; 11 th year

Key Additions: OT Jason Peters, OT Stacy Andrew, CB Ellis Hobbs

Key Losses: S Brian Dawkins, CB Lito Seppard, WR Greg Lewis, TE LJ Smith, OT Tra Thomas, RB Correll Buckhalter

1 st Round Draft Picks: Jeremy Maclin – Wide Receiver

2 nd Round Draft Picks: – LeSean McCoy – Running Back

The key to the Eagles season will be how well they do in the division. Last year they went 2-4 and only made the playoffs by the skin of their teeth. If they have aspirations of the Super Bowl, it has to begin with beating the other teams in the East.

The Eagles will be looking to ride the momentum of their late year push and start out of the gates strong in 2009. They will be doing so without their team leader however, Brian Dawkins, who is now a member of the Denver Broncos. Considering the tenuous hold on the hearts and minds of Eagles fans that Donovan McNabb and Andy Reid hold, this could be a make or break year for both.

2009 Philadelphia Eagles Offense:

The constant rumblings surrounding Donovan McNabb and his future in Philadelphia were quieted at a bit after the strong finish to the season. He should have a versatile set of weapons to work with this season with the drafting of Jeremy Maclin and the return of DeSean Jackson. The team also provided McNabb with improved protection, by acquiring two top level offensive tackles. If Brian Westbrook stays healthy and returns successfully from off season surgery the team could have one of the best offenses in the league and could emerge as a serious threat in the postseason.

2009 Philadelphia Eagles Defense:

The defense has a hole to fill both physically and mentally with the departure of Brian Dawkins. However, the secondary is still deep and talented. The young linebackers, including Stewart Bradley and Akeem Jordan will need to show that last year wasn’t a fluke and they can consistently play good football, especially in the NFC East which is packed with premier running backs.

2009 Philadelphia Eagles Prediction: 2nd in NFC East

San Francisco 49ers

2008 Record: 7-9, Second AFC West

Head Coach: Mike Singletary; First full season

Key Additions: WR Brandon Jones, CB Dre Bly, DE Demetric Evans, FB Moran Norris

Key Losses: LB Tully Banta-Cain, WR Bryant Johnson, CB Donald Strickland, QB J.T. O’Sullivan, DT Ronald Fields

1st Round Draft Picks: Michael Crabtree – Wide Receiver

I like the mindset that Mike Singletary brings to this team. It is amazing how much production you can squeeze out of average players if they are properly motivated. I look for this team to be right in the mix in the West.

Two big questions lingered in the off season for the San Francisco 49ers. Would Mike Singletary be back to coach the club on a fulltime and official basis, and who would emerge as the starting quarterback for the 2009 season? The first has been solved as Singletary is returning, the second is still up in the air as training camps and off season work begins.

2009 San Francisco 49ers Offense:

Quarterback Alex Smith may end up returning to the starting quarterback position. He has a legitimate chance to beat out Shaun Hill, who started the last half of the 2008 season in Smith’s absence from injury. J.T. O’Sullivan started the first half of the year before flaming out and is no longer with the club. Running back Frank Gore has the tools to be a premier back in the league, but not when the defense stuffs eight guys in the box on every single down.

The wide receiving unit was another glaring weakness, and the drafting of Michael Crabtree was the perfect way to address that need. If he matures quickly and develops as a go to playmaker, he could help Vernon Davis fulfill his potential and steady Isaac Bruce see easier schemes. They all need someone to get them the ball though, and it will be interesting to see who wins command, Smith or Hill.

2009 San Francisco 49ers Defense:

As mentioned, young Patrick Willis is the undisputed leader of the defense already. With help on the line backing unit from Takeo Spikes and in the backfield from Nate Clements and Michael Lewis, there are some solid pieces in place. The toughness and schemes preached by a person who clearly knows what he’s talking about in Mike Singletary may help the defense grow some teeth. The club needs more consistency and stability, and need to prevent collapses and lapses that lead to big plays. If Singletary can motivate and coach up the unit enough, the defense has enough talent to be above average.

2009 San Francisco 49ers Prediction: Third NFC West

Seattle Seahawks

2008 Record: 4-12, Third NFC West

Head Coach: Jim Mora; First Year

Key Additions: WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh, DT Colin Cole, CB Ken Lucas, DT Cory Redding

Key Losses: LB Julian Peterson, DT Rocky Bernard, WR Bobby Engram, RB Maurice Morris

1st Round Draft Picks: Aaron Curry – Linebacker

2nd Round Draft Picks: Max Unger – Offensive Tackle

Seattle will be one of the more interesting teams to watch this season. The NFC West is wide open and another 9-7 season will probably win it. With a healthy Matt Hasslebeck, I see Seattle battling it out with the 49′ers for the division.

Things should look a much brighter shade of green in Seattle this year. Quarterback Matt Hassleback should be healthy, and he’ll have a new favorite option in T.J. Houshmandzadeh. A few defensive acquisitions in the draft, free agency and trades should also help a moribund unit make positive strides in 2009. Coach Jim Mora takes over the reigns for Mike Holmgren for the 2009 season, beginning a new era for the club.

2009 Seattle Seahawks Offense:

The running game will be focused on Julius Jones this season, as Maurice Morris is no longer on the club. The team believes he can carry a full time load and be successful, and he’ll be facing a hopefully much softer defense with the return of a healthy Matt Hassleback. Hassleback will have a number 1 wide receiver amongst his weapons finally, with the signing of free agent T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Deion Branch should be a reliable number 2 option with Houshmandzadeh drawing the coverage in his direction. If all four of the above players stay healthy, the Seahawks offense has the potential to be quite potent in 2009.

2009 Seattle Seahawks Defense:

Lofa Tatupu will have a new standout on his linebacking unit, in top draft pick Aaron Curry. The Seahawks therefore felt comfortable trading away Julian Peterson in return for defensive tackle Cory Redding. The Seahawks also moved towards shoring up the line, replacing departed Rocky Bernard and providing some support for defensive end Patrick Kerney by signing defensive tackle Colin Cole. The defense should have more depth upfront and in the middle and should be sturdier and stingier.

2009 Seattle SeahawksPrediction: Second NFC West

St. Louis Rams

2008 Record: 2-14, Fourth NFC West

Head Coach: Steve Spagnuolo; First Year

Key Additions: SS James Butler, C Jason Brown, FB Mike Karney

Key Losses: WR Torry Holt, OT Orlando Pace, QB Trent Green, S Corey Chavous

1st Round Draft Picks: Jason Smith – Offensive Tackle

2nd Round Draft Picks: James Laurinaitis – Linebacker

The Rams are the worst team in the NFC’s worst division. I guess somebody has to be last. The expectations for the Rams are so low; they could actually go out and win some games they shouldn’t. That being said they will be hard pressed to win more than four or five.

With the release of several players, the last remnants of the Greatest Show on Turf, it’s officially a new beginning for the St. Louis Rams. Torry Holt and Orlando Pace are gone, and new coach Steve Spgnuolo promises to provide more of a focus on creative and aggressive defensive scheming than on an all out offensive attack.

2009 St. Louis Rams Offense:

Quarterback Marc Bulger remains the starter for the club after going through many ups and downs over the last season. He struggled for much of 2008 but didn’t have much help either. With the release of Torry Holt, the Rams are placing a lot of faith and responsibility on a largely young and unproven wide receiving corps, led by Donnie Avery.

Steven Jackson needs to find a way to stay healthy, and it would surely help if he didn’t face the entire team in the box for every play. That might not change, but the Rams spent their high draft pick on stud offensive tackle Jason Smith and brought in center James Brown to clear some running room for him and to keep Bulger on his feet a bit more.

2009 St. Louis Rams Defense:

Spagnuolo has brought in several players from the Giants, where he was the defensive coordinator. This includes strong safety James Butler, a versatile player who should help strengthen the backfield. The Rams also picked up linebacker James Laurinaitis in the second round, a player with strong fundamentals and a high football I.Q. Spagnuolo’s schemes should help Chris Long continue to develop, and the Rams will need Long and Laurinaitis to both perform at a high level if the defense is going to be respectable.

2009 St. Louis Rams Prediction: Fourth NFC West

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

2008 Record: 9-7, Third NFC South

Head Coach: Raheem Morris; First year

Key Additions: QB Byron Leftwich, RB Derrick Ward, TE Kellen Winslow

Key Losses: LB Derrick Brooks, CB Phillip Buchanon, RB Warrick Dunn, WR Joey Galloway, QB Jeff Garcia, DT Jovan Haye, LB Cato June, WR Ike Hilliard, TE Alex Smith

1st Round Draft Picks: Josh Freeman – Quarterback

This will definitely be a transition year for the Bucs. With a new coaching staff and a lack of talent in several skill positions, they will have to take the time to let some players develop. The other problem Tampa faces is that the other three teams in the NFC South are clearly better.

Raheem Morris is the new head coach and he promises to reform the defense into a swarming powerhouse. Many of the old names from the Super Bowl years are gone, although it’s not out of the question that Derrick Brooks and Warrick Dunn come back to the club after being released in the off season. The Bucs took a bit of a flyer drafting quarterback Josh Freeman in the first round, will he win the starting job right away?

2009 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Offense:

There are two major questions for the offense of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2009. The first is which quarterback is going to be running the show. Free agent pickup Byron Leftwich certainly has the experience and the arm to win the battle. But the team may decide to hand over the reigns to rookie Josh Freeman, allowing him to develop by learning after seeing the success of the division rival Atlanta Falcons with Matt Ryan starting his rookie campaign last season. Either way, the quarterback will have Antonio Bryant, who was resigned in the off season and trade import Kellen Winslow to throw the ball to.

The second major question is the health of their running backs and the status of the pecking order. The team has Carnell Williams, Earnest Graham and free agent pickup Derrick Ward all eager and capable of carrying the ball if they all remain healthy. Ward will see a good dose of action either way, as his speed provides a great change of pace. If all three backs remain healthy and happy in the shared role, the Bucs could be fielding one of the best running attacks in football, which would make life much easier for whichever quarterback gets the job.

2009 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Defense:

The lone big name holdover from the Super Bowl season is cornerback Ronde Barber, who is still performing at a high level in pass coverage and on the blitz. But the stars of the defense for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are their young core players. Linebacker Barrett Ruud has already established himself as a leader and a force in the middle of the field. Cornerback Aqib Talib had an excellent rookie season and should be even better with the year of experience under his belt. Defensive end Gaines Adams has had two strong seasons and could be ready to explode into a dominating force in this third. With that trio of young players, one each in every line of the defense, the Buccaneers have visions of returning to a shutdown force for years to come.

2009 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Prediction: Third NFC South

Washington Redskins
2008 Record: 8-8, 4 th NFC East

Head Coach: Jim Zorn; 2 nd season

Key Additions: DT Albert Haynesworth, OG Derrick Dockery, OG Jeremy Bridges, DE Renaldo Wynn

Key Losses: OT Jon Jansen, CB Shawn Springs, DE Jason Taylor, LB Marcus Washington

1 st Round Draft Picks: Brian Orakpo – Defensive End

The biggest question mark in my mind is Jason Campbell’s ability to be a big time quarterback in this league. I think he has some talent, but I do not think he has what it takes to win championships.

The current parity in the NFL has created the situation where a large majority of teams have a chance to make the playoffs.

The team flirted with but was unable to land quarterback Jay Cutler from the Denver Broncos, which means their offensive hopes are aligned with the continued development of Campbell. They made a huge off season splash with the $100 million signing of Albert Haynesworth, and hope to field a dynamic defensive front line. But will their boosted defensive presence be enough to offset the offensive weakness?

2009 Washington Redskins Offense:

After failing to acquire Cutler, the Redskins have stuck with Campbell to steer their ship. For once in his career he will have a consistent coaching staff in front of him, which the Redskins hope will lead to increased playmaking ability and downfield opportunities. Clinton Portis can continue to draw the defense towards the line and it will be up to the receiving corps of Moss and Randle El to make big plays. Portis takes a pounding both running the ball and providing the protection, and one has to wonder how much is left in the tank even after a superb 2008 season.

2009 Washington Redskins Defense:

The largest move of the off season was made as soon as free agency began, as the Redskins wasted no time gobbling up Albert Haynesworth from Tennessee. They also used their first draft pick on defensive end Brian Orakpo. With the two additions to the defensive front, the team will have a much superior pass rush from last season’s. The team also hope this leads to more turnover opportunities for defensive backs LaRon Landry, Carls Rogers, DeAngelo Hall and Fred Smoot. Whether or not Hall can play at a high level and keep his emotions in check could go a long way towards either strengthening or undermining the unit.

2009 Washington Redskins Prediction: 3rd NFC East