| |
T’s take: The Broncos seem to do what Al Davis and the Raiders want to do: Just win, baby. And this year should be no exception. I like the moves they’ve made in the off-season, bringing in Javon Walker and drafting Jay Cutler. I’ve never been a big Plummer fan, but he’s serviceable in the rat’s (Shanahan’s) system.
Philip Rivers. Has he learned watching from the sidelines? We’ll see. I like San Diego’s defense better than I do Kansas City’s, so I’m picking LT, Antonio Gates, and San Diego to finish ahead of the Chiefs. I’m not a big Herm Edwards guy, either. I must be racist or something.
Let’s see. What overvalued, inconsistent veteran did the Raiders sign this year? Let’s see there’s Aaron Brooks … Tyrone Poole … Need I say more? The Raiders are a mess. They’ve got some players with individual talent, but this is a team gameâ€"with multiple phases, including defense! Besides, what does Art Shell know now that he didn’t know ten years ago? Nothing, that’s what.
Predicted order of finish:
Denver
San Diego
Kansas City
Oakland
E's take: I'm still awaiting the defensive guru that devises a scheme that can consistently thwart Denver's one-cut downhill running game. Sure, the Broncos play almost dirty, with devious cut-blocking techniques, but can anyone argue that Shanahan hasn't perfected an NFL running system? Mike Bell is the latest 'luckiest running back on the face of the earth for at least one season'. Can he cop 1,000 yards? Ask Reuben Droughns, Mike Anderson, Clinton Portis, or Terrell Davis. Tatum "The Original" Bell is an explosive change of pace back, who, when getting around 10-12 carries a game, can break one at any time.
The addition of Javon Walker makes Jake Plummer look better on paper, and if The Snake keeps his mistakes down again, look for Denver to roll to another AFC West title.
The Bolts are back! Well, almost. Philip "One L" Rivers is a giant unknown going into this season, but he has one of the best backfields available to help him win. LaDanian Tomlinson's great receiving skills ensure that Rivers will always have someone to go to if he gets into trouble, and Michael Turner might be one of the most talented backups in the AFC. Rivers will also have Antonio Gates eating up the middle, which will allow for possible coverage busts on the outside. The only question is whether or not Rivers can read the defense quickly enough. The lack of a true WR1 hurts the offense's vertical potential. It remains to be seen whether or not rookie wideout Vincent Jackson can complement a possession-receiver like Keenan McCardell.
Shawne Merriman anchors an aggressive D that will keep the Chargers in any game. Look for the Bolts to compete for a playoff spot.
The Chief's O-line is a mess. Retirements and injuries have really decimated the corps. Trent Green is aged. Samie Parker is a WR4 disguised as a 2. Herm Edwards didn't win in New York. The upgraded defense is still league average. Larry Johnson is the lone bright spot here, but might have a tougher time if the run-blocking from the ad-hoc line doesn't improve. The Chiefs stink, but will still find a way to win from 8 or 9 games this year, and sniff the playoff chase into December.
Aaron Brooks brings his mad turnover-and-lack-of-pocket-discipline-skillz to Oakland, where the Raiders "Commitment to Excrement" is in its 15th season (or whatever). It's hard to believe this team was in the Super Bowl three seasons ago, but then again, they got smacked around good by a superior Tampa Bay squad. The presence of Randy Moss automatically should make Brooks a better QB, but Brooks' lackadaiscal style of play minimizes his athleticism. He's like Kerry Collins if Kerry Collins looked like Martin Lawrence. And the Raiders just rid themselves of Kerry Collins!
LaMont Jordan is a 1,000 yard back, but Art Shell is insistent on working Justin Fargas into the running game more. I'm not sure any of this matters because the Raiders still lack significant defensive depth, and are still paying Warren Sapp way too much money to stand around wheezing all game.
Predicted order of finish:
Denver
San Diego
Kansas City
Oakland
Maurice Clarett back in a familiar situation; handcuffs on his way to jail. The former Ohio St. football star was arrested yet again on Tuesday night; this time for having concealed weapons in his car, and a few other charges such as causing a police chase and most likely DUI. After police chased down the speeding SUV, they used a stun gun on Clarett, which failed, because Clarett was wearing a bullet proof vest. There was also a half bottle of Grey Goose vodka, which was his drink of choice. When the Denver Broncos gave him a second chance on football last year, Mike Shanahan believed Clarett was hittin' the Goose during practice. The guy is clearly nuts, and jail might do him some good. He's been arrested at least 4 times since his Buckeye demise, and most for crazy incidents that make you scratch your head. At only 22, he has plenty of time to get on track, but I think it's safe to say his NFL hopes have flown the coop. Good luck Mo, and to his newest former football team, The Mahoning Valley Hitmen in Columbus (they forgot to tell Clarett they are a sports team, not a street gang).
Denver Broncos Schedule
Other Searched Terms:
|
|
