TheOneBigWill
[This Space for Rent]
Basically, while you could look at this as my way of asking how you believe the 2009-2010 Season will break down - its NOT a season thread. Im asking a specific question, and looking for opinionated answers to that question.
Its simply - Throughout all 32 Teams, there is four options available; Run, Pass, Defense or Flop. What do you think each team will rely on - or will they just flop in general? You can be biased to your team if you wish. You can be stubborn and naive against a team you dislike as well, however I do ask you at least try to be reasonable.
You can list just one team, a couple teams, a division, a conference, or the entire league. I will (over time) break down each team, however for now Im simply going to break down the N.F.C South - currently. As always, if anything changes after your original thoughts - you can change your opinion. Youre entitled.
1. Carolina Panthers: (Run) As it currently stands, despite having arguably one of the greatest WRs to play the game today, Carolina has wanted to be, has been and will continue (under John Fox) to be a run first - pass second team.
While Steve Smith; with, or without any type of help around him has proven to put up great numbers, (when healthy) its still not what the Panthers constantly want to rely on since Jake Delhomme is the wild-card on the Offense.
Speaking from a personal note, this is a leader and a proven individual that without him on the field, has shown a team fall apart. You can criticize all you, but Delhomme has won more than enough games for the Panthers - to be a proven leader. Just not one they want to shoulder with hoping can lead them to victory every single time.
As for the Defense, lets face it the days of the Superbowl lead Defense are over. While we have arguably one of the best Linebacker cores, our front 4 and our back 4 are the weak points in that Defense. Chris Harris (Safety) and Chris Gamble are trying to hold things together, but cant do it alone. Peppers (whos currently wanting out) has been the only strong suit on the front line, and with the addition of Everette Brown hopefully him and Peppers (assuming Pep will play one more year) can make this Defense shine one more season.
Regardless, Carolinas Bread and Butter is its running attack. Jonathan Stewart and more importantly, DeAngelo Williams are its two-headed slash and dash monster. Williams was 3rd in the league with rushing yards, and first in the league with Touchdowns. Will he repeat those numbers? NOT likely - however thats not to say he wont be just as productive and helpful to the teams needs. Thus, Carolina MUST rely on its running attack to lead them back to the playoffs.
2. Atlanta Falcons: (Run) While Matt Ryan may have won the ROTY award, it doesnt mean to say he lead his team. In fact, a short little former bolt of lightning is what lead this team to its 11-5 record. Turner comes in at 2nd place for both rushing yards, and total Touchdowns.. Making him the most important piece to this rebuilding puzzle.
While Atlantas No-named, no-nothing Wide-receiver core suddenly exploded last year with Roddy White coming roughly out of no where - only this season will tell if he was for real, or a one-season wonder. Meanwhile, Harry Douglas certainly has a lot to continue to prove as well. Not to mention, their off-season addition of one of (if not THE) greatest TEs to play the game - Tony Gonzalez. Matt Ryan should certainly post better numbers in his 2nd year, but thats not to say theyll defer from their rushing attack. At least not if they expect another post-season venture.
As for their Defense, lets face it its touch and go. One game theyre hot, the next theyre not. At times they can be explosive and shut you out. While at other times, they can seem lost, confused and allow the opposition to put up monster numbers.
In the end, I see Atlanta being a rushing team, with Ryan being more than capable of handling himself if hes needed to - however only time will tell if Ryan can continue to rise to fame, or fall from glory.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: (Flop) Oh how the once mighty have fallen. Will they be the last team in this division this year? I couldnt honestly say yes, with as up and down as the N.F.C South can be - however I can say on paper, theyre the worst team coming into the new Season. New coaching staff, no solid leadership at QB, injury prone RBs, no solid #1 WR, and an aging Defense that doesnt seem to be getting better since being gashed late last season.
Currently it looks like their starting QB will become Byron Leftwich, however thats not to count out the aging Brian Griese or the rookie Josh Freeman. Regardless, none of the names in this category have truly lead anyone - anywhere great. Leftwich has had moments, and Griese may of once in his prime been worth a look, but if I were TB Id already begin writing the season off by just testing the waters early with Freeman. (why not, it worked for Atlanta and Matt Ryan?)
Tampa Bays best Offensive weapons come at their RB position, unfortunately so do their most injury prone players. Cadillac Williams and Ernest Graham can be productive (when healthy) but within the past couple of seasons, neither has seen a full one. The off-season pick-up of Derrick Ward will be helpful and dangerous for opposing teams - but only depending on how many reps hell get.
Kellen Winslow was added in the off-season to help bring a great target at TE, but unfortunately that only works well if you have better targets at WR to take eyes off of Winslow.. Outside of Bryant (who had what Id consider a fluke season, at best) they have nothing.
Finally, their Defense was at one time considered arguably the best in the N.F.C, possibly the league. Thats since changed after the breakdown of last season when former Defense Coord. (Monte Kiffin) decided to leave and go play with his Son in college. Now, this Defense is a shell of its former great self - and looking for a new identity, and fast. Whether it finds one before this season kicks off is questionable. They have selective pieces to make a great stride, but it all depends on how the new Coaching staff works those pieces into place. I dont think this season will be productive for Tampa Bay, at all.
4. New Orleans Saints: (Pass) Its funny that I consider the Saints a pass happy team, when outside of Colston - they truly dont have a big named WR. Henderson can be explosive, but his hit or miss quality isnt reliable enough to consider him worthy. Meachem had a relatively nice season, as did Moore, but only time will tell if they can continue that way. Regardless though - Drew Brees is the true star here, and hes proven to make no-names, big names.
Reggie Bust.. Err, Bush is now going to take control of the starting spot with Deuce gone. However, Pierre Thomas isnt too far over his injury prone shoulder to claim the reigns quickly. I would still suggest a possible split load, if not cutting that split into a 3rd if they pick up The Edge.
As for the Defense, Malcom Jenkins will help, and it certainly seems like theyre trying to reform and rebuild their Defense - which in all honesty, if it can find ways to hold opposing teams to under 20 points, could help lead New Orleans on an undefeated streak with as explosive as the Saints offense can be.
In the end, this Franchise will rest its head on Drew Brees arm. Brees was some odd 15 yards short of breaking Marinos all-time season passing record. I doubt he tries to repeat, but its not to say he wont still sling it enough times to make another worthy run at that. But single season records arent what wins Championships. (Ask Marino) This Defense will need to step up, but its bread and butter is without question Drew Brees.
SO - with the that being said, feel free to jump in and analyze any number of teams you want. Just make sure to explain whether you believe they're a Run, Pass, Defense or Flop.. and make sure under every circumstance you explain WHY you feel that way. Thank You.
Its simply - Throughout all 32 Teams, there is four options available; Run, Pass, Defense or Flop. What do you think each team will rely on - or will they just flop in general? You can be biased to your team if you wish. You can be stubborn and naive against a team you dislike as well, however I do ask you at least try to be reasonable.
You can list just one team, a couple teams, a division, a conference, or the entire league. I will (over time) break down each team, however for now Im simply going to break down the N.F.C South - currently. As always, if anything changes after your original thoughts - you can change your opinion. Youre entitled.
N.F.C South:
1. Carolina Panthers: (Run) As it currently stands, despite having arguably one of the greatest WRs to play the game today, Carolina has wanted to be, has been and will continue (under John Fox) to be a run first - pass second team.
While Steve Smith; with, or without any type of help around him has proven to put up great numbers, (when healthy) its still not what the Panthers constantly want to rely on since Jake Delhomme is the wild-card on the Offense.
Speaking from a personal note, this is a leader and a proven individual that without him on the field, has shown a team fall apart. You can criticize all you, but Delhomme has won more than enough games for the Panthers - to be a proven leader. Just not one they want to shoulder with hoping can lead them to victory every single time.
As for the Defense, lets face it the days of the Superbowl lead Defense are over. While we have arguably one of the best Linebacker cores, our front 4 and our back 4 are the weak points in that Defense. Chris Harris (Safety) and Chris Gamble are trying to hold things together, but cant do it alone. Peppers (whos currently wanting out) has been the only strong suit on the front line, and with the addition of Everette Brown hopefully him and Peppers (assuming Pep will play one more year) can make this Defense shine one more season.
Regardless, Carolinas Bread and Butter is its running attack. Jonathan Stewart and more importantly, DeAngelo Williams are its two-headed slash and dash monster. Williams was 3rd in the league with rushing yards, and first in the league with Touchdowns. Will he repeat those numbers? NOT likely - however thats not to say he wont be just as productive and helpful to the teams needs. Thus, Carolina MUST rely on its running attack to lead them back to the playoffs.
2. Atlanta Falcons: (Run) While Matt Ryan may have won the ROTY award, it doesnt mean to say he lead his team. In fact, a short little former bolt of lightning is what lead this team to its 11-5 record. Turner comes in at 2nd place for both rushing yards, and total Touchdowns.. Making him the most important piece to this rebuilding puzzle.
While Atlantas No-named, no-nothing Wide-receiver core suddenly exploded last year with Roddy White coming roughly out of no where - only this season will tell if he was for real, or a one-season wonder. Meanwhile, Harry Douglas certainly has a lot to continue to prove as well. Not to mention, their off-season addition of one of (if not THE) greatest TEs to play the game - Tony Gonzalez. Matt Ryan should certainly post better numbers in his 2nd year, but thats not to say theyll defer from their rushing attack. At least not if they expect another post-season venture.
As for their Defense, lets face it its touch and go. One game theyre hot, the next theyre not. At times they can be explosive and shut you out. While at other times, they can seem lost, confused and allow the opposition to put up monster numbers.
In the end, I see Atlanta being a rushing team, with Ryan being more than capable of handling himself if hes needed to - however only time will tell if Ryan can continue to rise to fame, or fall from glory.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: (Flop) Oh how the once mighty have fallen. Will they be the last team in this division this year? I couldnt honestly say yes, with as up and down as the N.F.C South can be - however I can say on paper, theyre the worst team coming into the new Season. New coaching staff, no solid leadership at QB, injury prone RBs, no solid #1 WR, and an aging Defense that doesnt seem to be getting better since being gashed late last season.
Currently it looks like their starting QB will become Byron Leftwich, however thats not to count out the aging Brian Griese or the rookie Josh Freeman. Regardless, none of the names in this category have truly lead anyone - anywhere great. Leftwich has had moments, and Griese may of once in his prime been worth a look, but if I were TB Id already begin writing the season off by just testing the waters early with Freeman. (why not, it worked for Atlanta and Matt Ryan?)
Tampa Bays best Offensive weapons come at their RB position, unfortunately so do their most injury prone players. Cadillac Williams and Ernest Graham can be productive (when healthy) but within the past couple of seasons, neither has seen a full one. The off-season pick-up of Derrick Ward will be helpful and dangerous for opposing teams - but only depending on how many reps hell get.
Kellen Winslow was added in the off-season to help bring a great target at TE, but unfortunately that only works well if you have better targets at WR to take eyes off of Winslow.. Outside of Bryant (who had what Id consider a fluke season, at best) they have nothing.
Finally, their Defense was at one time considered arguably the best in the N.F.C, possibly the league. Thats since changed after the breakdown of last season when former Defense Coord. (Monte Kiffin) decided to leave and go play with his Son in college. Now, this Defense is a shell of its former great self - and looking for a new identity, and fast. Whether it finds one before this season kicks off is questionable. They have selective pieces to make a great stride, but it all depends on how the new Coaching staff works those pieces into place. I dont think this season will be productive for Tampa Bay, at all.
4. New Orleans Saints: (Pass) Its funny that I consider the Saints a pass happy team, when outside of Colston - they truly dont have a big named WR. Henderson can be explosive, but his hit or miss quality isnt reliable enough to consider him worthy. Meachem had a relatively nice season, as did Moore, but only time will tell if they can continue that way. Regardless though - Drew Brees is the true star here, and hes proven to make no-names, big names.
Reggie Bust.. Err, Bush is now going to take control of the starting spot with Deuce gone. However, Pierre Thomas isnt too far over his injury prone shoulder to claim the reigns quickly. I would still suggest a possible split load, if not cutting that split into a 3rd if they pick up The Edge.
As for the Defense, Malcom Jenkins will help, and it certainly seems like theyre trying to reform and rebuild their Defense - which in all honesty, if it can find ways to hold opposing teams to under 20 points, could help lead New Orleans on an undefeated streak with as explosive as the Saints offense can be.
In the end, this Franchise will rest its head on Drew Brees arm. Brees was some odd 15 yards short of breaking Marinos all-time season passing record. I doubt he tries to repeat, but its not to say he wont still sling it enough times to make another worthy run at that. But single season records arent what wins Championships. (Ask Marino) This Defense will need to step up, but its bread and butter is without question Drew Brees.
SO - with the that being said, feel free to jump in and analyze any number of teams you want. Just make sure to explain whether you believe they're a Run, Pass, Defense or Flop.. and make sure under every circumstance you explain WHY you feel that way. Thank You.