The Steelers were the last team to post a loss during the 2010 season. Some believe their next loss could come during the 2012 season.
Predictions for the 2011 season remain somewhat fluid this time of year. Teams are already encountering injury issues, new coaches are getting their systems in place, and new faces are figuring out how they mesh in their new uniforms.
There are a few teams that have very favorable schedules. A few fans will even believe that at the end of the 2011 season, their team's last loss would have been during the 2010 campaign.
I won't go quite so far as to predict a perfect season, but there are several teams that figure to be in heavy battles for division titles and playoff seeding. These battles could lead to several teams with gaudy win totals, but this article is about losses...and the week that all 32 teams notch their final one of the season.
The Cardinals already had enough issues on offense. They have a new, unproven quarterback, a poor offensive line and lack an established talent at running back.
Losing their second-round draft pick, running back Ryan Williams, won't help.
Unless Kevin Kolb can manage games with limited time in the pocket and without a potent ground game, the Cardinal offense should be expected to struggle again in 2011.
Atlanta Falcons: NFC Championship Game @ Philadelphia Eagles
Atlanta will have a tough run en route to Indianapolis in February. They could be joined in the NFC Divisional round by the Philadelphia Eagles, Green Bay Packers and New Orleans Saints.
Home field advantage could very well dictate which teams advance, and I see the Falcons being the two seed.
After bouncing the Saints, I don't see them being able to handle the Eagles. They should be able to give them a solid game, as Julio Jones will have a full season of experience by then, playing across from one of the league's best receivers in Roddy White. However, they aren't likely going to have enough to prevail...unless they can mange to secure home-field advantage.
Baltimore Ravens: AFC Championship Game @ New England Patriots
Just a few weeks ago the Ravens were my very early favorite to win the Super Bowl. The underlying assumption was that they would add a quality option at wide receiver to take the pressure off Anquan Boldin and Joe Flacco.
They certainly upgraded their ground game by acquiring Vonta Leach, one of the best full backs in the league. But the addition of Lee Evans at wide receiver falls short of expectations and team needs.
The Ravens will still challenge the Steelers for the division, and their schedule easily lends itself to 12 wins...if not more. But it doesn't appear they've done enough to get through the other elite teams in the AFC to make a run to the Super Bowl.
In most seasons, the Bills could expect to get a Patriots team that is in coast mode in the final week of regular season play.
However, 2011 looks to be a year that features several "super" teams. This could very well take playoff-seeding down to the wire, meaning teams will need to put their best product on the field in the final week.
The Bills could also be playing for postseason seeding...for next April's draft. They will need 2011 to determine if Ryan Fitzpatrick is part of their future or just their past.
It appears as though Cam Newton is going to emerge from the preseason holding the starting quarterback job for the Panthers. It isn't as though he has a lot of competition for the position, though.
Matt Moore was likely the best passer on their roster last season, but he has moved on in free agency. Jimmy Clausen struggled as a rookie, and many lay the blame of their 2-14 season at his feet.
However, the Panthers have other issues on their team, leading to a difficult road again in 2011, culminating with a road loss to the Saints in Week 17.
The NFC North will be an interesting division. The Packers appear to poised to return to the playoffs, but the Vikings, Bears and Lions will be an open battle for the second-best team.
The division might get a second playoff team again in 2011, but it doesn't seem likely. The three teams after the Packers have significant concerns, and for the Bears, those concerns lie with the offensive line and wide receivers.
The Bengals will surely struggle in 2011, right down to facing a Ravens team the final week of the season that will likely be battling for a division title.
The best the fan base can hope for is having an opportunity to watch Andy Dalton and A.J. Green start to develop.
Cleveland appears to be headed in the right direction, and their fans could see a solid team on the field in 2011.
Colt McCoyis ready to show he is a franchise quarterback. However, sharing a division with the Steelers and Ravens will hinder their emergence to becoming a playoff team.
The Cowboys needed to upgrade their secondary and offensive line during the offseason. Despite grabbing perhaps the best offensive tackle in the draft, there isn't a strong reason to believe they succeeded in improving either of these needs.
Even if the Cowboys can get themselves into playoff contention, their final regular season game takes them to New York to play a Giants team that should also be in the mix to reach the postseason.
The Denver Broncos will be a completely new team in 2011. They will be implementing new systems under a new coaching staff without the benefit of offseason OTAs or mini-camps, which doesn't bode well for a squad that struggled last season.
They get to play the Chiefs at home in Week 17. However, the team will be thinking more about the offseason by that point. Better days are likely ahead for the Broncos, but not this season.
Denver may be facing a tough decision in April relative to their future at the quarterback position. A loss to the Chiefs will get them one step closer to figuring out if it is time to cut ties with their former Gator.
Fans of the Detroit Lions believe their team is primed to make a playoff run in 2011. Their season will most likely end with a loss in Green Bay during Week 17, though.
Matt Stafford needs to prove he can stay healthy before the Lions can be considered a legitimate contender. This will be challenging, as the Lions offensive line appears to be in shambles.
The Lions were not overly impressive at offensive tackle last season, and things appear to have gotten worse. They have injury issues, and return dates for their starting tackles are still fluid.
The Seattle Seahawks were harpooned by critics for their failure to snag a quarterback in April's draft, but Stafford and the Lions are a prime example of why a team should make sure they have their offensive line in place prior to drafting a franchise quarterback.
Green Bay Packers: NFC Divisional Round @ Philadelphia Eagles
Despite the atrocious loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Philadelphia Eagles still have the pieces on their team to prevail in the NFC.
The Packers are certainly in the mix as one of four teams that look to be elite competitors in the conference but repeating as Super Bowl champion is a difficult task. Equally difficult will be for Charles Woodson and the rest of the Packers secondary to shut down the Eagles passing attack.
Houston has been gearing up for a playoff run for several seasons. The addition of Johnathan Joseph at cornerback will certainly increase their chances, as will Danieal Manning's addition at safety.
Not placing the Texans in the playoffs could be an oversight, but it is hard to see them faring better than the runner up in the battles between the Patriots/Jets or Steelers/Ravens.
Indianapolis Colts: AFC Divisional Round @ Baltimore Ravens
The Colts are still uncertain as to whenPeyton Manningwill be able to return to active duty. He is expected back by the start of the regular season, but that is not guaranteed.
Colts' owner Jim Irsay went so far as to post aTwitter commentthat the team is preparing to start the regular season without Manning under center.
"It's always been something where we hope he can be ready, and we still hope,'' Irsay stated. "But it's possible he won't."
I've been openly critical of the Colts failure to come up with a transition plan at quarterback or at least have a viable backup in place for the man who never misses a start. Manning's streak of 227 consecutive starts (regular and postseason) since being drafted is the longest active streak in theNFL, but it is in jeopardy.
There is every expectation that Manning will be healthy by the time the postseason rolls around. However, missing time early in the season will cause the Colts to lose games, hindering their seeding come playoff time. This could cost them dearly in the playoffs.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Week 17 vs. Indianapolis Colts
The Jaguars could be in playoff contention headed into the final week of the season, but it isn't likely. They will be hosting a difficult Colts team...so long as Peyton Manning is able to be playing at full strength at the end of the season.
It will be interesting to see who is at quarterback for the Jaguars by then.
The Kansas City Chiefs worked on improving their offense for the 2011 season. They've added options at wide receiver and brought in new bodies for the offensive line. With one of the best runners in the league, the only reason the offense shouldn't strive is ifMatt Casselcan't run the offense with precision.
The offense could struggle without offensive coordinator Charlie Weis. Issues on the offensive line could also short-circuit their season. Perhaps Jared Gaither will be healthy and able to upgrade the right tackle position, and Jon Asamoah will play well at left guard.
The Dolphins would love to make a push at the playoffs. To get there, they will need Chad Henne to rally their offense.
The odds are against them, obviously. The Dolphins are rebuilding and will use the season to determine if quarterback is one of the positions needing an upgrade.
The Vikings should still have a solid defense, despite the loss of Ray Edwards and Pat Williams...not to mention Ben Leber, Lito Sheppard, Frank Walker and Madieu Williams.
Their issues will likely come on the offensive side of the ball. They added Kyle Rudolph, the best tight end in the draft, and brought inDonovan McNabbafter drafting Christian Ponder.
However, the loss of Sidney Rice will hurt the Vikings. The offensive line is in flux as well. This team could post double-digit losses or make the playoffs.
New England Patriots: Week 12 @ Philadelphia Eagles
Roster changes made since the start of training camps have already caused a change in postseason projections. One change in my projections has the New England Patriots coming out of the AFC to win the Super Bowl.
The biggest challenge for coachBill Belichickis to keep all the egos in check. He managed to do so withRandy Mossand should be able to do so with the new additions. Now if only they will be able to contribute.
New Orleans Saints: NFC Divisional Round @ Atlanta Falcons
It is hard to peg when the Saints will finish their 2011 season. They are definitely in contention to make the Super Bowl following the 2011 season.
More likely, they will come in behind the Falcons in the division and fall to them in the playoffs. They have made a lot of roster additions, though, and if the new players come together, this could be the team to watch in the NFC playoffs.
New York Giants: NFC Wild Card Round to Green Bay Packers
The Giants have made some positive moves but failed to address shortcomings with pass-catchers. Mario Manningham will need to take over the hole created by Steve Smith's departure. More importantly, they don't have a starting tight end.
The Giants could make the playoffs based on their defense. They have a great front seven, but the secondary is what could keep them home after the regular season. If they make the postseason, it will likely be the secondary that sends them packing.
New York Jets: AFC Wild Card Round @ Baltimore Ravens
The Jets have managed to make the AFC Championship game the first two seasons with quarterbackMark Sanchez. Many feel their season won't end with that game in 2011, and I agree.
I see their season ending two weeks earlier this go-around. The Jets have possibly taken a step back this season, while the Patriots have gotten better. This will keep the Jets from getting a decent seed in the playoffs and could give them a rough opening matchup.
The Raiders made a push for the playoffs last season but came up a bit short. They didn't appear to improve their team headed into 2011 either.
There is hope that new head coach Hue Jackson can get more out of players thanTom Cabledid, but that is a stretch. He will be pressed to get the offensive line working together and to show the defense will be able to thrive without Nnamdi Asomugha.
The biggest issue for the Raiders still rests at the quarterback position. Jason Campbell has some depth behind him, but if his performance doesn't improve, he'll need someone ahead of him on the depth chart, too.
The Eagles certainly looked far from dream-like vs. the Steelers...unless you include the nightmare variety.
However, that is just one game, and a preseason one at that. The Eagles will face stiff competition from the Packers, Falcons and Saints, but it is difficult to ignore the talent being assembled byAndy Reid.
Failure to reach the Super Bowl wouldn't reflect well on the Eagles' head coach.
Pittsburgh Steelers: AFC Divisional Round @ New England Patriots
Home-field advantage hasn't made a lot of difference in the AFC playoffs in recent seasons. While I'm not predicting it will be the final difference this season, it will make a difference in the divisional round.
The Steelers and Ravens both have fairly easy schedules on paper. The division winner could very well be in position to hold home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs, while the other could see their playoff road pointed through New England.
The Steelers will roll out basically the same team in 2011, save a downgrade at tight end and a few other minor changes. However, other AFC teams have been improving...again, on paper. It is likely that one of them will keep the Steelers from making a return trip to battle for the Lombardi trophy.
San Diego Chargers: AFC Wild Card Round vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Chargers are the team I desperately want to pencil in to make a Super Bowl appearance, as they have the talent on both sides of the ball to make it happen. However, they continue to disappoint their fans and have a habit of underachieving.
This could be the year San Diego makes it over the hump. The odds are against them, though, as the AFC has a ton of talented teams with more playoff experience.
IfPhilip Riverswants to be considered an elite quarterback, he needs to step up and carry his team through the AFC playoffs.
The 49ers have been plagued by poor offensive line play. It has limited whatever success Alex Smith might have had, and the lack of quality receiving options certainly hasn't helped.
2011 may offer some relief with Braylon Edwards joining their squad, but so far it doesn't appear the offensive line is ready for prime time.
The Seattle Seahawks offense is yet to find its footing in preseason. Granted, it is preseason, and they are instituting a new offense without starting left tackle Russell Okung.
However, the concerns at quarterback are real, and the team could falter unless one of their passers ramps up play. For the starting quarterback to play well, though, the offensive line needs to provide some solid pass protection.
St. Louis Rams: NFC Wild Card Round vs. New Orleans Saints
The Rams are the only team in the NFC West that appear to have the quarterback situation firmly set. San Francisco and Arizona hope to have their future in place, but that is yet to be proven.
Seattle is the defending champion and could have the best all-around talent in the division, but their starting quarterback is in flux. This could allow the Rams to slip into the playoffs as the division champs, but that is as far as they'll go.
Tampa Bay has a shot at making the playoffs in 2011, but it is more likely that they realize their 2010 record was the beneficiary of a fairly easy schedule.
They have favorable matchups outside the division this season as well. They are a bit of a long shot to leapfrog the Saints or the Falcons, but they could make a push for the final NFC playoff spot.
They won't have an easy task if they need a win in the final week of the season, as they visit the Falcons. They may begin to wish they had made a move in free agency aside from adding Michael Koenen, a punter. They had what could be a great draft but failed to add any veterans.
The Titans have a bit of an issue brewing. The Chris Johnson holdout is beginning to look like it could impact their regular season, and the Titans can't afford to not start the season at full strength.
They also have concerns with their offensive line. They didn't open holes for Johnson last season, and pass protection wasn't any better. It is a bit surprising the Titans didn't move to make upgrades this offseason but having continuity on the line will be an advantage with the truncated offseason.
Tennessee needs to giveMatt Hasselbecktime to throw the ball. If they do, and if Johnson makes it back before the season starts, the Titans could have a powerful offensive attack that will allow them to make a run beyond their regular season finale in Houston. Those are big "ifs" at this point.
Washington Redskins: Week 17 @ Philadelphia Eagles
Redskins fans should be prepared for losses to accumulate in 2011. When a quarterback battle consists of John Beck and Rex Grossman, expectations should be highly tempered.
A look at the depth chart for running back causes even more concern, as Tim Hightower and Ryan Torain don't commonly cause sleepless nights for opposing defensive coordinators.
The Redskins have made numerous questionable roster moves in recent seasons. Instead of picking on a single acquisition, the movement to a 3-4 defense seems odd. Even more strange is the continued collection of 4-3 personnel.
While a Redskin fan or two have claimed that I "hate the Redskins," my issue is a bit different. I hate what Dan Snyder, et al have done to the franchise, and the fan base that embraces HTTR. They deserve better.
What is the duplicate article?
Why is this article offensive?
Where is this article plagiarized from?
Source:
No comments:
Post a Comment