2012 Seattle Seahawks Preview

2012 Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks are always a pesky team. They have a great home field advantage, and Pete Carroll is working hard to establish a winning culture in the Pacific northwest once again. They finished 7-9 last season, but beat the Giants, Ravens, and Eagles. They also lost another four games by three points or less. And they did all this with a crappy offense. Cue Russell Wilson. But I’ll get to that. The Seattle defense, like Arizona’s D, is vastly underrated. You don’t really think about the Seahawks as a great team, and they aren’t just yet, but they are a team built to win now, or maybe in a year or two when they add a few more pieces (like a number one receiver). Seattle looks like they have found their quarterback of the future, and they aren’t looking back. Can they challenge the 49ers for the NFC West crown this year? I think they are one year away at least, but that process starts this year, when they have to show that they will be ready to take the next step when the time comes.

Offense

The world is absolutely crazy about Russell Wilson, the rookie quarterback out of Wisconsin, and previously NC State. And you know what? Good for him. He was a third round pick, and most experts thought even that was a stretch. He has been criticized heavily for being too short (5’10”), and for not being able to see over the offensive line (looking at you, Mel Kiper, Jr). Seattle had signed Green Bay backup QB Matt Flynn to a contract this offseason, expecting him to be the starter, but Wilson has immediately silenced all the critics by having a masterful preseason, and is even being picked by some to win the Offensive Rookie of the Year over Luck and RGIII. Russell Wilson has earned his starting job, and I hope he plays great. He needs help to make this offense tick, however, and that starts by Marshawn Lynch having another fabulous season at running back again for this team. Lynch’s talent had been questioned mightily after failing in Buffalo and being traded to Seattle but he was a superstar last year, which was probably predictable after he had that classic touchdown run against the Saints in the playoffs two years ago. He will need another season of at least 1,200 yards and 12 touchdowns to take pressure off of Wilson. Russell will also need help from his group of subpar wide receivers. There is no star power on the outside, but perhaps the combined group of Rice, Tate, Obomanu and Edwards can produce as a whole, with no one player standing out. Someone will need to step up and establish himself as the go-to guy, however, and Seattle would like that to be Sidney Rice if he could just stay on the freaking field instead of being hurt all the time. If the receivers play well, Wilson will play well, and if Wilson plays well, all of a sudden this is a potent offense.

Defense

While there is a lot of speculation about what the offense can accomplish under Russell Wilson, but there aren’t many questions about this defense. They were a top 10 D in 2011 and are looking for more success this year. They have a good defensive line led by Chris Clemons, and they drafted Bruce Irvin, a defensive end, to help boost the pass rush. They have an underrated linebacking core of which Bobby Wagner is the leader in the middle. Finally, we come to the secondary of the Seahawks, which is Seattle’s best unit on defense, talent-wise and depth-wise. Richard Sherman and Brandon Browner are two up-and-coming stud corners who should both be primed for breakout seasons this year, and Seattle sports two of the top safeties in the league, Kam Chancellor and Earl Thomas. Chancellor flies all around the field making tackles and impacting plays, and Thomas at his best is a ball hawk in the middle of the field providing protection from the deep ball. I really like this defense a lot and I think they will give many opponents lots of trouble. Especially at home.

Schedule

Seattle is a very tough place to play and they have an extremely passionate fan base. They definitely have a top five home field advantage in the entire league, which is saying something. I think they will give a lot of good teams a run for their money when they come play at Qwest Field, but with a rookie quarterback, as good as he might be, they will most likely struggle mightily on the road this year. Let’s check out the schedule, and see if Seattle can improve on their 7-9 record from 2011.

Week 1: W at ARI

Week 2: W vs DAL

Week 3: L vs GB (single digit loss)

Week 4: L at STL
Week 5: L at CAR
Week 6: L vs NE
Week 7: L at SF
Week 8: L at DET

Week 9: W vs MIN

Week 10: W vs NYJ

Week 11: Bye

Week 12: W at MIA

Week 13: L at CHI

Week 14: W vs ARI

Week 15: L at BUF

Week 16: W vs SF

Week 17: W vs STL

When all is said and done, I think that the 2012 Seattle Seahawks will finish 8-8, one game better than their 2011 record, but not quite good enough to make the playoffs. It doesn’t help that they play a brutal first half of the schedule, with multiple tough road games and having home games against the Pack and the Pats. However, Seattle should be proud of an 8-8 record, because that will be the best mark by any rookie quarterback this season. Seattle will have a solid season, but they still are a few pieces away from having a special team. They absolutely need to get themselves a true alpha dog receiver for Russell Wilson to throw to. They have no threats on the outside, so opposing defenses will be able to load the box and/or blitz all season long to see how Wilson responds. They also need another pass rusher (unless Irvin plays big). But this team is close, and the 49ers better watch their heels, because Seattle is coming. I’ll have my bold prediction for you, then I’ll wrap up my team previews with the St. Louis Rams. Thanks for reading, everyone.

Bold Prediction: Seattle will have a top 5 defense this season. Russell Wilson’s stats: 3,000 total yards, 25 total touchdowns, 12 interceptions.

2012 San Francisco 49ers Preview

2012 San Francisco 49ers

Jim Harbaugh’s first year as head coach of the San Francisco 49ers was simply magnificent. It was a magical season for the red and gold, and the return to greatness for a franchise that had been so used to winning seasons. Everything came together for this team last year; Alex Smith had his best season in a previously disappointing career, and the defense imposed its will onto all challengers. They had an unbelievable turnover ratio, and David Akers had a record-setting season at kicker. If it’s possible, the 2012 team might be even better than the 2011 version. They added Brandon Jacobs and Mario Manningham on offense, along with the un-retired Randy Moss. They are still loaded on defense, where Patrick Willis is healthy again and Aldon Smith is no longer a rookie. There is no doubt that the 49ers will not get as fortunate as they were last year, but they have the talent to conquer adversity and be great again. A 13-3 record will be hard to follow up, but this group is tough, and is exactly what you picture when you think of a hard-nosed, championship-caliber team.

Offense

Alex Smith only had five interceptions last season, a number that will surely rise, especially since they will probably throw the rock a little more to account for the new weapons that San Francisco added on the outside in Randy Moss and Mario Manningham, and for the emergence of talented tight end Vernon Davis. There are still plenty of questions floating around this offense: Can Alex Smith repeat his efficient season? Will Frank Gore stay healthy and productive? Does Randy Moss have anything left in the tank? Will Jacobs and Manningham have an impact? It’s possible that the answer to all these questions is “yes”. They have a fantastic offensive line, multiple quality running backs including workhorse Frank Gore, and several outside threats (Davis, Moss, Manningham, Crabtree, Ginn, and the rookie AJ Jenkins). The identity of this unit is still to run the ball down the throat of the defense and throw it when they have to, but it will be interesting to see if they unleash Alex Smith a little more this season. The San Francisco offense won’t run up and down the field putting up points, but they are tough, solid, and hard to stop. They sure put on a show at the end of the Saints game, and the touchdown pass to Vernon Davis will be one of the best images from the entire 2011 NFL season.

Defense

Brutal. Ferocious. Terrifying. Pulverizing. Phenomenal. I have just described the 49ers defense for you. Here’s some names for you: Justin Smith, NaVorro Bowman, Patrick Willis, Aldon Smith, Carlos Rogers. All potential Pro Bowlers this season. They didn’t allow a rushing touchdown till Week 16. They are really good. Enough said.

Schedule

The San Francisco 49ers have a great team again in 2012, but there’s no way they repeat that 13-3 season from last year. They almost made it to the promised land but couldn’t seal the deal against the Giants, and wasted an incredible opportunity. Can they get back to the NFC Championship Game this year? I think they will win their division, so they have a good shot.

Week 1: L at GB (2 superpowers battling Week 1, gotta love it.)

Week 2: W vs DET

Week 3: W at MIN
Week 4: L at NYJ

Week 5: W vs BUF
Week 6: W vs NYG (payback.)

Week 7: W vs SEA
Week 8: L at ARI (weird things happen in ARI on Monday night.)

Week 9: Bye

Week 10: W vs STL

Week 11: W vs CHI

Week 12: L at NO

Week 13: W at STL

Week 14: W vs MIA

Week 15: L at NE

Week 16: L at SEA

Week 17: W vs ARI

I think that the 2012 San Francisco 49ers will fall to 10-6 this season, but that doesn’t mean they are any worse. With their win over the G-Men, they own the tiebreaker and will control the number two seed in the NFC going into the playoffs, the same as last year. San Fran is a mean team who is seeking redemption for last year, which is a scary combination. I wouldn’t want to play them in the playoffs. Well, I guess the Giants wouldn’t mind, because they just won that game last year, but they’re an exception. I’ll do my bold prediction next, then continue my previews with the dangerous Seattle Seahawks.

Bold Prediction: The 49ers finish with the number one defense statistically, and Randy Moss has only 30 catches and 2 touchdowns, but that’s because of Alex Smith, not him.

2012 Arizona Cardinals Preview

2012 Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals seem like they are only a couple of players away from making a run at the NFC West, if not the entire NFC itself. Unfortunately, one of those players missing is a franchise quarterback, which is a necessary ingredient for a championship team. For the last two years, Arizona has been holding a quarterback competition between it’s two best QBs on the roster: Kevin Kolb and John Skelton. Kolb, the guy with the big contract, hasn’t been able to produce and is always hurt. This is a big reason why Arizona started out 1-6 last season. Then, all of a sudden, John Skelton came in and the Cardinals went 7-2 for the rest of the season, which nobody saw coming. Now, Skelton will be the starting quarterback heading into Week 1 of the 2012 season. Can he repeat that same success? No. The NFC West plays the AFC East and the NFC North, which means that it will be really hard for the Cardinals to get back to .500. They have a viable offense and a solid defense, but that doesn’t matter if they don’t have the quarterback to lead the way for them. Maybe Skelton will have a great season and is the answer at QB for the Cardinals. I’ll believe it when I see it.

Offense

John Skelton will be the starter to open the 2012 campaign, which is good and bad. Good because he performed very 

well last season, but bad because he probably can’t keep that level of play going again. Arizona still has Larry Fitzgerald, one of the top receivers in the game, but who has also been stuck out in the dessert trying to put up big numbers with backups throwing to him. The Cardinals used their first round pick in this year’s draft to select Michael Floyd, a talented wide receiver to line up opposite Fitz, but wide out isn’t the place that Arizona is lacking. They might have a decent running game this year, also. Beanie Wells is possibly the most frustrating running back in the NFL, because although he doesn’t get really injured, he always has something bothering him and is always on the injury report. He either doesn’t play, or is limited. This year, they get Ryan Williams back from a torn ACL, and many people think that he has the inside track for the starting job before the end of the season. With good quarterback play, this offense can move the ball, but that is a lot to ask for this team.

Defense

The Arizona Cardinals have potentially the most underrated defense in the entire NFL. They are always overlooked because the Cardinals aren’t a very good team, but this group has star power and plenty of ability. Their defensive line is anchored by Darnell Dockett, who has grown into a stud, which is huge for this team, especially considering that Arizona plays a 3-4 scheme. They have two very able middle linebackers, the better of them being Daryl Washington, who was near the lead league in tackles last season. Sam Acho is someone who experts think is a sleeper for double digit sacks this season, and if Acho can provide that kind of production, this front seven could potentially be top 10 in the NFL. Their secondary is great also, with rising superstar Patrick Peterson becoming one of the best corners in the league. Adrian Wilson and Kerry Rhodes are two savvy veterans who can also tackle very well. William Gay is no slouch at the number two corner spot either. If opposing offenses underestimate this Arizona defense, they can find themselves really struggling.

Schedule

As you may have noticed, I have said mostly good things about this Arizona team (which is a surprise, even to me), so you might be assuming that I think they can make a run at the division title this season, or maybe a wild card. Well, I don’t. In fact, I think that Seattle is the team in this division that you have to watch out for. If John Skelton proves me wrong and shines, this team is quite complete, even if it is elite. However, I think they will be outplayed this season by better opponents, and I’m not quite buying Skelton leading this team. I do like him better than Kolb, though, so at least they made the right choice for their leader. How will Arizona do this season?

Week 1: L vs SEA

Week 2: L at NE

Week 3: W vs PHI (won in PHI last year, win at home this year)

Week 4: W vs MIA

Week 5: L at STL

Week 6: W vs BUF

Week 7: L at MIN

Week 8: W vs SF

Week 9: L at GB (4-5, not too shabby)

Week 10: Bye

Week 11: L at ATL

Week 12: W vs STL

Week 13: L at NYJ

Week 14: L at SEA

Week 15: L vs DET

Week 16: W vs CHI

Week 17: L at SF

That 4-5 start by Arizona isn’t too bad, but 2-6 down the stretch is a bad way to end the season, at a 6-10 record. This team has talent, but until they have a long tern answer at quarterback, they will continue to stay out of the postseason. After my bold prediction, I’ll look at the San Francisco 49ers, and see whether they can repeat their magical 2011.

Bold Prediction: Patrick Peterson will have 3 more return touchdowns this year, and Larry Fitzgerald will lead the NFL in receiving yards with 1,456.

2012 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Preview

2012 Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were almost good in 2011. After they went 10-6 in 2010 against a weak schedule, the Bucs were looking for a successful follow-up season. They started out 4-2 last season, before promptly quitting on their coach Raheem Morris and lost their final ten games to finish at 4-12. Morris since got fired, and Tampa Bay has hired Greg Schiano to replace him. Tampa had a great draft this past season, using their two first round picks to select two game-changers. Mark Barron will immediately impact this defense at safety, a huge upgrade for one of the worst defenses in the league last year. Also, Doug Martin looks like he has gone from rookie running back to a starting three-down back in one offseason. Martin has big expectations placed on him to be the back that LeGarrette Blount couldn’t, and bring another dimension to this offense. The Buccaneers are still the worst team in the NFC South, but they could be relevant again very soon, maybe as soon as next, and possibly even this season. Tampa Bay would like nothing more than to put the demons of last season behind them and start over, and I think they will do that to an extent. But don’t have too much faith in the Bucs this year, because this season is still part of the rebuilding process.

Offense

The Buccaneers offense is less than stellar, but has some punch to it. Josh Freeman needs to have a nice season to show his organization that he is the quarterback for the future of this franchise. He turned the ball over way too many times last year, after having a great touchdown to interception ratio the year before. He now has added weapons surrounding him, so there are no more excuses for Freeman struggling again. Doug Martin, as already stated, was drafted highly to eventually become the starting running back, but that “eventually” has come awfully fast, as Martin will be the starter heading into the season. He has drawn many comparisons to Ray Rice, which is high praise, but whether or not this will yield any fruit will be seen in time. The Buccaneers also finally spent some money in free agency and brought in star offensive lineman Carl Nicks to help the running game and stud wide out Vincent Jackson as a big play threat over the top. This unit should be vastly improved from what it was last year.

Defense

This defense was absolutely dreadful last year, which means that things can only improve. They will need a huge jump from their dreadful defensive line, especially their former two top draft picks, Gerald McCoy and Adrian Clayborn. Their linebackers aren’t that fantastic either, but Mason Foster is solid in the middle. The biggest step up should be from the secondary, now that Ronde Barber is moving to safety. Rookie Mark Barron might already be the best player on this defense, and should patrol the middle of the field for many years to come. Tampa Bay had a bottom five defense last year, but that ranking should rise to at least around number twenty this year.

Schedule

The Buccaneers had struggles last year that you wouldn’t wish upon your worst enemy. Losing ten games in a row is catastrophic, especially after winning ten games the previous season. That will not happen again, but there should be some growing pains over the course of the season.

Week 1: L vs CAR

Week 2: L at NYG
Week 3: L at DAL

Week 4: W vs WAS

Week 5: Bye

Week 6: W vs KC

Week 7: L vs NO

Week 8: L at MIN

Week 9: L at OAK

Week 10: W vs SD

Week 11: L at CAR

Week 12: W vs ATL

Week 13: L at DEN

Week 14: L vs PHI

Week 15: L vs NO

Week 16: W vs STL

Week 17: L at ATL

I think the 2012 Tampa Bay Buccaneers will finish this season at 5-11 and obviously miss the playoffs, but they will have a top 10 draft pick that will help them keep improving. This division is rapidly becoming like the NFC East, an ultra competitive division in which 9-7 can win, just like the Giants last year, and, as it turns out, the Panthers this year. After my bold prediction, I’ll recap the NFC South and move on to the West, where I’ll start with the Arizona Cardinals.

Bold Prediction: Doug Martin will have 1,200 total yards, and 7 touchdowns this season.

NFC South recap:

CAR: 9-7

ATL: 9-7

NO: 8-8

TB: 5-11

• Cam Newton continues his progress, Panthers win division
• Falcons don’t live up to the hype once again, fall short of playoffs
• Saints are good but not great coming off of bounty scandal
• Tampa Bay keeps rebuilding, Martin and Barron are bright spots

2012 New Orleans Saints Preview

2012 New Orleans Saints

The troubles of this offseason for the New Orleans Saints have been well-documented. After the bounty scandal came to public notice, the NFL slammed the Saints with suspensions, fines, and forfeited draft picks. It was an unprecedented hammer that dropped upon the New Orleans franchise, one that has their heart of the defense, linebacker Jonathan Vilma, and their leader, head coach Sean Payton suspended for the entire 2012 season. Before the sanctions, the Saints were looking at a potential Super Bowl at home, where they are nearly unstoppable. Now, it’s very unclear about whether they can even make the playoffs, let alone the Super Bowl. Drew Brees is going to have the best year of his career in order to compensate for the loss of head coach and offensive genius Sean Peyton. It’s going to be a struggle for the New Orleans Saints in 2012, but they still have the talent to make some noise in the tough NFC South.  New Orleans went 13-3 last season with two losses coming against the Bucs and the Rams (what?!), but their season ended abruptly in the second round of the playoffs. Do they have what it takes to get back?

Offense

The Saints offense, even without Sean Payton calling plays, is still lethal. This unit is the definition of high-octane. They can score at will, especially at home in the Superdome, where they are almost unbeatable. Drew Brees will have to contribute more than ever and direct this offense on the field like a general. If New Orleans has a big year and gets into the playoffs, then Brees has to be the MVP, with everything that has happened this offseason. I don’t expect the passing game to fall off much, as Drew Brees is arguably the most consistent and accurate quarterbacks ever. 4,500 yards and 35 touchdowns is most likely the floor for Brees. The running game is a three-headed monster. Pierre Thomas is the longest-tenured Saints running back and is reliable to Drew Brees. Darren Sproles is one-of-a-kind, at 5’6, but is a blur on the field and is mainly used as a pass-catcher, finishing with 86 receptions last season. Mark Ingram is the back with the biggest upside, a former first round pick who has enormous strength and power. Chris Ivory mustn’t get forgotten as well, a back that has shown some spark when he has gotten playing time. Even though New Orleans lost Robert Meachem to San Diego, they still have a very talented receivers, led by Marques Colston. Devery Henderson and Lance Moore are also still in black and gold, giving the Saints three talented wide outs for Brees to throw to. And that’s not even counting his new favorite target, tight end Jimmy Graham, who has become a superstar. Graham would have had the best season ever by a tight end if he hadn’t been playing at the same time as the Gronk. This offense should finish first in the NFL, and is the single most explosive unit in all of football. We’ll see how the loss of Payton will affect them.

Defense

Even though this defense has been the face of the bounty scandal, they should still be decent. They lost the heart and soul of their defense in Jonathan Vilma, but signed Curtis Lofton away from the Atlanta Falcons to fill the void at middle linebacker. The rest of the defense has a little talent, with Malcolm Jenkins at safety and a young defensive line filled with high draft picks. While this group is not elite by any means, they are better than the defenses of other teams with crazy offenses, like Green Bay, New England, and Detroit. It’s unclear how productive this defense will be, but one thing is for sure: they won’t be offering up any bounties. Hopefully.

Schedule

After a 13-3 season got New Orleans just the number three seed in the NFC last year (Only #3?!?! Talk about being top-loaded), the Saints blew out the Lions in the first round of the playoffs. This win was followed by arguably the best game of all last year, in which New Orleans suffered a heartbreaking loss in San Francisco to Alex Smith and the 49ers. It is a huge toss-up to try and predict what will happen to the Saints this season. On one hand, New Orleans could crumble without their head coach and best defender and spiral into an abyss, never to be heard from again...well, that escalated quickly. On the other hand, they could rise up and use this bounty scandal as motivation, and use that “us against the world” attitude to fire back at the NFL. Let’s see what’s more likely.

Week 1: W vs WAS

Week 2: L at CAR

Week 3: W vs KC

Week 4: L at GB

Week 5: L vs SD

Week 6: Bye

Week 7: W at TB

Week 8: L at DEN

Week 9: L vs PHI

Week 10: W vs ATL

Week 11: W at OAK

Week 12: W vs SF (revenge!!!)

Week 13: L at ATL

Week 14: L at NYG

Week 15: W vs TB

Week 16: L at DAL

Week 17: W vs CAR

Since this team is the hardest team in the league to predict, I’m going to take the easy way out: 8-8! Unfortunately, this record would not get New Orleans into the postseason. It still looks like the host team will not participate the Super Bowl, which is disappointing, because the Saints seemed like a great chance to break that streak.

It could be a long season for New Orleans, or a great season, but I think it will be somewhere in between. 8-8 will not be considered a success for the Saints but at least they didn’t fall on their faces after the league made an example out of them. Hold strong, New Orleans. After my bold prediction, I’ll finish the NFC South by doing a run-through of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Who Dat?!

Bold Prediction: The Saints will struggle without their head coach and miss the playoffs. Jimmy Graham, though, will not have that same trouble. He will have similar numbers as last year, with 90 catches, 1,300 yards, and 12 touchdowns. Big time.

2012 Carolina Panthers Preview

2012 Carolina Panthers

The Cam Newton era began last year, and with their number one pick under center, the 2011 Carolina Panthers finished 6-10. Not a great record, but certainly an improvement from the year before. Newton had one of the greatest rookie seasons ever, and although he struggled a little bit late in the season as any rookie would, he still ended up as the third best quarterback in fantasy football. Of course, that doesn’t really matter when you have a losing record and don’t make the playoffs, but it does indicate that the stats are there, and have room to grow as Cam matures as a quarterback. The biggest question this year will be whether Newton continues to progress and grow into an elite QB, or whether defenses catch up with him, and he goes through a sophomore slump this time around. The NFC South is arguably the most competitive division top to bottom in the entire NFL, but it is also very winnable, as each team in the division has noticeable flaws. So, will Cam Newton take a step forward, or backward in year two?

Offense

I think he will take a step forward. Cam Newton now has a full offseason to learn how to be a better quarterback, and I don’t think he will disappoint in 2012. His rushing numbers will probably decline a little bit, especially those 14 touchdowns, because Carolina now has three quality running backs and it would be a waste to not use them. Also, you don’t want Newton taking shots all game long, either. I think Cam can definitely go over 4,000 passing yards again this year. It’s a passing league, and he has a big arm. But he won’t be close to the top dogs like Brees, Brady, etc. Carolina’s trio of running backs needs to be more productive this season. DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart are both paid very well, but the production hasn’t been there the past couple of years to warrant those big deals. They will both need to step up to take some pressure off of their young quarterback. The Panthers also brought in Mike Tolbert from San Diego this offseason, to probably serve as a blocker and a short-yardage back. If this team runs the ball effectively like they can, they should be one of the top three rushing teams in the league. Carolina doesn’t have much talent on the outside. Steve Smith rejuvenated his career with a huge year last year and should provide similar production this year. Unfortunately, the Panthers don’t have another go-to guy after Smith, so someone is going to have to step up and take on some responsibility. The number two receiver right now is Brandon LaFell, who has had an underwhelming career. He is going to have to play big to maximize the potential of this offense. Steve Smith can’t be double-covered on every play. Either way, this offense begins and ends with Cam.

Defense

The Carolina Panthers sport an average defense that has upside to be solid. Their one true pass rusher on the defensive line is Charles Johnson, who they will need to have double digit sacks, and plenty of quarterback pressures. The Panthers have an excellent linebacking core. Jon Beason keeps getting hurt but when he’s on the field, he’s one of the best middle linebackers in the game. James Anderson is one of the top tacklers in the league, at outside linebacker no less, and will look to maintain his success from last season. The final part of the trio is new rookie first round pick Luke Kuechly out of Boston College. He is such a tacking machine that I think he might be part-robot. I wouldn’t be surprised, anyway. This group of LBs is one of the most solid units in the league, and should be the strength of this defense. The Carolina secondary is ok, with veterans like Chris Gamble, Charles Godfrey, and Captain Munnerlyn. They will be good, but they are going to have to overachieve if they want to effectively cover the weapons that New Orleans and Atlanta are going to throw at them.

Schedule

The Carolina Panthers went 6-10 in 2011, and will look to improve even more this year. They have the ability to take a leap forward and stand atop this division but they are going to have to step up as a team and definitely have things go right for the entire season to make a playoff spot. The question is whether or not you are a believer in Cam Newton, and whether you think he’ll progress. I think that Newton will have a very good season, but the question is, will it be good enough to get the Panthers over the top?

Week 1: W at TB

Week 2: W vs NO

Week 3: W vs NYG

Week 4: L at ATL

Week 5: W vs SEA

Week 6: Bye

Week 7: L vs DAL

Week 8: L at CHI

Week 9: W at WAS

Week 10: W vs DEN

Week 11: W vs TB

Week 12: L at PHI

Week 13: L at KC
Week 14: W vs ATL

Week 15: L at SD

Week 16: W vs OAK

Week 17: L at NO

I think that the Carolina Panthers will finish 9-7, just like the Atlanta Falcons. However, the Panthers would be 4-2 in the division compared to Atlanta’s 3-3 mark, so Carolina would have the tiebreaker and finish ahead of the Falcons. Now we just have to see if the depleted Saints can get to ten wins and win the division. Week 17 in New Orleans is the most important game of the season for Carolina, and not just because it is the final week of the season. I think that if the Panthers win that game, they will win the division outright, but going down to New Orleans is a daunting task. I think that the 2012 Carolina Panthers will finish ahead of the Atlanta Falcons this year, but it is still unsure of whether or not they will win their division and make the playoffs. And that’s perfect timing, because the next preview I’m going to write about the New Orleans Saints. It’s going to be a wacky year in the south this year.

Bold Prediction: Luke Kuechly records over 100 total tackles and wins the Defensive Rookie of the Year award.

2012 Atlanta Falcons Preview

2012 Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons are a very frustrating team. They finally have a quarterback and coach in place that has brought them multiple winning seasons and playoff berths over the last few years. Unfortunately though, they haven’t been able to get over the hump and win a playoff game. They have been one and done every time they have gotten into the postseason, and this season is a sort of crossroads for Matt Ryan. He has been in the league for several years now and has had several chances to be successful in the playoffs, but he hasn’t come through. This season, the Falcons will pass more and have given the reigns to Ryan to lead them to glory this season. They play in a tough division that is winnable, with the Saints going through their suspensions, and a possible sophomore slump for Cam Newton and the Panthers. It will be a tough road for the Falcons, who play a grueling schedule, but if Atlanta can’t take the next step this year, it’s unclear whether they ever will.

Offense

This offense will officially be Matt Ryan’s to lead. After the years of Michael Turner getting over 300 carries a season and handling a huge workload, the Falcons want to lessen his attempts and let Ryan throw more. Matty Ice still has Tony Gonzalez at tight end who is as reliable as ever, and Roddy White on the outside, who is a perennial top ten receiver and a virtual lock for at least 80-90 catches a season. However, many experts are convinced that this is the season that Julio Jones breaks out and becomes a superstar. According to some experts, Jones will be the number two receiver in the entire league behind Megatron. I’m not buying it. I am not a believer in Atlanta this year or Julio Jones breaking out the way people think he will. I still don’t think Matt Ryan is ready to become big-time, and while I think White and Jones will both be studs, I still think that Roddy White will have a better season this year, and that Julio Jones will not finish in the top 10 in fantasy. One more year. As for the running game, Michael Turner is still the workhorse for this team and is a strong candidate for 1,000 and 10 touchdowns. Some people are predicting a letdown, and I am to a lesser extent, but I still think Turner will be a top 15 or top 20 running back. This offense has the potential to be explosive, but it all depends on whether Matt Ryan is ready to jump up to elite status. I don’t think he’s ready, but I could be wrong.

Defense

The Atlanta Falcons have a decent defense that isn’t great but they can get the job done and make stops when they have to. They have one dominant pass rusher in John Abraham, but besides him, they don’t really have anyone else that can rush the passer, which could pose a problem down the road against QBs who can pick the defense apart. They still have Sean Weatherspoon at linebacker, but lost Curtis Lofton to the Saints this offseason which I think will be a huge loss during the year. This unit might get burned in the running game. What the Falcons do have, is a trio for cornerbacks who can hopefully lock up the opposing team’s best three receivers. Dunta Robinson, Brent Grimes, and Asante Samuel are three defensive backs who are potential lockdown cover corners, which could give Atlanta a big advantage when they match up against teams with potent passing attacks, like Green Bay, New Orleans, or the Giants. The Falcons might have a nice trio of corners, but this defense isn’t as good as it was last year, and Atlanta better hope that they can overcome that.

Schedule

The Atlanta Falcons finished at a cool 10-6 in 2011, but lost in the first round of the playoffs to the New York Giants without being able to score a single offensive point. This year, they play a tougher schedule and have a strange pattern where they alternate away and home games for all 16 games of the season. While this team is fabulous at home, they play some tough contests in the Georgia Dome this year and will not go undefeated there. That said, they aren’t that great away from home and should struggle a little bit on the road as well. Let’s see what their record will be.

Week 1: L at KC

Week 2: W vs DEN

Week 3: L at SD

Week 4: W vs CAR

Week 5: W at WAS

Week 6: W vs OAK

Week 7: Bye

Week 8: L at PHI

Week 9: W vs DAL

Week 10: L at NO

Week 11: W vs ARI

Week 12: L at TB

Week 13: W vs NO

Week 14: L at CAR

Week 15: W vs NYG

Week 16: L at DET

Week 17: W vs TB

I think that the 2012 Atlanta Falcons will finish at a modest 9-7, which would tie them with the Philadelphia Eagles. Remember, since Green Bay has one wild card spot locked down, there is only room for one more playoff team as a wild card, do if Atlanta doesn’t win the division at 9-7, they’re in trouble. In that Week 8 matchup, I have the Falcons losing to the Eagles in Philly, which would give Philadelphia the tiebreaker and knocking Atlanta out of the playoff picture. So Atlanta better hope they win the NFC South! Which is easier said than done, with the teams they are fighting against. So what’s the verdict for the Atlanta Falcons in 2012? No playoffs. After my bold prediction, I’ll preview the Carolina Panthers. Sophomore slump for Cam? We’ll see.

Bold Prediction: The Atlanta Falcons will not make the playoffs and Julio Jones will not finish as a top 10 receiver. Nor will Matt Ryan finish as a top 10 quarterback.