2008 Woodie Awards
Place Your Bets: NFL Preview
By Matthew Pusard
9/10/07 - Sports
The last time fans saw a meaningful game in the NFL, Devin Hester made history with touchdown return on the first play of the Super Bowl, Rex Grossman further cemented his status as a pariah in Chicago, and Peyton Manning silenced his critics once and for all by finally winning the big one. Since then, a lot has changed within the NFL. Major players changed teams (like Randy Moss), others retired (Tiki Barber), and a few were banished under a strict no-tolerance policy against off field legal infractions (Michael Vick, "Pacman" Jones). But now, America's new national pastime is back and without further ado, here is what to expect from each team this season and some predicted records.
AFC North
Cincinatti Bengals (11-5)
Carson Palmer, Chad Johnson, and TJ Houshmandzadeh. With these three offensive studs, the Bengals will find success. How much success, however, depends on their defense. Near last in the league in passing yards allowed last season, cornerback Deltha O'Neal has to find his way and return to Pro Bowl form. Otherwise, it might be a short playoff run for the Bengals… or a nonexistent one.
Baltimore Ravens (10-6)
The birds need a running game to propel them to the next level. With a championship caliber defense in tow, the pressure is on the promising young former Bill Willis McGahee to open up the offense and make sure it isn't just the defense winning games. QB Steve McNair will be more comfortable this year with a year in the system under his belt and look out for WR Mark Clayton to emerge as a potent target this season.
Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7)
Two short years ago, these guys were world champions. Now, they are victims of the toughest division in the league. QB Ben Roethlisberger assuredly won't be as bad as his concussion-riddled 2006 season, but this team will still suffer from losing strong chinned coach Bill Cowher after over a decade of service. No offense to new head coach Mike Tomlin, but it's a hard act to follow. And despite a very competent defense, led by SS Troy Polamalu, the Steelers just don't look as good as the Ravens or Bengals on paper. But when the games start, don't be surprised if they come close to the aforementioned teams.
AFC North
Cincinatti Bengals (11-5)
Carson Palmer, Chad Johnson, and TJ Houshmandzadeh. With these three offensive studs, the Bengals will find success. How much success, however, depends on their defense. Near last in the league in passing yards allowed last season, cornerback Deltha O'Neal has to find his way and return to Pro Bowl form. Otherwise, it might be a short playoff run for the Bengals… or a nonexistent one.
Baltimore Ravens (10-6)
The birds need a running game to propel them to the next level. With a championship caliber defense in tow, the pressure is on the promising young former Bill Willis McGahee to open up the offense and make sure it isn't just the defense winning games. QB Steve McNair will be more comfortable this year with a year in the system under his belt and look out for WR Mark Clayton to emerge as a potent target this season.
Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7)
Two short years ago, these guys were world champions. Now, they are victims of the toughest division in the league. QB Ben Roethlisberger assuredly won't be as bad as his concussion-riddled 2006 season, but this team will still suffer from losing strong chinned coach Bill Cowher after over a decade of service. No offense to new head coach Mike Tomlin, but it's a hard act to follow. And despite a very competent defense, led by SS Troy Polamalu, the Steelers just don't look as good as the Ravens or Bengals on paper. But when the games start, don't be surprised if they come close to the aforementioned teams.
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