NFC

NFC East (predicted order of finish and records)

Dallas Cowboys (11-5) — An unexpected late season push propelled this usually dormant December team into the playoffs last season, and by all means, that momentum should continue this season. Dallas is loaded from top to bottom, and led by their steadily improving quarterback, Tony Romo. They are the team in this division with the fewest questions, and though they are beat up on the offensive line, their defense should be able to compensate and aid the Cowboys to their third division title in four years.

New York Giants (9-7) — A string of four consecutive playoff appearances was snapped last season thanks to a 3-8 finish by Big Blue, but with a new defensive coordinator and plan, New York should be able to regain their strength from their Super Bowl run of a few seasons back. It is doubtful that last season’s mediocrity was indicative of a team on the decline, mostly since their offensive skill players are young, talented, and improving, hopefully leading this consistent Giant squad back to the postseason.

Washington Redskins (8-8) — The change in culture and the bringing in of McNabb and Shanahan should be enough to make last year’s 4-12 dismal Redskin squad considerably better. The Haynesworth situation has become quite the headache for a team that doesn’t need one at all. Also, they still play in the most competitive division in football, and though a case can be made that any of these teams can win it, their offensive and defensive units as whole aren’t as good as either Dallas’ or New York’s.

Philadelphia Eagles (7-9) — The Eagles are a team that usually plays to the opposite of their expectations, but rarely do they experience a transitional year such as the one they are about to. Mainstays of their franchise, McNabb and Westbrook, are gone, and the reigns will be handed over to young Kevin Kolb, about whom the jury is still out. They are essentially rebuilding by their standards, and though they are not a playoff team in the estimation of most, they could be in the market for eight or nine victories.

NFC North (predicted order of finish and records)

Minnesota Vikings (12-4) — Everyone loves the Packers in this division, but consider the Vikings. I’m not sure Brett Favre would have returned if he did not think this team did not have a legitimate shot at the winning the Super Bowl, of which it came seconds shy last season. Adrian Peterson is as good as ever, and though the Vikings have undoubtedly been affected by injury prior to the season’s start, their front four is among the league’s best and could lead Minnesota to a place they’ve never been before.

Green Bay Packers (11-5) — The Packers are certainly a team on the rise, and come into 2010 as a trendy pick to go the Super Bowl. The development of Aaron Rodgers into one of the league’s best quarterbacks has been spectacular, and a defense that thrived on takeaways last year should do more of the same and account for a few wins on its own.  Special teams were a big weakness for a team whose offense and defense led them to the playoffs, but they should be able to put it all together here in 2010.

Chicago Bears (8-8) — It will be incredibly tough for the Bears to do anything of note this year, mostly because they’ll be looking up at the two best teams in the NFC. They have some interesting, but talented pieces, from Cutler to Peppers to Forte, and in the opinion of most they will be fine on defense. As hard as they try, their firepower on offense is lax to say the least, especially with the turnover problems a season ago. Expect a season similar to last one for Chicago, one where they linger in mediocrity.

Detroit Lions (4-12) — It’s about time that all of these high draft picks start paying off for the Lions, and even though they should improve this year, they’re still very young and inexperienced and in another tough NFC North. They’ve put all of their trust in young Matthew Stafford, a no-brainer move, but he’s still only in his second year. A fruitful offseason definitely gives them some experience, most notably on defense, but Detroit has too many holes on both sides of the ball to be competitive this season.

NFC South (predicted order of finish and records)

New Orleans Saints (11-5) — The champs are definitely the team to beat in the mercurial NFC South. The team that won it all returns most of their important players and their coaching staff, and though most times it is incredibly difficult to repeat in the NFL, the Saints may be cut out to do just that this year. We’ll see more video-game numbers from Drew Brees and his explosive arsenal of offensive weapons. Beware of the unlikely Super Bowl hangover for this lock to return to playoffs and do damage in them.

Atlanta Falcons (9-7) — Another trendy pick to be an NFL elite this year, the Falcons come off of a 9-7 campaign where they lost both their starting quarterback and running back. If any team has the potential to overtake New Orleans, it is absolutely the Falcons, but most of this hope is based in their young defensive core and potentially huge upside. Injuries were a major factor in Atlanta’s downfall last year, and though they may not be a powerhouse, they should challenge for an NFC Wild Card spot.

Carolina Panthers (7-9) — A disappointing 8-8 campaign just one year after a 12-4 has quickly turned John Fox into a lame duck coach, and the margin for error is especially small with a young quarterback in Matt Moore, who did play well last season, but does not have much experience. Their two-headed running attack is clearly the strength of their offense, but their defense could struggle big time. This roster may not stand out as anything special, but the Panthers always find a way to stay competitive.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-13) — Let the disaster continue by the Bay, as the Bucs are fully submerged in a phase of rebuilding. Things can’t go worse than the lowly 3-13 Tampa posted in 2008, but I wouldn’t expect them to go much better. There are next to no expectations for Raheem Morris’ squad, with youngsters a plenty on both sides of the ball. They have some young building blocks, but they won’t come close to cracking the cellar and won’t dream of reaching .500 for a few more seasons at least.

NFC West (predicted order of finish and records)

Arizona Cardinals (9-7) — Yes, they’ve lost Warner, Boldin, Rolle, and Dansby, just to name a few. However, this NFC West may be one of the worst divisions in recent NFL memory. Furthermore, I’ll take the veteran leadership of Fitzgerald and Arizona over the youth and potential of San Francisco any day. I’ll admit that the quarterback situation might come back to be disastrous for the Cardinals, but we’ve seen too much perseverance and fortitude from Arizona for them to come up short this season.

San Francisco 49ers (7-9) — Most say there’s no quarterback controversy with Alex Smith at the helm, but that may just be by default. The remainder of their offense has the potential to be propelled by youth; however, the Niners didn’t shore up their weaknesses on defense, especially in the secondary. There is a decent chance that San Francisco lives up to the hype that most are projecting upon them this season, and the division title will likely be decided by two matchups with Arizona in the final six weeks.

Seattle Seahawks (5-11) — The Seahawks reek of a team that will be pretty bad for years to come, as they are just in the earliest stages of rebuilding. They may have the most experience group in the division, especially at quarterback; however, Seattle just isn’t very good, with a desperate running back and wide receiver situation. It’s not just this; their defense has the potential to be putrid, but there is also a chance that Pete Carroll can straighten things out right away and return the Seahawks to winning ways.

St. Louis Rams (3-13) — It’s actually pretty hard to go 1-15, but the hideous Rams managed to do it, and for the fourth straight year, they will have three wins or less. Steven Jackson is buried on this awful team, but it will be intriguing to see the play of No. 1. overall pick Sam Bradford in his rookie season. An easier schedule could see St. Louis grabbing another win or two, but the master plan is to break it down a little bit more and find some defensive counterparts for Bradford with high draft picks in coming years.

NFC's Top 10 Offensive Players

1) Aaron Rodgers, QB - Green Bay

2) Drew Brees, QB - New Orleans

3) Adrian Peterson, RB - Minnesota

4) Larry Fitzgerald, WR - Arizona

5) Tony Romo, QB - Dallas

6) Brett Favre, QB - Minnesota

7) Steven Jackson, RB - St. Louis

8) Frank Gore, RB - San Francisco

9) Calvin Johnson, WR - Detroit

10) Miles Austin, WR - Dallas

NFC's Top 10 Defensive Players

1) Jared Allen, DE - Minnesota

2) Patrick Willis, LB - San Francisco

3) Charles Woodson, CB - Green Bay

4) DeMarcus Ware, LB - Dallas

5) Julius Peppers, DE - Chicago

6) Adrian Wilson, S - Arizona

7) Kevin Williams, DT - Minnesota

8) Jay Ratliff, DT - Dallas

9) Jon Beason, LB - Carolina

10) Justin Tuck, DE - New York

The Packers have been flying through the preseason and are especially high coming off a 59-24 rout of last year's AFC champions. Contributions are coming from everywhere: some expected, some not. With so many players making plays, Mike McCarthy and Ted Thompson have a tall order on their hands deciding who will make the final 53.

Obviously, McCarthy and Thompson have a much better idea of a players' ability than someone on the outside looking in. But still, it's fun to speculate.

So without further ado, here is my prediction of what the Packers' opening day roster will look like.

Quarterback: Aaron Rodgers, Matt Flynn

Having three quarterbacks on the roster used to be a given in the NFL. But lately, more and more teams are keeping only two, opening up a spot for the skill position players. While I love Graham Harrell, keeping three quarterbacks on the roster seems to be a waste of space. Harrell will make the practice squad this year leaving him available to be called up if the unthinkable happens.

Halfback: Ryan Grant, Brandon Jackson, Kregg Lumpkin

Last year, we saw preseason standout Tyrell Sutton get sent to the Panthers to the tune of DeShawn Wynn. While James Starks has a lot of potential, Lumpkin has done too much this offseason to get cut. Look to see Starks on the practice squad this year.

Fullback: John Kuhn, Quinn Johnson

John Kuhn is the perfect fullback for McCarthy, he's a great blocker, great pass catcher, and great power runner. Kuhn is a lock for the roster and the starter. Three fullbacks on the roster seems also like a waste of space. While Korey Hall is a great fullback, Quinn Johnson is the best pure blocker on the team and should get the nod. The only thing that might hinder Johnson is pass catching ability.

Tight end: JerMichael Finley, Donald Lee, Spencer Havner, Andrew Quarless

The tight end position has evolved immensely in the past decade and keeping four on the roster will prove that. Finley is a beast and will be a top three tight end this year so he's a lock. Donald Lee has had a solid camp and should make the roster for his blocking ability. Havner is probably the most versatile player on the Packers' roster, playing wonderfully on offense, defense, and special teams. Quarless is a Finley clone and will just add another great target for Aaron Rodgers.

Wide Receiver: Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, James Jones, Jordy Nelson

There is a massive logjam for the fifth wideout on the Packers' roster, but I believe the best route for MM and TT to take would be to only keep four. The reason being is because of the depth at tight end. I know McCarthy loves his five wideout spread offense, but Quarless, Havner, or Finley could easily fill that fifth spot.

Offensive line and Defense coming soon...

Anyone with football fever can just smell the start of the 2010/2011 season in the air.

Millions of Americans love this great sport, but it is not just because of the hard-nosed, tough playing involved in the game.

The great thing about football is the excitement that the scoring brings. No other sport offers all the different ways that a team can score than football does.

Yes there are three different scoring plays, (safety, field goal, and touchdown) but it's the different ways that they can happen that make it so intriguing.

Let's forget about the safety and field goal, but focus on the scoring play that counts the most.

The touchdown.

In no other sport can the main source of scoring offer so many different ways in which it can be done.

There are so many different ways in which a team can put the ball in the end zone for six.

Which side can push the pile harder on a goal line stand? Can the offense force enough power to muster the ball across the goal line?

A receiver or running back breaks free and trots his way into the end zone doing a cocky touchdown celebration.

A kick or punt is fielded far away from the final destination. Through a series of jukes and spins, the returner takes one to the house.

A cornerback jumps a route for an easy pick-6.

There is a scramble for the ball but when the dust clears, the defense gets the good bounce and is running it back.

The quarterback drops back and finds his man who makes a toe-tapping grab in the side or back of the end zone.

A tight end runs a good route and catches a bullet in the middle of the end zone which had flown through many different outstretched arms to land in its final destination.

Someone is hot on the running back's heels and trips him up only to see that the outstretched arm with the football has landed across the goal line. The only thing that makes it worse for the defender is to watch the running back dunk to ball up right between the uprights.

The ball is thrown and caught just short of the end zone. The receiver needs to lean and fall towards the line before the defender gives him a heavy blow in the opposite direction.

The QB is running and about to be pushed out of bounds when he dives and hits the pyline over for the score.

A team is in desperation and calls for a Hail Mary. The ball is thrown up and there is a jump ball in the end zone.

It's the last play of the game and the team needs to score. Can a whole lot of blocking, luck, and laterals of the ball save the game?

Well, you get the point. Football excites and comes at you in so many ways. A different scoring play may happen at every score.

You never know what you are going to get.

And when the score happens, there are many different touchdown dances to take note of…

Actually, he should be thankful he's still a Cowboy.

Rookie hazing has been a long NFL tradition and most people, including myself, have no problem with it, but Roy Williams had no right to ask Dez Bryant to carry his gear.

Throughout history, the game's best players went through hazing and it won't stop anytime soon. Rookies have always been forced to do things like shave their heads or do favors for the veterans, but there is a right time to initiate it.

He didn't choose the right time.

Williams, as we all know, has done very little with his time in Dallas and will be going up against Bryant to become the team's second receiver—a position some in the organization don't want him to win.

If Bryant were asked to grab some luggage or get the veterans something to drink, he wouldn't have had a problem as he wants to be part of the team. I bet he would have even carried anyone else's pads. 

No one, however, should blame him for not listening to Williams. Why would he want to carry the helmet and shoulder pads of someone he is in a heated battle with?

Being an NFL football player, you have to have the mentality that if someone has something you want, you will lay it all on the line to take it, which is what Bryant has shown early on.

Fans have to be excited as Dallas jumped at the opportunity to bring the Oklahoma State star to town when they traded up to select him in last April's draft. He was just as ecstatic to be a Cowboy.

If the first few days of camp are an indication of things to come, Bryant is dedicated to helping the team win, but to do that—in his mind—it is necessary to win a starting job.

On September 5, 2010, the Chicago Bears' 80-man roster space will be cut down to a 53-man roster.

Alas, their six halfbacks will be cut down to a maximum of four. Who will make the final roster? And who will be running plays for the practice squad?

Now, we all know how much passing Martz does, so there's a good chance that the Bears will have three halfbacks instead of the four they had last year. But we all know how much Lovie loves running, so there's also a good chance there will be four half backs.

We'll just say hypothetically that there are going to be four half backs. So, I'll analyse each one, then predict their order on the depth chart.

Matt Forte had a dominating in 2008, but underwhelming 2009- rushing for only 929 yards while fumbling six times. Fumbling was unusual for Forte, having fumbled only once his rookie season. Shouldn't he fumble less as he gets more experience? I don't know.

But, when Forte's not fumbling, he's a pretty powerful number one option. His decent speed and great evasiveness could make him one of the top running backs in the league... as long as he holds onto the ball.

Kahlil Bell isn't anything special. He got extremely lucky during the Eagles game in 2009, and suddenly, it earned him a roster spot. He isn't pro ready and needs a couple of years to mature—on the practice squad.

Chester Taylor is arguably the best No. 2 halfback in NFL history. Taylor, along with Adrian Peterson, made the one of the best running back duos I had ever seen. The big question is- can he have the same chemistry with Matt Forte?

Brandon Minor may become one of the biggest breakout UFAs in NFL history. I have seen him play four years in the collegiate ranks at the University of Michigan and I can say firsthand that the only reason he went undrafted is because he missed the combine. He won't be an immediate success, but give him a year or so, he can become the next Willie Parker.

Garrett Wolfe has been pretty good during his three years in Chicago. Not fantastic, but pretty good. At 5'7", he became a fan favorite as the "little giant" of the halfback position. He's a great number two option, but unfortunately for Wolfey we have Chester Taylor.

Harvey Unga, in my personal opinion, was a waste of a draft pick. He doesn't really have the ability to do anything special except for the "three yards and a cloud of dust" plays. I think that the Bears should just release him.

So, the best possible order of the depth chart is:

1. Matt Forte
2. Chester Taylor
3. Garrett Wolfe
4. Brandon Minor

Unga and Bell are probably going to either the practice squad, or free agency. The end.

©2010 by Dmitri Duggan. Do not re-post without giving distinctive credit to Dmitri Duggan.

In this fourth installment of “Studying the Stats," I’ll be taking a look at the Green Bay Packers’ penalty woes and how they may have affected results.

Previous Articles:

Part 1 - Interceptions

Part 2 - Fast Starts

Part 3 - Field Position

Now onto the penalties. First, the cold hard stats.

Packers Penalties

2009    118 (1)        1057yds.(2)
2008    110 (2)         984yds. (1)
2007    113 (4)        1006yds. (2)

Penalty Rankings for Super Bowl teams

2009 NO (20)      Indpls (31)
2008 Pitt (12)     Arizona (5)
2007 NE (25)      NYG (26)
2006 Chi (5)       Indpls (26)
2005 Pitt (25)     Seat (30)

The numbers in parentheses are team rankings in penalties with respect to the rest of the NFL teams. As you can see, the Packers have been top shelf producers in the dubious category of most-penalized NFL teams. Looking at the last five Super Bowl contestants, you can see that 80 percent of the time, the teams were not heavily penalized teams.

More important than committing penalties is when you commit them. Looking at the Packers’ stats in this department, and there are some real eye-openers.

Special teams penalties were a big problem for the Packers in 2009.

Thirty special team penalties were committed overall, with 14 being holding penalties, a very high percentage. Seventeen of 30 penalties were on Packers returns, resulting in a field position loss of 215 yards and Jordy Nelson’s 99 yard kickoff return for a touchdown.

The Packers’ offense was penalized 18 times after an offensive gain, wiping out 186 yards gained in the process. Thirteen of those penalties nullified first downs and still another nullified a touchdown. These penalties cost the Packers a first down or touchdown 78 percent of the time. Wow!

On the defensive side, the Packers were called for nine defensive interference penalties, resulting in 150 yards to the opposition. But more amazing is the fact that ALL nine interference penalties came on 3rd or 4th down and gave the other team a first down, keeping their drive alive.

Watching the games as a fan last year, I often found myself lamenting that it seemed like every interference penalty resulted in keeping a drive alive. I had no idea it was actually 100 percent absolutely true! Incredible!

Looking back at recent seasons in Packers history, they have had some success committing a lot of penalties. These facts were presented to us very nicely last October in an article by Greg Bedard of JSOnline.com.  In that article, Greg pointed out that, “The Packers’ last two NFC North division titles came in 2004 and 2007. Those teams stand fourth and fifth, respectively, for most penalties in a season (116 and 113) in team history.”

Greg’s overall point in that article was that you can live with penalties, as long as you cut down on the sacks and turnovers. While that may be true to some extent, I think it’s also useful to look at where the Packers stood versus the rest of the league those years and how far they got in the playoffs.

In 2007, the Packers were the fourth most penalized team, while in 2004, they were 14th. Add in last year when they wore the crown as most penalized team, and those three seasons have produced four playoff games altogether, but only one playoff win.

So, the Packers have proven that they can reach the playoffs while being heavily penalized, but have they proven that they can advance far into the postseason with such undisciplined play? No they have not.

While it’s certainly possible to lead the league in penalties and reach the Super Bowl, the odds are pretty poor. The odds get even worse if a team commits penalties at the most inopportune times, like the Packers did last season.

Personally, I like to go with the percentages, so I’m always looking for a way to give my team the best chance to win. That’s why for the third straight year, I’m calling on Head Coach Mike McCarthy to get that pesky penalty problem “cleaned up.”

——————

You can follow Jersey Al on Facebook and Twitter .

Be sure to bookmark Jersey Al’s Packers Blog for more in-depth Packers commentary.

Jersey Al Bracco is the Green Bay Packers Draft Analyst for Drafttek.com. 

One twitch and he's gone. Opposing players ankles and knees ache as they stretch and grasp for the slightest piece of jersey. Coaches scream. Fans gasp. A flash of helmet and cleats streak down the field. Weaving...dodging...spinning away from would be defenders. Touchdown.

As the defenders pick themselves up, they feel the roar from 50,000 fans. "Wait...they think to themselves...this is a home game for us."

Before April 2007 Michael Vick was arguably the face of the NFL - young, black, supremely gifted, and rich. Much like Lebron James of the NBA his legacy was missing one key element - a championship.

Enter the ugly details of a cruel dog fighting ring and a once destined for greatness superstar was just another multi million dollar athlete with legal trouble.

Approximately two years later in April 2009 the Philadelphia Eagles gifted Vick a two year contract worth $6.7 million. $1.5 million non guaranteed, $5.2 million guaranteed if he was picked up the following year.  Ironically, if not eerily, everything came in two's signifying a second chance.

But redemption is only as reliable as the company you keep. On June 30th Quanis Phillips, a co-defendant in Vick's dogfighting case that landed him in prison, managed to slither into Vick's 30th birthday party uninvited. News of Phillips being shot at the party is nauseating, yet strangely fitting. 

Functions like these always have plenty bouncers, bodyguards, and buff yes men. But somehow with his legacy hanging like a crusted toe nail Vick allowed a seeming enemy and known felon to marinate at his party long enough to allegedly smash cake in his face.

Electrocuted dogs, prison grub, and negative bank accounts should've flashed like thought bubbles above Vick's head the moment he knew Phillips was in the building. Not to mention Roger Goodell, Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie, and Tony Dungy for facilitating a chance to put his life back together.

With the past looming like maddening defensive linemen, why not throw a private soiree? That way nonsense, party crashers, and celebrity leeches don't show up. And you let your brother Marcus Vick - criminal extraordinaire - host the party? Was this a birthday celebration or "Celebrity Apprentice: Ex Cons"?

I must admit, I wasn't one calling for Vick's spleen when all of the sordid details of his dogfighting ring were uncovered. However, after this latest incident I would like to examine his brain to see if I can find those suppressed thought bubbles. Something tells me I'd find a huge one that reads: "Hell, I'm Mike Vick".

Quite comforting to know it's not his name on the popular stuffy cold remedy Vick's Vapor Rub. We'd all have permanent sinus block.

In the case of Michael Vick, the only thing being vaporized is his once seemingly great footall legacy.  

There are many pieces that go into the completion of a puzzle, especially a Super Bowl puzzle. If only one piece is missing, a puzzle can never be considered complete; and having a complete puzzle is the only way to the Super Bowl.

The Packers have finally completed their puzzle.

Tramon Williams finally signed his tender last week and is now with the team in minicamp. Although there was little doubt that Williams would eventually join the team, the waiting game is never fun.

Al Harris and Charles Woodson are no doubt two of the best corners in the league. But it's no secret that grandfather time has them in his sights, and there is a need for an heir.

In steps Tramon Williams.

When Harris went down with a horrible knee injury in week 11, Williams stepped in and showed he is ready to be the future. Though this was not his first chance, it was his most productive.

In limited playing time, Williams led the secondary in passes defensed with nine, second on the team only to Johnny Jolly. He was also able to amass four interceptions in his short tenure in 2009.

Quarterbacks also had some trouble with the youngster, cumulatively posting only a 76.5 QB rating against him. While not eye-poppingly amazing, it was better than the likes of Asante Samuel, Antoine Winfield, and even Nnamdi Asomugha. Admirable to say the least.

But his biggest strength was keeping his man in front of him and not allowing the deep pass. The longest pass completed on Williams was only 35 yards (best on the team).

But outside of Williams, the Packers have little proven talent at the cornerback position, thus proving his irreplaceable worth to the Packers.

Williams could be the starting corner on most NFL teams right now, and he is the Packers nickel corner. That speaks volumes for the big three.

The biggest question mark on the Packers 2010 team is their secondary depth. Tramon Williams makes that question mark much smaller.