Since the Steelers won the Super Bowl, NFL fans have been counting down the days until the start 2009 NFL season. And it is just about here. Soon we will have answers to the countless questions that have been tossed around during the off-season. Will Tom Brady be able to bounce back from a season ending injury? Is Albert Haynesworth worth that much money? Can the Lions actually win a game in 2009? Here is a look at each of the divisions and which teams should come out on top.
AFC East
All eyes will be on the New England Patriots, quarterback Tom Brady, and a potential number one ranked offense to see if they can return to form in 2009. The Miami Dolphins woke up the NFL in 2008 with their Wildcat offense, but the key to their success in the 2009 NFL season will be the continuing improvement of their defense. The Buffalo Bills added Terrell Owens to help their offense, but will need their defense to show up on a constant basis if they want to win. Despite the hoopla surrounding rookie quarterback, Mark Sanchez of the New York Jets, this team is not a playoff team. The Jets could cause some problems with the divisional race. If Brady is able to return to his old self, the Patriots will come away with a division title with the Dolphins earning their second consecutive playoff berth under Bill Parcells.
AFC North
The Pittsburgh Steelers may have won the Super Bowl on the arm of Roethlisberger, but the key to their success was their defense. Expect more of the same from the unit led by James Harrison, the 2008 defensive player of the year. The Baltimore Ravens lost a key player on defense and will need their quarterback, Joe Flacco, to continue his development. The Cincinnati Bengals will be happy to have quarterback, Carson Palmer, back behind center. The question is will their questionable draft picks live up to the hype or become busts. The only thing Cleveland Browns fans have to look forward to during the 2009 NFL season is to see where they will place for the NFL draft. The Steelers and Ravens will have a close race for the division title, with the loser earning the second wildcard spot in the AFC>
AFC South
Though the Indianapolis Colts will have a new head coach, Peyton Manning, the general on the field, will be poised for a MVP season in 2009. If Bob Sanders can remain healthy, the Colts can compete for top seed in the AFC. The Houston Texans will need a healthy Matt Schaub if they are going to compete this year, otherwise they can chalk it up to another disappointing season. The Tennessee Titans will find how hard it is to replace Albert Haynesworth in their scheme as they fight to maintain an above .500 record. The Jacksonville Jaguars are still missing a few key components but fans will get to see how special running back Maurice Jones-Drew is as the team’s starter. The Colts will earn another division title as they continue to make the claim as the top team in the decade.
AFC West
The San Diego Chargers barely made the playoffs in 2008; do not expect the same with their potent offense and a returning Shawne Merriman. The Oakland Raiders could be a dark horse candidate to earn a wildcard berth if Jeff Garcia is at the helm of this potentially explosive offense. Though the Kansas City Chiefs added last years quarterback sensation, Matt Cassel, the team is still lacking in the wide receiver group, aside from Dwayne Bowe. The Denver Broncos, under a rookie head coach, are going to have a rough time in the 2009 and could compete for last spot in the division. The Chargers will be one of the first teams to lock up their division title in the 2009 NFL season.
NFC East
The Philadelphia Eagles quarterback, Donovan McNabb, and head coach, Andy Reid, are running out of time. Expect a big push from the offense unit this year as the defense continues to remain one of the best in the NFL. The New York Giants always find a way to replace lost talent and this year will be no exception. Look for the running game to lead this team through the season. The Washington Redskins spent loads of money during the off-season with the hopes of overtaking the Giants and Eagles. Even though they will improve, they will still fall short in the end. The Dallas Cowboys success in 2009 will be determine by quarterback Tony Romo’s leadership ability and if their secondary can learn quickly. When the 2009 NFL playoffs start, the Eagles will have earned another division title while the Giants sneak in as a wildcard.
The Chicago Bears made a big splash during the off-season when they traded for a top ten quarterback, Jay Cutler. The question is can his arm be enough to put the team over the top. While the Minnesota Vikings are still unsure whether Brett Favre is going to be their signal caller, one thing is for sure; their success will rely upon their defense. The Green Bay packers quietly had one of the best drafts and are ready to rebound from a disappointing 2008 season. Though the Detroit Lions will not compete for a playoff berth in 2009, expect them to cause some headaches and win at least two division games this year. By the time the 2009 NFL season is over; do not expect the Vikings on top. In the end, the Packers defense will be the key to earn the division title.
NFC South
Perhaps one of the best divisions last year, NFL fans should expect more of the same during the 2009 NFL season. The Carolina Panthers have the best running back tandems in the game to help balance a dominate defense that can shut down almost any team. The New Orleans Saints will need to find a way to stop opposing offense while quarterback, Drew Brees, makes another run at Dan Marino’s single season passing record. The Atlanta Falcons will not be able to surprise anyone in 2009 and will need their defense to stand on their head if they are going to return to the playoffs. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers may be going with a rookie quarterback, which more often than not leads a vacation during the playoffs. Controlling the ball leads to championship and that is why the Panthers will earn a division title with the Saints slipping in as the wildcard.
NFC West
Though the Arizona Cardinals still have one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL, they will have some competition from teams in their division. The Seattle Seahawks added T.J. Houshmandzadeh at the wide receiver position and quarterback Matt Hasselbeck is primed to bounce back this year. The San Francisco 49ers will continue to improve under head coach, Mike Singletary, and cause problems for the Cardinals and Seahawks. The St. Louis Rams are in rebuilding mode and will wind up with a top five pick in the 2010 NFL draft. Do not expect this to be the weakest division during the 2009 NFL season. The race will be tight, but look for the Cardinals to win a tight division race.
AFC Playoff Teams
New England Patriots
Miami Dolphins *
Baltimore Ravens *
Pittsburgh Steelers
Indianapolis Colts
San Diego Chargers
NFC Playoff Teams
Philadelphia Eagles
New York Giants *
Green Bay Packers
Carolina Panthers
New Orleans Saints *
Arizona Cardinals
AFC Super Bowl Representative – San Diego Chargers
NFC Super Bowl Representative – Carolina Panthers
2009-2010 Super Bowl Champion – San Diego Chargers
Resources
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl
