Mattie T’s 2006 Preview of the NFC North & NFC East

On with the show!!!

This is part 3 of my 2006 NFL Preview Blog.

We have gone through the AFC, so now it’s time to head over to the NFC and see which teams will challenge Seattle for a trip to Super Bowl XLI next February in Miami.

We will start in the NFC North.

1. Chicago Bears (11-5 in ‘05, lost to Carolina in Div. playoffs)

The Chicago Bears used their #2 ranked defense (led by defensive coordinator Ron Rivera) in the NFL (12.6 points allowed per game) to win 10 of their final 12 games of the ‘05 season & claim their first division title since 2001.

However, their stingy defense had no answer for Carolina Panthers QB Jake Delhomme & WR Steve Smith in the NFC Divisional Playoff game that Carolina won 29-21 at Soldier Field.

Delhomme completed 24 of 33 passes for 319 yards & 3 touchdowns as Carolina avenged a 13-3 loss to Chicago last November, also played at Soldier Field. Delhomme was sacked 8 times during that November meeting.

Delhomme was proud of his team’s efforts against the #2 defense in the NFL.

“When we came a couple of months ago, basically i lost the game. It was nice to come back and get on top this time. They’re a good defense, but we stepped up to the challenge.”

Smith had a career day against a defense that featured 5 Pro-Bowlers. (B. Urlacher, L. Briggs, M. Brown, T. Harris, N. Vasher)

Smith finished with 12 receptions (one short of tying an NFL playoff record) for 218 yards and 2 touchdowns.

The last 200+ yard receiving performance in a playoff game came from Indianapolis Colts WR Reggie Wayne, who caught 10 receptions for 221 yards and 1 touchdown during the Colts’ 49-24 win over the Denver Broncos during a 2004 AFC Wild Card weekend playoff game.

2005 AP Coach of the Year winner Lovie Smith & his staff addressed team speed at cornerback during the off-season & hope that 2 new additions will make their 2nd ranked defense even better for 2006.

CB Ricky Manning Jr. joined the Bears secondary after the Carolina Panthers declined to match Chicago’s offer sheet. The fourth-year cornerback out of UCLA spent his first three seasons with Carolina. He has started in 30 games and recorded 13 interceptions since being selected as the third pick in the 2003 NFL Draft.

Manning Jr. intercepted Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb three times in the 2004 NFC Championship Game to help Carolina earn their first-ever trip to the Super Bowl. Carolina lost Super Bowl XXXVII to New England by a final score of 32-29.

The Bears also drafted speedster CB Danieal Manning from Abilene Christian in the 2nd round of April’s NFL Draft. Manning has the ability to play both the free safety & cornerback positions on defense.

The Bears defense is led by 2005 AP Defensive Player of the Year Brian Urlacher.

Urlacher captured the award one year after an 2004 article published by The Sporting News rated him as “one of the most overrated players in the league.”

He also won the 2000 AP Defensive Rookie of the Year award.

Urlacher finished his 2005 season with 122 tackles (98 solo, ranked 9th in the NFL), 6 sacks and 1 fumble recovery.
A couple of Urlacher’s teammates had high praises for him once the award was officially announced.

“Best player on the best defense. He should be the defensive MVP.” said Pro-Bowl safety Mike Brown. “He makes a lot of impact plays, but just him being on the field, teams have to scheme against us. They have to do different things to stay away from him. He’s the leader of our team.”

“He’s the best linebacker in the league.” added fellow Pro-Bowl linebacker Lance Briggs. “He’s making it happen all day, every day.”

“I dont think anyone in the league deserves that award more than him.” added defensive end Adewale Ogunleye. (Ogunleye was the first Bears DE to reach 10 sacks since Richard Dent, who had 12.5 sacks during the ‘93 season.) “He’s busted his tail inside and out. Everyone’s saying he’s overhyped and overrated. He really did everything he had to do to be a leader.”

Promising third-year & Pro Bowl CB Nathan Vasher finished 5th in the NFL with 10 interceptions.

Vasher also made some NFL history on November 13, 2005 against the San Francisco 49ers.

Vasher returned a missed field goal 108 yards for a touchdown, making it the longest play in NFL history.

The previos longest play was a 107 yard touchdown return by the Baltimore Ravens’ Chris McAlister during a Monday Night Football game against the Denver Broncos in 2002.

San Francisco 49ers K Joe Nedney lined up for a 52 yard field goal attempt with his team already up 3-0.

When Nedney’s attempt sailed wide right on a day when winds were gusting up to 47 mph, Vasher caught the ball in the end zone and made a play that will put his name in NFL record books forever.

Vasher sprinted to the 15 before reversing field, picking up a convoy of blockers along the way. LB Lance Briggs, LB Brian Urlacher and FS Chris Harris springed key blocks to open up the right sideline as Vasher raced downfield before plunging into the end zone for a momentum-shifitng touchdown to give Chicago a 7-3 lead.

Vasher talked about the record-setting play after Chicago’s 17-9 win.

“I’ve never really seen it work, but we always feel like we can get big plays like that. I’m speechless.”

“All the guys start out left. If there’s nothing to the left, we always have a lot of field to the right. I just felt like i could outrun a lot of guys at that angle.”

“I was feeling like i was running the 400 meters out there. I just fell into the end zone. The NFL has been around for a long time. For my name to be at the top of that is truly an honor.”

Vasher’s record-setting return would never have been accomplished without the help of 49ers coach Mike Nolan, who brought out Nedney to attempt a 52 yarder despite wind gusts of over 40 miles per hour.

“Joe is the strength of our football team. I have a tremendous amount of confidence in him.” Nolan said. “Joe felt he had the distance, but that time it came a little short.”

Nedney had no shot to prevent history in the making after missing the field goal.

“I saw six orange jerseys in front of him and there is not much i can do in that situation.” Nedney said.

While Chicago’s defense remains one of the top-ranked units in the NFL, offensive coordinator Ron Turner hopes to improve the team’s 27th ranked offense.

QB Rex Grossman broke his left ankle during a August 2005 preseason game in St. Louis, sidelining him for 3-4 months.

The injury seemed a become a re-occuring theme for Grossman throughout his 3 years in Chicago.

Grossman also suffered a severe knee injury in Week 3 of the ‘04 season while scrambling for a touchdown on the artificial turf of the Metrodome against the Minnesota Vikings. The injury ended Grossman’s season.

Rookie QB Kyle Orton from Purdue took over the offense while Grossman was sidelined. Even though Chicago experienced an 8-game win streak during the ‘05 season, many fans remained concerned about the Bears’ anemic offense with Orton under center.

Orton complied a quarterback rating of 60.4 while completing just over half of his pass attempts (184 of 354, 51.9%) & throwing 9 touchdowns along with 13 interceptions.
The Bears’ defense was a huge reason for the win streak, holding opponents to just 8.5 points per game during their 8 game win streak.

For months, Bears fans were awaiting the return of Grossman.

Their prayers were answered on December 18th.

Rex Grossman returned to the Bears lineup, replacing an ineffective Kyle Orton during the third quarter of a nationally-televised Sunday night game against the Atlanta Falcons.

On his first play of the ‘05 season, Grossman completed a 22 yard pass to WR Muhsin Muhammad, drawing roars from the sellout crowd at Soldier Field.

Grossman was excited about making his return in front of the home crowd.

“It was a thrill. To finally be back and have crowd support like that is not really something you can explain unless you have the experience yourself.”

“To run out in Soldier Field and have the whole crowd cheer you on after missing 26 games or whatever i missed and going through all the rehab & then to have that fan support running out in the huddle in a close game against the Falcons & playoff run..it’s a very unique situation. It’s a memory i’ll take with me the rest of my life.”

Grossman finished the second half completing 9 of 16 pass attempts for 93 yards, no touchdowns and 1 interception.

Chicago won the game 16-3 & also named Grossman their starting QB for the remainder of the 2005 season.

Now, their appears to be another race for the starting job at quarterback.

Chicago signed eight year veteran QB Brian Griese on March 21, immediately giving Grossman some competition to become the team’s starting quarterback for the 2006 season. Griese has completed 1,463 of 2,318 passes (63%) for 16,344 yards with 103 touchdowns and 78 interceptions during 8 seasons with Denver, Miami, & Tampa Bay.

Griese led Tampa Bay to a 5-1 record during the ‘05 season before tearing the anterior cruciate & medical collateral ligaments in his left knee during a 27-13 win over Miami on October 16th.

Griese had his best season in 2000 with Denver, when he led the NFL with a 102.9 quarterback rating while throwing for 19 touchdowns and just 4 interceptions. (Second best TD-INT ratio in NFL History). Griese was awarded with his first trip to the Pro Bowl.

in 75 career games, Griese has passed for more yards & has a better quarterback rating than any player in Bears history.

Griese is having a strong 2006 preseason so far, completing 18 of 25 pass attempts (72%) for 281 yards, 4 touchdowns & no interceptions for a quarterback rating of 148.5.

Grossman has completed 23 of 46 pass attempts (50%) for 247 yards, no touchdowns & 2 interceptions for a quarterback rating of 48.0.
There is also a battle for the starting RB job.

Seven-year veteran RB Thomas Jones enjoyed a career 2005 season, as he became the first Bears RB since Walter Payton to rush for 1,300 yards or more. Jones finished 9th in the NFL with 1,335 rushing yards on 314 carries & 9 touchdowns. (all career-highs.)

However, Jones entered training camp last month with a demotion.

Second-year RB Cedric Benson from Texas currently tops the Bears depth chart after Jones missed voluntarily workouts in July. (Jones also suffered a hamstring injury.) Benson rushed for 272 yards on 67 carries (4.1 yards per carry) in limited duty during the ‘05 season & has not yet appeared in any pre-season games for the Bears as opening day is a little over two weeks away.

Benson was also disclipined by head coach Lovie Smith for leaving the sidelines during an August 18th preseason game against the San Diego Chargers. Benson also missed a mandatory post-game meeting afer the Bears 24-3 victory at Soldier Field.

“Cedric was supposed to have been on the sideline like the rest of our football team and he wasn’t.” head coach Lovie Smith said.
Smith also added that Benson’s latest incident won’t hurt his chances to win the starting spot at tailback from Thomas Jones.

Benson admitted that he made a mistake during the game.

“As far as being on the sideline, I don’t remember reading anything specific. (all players were given a book of rules at the start of the pre-season) But i guess i know now.”

“He (Lovie) just basically told me i know better than that, I’m not a young guy any more. It’s a professional’s game and i need to be one. He talked to me just like a man.”

WR Muhsin Muhammad is hoping to rebound from a disappointing ‘05 season, in which he caught 64 receptions for 750 yards (lowest total since ‘01) and 4 touchdowns.

Muhammad had a career ‘04 season with Carolina, catching 93 receptions for 1,405 yards & 16 touchdowns.

Chicago’s offense will also look to improve on several categories, including their 256.3 yards per game, ranked 29th in the NFL in ‘05.

The Bears also ranked 31st in passing offense, averaging just 125.1 yards per game.

However, their rushing offense is very strong as they finished 8th in the NFL averaging 131.2 rushing yards per game.

The Bears will also have to improve moving the ball downfield, as they ranked 31st with an average of 14.6 first downs per game. Chicago also ranked 31st with just 62 third-downs completed. (also ranked 31st in third down percentage at 28.8%)

How will the Bears fare this season?

Chicago’s strong defense should keep this team in every game this season. Now it’s up to the offense to try and show some improvement. Let’s see if Grossman can last a month without getting injured. I predict the Bears will go 10-6 & finish 1st in the NFC North.

Key date: September 10th against Green Bay.

Brett Favre has NEVER lost 3 straight games to the Bears during his 14 year career in Green Bay. The Bears will hope to end that elusive streak in Week 1 of the ‘06 season.

2. Minnesota Vikings (9-7 in ‘05, missed playoffs)

Minnesota decided to trade away a Pro Bowl QB during the off-season while reuniting themselves with a familiar face.

The Vikings traded QB Daunte Culpepper to the Miami Dolphins on March 14th after Culpepper asked Minnesota to trade him or “terminate” his contract.

The request came after Culpepper & 3 other Viking players were hit with charges stemming from a boat party on Lake Minnetonka last October during a Week 5 bye.

Culpepper & RB Moe Williams (now with the St. Louis Rams) were accused of groping lap dancers on the cruise, while LT Bryant McKinnie and CB Fred Smoot were accused of engaging in explicit sex acts with women during the party.

Minnesota suffered a 28-3 loss to Chicago in Week 6 & questions began to surface about the incident.

While Vikings players declined to comment, former head coach Mike Tice thought the allegations had a negative effect on his team’s performance.

“If i was to say it didn’t at all, i kind of would be lying to you.” Tice said. “And i don’t think any of the local (media) would tell you that i’ve lied.”

The lowest point of Minnesota’s season may have came in Week 8 against the Carolina Panthers.

Not only did Minnesota lose Culpepper for the season with a sprained right knee, but the Vikings defense was shredded by a wideout the Bears are very familiar with: Carolina Panthers WR Steve Smith.

Smith caught a touchdown pass to give Carolina a 23-0 lead before deciding to embarass the Vikings organization with his touchdown dance.
He then pretended to row a boat, mocking the Vikings’ infamous boat cruise that became public just weeks before the game was played.

Smith finished his big day with 11 catches for 201 yards and a touchdown.

The Vikings fired head coach Mike Tice after their season-ending 34-10 win over the Chicago Bears on New Year’s Day. Tice complied a record of 33-34 during 4 seasons with Minnesota, which included a 1-1 playoff record.

Minnesota replaced him with Brad Childress, who previously served as the offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Vikings will hope that a former Super Bowl winning quarterback will get them back to the playoffs.

12 year veteran QB Brad Johnson (played from ‘94-98 in Minnesota) takes over at quarterback. While Johnson has not been known for a big-play passer during his career, he is very accurate with his throws.

Johnson has completed at least 60% or more of his passes in every season since he entered the NFL in 1994 with the Vikings. His best season came in 2002, when he completed 281 of 451 passes (62.3) for 3,049 yards, 22 touchdowns & 6 interceptions. He posted a career-high quarterback rating of 92.9 while leading Tampa Bay to its’ first-ever Super Bowl win in franchise history.

If Johnson gets injured, the Vikings have a promising rookie quaterback who will provide flashes of Culpepper.

Rookie QB Tarvaris Jackson from Alabama State possesses a strong arm to go with good mobility that should have Viking fans excited for the future. Jackson ran for over 900 yards during his final 3 years at Alabama State. He also threw for over 7,000 yards while totaling 63 touchdowns & 23 interceptions.

Minnesota has also brought over a running back who hopes that a change of scenery will revive his career.

Fifth year RB Chester Taylor signed with Minnesota over the off-season. Taylor was the primary backup to former Pro Bowl RB Jamal Lewis. He is looking for a breakout season with his new team, which ranked 27th in that category in ‘05.

Taylor will have one of the best offensive lineman in football blocking for him in 2006.

The Vikings signed All-Pro guard Steve Hutchinson to a seven-yeal, 49 million deal in March after the Seattle Seahawks declined to match Minnesota’s offer. Hutchinson’s contract is the largest ever in NFL history for a guard.

Hutchinson played a vital role in paving the way for 2005 NFL Rushing Champion Shaun Alexander, who rushed for a team-record 1,880 yards & set a single-season record with 28 touchdowns.

Minnesota’s defense ranked 3rd in the NFL with 24 interceptions in ‘05.

9th year veteran safety Darren Sharper led the team with 9 interceptions.

How will the Vikings fare this season?

Changes obviously had to be made after an embarassing boat scandal that was the absolute low point from last season. If Minnesota can continue to build off last season’s strong finish (won 7 of final 9 games), this team should have no problems contending for a NFC Wild Card spot. I predict the Vikings will go 9-7 & finish 2nd in the NFC North.

Key Date: November 19th against Miami.

The Vikings will go up against ex-teammate Daunte Culpepper for the first time since trading him in March. Daunte should be really fired up for this one!

3. Green Bay Packers (4-12 in ‘05, missed playoffs)

Brett Favre decided to return for at least one more season in April & believes that the 2006 Packers are the most talented team he’s ever been around.

Now it’s time for Green Bay to show Favre he made the right decision.

Favre decided in late April to return to Green Bay for a 15th consecutive season as the team’s starting quarterback.

Nearing the end of a future Hall-of-Fame career, Favre still has some records to break under his radar.

Favre wil enter the ‘06 season just 4 touchdowns shy of 400 in his career & 25 touchdown passes away from tying legendary Miami Dolphins QB Dan Marino’s mark of 420. He’s also just 385 yards away from reaching the 54,000 yard plateau.
Favre never had a losing record until last season & he also led the NFL with 29 interceptions thrown. (career-high.) Favre threw 5 interceptions in Green Bay’s 21-14 Week 8 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.

After that game, Favre said that “It’s hard to make a living that way each week.”

Favre hopes to keep an impressive streak going for ‘06.

He has thrown for 20 passing touchdowns or more since 1994, marking a streak of 12 consecutive seasons.

The Packers are also hoping for a boost from their running game.

Former Pro-Bowl RB Ahman Green is attempting a comeback from a ruptured quadriceps tendon that sidelined him for the final 9 games of last season.

Green had a career 2003 season in which he carried the ball 355 times for 1,883 yards (5.3 yards per carry) & 15 touchdowns.

Third-string RB Samkon Gado provided Green Bay with some memorable rushing performances in ‘05, including a 171 yard performance on National TV during the Packers’ 16-13 win over the Detroit Lions in Week 14.

Eighth year WR Donald Driver should remain Favre’s favorite target on offense. Driver finished 8th in the NFL with 1,221 receiving yards in ‘05.

However, with former Pro-Bowl WR Javon Walker gone (traded to Denver on draft day), Sixth year WR Robert Ferguson will have to step in immediately to fill Walker’s void.
Green Bay also made a coaching change over the off-season, replacing Mike Sherman with Mike McCarthy.

McCarthy served as the Packers’ quarterback coach in 1999, which happened to be one out of four seasons which Favre threw for 4,000 yards or more.

McCarthy also served as the offensive coordinator for San Francisco during last season.

Green Bay sported the 7th best defense in the NFL last season, allowing just 293.1 yards per game. They are the NFL’s top-ranked pass defense, allowing just 167.5 yards through the air. However, they also finished 27th with 10 interceptions.

A newly acquired former Pro-Bowl CB hopes to boost Green Bay’s interception totals for 2006.

4-Time Pro Bowl CB Charles Woodson signed a 7 year, 53 million deal in April, ending his 8 year tenure in Oakland.

Woodson has not played a full season since 2001. He broke his right leg against Buffalo in October of ‘05.

Woodson was a Heisman Trophy winner at Michigan & was the fourth overall pick in the 1998 NFL Draft.

How will the Packers fare this season?

Green Bay lost so many close games last season (8 of their 12 losses were decided by 7 pts or less) that it would be difficult to see them go 4-12 again this season. If Green returns to Pro-Bowl form & the defense improves against the run, this team could possibly challenge Chicago for the division. I predict the Packers will go 8-8 & finish 3rd in the NFC North.

Key Date: September 10th vs. Chicago

Brett Favre (21-7 all-time against Chicago) lost consecutive games to the Bears last season for the first time in his 14 year career. Favre & the Pack will hope to snap that streak and try to win their 2006 opener at Lambeau Field.

4. Detroit Lions (5-11 in ‘05, missed playoffs)

The Joey Harrington era in Detroit is over.

Detroit traded Harrington to the Miami Dolphins in May for an undisclosed draft pick, ending his disappointing 4 year stay in Detroit as the team’s starting quarterback.

Harrington never lived up to expectations in Detroit after the Lions selected him 3rd overall in the 2002 NFL Draft. He will finish his Lions career with more interceptions thrown (62) than touchdown passes (60).

Detroit replaces Harrington with a proven backup who hopes to connect often with the Lions’ talented WR trio, which could be reduced to a twosome before the season begins.

WR Charles Rogers is in danger of being traded or released after playing in a combined 6 games over the past 2 seasons since becoming the 2nd overall pick of the 2003 Draft out of Michigan State.

However, Rogers still feels like he’s part of the team.

“I’m still wearing the Honolulu blue and coming to work every day and doing what i’ve got to do to be a part of this team.” Rogers said.

If Rogers gets released/traded, WR’s Roy Williams & Mike Williams along with TE Marcus Pollard will have the opportunity to become the featured go-to guys in first year offensive coordinator Mike Martz’s passing attack.

10 year veteran QB Jon Kitna signed with Detroit in the off-season. Kitna spent the last 5 seasons in Cincinnati. He was forced into duty after Carson Palmer’s season-ending knee injury during Cincinatti’s 31-17 AFC Wild Card loss to Pittsburgh in January. Kitna finished the game completing 24 of 40 passes for 197 yards , 2 touchdowns & 1 interception.

The Lions also hope 3rd year RB Kevin Jones is ready to bounce back from a disappointing ‘05 season.

Jones carried the ball 186 times for 664 yards (3.6 yards per carry). He only averaged 51.1 yards per game while seeing almost every major offensive stat category decrease last season.

Detroit also hired former St. Louis Rams’ head coach Mike Martz as their new offensive coordinator. Martz will try to improve an offense that was ranked 28th in the NFL for the ‘05 season.

The Lions are 3 out of 4 NFC North teams that will have a new head coach roaming the sidelines for the 2006 season.

Detroit hired Rod Marinelli as head coach in January. Marinelli spent the past 10 seasons as Tampa Bay’s defensive line coach.

Marinelli’s unit set an NFL record with 69 straight games with at least one sack from 1999-03 while with Tampa Bay.

Detroit ranked 7th in Interceptions for ‘05 with 19. They also tied for second with 19 forced fumbles.

How will the Lions fare this season?

Kitna was a solid backup to Carson Palmer in Cincinnatti, but can he provide the Lions with great plays that Joey Harrington never made? Is Kevin Jones ready to have a breakout season? Can Charles Rogers finally stay healthy? Until those questions are answered, the “Fire Matt Millen” signs should appear early and often at Ford Field. I predict the Lions will go 5-11 & finish 4th in the NFC North.

Key Date: November 23rd vs. Miami.

Joey Harrington returns to Ford Field to face his former team & will get a chance to get some playing time if the game is out of reach. (Of course, provided that Daunte Culpepper stays healthy this season.)

Let’s move on to the NFC East….

1. Washington Redskins (10-6 in ‘05, lost to Seattle in NFC Div. Playoffs)

The Redskins hope that some of their off-season additions will add up to an NFC East title and a possible shot of reaching Super Bowl XLI in Miami.

Washington added RB T.J. Duckett on August 23rd in a three-team deal with Atlanta and Denver. Duckett will provide valuable insurance for starting RB Clinton Portis, who suffered a partially dislocated left shoulder in Washington’s first preseason game against Cincinnati.

Duckett served as Atlanta’s short-yardage back to offset the speed of RB Warrick Dunn. Duckett has career averages of 2,175 yards and 31 touchdowns in 54 career games.

The Redskins hope that Portis will be ready to go by Week 1.

Portis topped 1,500 yards rushing for the third time in his four year career in ‘05. He has seen an increased number of carries every year since his rookie season in 2002 with the Denver Broncos and should be even more of a workhouse for ‘06, provided that his left shoulder is fully recovered.

The Redskins also added WR Antwaan Randle-El from the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Randle-El has established himself as one of the NFL’s most versatile receivers during his 4 years in Pittsburgh. He will have a chance to start alongside WR Santana Moss.

Moss enjoyed a career ‘05 season with the Redskins. He caught 84 receptions (10th in the NFL) for 1,483 yards (2nd in the NFL) & 9 touchdowns.

Washington also added another receiver who hopes to get a chance to start.

WR Brandon Lloyd was acquired in March by Washington from the San Francisco 49ers. Lloyd recorded career highs of 48 receptions for 733 yards & 5 touchdowns in ‘05.

Another former 49er will join Lloyd in Washington.

The Redskins also added DE Andre Carter from San Francisco in March.

Carter enjoyed his best season in 2002, when he recorded a career-high 12.5 sacks and added 57 tackles (45 solo).

Washington also boasts one of the hardest-hitting safeties in football.

S Sean Taylor finished the ‘05 season with 80 tackles, 3 forced fumbles, 2 interceptions & 1 sack.

Taylor has also been involved in some offseason news. He was recently fined for his actions in an assault case in Florida.

Taylor was also fined $17,000 by the NFL for spitting in the face of Tampa Bay Buccaneers RB Michael Pittman during Washington’s 17-10 win in their NFC Wild Card game in January.

Pittman said after the game that there was a lot of trash-talking going on throughout the game between himself & Taylor. He also added that “No man is going on spit in my face..He’d get a lot worse if it was on the street.”

Washington also has promising third-year TE Chris Cooley.

Cooley is on the verge of his first-ever 1,000 yd season after hauling in 71 receptions for 774 yards & 7 touchdowns, all career-highs in ‘05.

The Redskins will need to improve on their tackling, as they ranked 29th in the NFL with 653 tackles in ‘05.

How will the Redskins fare this season?

Providing that Portis is healthy for the entire season, the Redskins should have the upper hand in a talented NFC East division. Washington posted an impressive 5-1 division record last season, with their only loss coming in a 36-0 thrashing by the N.Y. Giants. in Week 8. I predict the Redskins will go 11-5 & finish 1st in the NFC North.

Key Date: September 17th against Dallas.

The Redskins will meet the Cowboys for the first time at Texas Stadium since Washington provided a dramatic come-from-behind 14-13 victory over Dallas during a Week 2 Monday Night Football game last September.

Washington was held scoreless for most of the game before QB Mark Brunell hit WR Santana Moss with 2 touchdown passes in a 3:46 span during the fourth quarter to complete a unbelieveable comeback against their rivals on national television.

2. Dallas Cowboys (9-7 in ‘05, missed playoffs)

The Cowboys made the biggest splash in free agency over the offseason. They hope that their newly-acquired controversial Pro Bowl receiver will provide them with his best season ever.

WR Terrell Owens signed a 3 year, $25 million contract with the Cowboys in March after spending 2 seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Owens was just as active off the field as he was on it during his 2 seasons with the Eagles, which included repeated attacks on Eagles’ QB Donovan McNabb and Eagles’ management.

Philadelphia suspended Owens indefinitely and later deactivated him for conduct detrimental to the team in November, two weeks after Owens caught his 100th career touchdown against the San Diego Chargers. (Owens is the 6th receiver in NFL History to reach that milestone.)

Owens was upset that no in-stadium acknowledgement of his accolade was made. Instead, an annoucement was made in the press box.

“That right there just shows you the type of class and integrity that they claim not to be.” a clearly-irritated Owens said. “They claim to be first class and the best organization. It’s an embarassment. It just shows a lack of class they have. My publicist talked to the head PR guy, and they made an excuse they didn’t recognize that was coming up. But that was a blatant lie. Had it been somebody else, they probably would’ve popped fireworks around the stadium.”

Owens also added that the Eagles would be undefeated with Green Bay’s QB Brett Favre at quarterback. Owens added earlier that he’d prefer to play with Indianapolis Colts QB Peyton Manning, while taking some pretty hard shots at McNabb in the process.

Owens later apologized for his comments, adding that “I really regret this one.”

Perhaps to be remebered as one of the craziest events ever in his career, Owens appeared with his agent Drew Rosenhaus in a November press conference outside of Owens’ New Jersey home during his 9 game suspension. The press conference was televised live in front of several media outlets, including ESPNews.

Rosenhaus felt the media was not portraying a fair image of Owens. He added that Owens “wants to play football for the Philadelphia Eagles & wants to play right away.”

Rosenhaus also refused to answer questions including some that included “Would he (Owens) be in this position today if it weren’t for you?”, and “You’ve been with Terrell for five months, what have you done for him other than getting him kicked off the team?”

Philadelphia lost a heartbreaking 21-20 decision to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 10, their first game after suspending Owens indefinitely.

Dallas Cowboys S Roy Williams returned a Donovan McNabb interception 46 yards for the go-ahead score with 2:43 left during the televised Monday Night Football game.

McNabb commented after the game that he was “tired of answering questions about Owens.”

Terrell Owens has already been fined by the Cowboys for missing a team meeting, a rehabilitation session & being late to an offensive meeting.

Owens has also added that he might not be ready to suit up for his new team until the Week 1 opener against Jacksonville. Owens is currently nursing a left hamstring injury that he re-aggravated last week during practice.

The Cowboys do have other concerns besides Owens to worry about.

Dallas is hoping that 13 year veteran QB Drew Bledsoe will have some protection from the offensive line, which was a huge question mark in ‘05.

Bledsoe was sacked 49 times in ‘05 (2nd highest among starting QB’s in the NFL), and fumbled a career-high 17 times. The addition of Owens alongside WR Terry Glenn & TE Jason Witten should give Bledsoe some great options to throw to, assuming that he doesn’t spend most of his time on offense scrambling away from defensive ends & tacklers.

Glenn enjoyed one of the best seasons of his 10 year career in ‘05, catching 62 receptions for 1,136 yards & 7 touchdowns. (career-high)

Witten posted a career ‘04 season, catching 87 receptions for 980 yards & 6 touchdowns.

The Cowboys are also hoping that RB Julius Jones (brother of Chicago Bears RB Thomas Jones) is ready to turn in his first career 1,000 yard season.

The third year back from Notre Dame rushed 257 times in ‘05 for 993 yards and 5 touchdowns.

Dallas added LB Akin Ayodele from the Jacksonville Jaguars over the offseason to help improve a defensive unit that finished 32nd in the NFL last season with 619 tackles.

Ayodele enjoyed a career ‘03 campaign with Jacksonville, recording 116 tackles (88 solo). Ayodele is the first player in Jaguars history to record four consecutive 100 tackle seasons.

The defense is also led by hard-hitting S Roy Williams, who hopes to finish his career as a Cowboy.
Williams (not to be confused with the Detroit Lions WR by the same name) signed a 5 year, $25.2 million deal that will keep him in Dallas through the 2010 season.

The NFL outlawed “horse-collar” tackles after Williams dragged new teammate WR Terrell Owens down from behind in 2004 during a Eagles-Cowboys game. Owens tore two ligaments & broke his leg on the play, which sidelined him until Philadelphia’s 24-21 loss to the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XXXIX. (Owens provided an inspiring performance despite the loss, catching 9 receptions for 122 yards.)

Owens has nothing but praise for his new teammate.

“He (Roy) is one of the guys you have to be aware of on any given play.” Owens said. “He’ll bring it in the run game, he’ll bring it in the passing game. He’s like a double threat.”

Bill Parcells is the first coach to lead 4 different teams to the playoffs (Giants, Patriots, Jets, Cowboys) and needs 18 more victories to surpass Marty Schottenheimer (191) as the NFL’s winningest active coach.

How will the Cowboys fare this season?

Dallas should compete with Washington for the NFC East title, provided that Owens is fully healthy & Bledsoe gets enough protection from his O-Line to make some plays downfield. I predict that the Cowboys will go 10-6 & finish 2nd in the NFC East.

Key Date: October 8th against Philadelphia.

WR Terrell Owens will return to Philadelphia for the first time since catching his 100th career touchdown in a 20-17 win over San Diego on October 23rd. It will be very interesting to see what kind of reception he will receive from the crowd at Lincoln Financial Field & if there will be any encounters at all with QB Donovan McNabb during the game.

3. N.Y. Giants (11-5 in ‘05, lost to Car in NFC Wild Card game)

The Giants hope to avoid another second-half meltdown for the ‘06 season.

After a 10-4 start, the Giants lost 2 of their final 3 games of the season, which included a 23-0 shutout loss in January to the Carolina Panthers during an NFC Wild Card game.

QB Eli Manning had a horrible finish to his 2005 season after a strong start. In Manning’s first 10 games of the season, he threw for 20 touchdowns & 7 interceptions.

In the final 6 games of the season though, Manning threw 4 touchdowns & 10 interceptions.

If Eli has a career ‘06 campaign, he will have plenty of help to do so.

RB Tiki Barker is coming off a career ‘05 season in which he carried the ball 357 times for 1,860 yards (both career-highs, 2nd in rushing) & 9 touchdowns. Barber had been known as a fumble-prone back before his 2005 breakout season.

The Giants also feature WR Plaxico Burress, WR Amani Toomer & TE Jeremy Shockey.

Burress enjoyed one of his best seasons in ‘05, catching 76 receptions for 1,214 yards & 7 touchdowns. (tied his career-high)

Burress has also created some question marks this offseason when he skipped voluntary workouts in July.

Shockey also enjoyed one of his best seasons in ‘05, hauling in 65 receptions for 891 yards & 7 touchdowns.

The Giants’ defense is led by a fearsome combination of pass rushers that plan on wrecking havoc to all opposing quarterbacks for the ‘06 season and beyond.

DE’s Michael Strahan & Osi Umenyiora combined for 26 sacks in ‘05, making them one of the most powerful 1-2 pass rushing combinations in the NFL.

Strahan is considered to many as the NFL’s premier defensive end since recording 22.5 sacks in ‘01, breaking Mark Gastineau’s mark of 22 in 1984.

Umenyiora (2nd in the NFL with 14.5 sacks in ‘05) is an up-and-coming force who continues to make his name known to opposing quarterbacks around the league.

“Everyone will know about him (Umenyiora) if they don’t already.” commented Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Holmgren after Umenyiora recorded 2 sacks on Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck & forced a fumble during the Giants’ 24-21 Week 12 loss.

The Giants will need to improve on their pass defense, which ranks 27th in the NFL allowing 224 yards per game.

They are hoping that a free-agent acquistion will improve the unit.

CB & 3-Time Pro Bowler Sam Madison signed with the Giants in March after spending his previous 9 seasons with the Miami Dolphins.

Madison has career totals of 354 tackles & 31 interceptions in 138 games with the Dolphins.

How will the Giants fare this season?

The Giants should also be in contention for the NFC East title, providing that Eli Manning plays more consistently in ‘06. I predict the Giants will go 9-7 & finish 3rd in the NFC East.

Key Date: December 10th against Carolina.

Some people will be shocked by me picking this game over the highly-anticipated Manning vs. Manning duel in Week 1. The Giants will get a chance to avenge a 23-0 playoff loss by Carolina in January. While i’m at it, don’t forget to miss the Giants’ Week 1 opener against the Colts on ESPN!

4. Philadelphia Eagles (6-10 in ‘05, missed playoffs)

Now that Terrell Owens is finally out of town, the Eagles hope to rebound from a disappointing 2005 season which included drama, turmoil, and injuries to key players.

Several Eagles players are excited about the upcoming season.

“It’s unfortunate what happened with the whole deal (Owens’ suspension), but we have to move on.” commented Philadelphia Eagles QB & Chicago native Donovan McNabb. “We don’t have to worry about any other distractions as far as the team is concerned. We can just come out here and have fun.”

DE Jevon Kearse is also looking forward to life without Owens.

“What a difference a year makes. We don’t hear the same questions over and over.”

The Eagles are hoping that second-year WR Reggie Brown will play a major role in their offense for ‘06.

Brown led all rookies with 571 yards receiving & ranked third with 4 touchdowns despite starting the final 9 games of the ‘05 season. He is currently nursing a hamstring injury that was suffered last month in practice.

The Eagles are considering bringing in a veteran running back to help a rushing offense that finished 28th in the NFL one year ago.

10 year veteran RB Stephen Davis is scheduled for a physical & interview on Monday with Philadelphia.

Davis would provide insurance for RB Brian Westbrook, who is currently nursing a foot injury.
Davis missed 14 of 16 games in 2004 with microfracture surgery while playing for the Carolina Panthers. He lost his starting spot last season to RB Deshaun Foster.

Davis’ best season came in 2003, when he carried the ball 318 times for 1,444 yards (career-high) & 8 touchdowns in his first full season with Carolina.

Davis has 7,875 rushing yards & 65 touchdowns in his career.

The Eagles’ defense is led by hard-hitting S Brian Dawkins.

Dawkins signed a 2 year contract extension earlier this month that will keep the Pro-Bowl safety in Philadelphia through the 2008 season.

Dawkins has averaged 94 tackles a season & his 28 interceptions are the fifth-highest total in team history. He was selected to his first Pro-Bowl apperance in 1999.

How will the Eagles fare this season?

Donovan McNabb has proven in the past that he can win without a Pro-Bowl WR. (He led the Eagles to three consecutive NFC Championship apperances from ‘02-04 against St. Louis, Tampa Bay & Carolina.) However, without a proven #1 WR & injury problems in the backfield, Philadelphia is in for another long season in a very talented division. I predict the Eagles will go 4-12 & finish 4th in the NFC East.

Key Date: October 8th against Dallas.

The Eagles defense should be fired up to face ex-teammate Terrell Owens for the first time since he got kicked off the team last November. Let’s see if this game will inspire McNabb to record one of his best performances during the 2006 season.

This will conclude my 2006 previews of the NFC North & the NFC East divisions.

Next weekend will be the fourth & final part of my 2006 NFL preview blog with previews of the NFC South & the NFC West.

Please remember to leave feedback (especially from the BEARS fans!) It is very much appreciated.

Until next time,

Mattie T

Sports Writer for BMS Radio Chicago

www.bmsradio.com