Training Camp Report: AFC South and AFC West

Part 4 of 4:

DE J.J. Watt will continue to lead an aggressive Texans defense in 2013.

AFC SOUTH

Houston Texans
(2012 record: 12-4)
Q:  Can the Texans beat the Patriots?

In 2012, the only AFC teams Houston lost to were Indianapolis and New England.  In one regular season game and one post-season game, the Patriots decimated the Texans a total of 42-83.  That must change if the Texans want to be taken seriously by other top playoff teams.  Both sides of the ball have been given some modifications, with future Hall of Fame safety Ed Reed added to the secondary from Baltimore and shifty rookie wideout DeAndre Hopkins drafted out of Clemson.  They'll have a chance to prove that they have advanced on December 1st in Week 13 this season.

A:  Yes, but they can't make mistakes.  Matt Schaub needs to show he can guide a championship team, and with the many weapons surrounding him in Andre Johnson, Owen Daniels, Arian Foster, and Hopkins, he needs to show it now.

Indianapolis Colts
(2012 record: 11-5)
Q:  Can the defense match the offense's production?

By drafting Andrew Luck in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Colts wanted to rebuild the offense around him. They more than succeeded, moving from the 3rd worst offense in 2011 to the 10th best in 2012.  Then the defense was next in line for an evolution.  Free agent pickups LaRon Landry, Erik Walden, and Ricky Jean-Francois will aid in creating an intimidating barricade from the end zone for most offenses in 2013.

A:  Not likely, but only because the offense is so productive.  Luck brought his team to the wild card round only to fall to the eventual world champions.  This season, they could give the Ravens and the rest of the AFC a run for their money.

Rookie OL Chance Warmack will
rejuvenate the Titans O-line.

Tennessee Titans
(2012 record: 6-10)
Q:  Is Jake Locker the answer at quarterback?

Tennessee has had nine different starting quarterbacks since 2003.  When they drafted Jake Locker out of Washington with the eighth overall pick in 2011, it was clear they wanted him to bring stability to the position.  2013 is primed to be Locker's first full season under center, and he is eager to show critics what he can do.

A:  Many experts feel Jake Locker can't be a valuable pro quarterback.  I believe he can- with the right tools around him.  He has those tools now.

Jacksonville Jaguars
(2012 record: 2-14)
Q:  Will the 2013 draft picks be able to help a poor football team?

Just about everything the Jaguars have done, from hiring new head coach Gus Bradley to drafting a number of multi-talented rookies, could pay off this season.  It could also have no effect and find Jacksonville near the top of the 2014 draft.  The position battle between Chad Henne or Blaine Gabbert, who together only had 20 passing touchdowns last season, could be interrupted by rookie quarterback Matt Scott.

A:  While they'll certainly help, once again it will take time before they become a competitor in a rapidly improving AFC South.


AFC WEST

Denver Broncos
(2012 record: 13-3)
Q:  Does the Broncos roster have enough talent to win a championship?

Peyton Manning took the Broncos to the 2012 AFC divisional playoff round and had a league 2nd-best 105.8 passer rating in his first year with a new team.  Now he has a full season and off-season in Denver under his belt.  Signing Wes Welker means they want to win it all now.  They have had a few setbacks, such as "faxgate"(the Elvis Dumervil contract fiasco), the recent front office DUI arrests, and Von Miller's suspension.  Age is also a factor in that their top stars on both sides of the ball are over 35 years old.

A:  With Percy Harvin sidelined until at least November, the Broncos are the only remaining early contender with Atlanta for the Super Bowl.  If the players can fully unite behind head coach John Fox and Manning, not even the Falcons should be able to stop them.

San Diego Chargers
(2012 record: 7-9)
Q:  Can Philip Rivers regain his form and return San Diego to the playoffs?

Last season, Rivers put out his lowest QB rating, lowest passing yards and lowest passing touchdowns since 2007.  To give him some help, the Chargers drafted California receiver Keenan Allen and picked up running back Danny Woodhead out of free agency.  Veterans Antonio Gates, Malcolm Floyd, and Danario Alexander, along with progressing receiver Vincent Brown, should give Rivers all the ammunition he would need to get this team back in the playoffs.

A:  With new head coach Mike McCoy devising a new passing attack, Rivers should thrive and put the Chargers back in contention with the rest of the AFC.

3rd year receiver Vincent Brown is expected to have a breakout season in San Diego after missing all of 2012 with a broken ankle.

Oakland Raiders
(2012 record: 4-12)
Q:  Who will start at quarterback?

Matt Flynn was officially on every QB-deprived team's radar in the 2011 season when, after subbing in for a resting Aaron Rodgers, he completed 31 of 44 passes for 480 yards, a club record 6 TDs and 1 interception against the Lions.  After failing to find a starting job in Seattle, he has found himself in Oakland, where he is competing with dual-threat quarterback Terrelle Pryor and rookie Tyler Wilson.

A:  While Flynn is the favorite to win the position, I feel Pryor is more talented and could wind up starting a few games or more in 2013.

Alex Smith runs an option play out of the pistol formation
at Chiefs training camp.

Kansas City Chiefs
(2012 record: 2-14)
Q:  Can Alex Smith and Jamaal Charles succeed in Andy Reid's new semi-option offense?

The Kansas City Chiefs were the worst team in the NFL last season.  They drafted offensive tackle Eric Fisher out of Central Michigan with the number one pick to protect newly acquired quarterback Alex Smith and to create running lanes for star halfback Jamaal Charles.  New head coach Andy Reid has publicly stated he plans to add option plays to the playbook, with Smith and Charles as the centerpieces.

A:  Smith had the third highest QB rating(104.1) and highest completion percentage(70.2%) of quarterbacks with more than 200 attempts in 2012.  Charles had the 4th most rushing yards(1,509).  No matter what offense they're put in, these two talented athletes will flourish.


Tomorrow night is the first preseason game of the new 2013 season.  Get ready.

Training Camp Report: AFC East and AFC North

Part 3 of 4:

Tom Brady has many new faces to mentor in Foxboro, including backup quarterback Tim Tebow.

AFC EAST

New England Patriots
(2012 record: 12-4)
Q:  Can Tom Brady get the Patriots to a championship without his top receivers from last year?

Wes Welker signed with the Broncos.  Brandon Lloyd is still a free agent.  Danny Woodhead signed with the Chargers.  Rob Gronkowski is recovering from surgery.  Aaron Hernandez is done.  Brady's top five pass-catchers from last season will not be with him on the field come week 1 of the 2013 season.  In their place is an assortment of players; the somewhat unproven Danny Amendola, the veteran deep threat Michael Jenkins, the rookie receiver Aaron Dobson, and a shifty halfback in Leon Washington.

A:  Of course.  Tom Brady has played with a number of little known, average talent receivers and made them shine.  He can do it again this season.

Dolphins rookie DE Dion Jordan displays
Miami's new uniforms.

Miami Dolphins
(2012 record: 7-9)
Q:  Will the large number of free agent acquisitions help the Dolphins dethrone the Patriots?

The Dolphins signed a plethera of free agents this offseason in hopes of forming a strong contender to the now-annual division champion Patriots.  Tyson Clabo, Dannelle Ellerbe, Brent Grimes, Dustin Keller, and Mike Wallace all "took their talents to South Beach".  Developing quarterback Ryan Tannehill and head coach Joe Philbin plan on taking the AFC East crown using these new weapons.

A:  They'll make it extremely close.  This dream team feels different than the 2011 Eagles, but it's tough to see them mesh in just one off-season and catch Tom Brady.

New York Jets
(2012 record: 6-10)
Q:  Can Rex Ryan return the Jets to a formidable form?

Tim Tebow is out.  Geno Smith is in.  I'm saving my quarterback controversy discussion for the Oakland Raiders.  Not everything that goes wrong for this team is Mark Sanchez's fault.  The defense in 2012 ranked an atrocious 25th in total yards/game, specifically poor for a team with a defensive-minded head coach.  Rex Ryan should and probably will be fired if the Jets don't make it to the playoffs this year.  It is possible all three division rivals are improved.  New York must show they are too.

A:  No.  Rex Ryan will be out as the head coach of the Jets.  They may even have the number one pick in the 2014 NFL Draft.

Buffalo Bills
(2012 record: 6-10)
Q:  How will all the rookies fare in their first year?

This question isn't just pertaining to the players.  First-time GM Doug Whaley and first-time NFL head coach Doug Marrone also need to show Buffalo fans that they have what it takes to bring a bottom feeder out of its hardship.  E.J. Manuel, Robert Woods, and Marquise Goodwin will try to reignite a starved offense.

A:  The Bills seem to be taking a turn for the better, but it will take time before they are considered a legitimate threat for the playoffs.


AFC NORTH

Joe Flacco will have to work without Anquan Boldin, his #2 receiver from 2012.

Baltimore Ravens
(2012 record: 10-6)
Q:  Can the depleted Ravens repeat as Super Bowl champions?

It is not uncommon for a few players to leave a team they just won a championship with.  It is uncommon for a majority of a team's defensive stars to depart from that team.  With Ray Lewis, Ed Reed and co. gone, the Ravens have found themselves in a small-scale rebuilding process.  However, Baltimore has made it to the AFC Divisional playoffs every season since 2008, and should do just as well with both its new talent, attained through both the draft and free agency, and its sound coaching.

A:  Doubtful.  While they won't be a bad team in any sense, many defending champions have fallen while having far more talent on their roster.

Cincinnati Bengals
(2012 record: 10-6)
Q:  Can Andy Dalton push the Bengals to the next level?

Coming out of TCU, Dalton was considered an average quarterback with an accurate but weak arm.  After tossing a total of 7,067 passing yards and taking the Bengals to the playoffs in each of his first two seasons, most critics have been silenced.  Cincinnati now wants to see how much further he can take this team.  They lost to the Texans in consecutive playoffs, and until they win in the postseason, other clubs will write them off as beatable.

A:  Yes.  As long as his relationship with phenom A.J. Green continues to blossom and the rest of the Bengals grow, there is a very probable chance that they will become a team to fear in the future.

Pittsburgh Steelers
(2012 record: 8-8)
Q:  Are the Steelers too old?

Usually when a franchise has had a roster with many multi-year starters, the phrase "closing championship window" comes up.  As it seems more and more that this occurence is a myth, the Steelers may have one at their doorstep.  While they attempted to eradicate some age by releasing veterans like James Harrison and Rashard Mendenhall, many of their starters have played eight seasons or more.

This rivalry may be more intense in 2013 than it has been
in past season.

A:  They were.  Through the draft they may have brought in enough youth to create a new unit, and the classic Steeler mentality that fiery head coach Mike Tomlin brings always keeps the intimidation relatively high.

Cleveland Browns
(2012 record: 5-11)
Q:  Will the Browns be able to compete with their division rivals?

The Browns, like the Bills, are possibly heading in the right direction for the first time in years.  GM Jimmy Haslam and new head coach Rob Chudzinski have created a new atmosphere in Cleveland, and it seems they are ready for a challenge.  Running back Trent Richardson, although he had a surprisingly low 3.6 yards/carry his rookie year, should help drive this team back to relevance.

A:  More than they have in the past.  They may even pass the Steelers for third in the division.  But with the Ravens as defending champs and the Bengals growing into a powerhouse, it will still be an uphill battle in the six division matchups.

Training Camp Report: NFC South and NFC West

Part 2 of 4:


Matt Ryan and the Falcons have the Lombardi Trophy in their sights at the beginning of training camp 2013.

NFC SOUTH

Atlanta Falcons
(2012 record: 13-3)
Q:  How could the Falcons NOT win the Super Bowl?

The Falcons were literally inches away from going to the big game in the 2012 NFC championship.  Even though they lost a few key defensive backs in Dunta Robinson and Brent Grimes, they more than filled any holes in the offeseason by drafting two underrated cornerbacks in Desmond Trufant and Robert Alford and snagging coveted free agents Steven Jackson and Osi Umenyiora.  The perfected passing attack is by far the strongest in the NFL.

A:  Based purely on the talent of the roster, this team could own the best offense in NFL history.  Minor coaching mistakes made by one of the top coaching staffs in the league seem to be the only factors holding Atlanta from a championship.  Or another dynamic offense(see the next two teams).

Carolina Panthers
(2012 record: 7-9)
Q:  Can Cam Newton win Carolina into the 2013 playoffs?

As I wrote in a previous article, the 2012 Carolina Panthers started 3-9 and ended with a four game winning streak.  The struggles of that season are over.  Even though the team had a quiet offseason minus a few shifts on the defensive line and the retirement of veteran cornerback Chris Gamble, it still improved in leadership and experience.  Cam Newton led the team last season in rushing yards(741) and rushing touchdowns(8), while accounting for nearly 80% of its total offensive yards.

A:  It's possible.  With the fresh start of a new season, Carolina will continue to fight to the top in one of the toughest divisions in the league.

Drew Brees is elated to have his head coach back, as he insists
they are "on a mission."

New Orleans Saints
(2012 record: 7-9)
Q:  Can the Saints return to their 2009 form with the return of head coach Sean Payton?

The various punishments for the Saints bounty scandal are officially over.  They ended with a compensatory draft pick that was taken away from the team.  Now, all the players and coaches must forget about a dark mark on their history and focus on winning.

A:  Most likely.  An overall disappointing 2012 season, despite ranking 1st in passing offense and 2nd in overall offense, will be mostly forgotten as the duo of a seemingly ageless Drew Brees and head coach Sean Payton pilot a youthful new roster into its future.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
(2012 record: 7-9)
Q:  Will Darrelle Revis lead a new-look Buccaneers defense?

I know many Tampa Bay fans are worried about how Josh Freeman will perform in his 5th season in the league, but the defense has been too inconsistent over the past few years to be overlooked as the primary concern.  The Bucs front office used previous drafts to rebuild, attaining the skills of college stars Gerald McCoy, Da'Quan Bowers, Adrian Clayborn, and Mark Barron.  Working out a deal to get Revis to lead this squad is a resourceful idea.

A:  Definitely.  Revis would bring both his strong leadership and insane talent to a "youngry" defensive squad looking to challenge the other strong teams in the division.


NFC WEST

San Francisco 49ers
(2012 record: 11-4-1)
Q:  How will Colin Kaepernick do with a full season?

Three years removed from finishing a measly 6-10 in what was at the time the worst division in the NFL, the 49ers now boast a very formidable defense, a crushing run game(I've gloated in past articles about how much I love Frank Gore), and a young, tenacious quarterback.  Colin Kaepernick had an impressive 1,814 passing yards and 415 rushing yards in just seven starts in 2012.  That's a respectable 259 passing yards/game and 59 rushing yards/game.  He will have to keep up that production this season if he wants to contend with the new, vicious NFC West.

A:  Very well.  Even coming out of Nevada I was a fan of Kaepernick, and his ability at the professional level will continue.

Linebackers Patrick Willis and Navorro Bowman could end their careers as the greatest 3-4 linebacker duo in league history.

Seattle Seahawks
(2012 record: 11-5)
Q:  Can Percy Harvin contribute when he comes back from his injury?

The Seahawks put the doubters to rest this past season as they dominated top opponents like the Green Bay Packers and New England Patriots.  As my 2012 break-out team, they made it to the NFC Divisional round before losing to the Atlanta Falcons.  They are similar in style to their rival Niners, but this off-season added a playmaker that could have turned the tide.  That player will be out until at least November now, and the Seahawks will have to work without him for most of the season.

Sam Bradford is all smiles as he mentors his two new receivers.

A:  Easily.  As long as he remains healthy when he returns, Harvin will help surge Seattle into the championship-caliber team the 12th man has been eager to see.

St. Louis Rams
(2012 record: 7-8-1)
Q:  Will Tavon Austin and Stedman Bailey give Sam Bradford a solid receiving corps.?

A clever meme going around the digital football community over the past few months has shown Sam Bradford smiling and looking to the heavens, with the text below him reading "THANK YOU!".  This of course is referring to the Rams drafting of former West Virginia receiving partners Tavon Austin and Stedman Bailey.  Both are shifty, slot-molded receivers who have the speed to change the momentum of a game.

A:  Yes.  Along with the rest of St. Louis' draft, this duo gives Bradford, who had a less-than-solid 2012 quarterback rating of 82.6, a much needed confidence booster and new options for the offense.

Arizona Cardinals
(2012 record: 5-11)
Q:  Can the Cardinals hold on in the NFC West?

Carson Palmer is entering his 11th season at the age of 33, and will be playing for his third team in four years.  As much as Arizona would like for him to be their franchise quarterback, he won't last forever.  He certainly isn't Kurt Warner, and will only have one truly reliable target in Larry Fitzgerald.  The rest of the team is still very mistake-prone and lost a forceful veteran leader to free agency in safety Adrian Wilson.

A:  Not this season.  While the Cardinals brass had a positive draft, it doesn't make up for the fact that this team needs to rethink the most important position in football if they want to be considered successful.