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Show Monday, Sept 77,200619 NORTH DIVISION EAST DIVISION WASHINGTON REDSKINS PHILADELPHIA EAGLES 2005 RECORD: 10-6. COACH: Joe Gibbs (3rd season, 17-17; 15th season overall. 157-82). WHATTO WATCH: RB Clinton Portis set a team record lasl season with 1,516 yards rushing. With new Associate Head Coach/OfVcnse Al Saunders, by way of Kansas City, in the fold. Portis could put up Priest Holmes- or Larry Johnson-tike numbers. ON THE RISE: DE Andre Carter left San Francisco as an under-the-radar free agent. The former first-round pick will thrive in Washington's creative blitzing schemes. THE BUZZ: With the much-needed additions of WRs Antwaan Randlc El and Brandon Lloyd, this team looks positively loaded — except at quarterback. QB Mark Brunell, who is turning 36 in September, was really good and really bad at times last year. Gibbs, however, is in Canton for making more of less al that position. 2006 DIVISIONAL FORECAST: First. . 2005 RECORD: 6-10. COACH: Andy Reid (8th season, 77-47). WHATTO WATCH: QB Donovan McNabb struggled through an '05 season marred by Terrell Owens Syndrome and injuries. He's back, healthy and needs just 577 yards to become the third Eagle (joining Ron Jaworski and Randall Cunningham) to hit 20.000 passing yards in a career. ON THE RISE: Like it or not, it's second-year McNabb WR Reggie Brown, who caught 43 passes for 571 yards ajid four TDs as a rookie. Unfortunately for McNabb, Philly has one of the worst receiving corps in the league. THE BUZZ: They owned the NFC East, winning four straight titles (2001-04), but the Eagles were overtaken by alt three division rivals last year. Looks like more of the same in '06. 2006 DIVISIONAL FORECAST: Third. DALLAS COWBOYS Iffe 2005 RECORD: 9-7. COACH: Bill Parcells (4th season, 25-25; 19th overall, 174-130-1). WHATTO WATCH: The Cowboys didn't bring WR Terrell Owens in just for his antics. Look for Owens to threaten buddy Michael IrvirTs season marks for catches (111) and yards (1,603). ON THE RISE: If this isn't the time for RB Julius Jones (993 yards in '05), then it's not coming. Backup Marion Barber is wait- :\ ing in the wings. THE BUZZ: If Parcells doesn't do something splashy, this could be his final season in Big D. Then again, he could do something reaJly splashy and ride out of '* town, too. He's been known to do that. Of course, Owens could chase him out, also, if the diva isn't "feeling" QB Drew Bledsoe. 2006 DIVISIONAL FORECAST: Second. NEW YORK GIANTS 2005 RECORD: 11-5. COACH: Tom Coughlin (3rd season, 17-16; 10th season overall. 89-80). WHATTO WATCH: RB Tiki Barber became both the single-season (1.860 yards) and alltime rushing leader (8,787 yards) in the Giants" proud history. ON THE RISE: It better be Eli Manning, the franchise quarterback whose play fell off jn the second half of the season. Completing 52.8 percent of his throws — with WRs like Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer, plus TE Jeremy Shockey — won't cut it. Neither will losing 23-0 at home in the playoffs. THE BUZZ: The Giants were aggressive during free agency, with the biggest move being the acquisition of LB LaVar Arlington, waived by rival Washington, to upgrade a bad crop of outside linebackers. Not sure how much veteran CB Sam Madison will help the 27lh-rankcd pass defense. 2006 DIVISIONAL FORECAST: Fourth. Washington running back Clinton Portis ran for 1,516 yards last season. STEVE DESUCH/MCT offense lhat ranked 29th could undermine this team, though. 2006 DIVISIONAL FORECAST: Second. DETROIT LIONS 2005 RECORD: 5-11. COACH: Rod Marinelli (1st season). WHATTO WATCH: QB Jon Kitna will break MINNESOTA VIKINGS the Lions' team record for passing yards in a 2005 RECORD: 9-7. season — currently held by Scott Mitchell COACH: Brad Childress (1st season). (4,338 in 1995) — thanks to the arrival of new WHATTO WATCH: offensive coordinaBrad Johnson, set to tor Mike Mart/.. turn 38 this year, is the ON THE RISE: oldest starting quarterRB Kevin Jones back in the NFL. was a disappointON THE RISE: Crr ment lasl season, Bryant "Mount" but will be given a McKinnic is ready to chance for a take the next step. The MarshaJl Faulk-like former Miami role in Martz's Hurricane and lop-10 offense. pick will become THE BUZZ: dominant lining up Marinelli is a nonext to Pro Bowl G nonsense coach in a Steve Hutchinson, by nonsense organizaway of Seattle. tion. The Lions are THE BUZZ: The the only team in the Vikings are in a transiNFL with five tion year under straight seasons of Childress. They have double-digit losses, some weapons (watch but General for new RB Chester Manager Malt JIM PfllSCHINO'WCT Taylor) on offense. Millcn has yel to be Lions quarterback Jeff Garcia (now with The defense is joining held accountable for Philadelphia) gets hit by Bears linebacker the cover two party, his mess. Now. it's Brian Urlacher during an October 2005 game. with former Tampa Marinelli's turn to Bay assistant Mike clean il up, and he'll do it with an iron fist that Tomlin taking over as a coordinator, and he'll will make some people uncomfortable. In the have some nice young players (like DE Kevin bad NFC North, il might work this year. Williams) lo work wilh. The NFC North is wide 2006 DIVISIONAL FORECAST: First. open. If the Vikes gel early, they should make a run. CHICAGO BEARS 2006 DIVISIONAL FORECAST: Third. 2005 RECORD: 11-5. COACH: Lovie Smith (2nd season, 16-17). GREEN BAY PACKERS WHATTO WATCH: If QB Rex Grossman 2005 RECORD: 4-12. starts more than three games it will feel like hisCOACH: Mike McCarthy (1st season). lory. The '03 first-round pick has started just WHATTO WATCH: In his 16th season, QB seven games in three years, Brett Favre has a chance lo break Dan Marino's spending most of his lime league records for career completions (he needs on ihe injured list. 290) and touchdown passes (25). Unfortunately, ONTHERISEMnDT he'll probably do it while playing from behind Tommie Harris, LB Lance most of the season. Briggs and CB Nathan ON THE RISE: The Packers took Ohio Stale Vasher. the Bears have a LB A.J. Hawk wilh the fifth pick in the draft. trio of young and gifted He'll lead the learn in tackles (maybe even defensive players to sprinkle in with iheir two studs. sacks) and make a run for NFL Defensive Harris MLB Brian Urlacher and Rookie of the Year. DE Adcwale Ogunleyc. They were No. 2 in THE BUZZ: The Packers endured some montotal defense last year and will be ranked high strous hits on the injury front last year, especialfor some lime with lhat nucleus. ly on offense, and paid for it. The hiring of McCarthy was curious and could turn out disasTHE BUZZ: The Bears won a bad NFC trously. North last year and look like the team to beat this year. Instability and inconsistency on 2006 DIVISIONAL FORECAST: Fourth. 2006 IMFL PREVIEW A LOOK AT THE NFC BY CHRIS HARRY, ORLANDO SENTINEL WEST DIVISION SOUTH DIVISION CAROLINA PANTHERS year (83 catches, 1,287 yards, 10 TDs) more lethal. The defense ranked No. 1 last year. 2006 DIVISIONAL FORECAST: Second. 2005 RECORD: 11-5. COACH: John Fox (5th season, 41-30). WHATTO WATCH: QB Jake Delhomme NEW ORLEANS needs 2,165 passing yards to move ahead of 2005 RECORD: 3-13. Steve Beuerlein (12,690) on the team's all-time yardage list. ON THE RISE: Rookie RB DeAngelo Williams should become what his predecessors, Stephen Davis and DeShaun Foster, could not: a featured back lhat can be counted on to stay healthy. THE BUZZ: The Panlhers were crushed in the NFC title game by Seattle because they had no answer when both the running game and Steve Smith were SAM RICHE'MCT shut down. New WR Saints rookie tailback Reggie Bush is expectKeyshawn Johnson ed to make a strong debut in New Orleans. will help take some pressure off Smith, especially inside, and Williams will bolster depth in the backfield. 2006 DIVISIONAL FORECAST: First. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS 2005 RECORD: 11-5. COACH: Jon Gruden (5lh season, 38-30; 9th season overall, 78-58). WHAT TO WATCH: Take your pick. DE Simeon Rice needs 11.5 sacks to pass Lcc Roy Selmon, the Bucs lone Hall-of-Famcr, on Uic team's all-lime list. CB Ronde Barber needs four interceptions lo rank No. 1 in team history. ON THE RISE: QB Chris Simms proved his melile in taking over for injured Brian Griese lasl season and helping guide the team to the playoffs, including a 5-1 record in the NFC South. Simms, entering his fourth year, had the offseason to work wilh the first-unit offense and has earned the confidence of the organization. THE BUZZ: If Simms progresses to the next level, this team could be dangerous. RB Camell "Cadillac" Williams (1,178 yards, 6 TDs) will become a star in his second season. WR Michael Clayton is healthy again and should make WR Joey Galloway, coming off a career Simms SAINTS COACH: Sean Payton (1st season). WHATTO WATCH: No learn has had to endure the trials and tribulations the Saints dealt wilh in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Hopefully, no such history ever will repeal itself. ON THE RISE: Reggie Bush will explode onto the scene. The rookie tailback and 2005 Heisman Trophy winner from USC looms as the most exciting player to enter the league since Barry Sanders. THE BUZZ: The Saints signed QB Drew Brecs (shoulder surgery and all) away from San Diego lo learn Payton*s offense. A Pro Bowler under center, coupled with some nice receivers in Joe Horn and Dontc Stall worth, will make Bush even more dangerous. A defense that ranked 27th vs. the run last year is in ihc hands of new coordinator Gary Gibbs. 2006 DIVISIONAL FORECAST: Third. ATLANTA FALCONS 2005 RECORD: 8-8. COACH: Jim Mora (3rd season, 20-14). WHATTO WATCH: Trading for DE John Abraham will help the defense, and help both DE Patrick Kemey (53 sacks) and DT Rod Coleman (38 sacks) move up the Falcons1 alltime chart. Kemey ranks third. Coleman sixth. ON THE RISE: WR Michael Jenkins improved in '05 after a disappointing rookie season. The Falcons spent three first-round picks on receivers looking for a big-timer. Jenkins might be the one. THE BUZZ: Abraham will bring heal off ihe edge for the league's 24Uvranked defense. But how much longer will the Falcons make QB Michael Vick play in a structured West Coast offense? When is someone going lo design the perfect, unique offense to best suit him? 2006 DIVISIONAL FORECAST: Fourth. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS ST. LOUIS RAMS 2005 RECORD: 13-3. COACH: Mike Holmgren (8th season, 65-53; 15lh season overall, 149-95). WHATTO WATCH: WR Nate Burleson. a restricted frec-agent steal from the Vikings, will become the main target for QB Matt Hasselbeck and threaten the single-season record for receptions by a Seahawk. held by Darrell Jackson (87 in '04). ON THE RISE: LB Julian Peterson was spinning his wheels in San Francisco, but the change of scenery will do him good. He's talented and capable of making disruptive plays for a unit that ranked in a tie for 16th last season. THE BUZZ: Reigning MVP Shaun Alexander (1,880 yards. 28 TDs) re-signed and is happy. Hasselbeck is coming off a splendid season, also. The loss of G Steve Hutchinson, the best interior lineman in the NFL, will hurt, bul the Scahawks are so superior to any team in the NFC West it's difficult to imagine the weirdo run for Super Bowl losers — the last five have failed to reach the playoffs the following year — not coming to a halt. 2005 RECORD: 6-10. COACH: Scott Linchan (1st season). WHATTO WATCH: WR Isaac Bruce needs 12 receptions and 53 yards to assure he'll exit his 13th season in the NFL's all-lime top 10 in both categories. ON THE RISE: Steven Jackson look over the No. 1 tailback spot from franchise great Marshall Faulk last season and rushed for 1,046 yards. Faulk is out for the year (and might retire) due to a knee injury, so it's Jackson's show — and he's capable of huge numbers. Jackson THE BUZZ: Linehan sot good reviews as offensive coordinator at slops in Miami, Minnesota and the University of Louisville. They know offense in St. Louis. The defense, however, ranked 30lh overall lasl season. 2006 DIVISIONAL FORECAST: Third. 2006 DIVISIONAL FORECAST: First. ARIZONA CARDINALS 2005 RECORD: 5-11. COACH: Dennis Green (3rd season, 1121 ;4lh season overall, 112-91). WHATTO WATCH: The signing of RB Edgerrin James is the biggest freeagent acquisition by the Cardinals ever. If he breaks Oltis Anderson's franchise mark (1,605 yards) the Cards could reach the playoffs. ON THE RISE: WRs Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin each caught more than 100 passes last season. The duo, along with solid No. 3 Bryant Johnson, should be even better with the threat of James in the backfield. THE BUZZ: With Cincinnati reaching the playoffs last season, the Cards own the longest NFL postseason drought at seven years. This team is scary on offense (though not on the offensive line), bul not defense. In the weak NFC West, though, they could challenge. 2006 DIVISIONAL FORECAST: Second. Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck. COUHTGSV OF THE NFL 2006 NFL PREVIEW — NFC TEAMS SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS 2005 RECORD: 4-12. COACH: Mike Nolan (2nd season. 4-12). WHATTO WATCH: Since ihe NFLAFL merger, the 49ers have put together four straight losing seasons just once (1977-80). After this year, it'll be twice. ON THE RISE: For the franchise's sake. QB Alex Smith better be the one. The Nincrs drafted him No. 1 lasl year, gave him a $49.5 million contract, then watched him ihrow one touchdown and 11 interceptions. THE BUZZ: The 49ers had one of the least talented rosters in the league last year and still dispatched of some highly drafted players in the oil season, such as LB Julian Peterson, DE Andre Carter and WR Rashaun Woods. Two '06 first-round picks, TE Vernon Davis and DT Manny Lawson, need to play immediately. 2006 DIVISIONAL FORECAST: Fourth. |