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Show [lXrWfdridayt'Sepf: 11,2006 NORTH DIVISION EAST DIVISION 2005 RECORD: 9-7. 2006 DIVISIONAL FORECAST: First. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS COACH: Bill Belichick (7lh season, 73-34; I2th season overall, 110-79). WHATTO WATCH: Now that Willie McGincst is gone, New England's defense belongs lo DE Richard Seymour. If ihe Patriots return lo dominance, Seymour will be a double-digit sack-master and a possible defensive Seymour M V R Offenses have to account for him no mailer what formation me Pats choose to run. ON THE RISE: Rookie Stephen Goslkowski has the unenviable Jgi, [ask of replacing franchise kicker '• Adam Vinatieri (19 game-winning h%i'~*' kicks). Gostkowski has a strong leg; the Pals hope he's just as accurate. THE BUZZ: Age took a loll on the Patriots last year and may be doing so again (see Tedy Bruschi). A world-slopping comerback, a stud receiver and a clutch kicker are all New Enaland needs lo dig up. .'.'• • ' . : J . * ": 2006 DIVISIONAL FORECAST: Third. BUFFALO BILLS 2005 RECORD: 5-11. 2005 RECORD: 10-6. ... -,-.-•;,«, COACH: Eric Mangini (1st season). WHATTO WATCH: Mangini has converted the Jets' defense from a 4-3 lo a 3-4, but he could run any formation and it wouldn't affect LB Jonathan Vilma. There's a theory that the 34 will put too much pass-coverage responsibility on him, limiting his strengths. Don't believe it. ON THE RISE: The first draft pick of the Mangini era might have solidified the team's blind-side lackle for years to come. As long as D'Brickashaw Ferguson is as adept at walling oil'defensive ends as he is al running away from reporters, Chad Pennington is golden. THE BUZZ: Mangini will install many of the systems and schemes he learned at New England, but he hasn't had enough lime to accumulate his players — and he doesn't have a quarterback with Tom Brady's arm strength — to crack the upper half of the division. 2006 DIVISIONAL FORECAST: Second. Dolphins quarterback Daunte Culpepper. COACH: Dick Jauron (1st season in Buffalo; 6lh season overall, 35-46). WHATTO WATCH: Regardless of whom new play-caller Steve Fairchild finds as his quarterback, his No. 1 receiver won't change. Lee Evans inherits a role left by the trade of disgruntled Eric Moulds. Evans caught 48 balls last year. This year he could eclipse the 81 receptions Moulds had a year ago. ON THE RISE: After a 1,247-yard season, Willis McGahec could have a career year but still get beat up. Despite the emergence of '*. RT Jason Peters, the 1 Bills' offensive line has yet to prove itself for 16 games. THE BUZZ: The big change in Buffalo — besides Jauron — is that the' Bills arc going to play the NFL's trendiest defense. Despite standouts Takeo Spikes and London Fletcher, the personnel simply isn't there to make a difference. 2006 DIVISIONAL FORECAST: Fourth. JOE RIMKUS JR 'MCI | CINCINNATI BENGALS 2005 RECORD: 11-5. 2005 RECORD; 6-10. 2005 RECORD: 4-12. COACH: Nick Saban (2nd season, 9-7). WHATTO WATCH: Rarely has a quarterback been so relieved to be traded lhan Daunte Culpepper, The Vikings' mess is behind him, and Culpepper (20.162 career passing yards and 29 rushing TDs) now gives Miami a threat to rival what Hail-of-Famc quarterback Dan Marino had. ON THE RISE: RB Ronnie Brown won't have to share time with Ricky Williams this season. The combination of Saban's commitment lo the run and Culpepper's arm (and feet) will open more holes for him. THE BUZZ: In Year 2 of the Saban plan, the Dolphins should push New England if Culpepper's knee and a revamped secondary hold up. An improved offensive tine should help Brown through his second year, but he's going to need a solid backup. s--. BALTIMORE RAVENS NEW YORK JETS MIAMI DOLPHINS COACH: Marvin Lewis (4lh season, 27-22). COACH: Brian Billick (8th season, 67-52). WHATTO WATCH: This is ihe year Chad WHATTO WATCH: There are those who believe age has gotten the best of Steve McNair, Johnson sheds an image of not playing big in important games. but the Ravens clearly Johnson created an don't believe it. Playing unpleasant odor in behind a better, but still Cincinnati last season inconsistent, offensive with his post-playoff line. McNair will give tirade, but there's no Baltimore belter leaderdenying he has the ship in the huddle, not speed and skill to to mention more poise erase all of that. IfQB and accuracy than Kyle Carson Palmer is Boiler. healthy, it'll happen ON THE RISE: WR soon. Mark Clayton discovON THE RISE: ered at midseason last Although much of the year how to excel in attention is focused on the league. That in now-healthy David itself will make the Ravens better than a OEOHOE BRIOOES'UCT Pollack, MLB Odell sije-win team this year. Cincinnati running back Rudi Johnson Thurman is poised to be a long-term fixture rushed for 1,485 yards last season. THE BUZZ: This is in the Bengals' the telling year for defense — and a Pro Bowl player. Billick, who has a playoffs-or-lhe-road reality THE BUZZ: Remember, it's Cincinnati — over his head. Much of this season mayrideon two players, McNair and MLB Ray Lewis, who not Pittsburgh — that enters as defending divireturns from last season's thigh injury. Never sion champion. RB Rudi Johnson comes off a bet against Lewis. career year (1,485 yards, 12TDs) and is barely broken in by NFL standards. Lewis has instilled 2006 DIVISIONAL FORECAST: First. toughness to a once weak-willed team. 2006 DIVISIONAL FORECAST: Third. PITTSBURGH STEELERS 2005 RECORD: 11-5. COACH: Bill Cowherf 15th season, 153-91-1). WHATTO WATCH: It's going to be hard lo match the numbers he already has for QB Ben Rocthlisbergcr is 27-4 as a starter with one Super Bowl ring. The Steelers clearly respond to his leadership and toughness. ON THE RISE: Jerome Beltis was the emotional core of the Steelers for more lhan a decade and he Roethllsberger w a s among ^ tO p s t o r v . lines of last year's Super Bowl. But on an offense lhal depends so heavily on the running game, Willie Parker stands as No. 1. He gained 1,202 yards in 2005, and his pcr-carry average was a stunning 4.7 yards. THE BUZZ: Rocthlisberger has made a quick recovery from a life-threatening motorcycle accident this summer. That has given him more time to bond with new slar WR Cedrick Wilson. Sage defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau will miss DE Kimo von Oelhoffen and S Chris Hope, but there's plenty of salt left on a unil led by LB Joey Porter and DT Casey Hampton. 2006 DIVISIONAL FORECAST: Second. CLEVELAND BROWNS 2005 RECORD: 6-10. COACH: Romeo Crennel (2nd season, 6-10). WHATTO WATCH: He has done liulc in Cleveland except stir controversy and sports talk shows, but TE Kellen Winslow Jr. is determined to make up for lost lime. He can make new slarling QB Charlie Frye look good as he makes the Browns (and their fans) forget his rookie injury and last year's devastating motorcycle accident. ON THE RISE: Rookie LB D'Qwell Jackson carries a chip for how unnoticed he went (except by quarterbacks) in the Atlantic Coasl Conference. If he steps in, the Browns will have the speed they've lacked in recent years defensively. THE BUZZ: Crennel reunited with former Patriots DT Ted Washington and OLB Willie McGinesl, both of whom helped make New England's 3-4 work. Add in Jackson and the Browns should be belter than 30th against the run. There are those who believe Frye is a below-average NFL starter, but Frye has built his athletic career around proving people wrong. 2006 DIVISIONAL FORECAST: Fourth. 2006 NFL PREVIEW A LOOK AT THE AFC BY ALAN SCHMADTKE, ORLANDO SENTINEL WEST DIVISION SOUTH DIVISION INDIANAPOLIS COLTS 2005 RECORD: 14-2. W*w-<* i • .'. "".*• - ' , • ' ' h'.fT.v ;•.-'•- *• i - y : ^ ••• •" '--\ I "• -5" ^ V COACH: Tony Dungy (5th season, 51-20; I llh season overall, 107-66). WHATTO WATCH: Is it possible the Giants* Eli Manning threw for more yards lhan big brother Peyton in 2005? Yup. Bui Peyton is more motivated lhan ever to take the Colts to a Super Bowl while their weapons are still in place. TENNESSEE TITANS 2005 RECORD: 4-12. COACH: Jeff Fisher (13th season, 102-89). WHATTO WATCH: The best athlete on the Titans' rosier isn't rookie QB Vince Young, ll's LB Keith Bulluck, a fast, hardhitting playmaker who ought lo make the Pro Bowl. Problem is, Tennessee was 23rd in the NFL in run defense last year. ON THE RISE: Few quality backups in the NFL wailed more patiently to become a starter than QB Billy Volek. Although he may not be consistent enough to hold off Vince Young for the whole season, Volek at least will get his shot in the huddle. ON THE RISE: The Colls drafted RB Joseph Addai to offset the free-agent loss of Edgcrrin James, but Addai will have a tough time gelling past productive unknown Dominic Rhodes. He rushed for 1,104 yards in 10 games in 2001 THE BUZZ: Fisher is and still has good in the last year of his speed through the hole. contract, and he's SAM HiCHGfMCT Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, left, is already held his job THE BUZZ: Indy hit by Titans defensive end Antwan Odom longer lhan some crithas equaled or surduring an October 2005 game. ics thought he might. passed its win total Without QB Steve every year under Dungy. The addition of K Adam Vinatieri and a McNair and a top-flight receiver, however, the defense lhal now is among the NFL's best Titans can't be the team they once were. makes another 14-win season possible. But as 2006 DIVISIONAL FORECAST: Third. we all know, this is all about the playoffs. 2006 DIVISIONAL FORECAST: First. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS 2005 RECORD: 12-4. COACH: Jack Del Rio (4th season, 26-23). WHAT TO WATCH: Marcus Stroud and John Henderson are already established as arguably the NFL's top defensive lackle tandem. Slroud has started 64 games in a row and has three consecutive Pro Bowl appearances. Henderson has never missed a game in four seasons. ON THE RISE: Third-year OLB Daryl Smith is often overshadowed by MLB Mike Peterson and for good reason. But Smith's speed and ' instinct make him, along with Peterson, a Pro Bowl candidate on a defense that is still young. THE BUZZ: It's lime for QB Byron Leftwich to prove why he was so highly regarded coming out of college. He was solid a year ago before he got injured — 15 touchdowns vs. 5 interceptions — and he has a flair for the comeback. But if the Jags are to win a liUc, they'll need more lhan defense and RB Fred Taylor. 2006 DIVISIONAL FORECAST: Second. HOUSTON TEXANS 2005 RECORD: 2-14. COACH: Gary Kubiak (1st season). WHATTO WATCH: DE Mario Williams supplanted Reggie Bush as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2006 draft, and he won't waste any time making the Texans1 defense better. His pass rush will make their new 4-3 more effective, and he'll help shore up a defense that was 31st in yards allowed, 32nd in run defense. ON THE RISE: CB Duma Robinson will benefit from a simpler defensive scheme, one that should help him prove he's among the NFL's lop covcrmen. THE BUZZ: The Texans fired a defensive guru Robinson (Dom Capers) and hired an offensive one, but Kubiak can't teach QB David Can how to get sacked any easier. The Texans' offensive line allowed 68 sacks last year. 2006 DIVISIONAL FORECAST: Fourth. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS 2005 RECORD: 10-6. COACH: Henn Edwards (1st season; 6th season overall, 41-44). WHATTO WATCH: A couple other marquee tight ends have taken the NFL headlines away from Tony Gonzalez, but in his 10th season Gonzalez is every bit the threat he was as a young playmaker. He remains a mismatch for any team lhal dares to cover him with a linebacker. ON THE RISE: Second-year OLB Derrick Johnson should be among the benefactors of Edwards* installation of the Tampa-2 defense. His speed — not lo mention his nose for both big plays and the ball — should help close the gap between an ever-productive offense and an oft-porous defense. THE BUZZ: The acquisition of RB Michael Bennett gives budding star Larry Johnson a speedy backup, and QB Trent Green is starting to look ageless. That said, pass defense is still an issue in Kansas City. Can the Chiefs beef up their pass rush? 2006 DIVISIONAL FORECAST: First. SAN DIEGO CHARGERS 2005 RECORD: 9-7. COACH: Marty Schottcnhcimer (5lh season, 33-32; 20th season overall, 183-128-2). WHATTO WATCH: Only Seattle's Shaun Alexander has more touchdowns the past three seasons (64) than RB LaDainian Tomlinson (55). Tomlinson is already the best runner in Chargers' history, and he's only been in the league five seasons. ON THE RISE: Ready or not, here comes QB Philip Rivers. Drew Brccs is gone to New Orleans, and Rivers inherits an offense that could go deep in the playoffs — Schottenheimer's postseason record notwithstanding. THE BUZZ: After missing the playoffs last year, the Chargers believe they can do the near impossible: win the division with essentially a rookie quarterback. Hey, Pittsburgh did it in 2004. Antonio | Gates remains one of the top tight ends in the game, LB _ Shawne Merriman and DE *' Luis Castillo make the defense legit and K Nate Kaeding is turning into - jg* a consistent threat. • V_ 2006 DIVISIONAL FORECAST: Second. 2006 NFL PREVIEW —AFC TEAMS DENVER BRONCOS 2005 RECORD: 11-6. COACH: Mike Shanahan (1 lth season, 12267; 13lh season overall. 130-79). WHATTO WATCH: The addition of Javon Walker to a receiving corps that includes Rod Smith gives QB Jake Plummer the best 1-2 punch in the conference. ONTHERISEMf Denver satisfies its fan base, MLB Al Wilson will become recognized for the dominant player he is. The combination of Wilson, DJ. Williams and the return of Ian Gold give the Broncos the best linebacker group in the AFC. Wilson THE BUZZ: Some faces have changed in Denver, but how much really changes? The Broncos are going to do what they do, and it's hard to fathom them not at least challenging for a division crown. Problem is, CB Champ Bailey is as good as there is in the NFL, but not even he can cover a receiver for seven seconds. Denver still needs a pass rush. 2006 DIVISIONAL FORECAST: Third. OAKLAND RAIDERS 2005 RECORD: 4-12. COACH: Art Shell (1st season; 7th season overall, 56-41). WHATTO WATCH: Once the heir to Curtis Martin's role wilh the New York Jets, Lament Jordan should be even more successful in his second year in Oakland now that WR Randy Moss is healthy. Jordan ran for 1,025 yards in 2005. ON THE RISE: OG Jake Grove found a comfort zone after moving from center. Despite a style heavy on technique and brainpower and shy on strength, he's showing signs he could be in the league a long lime. THE BUZZ: The last time Shell coached a game in the NFL was 1994. If he can't get a handle on slar WR Jerry Porter, this could be a highly entertaining (but losing) campaign in Oakland. 2006 DIVISIONAL FORECAST: Fourth. Chiefs tight end Tony Gonzalez. DAVID EULITUMCT |