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Show /port/ C4 MONDAY • SEPTEMBER 18 • 2006 Ben and Boyd's Banter er team in the NFL. Last year Chicago be the sleeper in 2006? Question: There always seems to be a came out of nowhere to win the NFC Ben Webster Sports Editor A sleeper team has to have certain things going for them to be able go from bottom of the league to playoff contender. The> need a running game, a favorable schedule, a decent defense and a solid offensive line. Before I state my sleeper team. I first thought about what made the Bears run possible. Even with a rookie quarterback Chicago moved the ball effectively enough on the ground with their O-line and Thomas Jones. Their schedule was made up of six games against NFC North teams who ended up with a combined 1830 record. The Bears went 5-1 against division opponents in 2005. Chicago's defense was more than decent; they carried the team by allowing an NFL best 12.6 points a game and second best in yards allowed with 281.8 a game. The Arizona Cardinals have the opportunity to become a playoff team this year because of off-season acquisitions, like Edgerrin James, and a pretty favorable schedule. The problem with Arizona could be the O-line and the defense but they have offensive weapons that should get the job done. They also have a brand new climate-controlled indoor stadium to help bring in bigger crowds for a better home-field advantage. If things go right for the Cardinals, they might even be competing for the NFC West title. James was a major pick up for Arizona in the offseason even though he only gained 73 yards against the 49ers in week one, he should be the most important asset to Kurt Warner and the team. Sure, the Cards have week one offensive MVP Kurt Warner but they also drafted Matt Leinart as the tenth pick in the NFL draft. Back-up quarterbacks can be the most important position at times during the season. He is a rookie but look at what Orton did for the Bears. Just don't make too many mistakes and keep the team going until the starter gets back. With Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald on the outside and the addition of Leonard Pope, rookie tight end from Georgia, and James Arizona has enough offensive power to compete with anyone. One of the best thines soine for Arizona is their schedule. The Cardinals only play four games against playoff teams from 2005. Two of those games are against the Seattle Seahawks and three are at home for Arizona. If anything happens to Matt Hasselback or Shaun Alexander for the Seahawks then Arizona could definitely win the division. Another plus is that Arizona is matched up against the NFC North this year and that division could struggle again. Arizona will have to run the ball to open up things downfield for the Cardinals. Look for the cards to fall in place for Arizona. They will be playing meaningful games in December and January. A 5-11 record last year could be flipped to 11-5. And how can we forget the great Jim Brown. Rookie of the year in 1957, he departed as the NFL record holder for both single-season (1,863 in 1963) and career rushing of 12,312 yards, as well as the alltime leader in rushing touchdowns (106) and total touchdowns (126), and all-purpose yards (15,549). I know what you are thinking, 'John quit living in the past, the Browns play in the AFC North with Pittsburg, Baltimore, and Cincinnati - they don't have a chance!' Well, let me just say thai the 1950s are back, along with starting quarterback Charlie Frye. Taking passes from Frye will be the top tight end in the NFL this year, according to me, in Kellen Winslow Jr. Back from a season ending injury last year, Winslow was expected to be a Rookie of the Year candidate coming out of Miami in 2004. But with a full recovery, 1 believe Winslow will now fulfill those expectations in 2006. Winslow caught his first touchdown pass last week against the New Orleans Saints. Sports Broadcast Producer With the addition of wide outs, Braylon Edwards, coming off an injury-plagued The 2006 NFL season is loaded with rookie season, Joe Jurevicius, along with talented teams, and 1 believe that this year Reuben Droughns former Denver tailback will provide more parody and depth than in the backiield. Super Bowl champion ever before. While everyone is giving Incoach Romeo Crennel will finally show dianapolis. Cincinnati, Philadelphia, etc. why his winning reputation will give the all the attention, 1 believe that it is within Browns organization a winning tradition the less-talked-about teams that the leagues again. real future lays. Expect the Browns to clinch an AFC My sleeper for this season is the Clevewildcard playoff birth and maybe even pull land Browns. The Browns, the worst ratoff the impossible and get a playoff win. ed team in the league! I know, its not the The Browns are a team on the rise, and popular pick, but why not? Anyone who they will be out to prove that in 2006. is familiar with the history of the NFL will Then again, if they don't come through, know that the Browns were once a perenthey will be the leading contenders for next nial power football team. In the 1950s, the year's number one pick in the draft. Go Cleveland Browns appeared in six NationBrowns! al football championship games, and won three of those. Utilizing the ami of the quarterback legend Otte Graham Cleveland tore up the NFL in the 1950 regular season, going 10- Johnny Boyd i m i v ^ p "^ ^^^^^ ^^^^^M ^^••^B ii 5 i. M ¥ & I U i TT^^r ^? T* 49% '^^•^^B iNfc S I M S 'SEASON PASSE: 50% OFF BEFORE. HOME OPENER • ON SEFF 22! 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