Dark Horse: On the cusp of a Superbowl Run
Every year we get the perennial short-list of Superbowl contenders (Patriots, Colts, Chargers, Cowboys, Seahawks etc). I'm curious to see what team you believe has the best shot at making this year's unlikely Superbowl winner (I'm sure most Giants fans didn't believe in their team until the NFC championship game). With that said, here is a short list of possible "Dark horse" contenders for this years Superbowl: Cleveland Browns: 10-6 usually gets a team into the playoffs. But due to the strength of the AFC, they were snubbed. With the addition of key veterans Shaun Rogers, Corey Williams and Donte' Stallworth their core talent jumped up a notch. The knock on this team will (and probably remain) their porous defense. Assuming Rogers and Williams fit the Vikings run stuffing role, added with the return of Gary Baxter fresh off of his 2nd MCL injury, their pass defense woes could continue. If their offense can put up enough points, this could be the team to beat in the AFC. Houston Texans: That's right. You heard me. THE Houston Texans. Why? Just ask the Colts and how they gave them fits this past season. I believe this team is knocking at the Superbowl's front door. With a healthy Matt Shaub and Andre Johnson the Texans were dynamic on offense. Add to the equation TE Owen Daniels, Kevin Walter, Andre' Davis (who is an explosive KR) and the 1-2 combination of RB Ahman Green/Chris Brown. I think the Texans have an offense that will surprise most this year. The defense should be improved this year due to the recent signing of Roosevelt Colvin, who gives the Texans a much needed pass rusher opposite Mario Williams. As for the 2007 draft? I think they have one of the best sleeper CB's taken in Antwaun Molden (Reminds me a LOT of Dominique Rogers Cromartie). Look for them to be a dangerous opponent in 2008. New Orleans Saints: Drew Brees was fairly inconsistent at the start of the year. But as the team settled down from their emotional 2006 playoff run, they seemed to gel nicely. Deuce McAllister could be the big question that needs the most attention this off season. Yet most of the rumblings have pointed toward the Saints infatuation with Jeremy Shockey (which could make their offense the "Cleveland Browns" of the NFC). Charles Grant and Will Smith give them formidable DE's. And Sedrick Ellis could prove to be the next "Warren Sapp" in time. If the Saints get on a hot streak at the end of the year, they just might come marching in. Philadelphia Eagles (you thought I would leave this team off the list? Ha). Here is a team that lost five games by 4 points or less, and was playing as well as any team in the NFL at the end of the season. Unfortunately, the ball did not bounce the Eagles way (figuratively and literally since they had one of the NFL's worst turn-over ratios). They finished the year ranking 6th in total offense and 10th in defense. With an anemic "red zone" offense and lack of turn overs on defense, these statistics could vastly improve this year. Donovan McNabb (who's health ultimately holds the key to Phillys success) has openly asked for "playmakers" and received the top free agent playmaker in Asante Samuel. The overall team speed has been evident (so far) with the addition of Lorenzo Booker and DeSean Jackson. Jackson could play a key role with his game breaking special teams ability he flashed in college (not to mention the high praise Jerry Rice gives him a s a receiver). The linebackers are young/talented and could be the difference makers on this years team (Stewart Bradley will turn heads this season as he reminds me of Brian Urlacher). The continued improvement of Mike Patterson and Brodrick Bunkley will prove to pay huge dividends this year. If the Lito Sheppard situation is ironed out, I believe the defense just might be strong enough to carry the Lombardi Trophy all the way back to Philly.
Reply to this discussion
Today's Best Stuff
For Bloggers
Company Info
Help
What is Yardbarker?
Join the Yardbarker Network (YBN) for more promotion, traffic, and money.
bluefinn said June 25, 2008
SportsDevil replied June 26, 2008
PainBird replied June 27, 2008
SportsDevil replied June 27, 2008
tcbailey24
said June 25, 2008
Cutler, Marshall, Scheffler, Robertson, Dumervil, Boss, Champ, D.J., and Dre sounds pretty good, we'll see!
squish059
replied June 26, 2008
Latinferno
replied June 26, 2008
BirdsFan536
replied July 01, 2008
tcbailey24
replied July 01, 2008
GetMoney05 said June 25, 2008
squish059
replied June 26, 2008
NFC- maybe Minnesota or Arizona surprises us
PainBird replied June 27, 2008
SportsDevil replied June 27, 2008
squish059
replied June 27, 2008
pipoto77 said June 26, 2008
I think it will be a tough one between Minnesota and Arizona Both Very Liable teams they just need to get over the hump of 8-8 7-9 seasons.....
In order to make it to the Playoffs....
Im not doubting the Fact that they cant do better but people shouldnt See the Vikings as a PLayoff Contender off the Bat My reason for being is because There QB Situation Needs to be Solid an proven to Win More Games in order to make the Playoffs and if they make it to the playoffs lets see what it takes them to but they are improving but the vikings are not yet a late playoff team( meaning that they wont make it to the Late round games) yes i know anything can happen.... but Nope not this yr....
Arizona would have the Better Chance of making a Wildcard appearance they are more potent on Offense than Defense but with there Additions there Defenses should be at best decent......
AFC yes Cleveland will be in the Playoffs if they play the way they play they are a scary team to face if they go to the playoffs watchout for them....
Houston is another team that is solid i think they are better then the Titans an will possibly surpass the titans.... houston is solid i see houston possibly passing the wildcard round... lets see....
Tavaris Jackson reminds me of Randell cunningham/Vince Young the only difference is that he probably wont have a blowout til late this yr an bringing it on to the 09-10 season....
pipoto77 said June 26, 2008
As goes with the Steelers i would watch out for the Cleveland browns and i would look out for Baltimore ravens this yr.... dont be surprised if the steelers an the bengals are fighting for 3rd place while baltimore stays at 2nd place an cleveland becomes the AFC North Division Champs
rhcp879
replied June 26, 2008
PainBird replied June 27, 2008
Latinferno
said June 26, 2008
GBarB04 said June 26, 2008
They upgraded the WR's over the offseason, and added the NFL sack leader to an allready potent Defensive line
Modee2 said June 26, 2008
pipoto77 said June 26, 2008
they were 8-8 that isnt bad that is good for being Vastly improved from there previous record 6-10 but they are in the same division as the Packers so With packers transition it might be close but imma give it to the Vikings this yr i think they can get to a potential 11-5 Packers could be 10-6 or 9-7 so it will be good....
rhcp879
replied June 26, 2008
pipoto77 said June 26, 2008
I know im changing the Subject but what do u guys think?
eagles4ever05 said June 26, 2008
eagles4ever05 replied June 26, 2008
Dawks08 said June 26, 2008
Texans- ok team 9-7 year but not playoffs id disagree with you latin
Saitns theyll make playoffs but in the end they wil choke like romo
cleveland- wwill be a factor until they play colts, chargers, or jags (where are they)
and i figure eagles taking it home this year but well see i kno im overly passionate but damn i have the best safety of all time YEA GO GREEN
tcbailey24
replied June 26, 2008
tcbailey24
replied June 26, 2008
orions
replied June 26, 2008
eagles4ever05 replied June 26, 2008
tcbailey24
replied June 26, 2008
eagles4ever05 replied June 26, 2008
time bomb
Dawks08 said June 26, 2008
orions
said June 26, 2008
tcbailey24
replied June 26, 2008
orions
replied June 26, 2008
BirdsFan536
replied July 01, 2008
socctty said June 26, 2008
Truth is, this is a passing league. Everyone can wax nostalgic about "the good old days" and watch the NFL Network for Steel Curtain replays, but the rules have changed and so has the game. It's all about passing the ball and stopping the pass now. AP would be welcome on any team, of course, but if you can't pass the ball, you're doomed to a .500 season even with the best left side of the line and best RB in the league.
As a Texans fan, though, I'm getting nervous about the simmering (soon to be boiling) hype around my team. I will be supremely happy with 10-6 next year, playoffs or not. As good as Sage looked on highlight reels, he's a backup for a reason. Kubiak played it safe with him and he still threw too many INTs and got lucky on a few balls that he aired out. Schaub looked pretty good but never got settled in. I'm sorely missing Dunta Robinson, and the team is too; we got away with a few games there when he was out. Hopefully Fred Bennett does a good Dunta Robinson impression, and Antwaun Molden does a good Fred Bennett impression!
Latinferno
said June 27, 2008
TexansFight said June 27, 2008
Go Texans!!
squish059
replied June 29, 2008
5and36and85 said June 27, 2008