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.