BenMaller.com - Ben's Takes

Green The Dodger Homerun King!!!

By Ben Maller

The magical season continues for Dodger right fielder Shawn Green. Congradulations to Shawn on passing Duke Snyder and Gary Sheffield as the Homerun champ in Dodger History. Green hit a pair of bombs against the Cards and is sitting on 45!

Lets try to remember that it was Kevin Malone who was able to bring the jewish kid from Tustin home from Tornoto. Shawn has put up better numbers this season then Mike Piazza ever did while he called LA home. Here is hoping that the Dodger Fans of Los Angeles appreciate what Green is doing. You can now put Shawn Green in the Sammy Sosa, Barry Bonds, Ken Griffey Jr. Manny Ramirez and Larry Walker class of impact outfielders.

With Eric Karros starting to hit the ball well, Kevin Brown back and Green carrying the load this team just might shock baseball and sneak into postseason! permalink

Friday, September 07, 2001

Friday Thoughts, Opinions and Notes

By Ben Maller

The Sparks really have made an impact in LA. In a metropolis of eight million people. A huge crowd of close to 700 showed up to honor the horse face champions.

Bill Dwyer and the folks that put together the LA Times sports section should be embarrased. The LA Sparks win the title and get front page exposure? Are you kidding me. I would be more impressed if the Lake Elsinore Storm won the Cal League.

If Sandy Koufax can take Yom Kipper off then Shawn Green can. Green will miss the September 26th game against the San Francisco Giants. Way to go Shawn!

I don't like to rip other radio personality's because I know I'm not perfect. However Dave Stone gets my vote as the most boring radio host in the history of sports radio. Kevin Malone has to get a new partner. Big Joe should put Malone on with T.J. Simers of the Times. That would be must listen radio.

BenMaller.com did it again this week with our story about another lineup change at the local sports station in town. Did you miss it? Click Here: Rumors & Notes

I was told by a radio insider who I respect that one of the sports stations in town has set a record for lineup changes.

Its good to see Dave Smith keep his job. I would hate to see him have to go through what happened to me.

I'm curious if anyone is going to listen to the Dave and Arnie show when it makes its debut. They are in a tough spot. Nobody has ever listened to the afternoon drive slot on that station.

Tom Looney was at his best hosting a show on 97.1 KLSX. Looney used to do the weekend overnights and was fantastic.

Kiley and Booms were on the air this week and I was doing sports updates at Fox Sports Radio when Darrell Green announced he's going to retire. Green took full advantage of the live national radio and tv coverage. He spent 5 minutes talking about football and 15 minutes about Jesus and his charity plans after his career. Do you know how much that air time is worth? Wow

I saw Jerry Jones the Cowboys owner on "The Last Word" and he looked horrible. Jones has lost a few pounds and look like he was sick. My advice eat junk food.

The American sports fan is being robbed. How much fun would it have been to watch Ryan Leaf and Quincy Carter play quarterback in Dallas.

The LA Avengers should make a run at Ryan Leaf now that he is available.

For the five Rams fans left in Los Angeles... Jamie Martin is not that much of an improvment to back up to Kurt Warner then Joe Germaine.

Big Ben's Trivia Question of the Week: Who has the most game winning RBI's in the majors this season? Answer later.

Sports Illustrated did it again picking Oregon State to win the National Championship. Fresno State made sure that does not happen.

Oregon as a State was four minutes away from being screwed from the national championship running. The Ducks needed a Joey Harrington touchdown with that much time left to beat Wisconsin.

So much for Norm Chow being a genius. Pete Carroll's defense was more impressive to me than the Trojan offense. Lets see if i'm still saying that after USC plays Kansas State.

Pete Arbogast did a good job on the USC Broadcast. He has a very smooth delivery witch is easy on the ears.

I miss hearing Lee Hamilton call football on the radio.

Lee Suggs who was fourth on my list of Heisman Trophy candidates is done for the year. The Hokies still have enough talent on defense to make a run at the title.

I listened to the Bill Parcells radio show on 1540am this week. Brooks Melchior is doing a great job on the local updates. I used to work with Brooks at Fox Sports Radio. Did you know that he did a talk show with ESPN's Kirk Herbstreet in Columbus, OH....

Big Ben's Stat of the Week: Florida State & Kansas State are the only teams in college football to win 11 games in each of the last four seasons.

UCLA took a big step back on the college football map with a win on the road against a mediocre Alabama team. Bob Field's defense showed some signs of being special.

The Bruins will be eating their team meal at 5:30am west coast time Saturday. Kansas is not happy about the early start either. The game time was set for national coverage on Fox sports Net.

Joe Paterno is not done as a coach. When its all said and done Penn State will finish near the top of the Big 10.

Dodger Baseball is just not the same on the radio without Ross Porter. Here is hoping that my old partner makes a quick recovery. How can their be Dodger Talk without Ross' baseball trivia?

The Angels wanted Bud Smith from the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for Troy Percival at the deadline. Bill Stoneman can forget about that after Monday's no hitter in San Diego.

Here is hoping Bud Smith pitched for the Brewers at Miller Park before his career is done.

Most people seem to forget that Roger Maris is still the homerun champ of the American League. Its strange that all the players who have bashed there way past 61 have been NL Guys... McGwire, Sosa and soon to be Bonds...

Look for the Red Sox to fire GM Dan Duquette during the offseason. Now that Jimy Williams is no longer the skipper the star players have turned on the GM. Pedro Martinez and Nomar Garciapara ripped Duquette this week. Manny Ramirez who is nuts already said he wants out of Boston.

Danny Almonte's father could end up doing more jail time then O.J.

Leaving the "Fox Lot" and heading to Santa Monica on pico Tuesday I had the honor of having a "police chase" go right infront of me. It was like being on a movie set. The guy trying to get away from the cops goes through the intercection followed by 15 police cars. Up in the sky their are 5 helicopters. LAPD's followed by 4 TV Stations. As far as I'm concerened there is no better live TV then a police chase!

Big Ben's trivia question answer: Orlando Cabrera of the Expos has 21. Bret Boone of the Mariners has 18 tied with Juan Gonzalez of the Indians for second.

A friendly reminder to listen to my radio show this weekend on your local Fox Sports Radio station. I'll be off this Saturday morning. Patrick O'Neal will be doing the show solo from 2am till 5am(est).

I'll be at the Fox Sports Radio news desk providing live updates every ten minutes from 6pm till 10pm (est) Saturday.

Sunday morning from 4am till 7am I'll be hosting solo and breaking down week one of the National Football League and recaping college football action.

Then Sunday night from 11pm till 2am (est) I'll be rapping up the NFL and sports weekend with Jason Smith.

Big Maller's Five Star College Pick of the Week

Tennessee (1-0) Arkansas (1-0)

The Line: Tennessee -13

Big Ben's Breakdown: The Vols will roll in there SEC Opener. Yes Tennessee will be without WR Donte Stallworth who will be out 5-to-6 weeks with wrist surgery. DK John Henderson, fullback Will Bartholomew and cornerback Andre Lott, all suffered minor leg injuries in the week one victory against Syracuse. But those three starters are listed as probable for Saturday.

Tailback Travis Stephens, making his fifth career start, had 14 carries for a career-high 111 yards and a touchdown in week one vs. the Orangemen. The Razerbacks should have lost to UNLV at home in week one. The Arkansas defense played well at times but alot of that was poor play from Jason Thomas and the Runnin Rebels offense.

BenMaller.com's Final Score: Tennessee 42, Arkansas 14

Other College Best Bets: Notre Dame +14 at Nebraska, Oklahoma -39 1/2 vs. North Texas, Stanford -5 1/2 vs. Boston College, Washington -3 vs. Michigan,

Big Maller's Five Star NFL Pick of the Week

Seattle Seahawks Cleveland Browns

The Line:Seattle -4

Big Ben's Breakdown:Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck makes his Seahawks debut against the Browns. He has thrown just 29 passes in his pro career as Bret Favre's backup. Seattle Defense stunk last year. They allowed the 3rd most total yards in NFL History. Coach and GM Mike Homgren added tackles John Randle and Chad Eaton, middle linebacker Levon Kirkland and free safety Marcus Robertson, spending $11.8 million in signing bonuses to get the four veteran free agents.

On the otherside the Browns still suck. Butch Davis makes his debut as coach. Cleveland is 5-27 since its rebirth into the league. How bad are things? the Browns lost eight games by 20 or more points and were outscored overall 419-to-161 last season. They scored an NFL-low 17 offensive touchdowns and allowed 46. I know some say that was last year and it dosen't matter. Well gone from that team are RB Eric Rhett, RB Travis Prentice,QB Ty Detmer, OL Jim Pyne, OL Everett Lindsey and WR David Chiverini. The Browns will play rookie RB James Jackson and Rookie Quincy Morgan quite a bit. Also second year back with the worst name in the NFL Ben Gay will get alot of work in the backfield

BenMaller.com's Final Score: Seattle 24, Cleveland 13

Other NFL Picks: Colts -1 1/2 at. Jets, Oakland -3 at KC, Washington -2 at. San Diego, Cincinnati PK vs. Patriots, Tampa Bay -9 at. Dallas

Sound Off: Send questions and comments to Big Ben by CLICKING HERE permalink

Wednesday, September 05, 2001

"BEN MALLER.com 2001 NFL PREVIEW"

By Ben Maller

AFC East

1.) Indianapolis Colts

Coach: Jim Mora (4th year, 26-22, 119-96 career)

Last season: 10-6, AFC Wild Card, 2nd in AFC East

Key additions: DT Christian Peter.

Key losses: FS Jason Belser, CB Tyrone Poole, LB Cornelius Bennett, DT Bernard Whittington.

Top draft picks: WR Reggie Wayne (1st rd) S Idrees Bashir (2nd rd)

Positives: Led by the "Big Three" in QB Peyton Manning, RB Edgerrin James and WR Marvin Harrison, the Colts offense ranked third in the NFL in total offense last season while averaging nearly 27 points. Jim Mora is a great regular season coach.

Negatives: The Indy defense ranked 21st in the NFL allowing 4.3 yards per carry, along with 22 touchdown passes and only 14 interceptions. There aren't enough play makers on this side of the ball. The Colts had no major off season acquisitions to improve the unit. How bad was it? Chad Bratzke was the leader of the defense with 7 1/2 sacks and 64 tackles last year. Linebacker Mike Peterson also had 158 tackles last season. The biggest problem the colts face is a young secondary with a pair of rookie safeties getting a large chunk of playing time.

Why the Colts will finish 1st: The defense sucks. However no matter how bad things get "The Big Three" are good enough to give the Colts a chance to win games. Mora and Manning must get the job done in the playoffs or else someone else will coach in Indy.

2.) Buffalo Bills

Coach: Greg Williams (1st season)

Last season: 8-8, 4th in AFC East

Key additions: FB Larry Centers, OT Kris Farris

Key losses: QB Doug Flutie, FB Jonathan Linton, P Chris Mohr, LB Sam Rogers, RB Antowain Smith, DT Ted Washington, DE Marcellus Wiley.

Top draft picks: CB Nate Clements (1st rd) DE Aaron Schobel (2nd rd) RB Travis Henry (2nd rd)

Positives: QB Rob Johnson is the starter now. There is no more quarterback controversy. Johnson has all the tools to be a star in the National Football League. This is his time to step up into the spotlight and show what he can do. Eric Moulds is as good as they get at receiver coming off a team record 93 receptions a year ago. Peerless Price is a young star at receiver who should have a breakout season. Tight end Jay Riemersma is one of the most underrated players in the league.

Negatives: Ted Washington, Marcellus Wiley and Sam Rodgers all decided that San Diego was the place to be. That leaves the defense with a whole lot of holes to fill. There is talent on this side of the ball but way too much inexperience. Second year DE Erik Flowers and DT Leif Larsen are talented players who should get better over the season.

Why the Bills will finish 2nd: Rob Johnson will flourish in the west coast offense and with Doug Flutie 3,000 miles away. There is alot of young talent here. After years of stability there is a changing of the guard in Buffalo with Tom Donahoe the GM Greg Williams the coach and Johnson the QB.

3.) New York Jets

Coach: Herman Edwards (1st year)

Last season: 9-7, 3rd in AFC East

Key additions: WR Matthew Hatchette, LB James Darling, S Damien Robinson.

Key losses: LB Bryan Cox, DT Ernie Logan, QB Ray Lucas, LB Roman Phifer, WR Dedric Ward.

Top draft picks: WR Santana Moss (1st rd) RB LaMont Jordan (2nd rd)

Positives: Curtis Martin is a consistent running back but not in the Marshall Faulk or Edgerrin James class. The good news is LaMont Jordan comes from the draft to give Martin rest. WR Wayne Chrebet is solid and should get some help with the addition of tall receiver Matthew Hatchette, who was stuck behind Cris Carter and Randy Moss in Minnesota. Herman Edwards seems to be a bright young coach. Is he going to turn this rag tag team into a winner though?

Negatives: Vinny Testaverde must rebound from a season that saw him throw 25 interceptions. WR/KR Santana Moss will be out until early November after undergoing knee surgery. DT Jason Ferguson went down for the year with a torn rotator cuff. The Defensive Line is among the worst in the National Football League. DL John Abraham is a young player on the rise but he can't get the job done all alone.

Why the Jets will finish 3rd: If Testaverde gets hurt then Chad Pennington will be thrown into the fire. Paul Hackett is the offensive coordinator. Ask Kansas City Chiefs or USC Trojan fans about Hackett's ability to coach offense.

4.) Miami Dolphins

Coach: Dave Wannstedt (2nd year, 11-5, 51-61 career)

Last season: 11-5, AFC East champion

Key additions: QB Ray Lucas, WR James McKnight, WR Dedric Ward.

Key losses: DE Trace Armstrong, G Kevin Donnalley, WR Bert Emanuel, QB Damon Huard, LB Robert Jones, WR Tony Martin, WR Leslie Shepherd, OT Richmond Webb.

Top draft picks: CB Jamar Fletcher (1st rd) WR Chris Chambers (2nd rd)

Positives: Lamar Smith emerged as one of the top running backs in the NFL last season with nearly 1,400 yards and 14 touchdowns rushing. James McKnight and Dedric Ward bring some needed speed to the receiver slot. Oronde Gadsden and O.J. McDuffie are good possession type receiver . DE Jason Taylor is a franchise player after a career-high 14 1/2 sacks last season. LB Zach Thomas is a pro bowler. Sam Madison, Patrick Surtain and S Brock Marion help form the NFL's best secondary.

Negatives: Jay Fiedler was average at best last season 2,400 yards and 14 touchdowns. Ray Lucas was brought in from the Jets to be the backup. Lucas got the rap as not being prepared game days last season.

Why the Dolphins will finish 4th: This team over-achieved last season in winning 11-games. The Dolphins have a history of getting off to a quick start. Then late in the year when the fish have to go to the cold of the Northeast they turn into fish freeze. The offense lacks consistency. No matter how good the defense is, you have to score to win.

5.) New England Patriots

Coach: Bill Belichick (2nd year, 5-11, 41-55 overall)

Last season: 5-11, 5th in AFC East

Key additions: FB Marc Edwards, WR Bert Emanuel, QB Damon Huard, WR Charles Johnson, DE Anthony Pleasant, CB Terrance Shaw, RB Antowain Smith, LB Mike Vrabel, WR Torrance Small.

Key losses: WR Terry Glenn, RB Robert Edwards, OT Bruce Armstrong, DT Chad Eaton, CB Antonio Langham, LB Chris Slade, DT Henry Thomas.

Top draft picks: DT Richard Seymour (1st rd) OT Matt Light (2nd rd) K Owen Pochman (7th rd)

Positives: QB Drew Bledsoe figures to again be a one-man band for the Patriots. Despite just 17 touchdowns last season, Bledsoe had no offensive line and no wide receivers. SS Lawyer Milloy led the team with 121 tackles last season.

Negatives: WR Terry Glenn will spend the season on the Pats suspended list. The running game is one of the worst in the NFL. Free agent acquisition Antowain Smith and J.R. Redmond to split time in the backfield. Receivers Torrance Small and Charles Johnson who were released by the Eagles are going to get a huge chunk of playing time in New England. Andy Katzenmoyer is lost for the season with a neck injury. This leaves a pair of veterans in Tedy Bruschi and Ted Johnson to pick up the slack.

Why the Patriots will finish last: Talent wins football game. This team has the least amount of talent in the East. Bill Belichick is one of the worst head coaches in the NFL. Why do teams keep giving him jobs?

AFC Central

1.) Tennessee Titans

Coach: Jeff Fisher (8th year, 58-44)

Last season: 13-3, AFC Central champion

Key additions: DE Kevin Carter, K Joe Nedney

Key losses: K Al Del Greco, DE Kenny Holmes, FB Lorenzo Neal, WR Carl Pickens, FS Marcus Robertson, WR Yancey Thigpen, CB Denard Walker.

Top draft picks: CB Andre Dyson (2nd rd)

Positives: Frank Wycheck at tight end had 71 receptions and nearly 700 yards receiving last season. The Titans not the Ravens had the NFL's best defense in 2000. Add to that Kevin Carter who lead the NFL 2-Years ago with. Jevon Kearse and Carter if healthy should combine for near 30 sacks this season. Linebackers Randall Godfrey, veteran Eddie Robinson, and second-year man Keith Bulluck combined for 197 tackles last season.

Negatives: Steve McNair must take his game to the next level. Eddie George is coming off an unheard of 403-carry season and without the fullback Lorenzo Neal to lead the way, George figures to be banged up again. Kevin Dyson is coming back from a knee injury and Derek Mason must play better at the wide outs.

Why the Titans will finish 1st: Carter and Kearse will be the unstoppable duo. The Titans defense was the best last season and should be better this year. Remember if Al Del Greco was on his game Tennessee would have knocked Baltimore out of the playoffs. McNair must take pressure off George of the offensive will be poor again.

2.) Baltimore Ravens

Coach: Brian Billick (3rd year, 20-12)

Last season: 12-4, Super Bowl champion, AFC Wild Card

Key additions: RB Terry Allen,FB Moe Williams, QB Elvis Grbac, QB Randall Cunningham, OT Leon Searcy, T Erik Williams.

Key losses: QB Trent Dilfer, CB Robert Bailey, QB Tony Banks, FS Kim Herring, DT Keith Washington.

Top draft picks: TE Todd Heap (1st rd) DB Gary Baxter (2nd rd)

Positives: Defending Super Bowl Champs! The 2nd best defense in the NFL. Tony Siragusa and Sam Adams eat up space in the middle and make it near impossible to run up the gut. Ray Lewis is the best linebacker in the league. While Lewis gets all the headlines Jamie Sharper and Peter Boulware are not choped liver. Brian Billick has already won the big prize in the third year of his career. There is talent at receiver with Travis Taylor, Qadry Ismail, Jermaine Lewis, Patrick Johnson and Brandon Stokley. Shannon Sharpe is a future hall of famer at tight end, who will tutor first-round pick Todd Heap.

Negatives: Offense... Baltimore went 21 consecutive quarters without an offensive touchdown last season. Elvis Grbac is the new QB from Kansas City. All the Ravens did was go 11-1 with Trent Dilfer under center to end the season. Grbac had great individual numbers with the Chiefs but was not very popular among his teammates. Jamal Lewis the RB who starred as a rookie is out for the year after tearing up his knee in training camp.

Why the Ravens will finish 2nd: Grbac will struggle to adjust to his new environment. No running game is gonna put extra pressure on that defense that is going to be hard pressed to match their season of a year ago. Terry Allen must shock the NFL and have a big season.

3.) Jacksonville Jaguars

Coach: Tom Coughlin (7th year, 56-40)

Last season: 7-9, 4th in AFC Central

Key additions: WR Sean Dawkins.

Key losses: WR Reggie Barlow, P Bryan Barker, LB Lonnie Marts, OT Leon Searcy, OT Brandon Stai, DE Joel Smeenge, FB Daimon Shelton.

Top draft picks: DT Marcus Stroud (1st rd) OT Maurice Williams (2nd rd) P David Leaverton (5th rd)

Positives: The Jags ranked seventh in team offense. Mark Brunnell passed for more than 3,600 yards and receivers Jimmy Smith and Keenan McCardell each had more than 1,200 worth of yards. Fred Taylor when healthy is a top five running back in the NFL.

Negatives: After four straight seasons of making the playoffs the Jags missed out with a 7-9 record. Tom Couglin was on the hot seat after a 2-6 start and will most likely be fired if the team misses the playoffs again. Jacksonville lost 22 players from last years team.

Why the Jaguars will finish 3rd: The Offense is good enough to keep this team in games. The defense and special teams need work. If Taylor can stay healthy and the defense surprises, there is no reason this team can't surprise and win 10 games.

4.) Pittsburgh Steelers

Coach: Bill Cowher (10th year, 86-58)

Last season: 9-7, 3rd in AFC Central

Key additions: OT Jeff Hartings, FS Mike Logan.

Key losses: C Dermontti Dawson, RB Richard Huntley, LB Levon Kirkland, LB Mike Vrabel, DE Kevin Henry.

Top draft picks: DT Casey Hampton (1st rd) LB Kendrell Bell (2nd rd)

Positives: Bill Cowher was given a three-year contract extension despite the Steelers missing the playoffs the last three years. Pittsburgh did finish the season strong winning 4-of-5 and 9-of-13. "The House that Bradshaw built" Heinz Field opens this season.

Negatives: Kordell Stewart is in his seventh-year as a crappy QB. David Klingler, Tommy Maddux and Ryan Leaf have all been chased around the NFL. For some reason the steel city can't get rid of Stewart. The Steelers averaged just 157.4 yards passing last season the second worst mark in the NFL.

Why the Steelers will finish 4th: Stewart is still the QB. That's all you need to know!

5.) Cincinnati Bengals

Coach: Dick LeBeau (2nd year, 4-9)

Last season: 4-12, 5th in AFC Central

Key additions: QB Jon Kitna, K Richie Cunningham, DE Kevin Henry, OT Richmond Webb, FB Lorenzo Neal, DT Tony Williams.

Key losses: CB Tom Carter, CB Charles Fisher.

Top draft picks: DE Justin Smith (1st rd) (holdout) WR Chad Johnson (2nd rd)

Positives: Corey Dillon was resigned to a long term contract. Bob Bratkowski the OC brings his magic touch from Seattle. Peter Warrick led the Bengals with 51 catches for 592 yards

Negatives: Jon Kitna was able to beat out Akili Smith and Scott Mitchell at QB. That says alot about Mitchell and Smith. Dick LeBeau is 63, and just beginning his first full season as Bengals coach. Cincinnati was the only team to average more yards rushing(144.6rpg) than passing (121.6ppg) last season. The club hasn't had a winning season in 10 years.

Why the Bengals will finish 5th: Kitna is the QB. As bad as the offense(29th) is the defense(ranked 22nd) is not much better.. Bottom line they're still the same old sorry ass Bengals.

6.) Cleveland Browns

Coach: Butch Davis (1st year)

Last season: 3-13, 6th in AFC Central

Key additions: TE Rickey Dudley, G Tre' Johnson, LB Dwayne Rudd, T Ross Verba.

Key losses: FB Marc Edwards, WR David Patten, QB Doug Pederson

Top draft picks: DT Gerard Warren (1st rd) WR Quincy Morgan (2nd rd) RB James Jackson (3rd rd)

Positives: Coach Butch Davis brings lots of passion and excitement from the University of Miami. QB Tim Couch still has a tremendous amount of upside. Tre Johnson and Ross Verba make the offensive line better. Rookie defensive tackle Gerald Warren should form a great one two punch with Courtney Brown.

Negatives: The Browns averaged a pathetic 10.1ppg last season worst in the league. Wide receiver is a wasteland. Couch is on his own. Kevin Johnson the leading receiver last year didn't even catch a touchdown pass. Neither did Dennis Northcutt the team's second leading wide out. Quincy Morgan the WR from Kansas State acquired in the draft should make an immediate impact. Oh yeah, the Browns can't run the ball either. Rookie James Jackson figures to get the bulk of the work.

Why the Browns will finish 6th: This team has less talent than some college teams. Its hard to win games when you can't score points. They must develop a running game and some wide receivers if they are ever going to turn the corner.

AFC West

1.) Denver Broncos

Coach: Mike Shanahan (7th year, 64-32, 72-44 overall)

Last season: 11-5, AFC Wild Card, 2nd AFC West

Key additions: QB Steve Beuerlein, WR Eddie Kennison, DT Leon Lett, C Jay Leeuwenburg, DT Chester McGlockton, CB Denard Walker, DT Keith Washington, LB Lee Woodall

Key losses: DT Lester Archambeau, CB Terrell Buckley, LB Glenn Cadrez, TE Byron Chamberlain, CB Ray Crockett, T Tony Jones, G Mark Schlereth, DT Keith Traylor

Top draft picks: CB Willie Middlebrooks (1st rd) DE Paul Toviessi (2nd rd) P Nick Harris (4th rd) (Waived)

Positives: Three running backs with 1,000 yard seasons in their careers. Olandis Gary and Mike Anderson are waiting in the wings if Terrell Davis is still not able to come back after two years of injuries. The Broncos ranked second in total offense last season. Brian Griese has developed into one of the best young quarterbacks in the league. Linebackers Lee Woodall and Henri Crockett should make an immediate impact on the defense. Chester McGlockton and Leon Lett make the defensive line one of the NFL's best. Ray Rhodes comes in as defensive coordinator.

Negatives: The Broncos were last in the NFL in pass defense. Mile High Stadium was one of the toughest places to visit and leave with a win. Now the Broncos move into Invesco Field at Mile High. Griese was given a big contract extension in the off season. He must now stay healthy.

Why the Broncos will finish 1st: They have the deepest team in the division. An 11-Win team a year ago improved the defensive line and linebackers and backup quarterback. Mike Shannahan is 71-and-33 in his career and that includes a disastrous stint as Raiders coach.

2.) Oakland Raiders

Coach: Jon Gruden (4th year, 28-20)

Last season: 12-4, AFC West champion

Key additions: WR Jerry Rice, DE Trace Armstrong, WR Reggie Barlow, TE Eric Bjornson, RB Charlie Garner, LB Ryan Phillips,TE Roland Williams

Key losses: TE Rickey Dudley, DE Lance Johnstone, RB Napoleon Kaufman, WR Andre Rison

Top draft picks: SS Derrick Gibson (1st rd) QB Marques Tuiasosopo (2nd rd)

Positives: The defending division champions. One win away from the Super Bowl, losing to the Ravens in the AFC Championship game. Rich Gannon has turned into a Pro-Bowler at QB in the later careers of his career. Tim Brown is joined by another future hall of famer in Jerry Rice from the Niners. Trace Armstrong brings his 16.5 sacks from last season to the silver and black.

Negatives: If Gannon goes down Bobby Hoying is the backup. Remember Hoying in the AFC championship game? as Vic the Brick would say Yikes! Defensive tackle Darrell Russell will miss the first four weeks of the season because of a drug suspension.

Why the Raiders will finish 2nd: Oakland has a tougher schedule this season. With Russell out the first four games that should give the Broncos a jump on Jon Gruden's team. With RB Garner and WR Rice the Raiders have more talent then a year ago.

3.) Seattle Seahawks

Coach: Mike Holmgren (3rd year, 15-17, 90-54 overall)

Last season: 6-10, 4th in AFC West

Key additions: DT Chad Eaton, WR Bobby Engram, QB Matt Hasselbeck, LB Levon Kirkland, DT John Randle, FS Marcus Robertson.

Key losses: WR Sean Dawkins, WR Derrick Mayes, OT Pete Kendell, DT Cortez Kennedy, QB Jon Kitna.

Top draft picks: WR Koren Robinson (1st rd) OT Steve Hutchinson (1st rd) CB Ken Lucas (2nd rd)

Positives: John Randle, Levon Kirkland, Chad Eaton and
Marcus Robertson should help the hawks avoid being the worst defensive football team in the league. Mike Holmgren believes that Matt Hasselbeck from the Packers is a franchise QB. Trent Dilfer is a Super Bowl winning quarterback as a backup. RB Ricky Watters, who is coming off one of his finest seasons ever with nearly 1,900 total yards from scrimmage. He and second year RB Shaun Alexander are a nice combination of versatility, speed, and power.

Negatives: The defense was the worst in the NFL a year ago. Hasselbeck is an unproven commodity under center. Wide receiver is a dark area. Darrell Jackson played well last season as a rookie. Bobby Engram released by the Bears was signed as a free agent and Koren Robinson was a first round pick from North Carolina State.

Why the Seahawks will finish 3rd: They will be better with an improved defense and an up and coming QB. The problem in Seattle is the Broncos and Raiders are two of the NFL's best.

4.) Kansas City Chiefs

Coach: Dick Vermeil (1st year, 76-73 overall)

Last season: 7-9, 3rd in AFC West

Key additions: FS Jason Belser, QB Bubby Brister, LB Glenn Cadrez, CB Ray Crockett, QB Trent Green, RB Priest Holmes, P Dan Stryzinski

Key losses: RB Kimble Anders, QB Elvis Grbac, C Tim Grunhard, CB James Hasty, DT Chester McGlockton, QB Warren Moon, OT Dave Szott

Top draft picks: DT Eric Downing (3rd rd) WR Marvin Minnis (3th rd)

Positives: Trent Green is an upgrade at QB from Elvis Grbac. Dick Vermeil is an upgrade at coach from Gunther Cunningham. Tony Gonzalez had 93 receptions last season. He's the best tight end in the NFL. The Chiefs have one of the few true home field advantages at Arowhead stadium. DE Eric Hicks led the team with 14 sacks while fellow end Duane Clemons and DT Dan Williams combined for 15 sacks.

Negatives: Losing has become part of life in KC. The Chiefs have not made the playoffs since 1997. KC lacks the skill players needed to run the wide open style that Vermeil likes. Priest Holmes is not going to be confused with Marshall Faulk anytime soon. The Defense is average at best.

Why the Chiefs will finish 4th: It will take time for Green to adjust to his new surroundings. The track record says it takes Vermeil two full years to turn around a program. The defense also needs major improvement.

5.) San Diego Chargers

Coach: Mike Riley (3rd year, 9-23)

Last season: 1-15, 5th in AFC West

Key additions: QB Doug Flutie, WR Tim Dwight, LB John Holecek, CB Ryan McNeil, CB Alex Molden, K Wade Richey, LB Sam Rogers, DE Marcellus Wiley.

Key losses: K John Carney, RB Robert Chancey, G Kevin Gogan, QB Jim Harbaugh, QB Ryan Leaf.

Top draft picks: RB LaDainian Tomlinson (1st rd) QB Drew Brees (2nd rd)

Positives: When you go 1-and-15 you have nowhere to go but up! John Butler comes in from Buffalo to bring some power back to the bolts. LaDanian Tomlinson, a two-time NCAA rushing leader and Drew Brees should be impact rookies. The defense also gets a boost with Marcellus Wiley and linebacker Sam Rogers coming over from the Bills.

Negatives: Doug Flutie is a cancer in the locker room and two small to stay healthy over an entire season. Flutie was 21-9 as a starter in his three years with the Bills that won't be the case in San Diego. Mike Riley has yet to prove he can produce a winning team in the pro's. The offensive line is a wreck. How can you run an offense when nobody can block?

Why the Chargers will finish last: You don't go from one win into playoff contention. The rest of the division is still ahead of San Diego. The Boltz should be happy with 5 wins.

NFC East

1.)Philadelphia Eagles

Coach: Andy Reid (3rd year, 17-17)

Last Season: 11-5, NFC Wild Card, 2nd NFC East

Key additions: DE N.D. Kalu, G-C Jim Pyne, WR James Thrash.

Key losses: LB James Darling, WR Charles Johnson, DE Mike Mamula, WR Torrance Small.

Top draft picks: WR Freddie Mitchell (1st rd) LB Quinton Caver (2nd rd)

Positives: Donovan McNabb was a one man band on offense. Andy Reed has turned into one of the top young head coaches in the league. Deuce Staley is healthy and should be able to help McNabb. Freddie Mitchell arrives via the draft to make an impact at WR from UCLA. Pro Bowler Hugh Douglas leads a rock-solid well-coached defense

Negatives: Finding someone who can catch the damn ball. Charles Johnson and Torrance Small both starting receivers from last season were released. The Eagles are 0-and-5 against the Giants since Reid took over.

Why the Eagles will finish 1st: Its time for McNabb to take fly the Eagles into the next level. He's better than Randell Cunningham and now has some help at receiver.

2.) New York Giants

Coach: Jim Fassel (5th year, 39-28-1)

Last Season: 12-4, NFC champion, 1st NFC East

Key additions: DE Kenny Holmes

Key losses: DE Cedric Jones, P Brad Maynard, TE Pete Mitchell, DT Christian Peter, LB Ryan Phillips.

Top draft picks: CB Will Allen (1st rd) CB Will Peterson (2nd rd)

Positives: NFC Champs. The Thunder and Lightning backfield was very effective with Tiki Barber emerging as a star and Ron Dayne. Jesse Armstead and Jason Sehorn lead a no-name defense that did a wonderful job especially in the 41-0 rout of the NFC Championship game against the Vikings. Jim Fassel is a rare thing. an under-rated coach in the Big Apple.

Negatives: The NFC has a habit of producing one year wonders. The Giants seem to be more like the Falcons than the Rams. Special teams also killed the Giants last season. Kerry Collins is a walking time bomb... tick tick tick

Why the Giants will finish 2nd: The Magical ride of 2000 is over and now the Giants will take a step back. Its going to be tougher to win games with that big bullseye on their chest. Since Fassel took over, the Giants are undefeated when anybody carries the ball 20 times in a game, but they're nine games under .500 when that doesn't happen.

3.) Washington Redskins

Coach: Marty Schottenheimer (1st year, 145-85 career)

Last season: 8-8, 3rd NFC East

Key additions: QB Tony Banks, KR Michael Bates, FB Donnell Bennett, G Matt Campbell, K Brett Conway, CB Donovan Greer, LB Robert Jones, WR Kevin Lockett, S Keith Lyle, G Dave Szott.

Key losses: WR Albert Connell, FB Larry Centers, WR Irving Fryar, QB Brad Johnson, G Tre' Johnson, DE N.D. Kalu, CB Deion Sanders, G Keith Sims, LB Derek Smith, DT Dana Stubblefield, WR James Thrash.

Top draft picks: WR Rod Gardner (1st rd) CB Fred Smoot (2nd rd)

Positives: New coach Marty Schottenheimer is a winner and will turn the skins around. Champ Bailey is on his way to super stardom. Owner Daniel Snyder seems to have learned from last years disaster.

Negatives: Jeff George and Tony Banks are your quarterbacks. Too much dead weight still hanging around on the roster. It's going to take a couple of seasons to erase the mess that happened last season.

Why the Redskins will finish 3rd: This is an average football team all the way around. The one thing you don't want to be in the National Football League. The good news is the Cowboys and Cardinals suck so that should help the skins improve.

4.) Arizona Cardinals

Coach: Dave McGinnis (2nd year, 1st full year, 1-8)

Last Season: 3-13, 5th NFC East

Key additions: G Pete Kendall.

Key losses: G Lester Holmes, DT Tony McCoy, DE Simeon Rice, DT Mark Smith, DE Andre Wadsworth, CB Aeneas Williams.

Top draft picks: T Leonard Davis (1st rd) DE Kyle Vanden Bosch (2nd rd) CB Michael Stone (2nd rd)

Positives: The offensive line should be among the top in the NFC. Free agent Pete Kendell joins first round pick Leonard Davis to give the Cards solid guards. Jake Plummer must play better with the improved offensive line.

Negatives: No team in the NFL packed it in more than the Cardinals. 1-and-8 in the second half of the season 0-and-8 on the Road. The Defense was 30th in the NFL. They should have been rated lower than that!

Why the Cardinals will finish 4th: This defense makes the Rams look good! In the past few years the Cards have lost Simeon Rice, Eric Swann and Mark Smith. Plummer probably should be in the Canadian Football league the way he has played the last two years 22 TD's 45 INT's

5.) Dallas Cowboys

Coach: Dave Campo (2nd year, 5-11)

Last season: 5-11, 4th NFC East

Key additions: WR Darren Chiaverini

Key losses: QB Troy Aikman, QB Randall Cunningham, DT Chad Hennings, DT Leon Lett, WR James McKnight, CB Ryan McNeil, DT Alonzo Spellman, T Erik Williams.

Top draft picks: QB Quincy Carter (2nd rd) S Tony Dixon (2nd rd)

Positives: Arizona is in the same division. Emmitt Smith is wrapping up a hall of fame career. Joey Galloway and Rocket Ismael are solid receivers.

Negatives: Quincy Carter can't start at Georgia but he can for the Cowboys. Everyone seems to be overlooking the fact that the Defense has no playmakers. The Boys "D" allowed an NFL-record three 200-yard rushers and finished last in the league in rushing defense.

Why the Cowboys will finish 5th: Things are so bad in Dallas that the team had to get rid of their website. Because they can't put three w's in a row. They are the worst team in the NFC East. This team will not go 0-and-16 but if they try running the option and Carter is as bad as expected then they have a chance. The good or bad news depending on how you look at it is they are not far behind the Cards. Jerry Jones will have lots of cap room to make a free agent impact.

NFC Central

1.) Minnesota Vikings

Coach: Dennis Green (10th year, 96-60)

Last Season: 11-5, NFC Central champion

Key additions: TE Byron Chamberlain, DE Lance Johnstone, WR Jake Reed.

Key losses: DE John Burrough, WR Matthew Hatchette, DT John Randle, LB Dwayne Rudd, RB Robert Smith, T Todd Steussie, T Korey Stringer, DT Tony Williams.

Top draft picks: RB Michael Bennett (1st rd) DT Willie Howard (2nd rd) CB Eric Kelly (3rd rd) DT Shawn Worthen (4th rd)

Positives: Dennis Green might have issues off the field. On the field he is having a hall of fame coaching career. Daunte Culpepper at QB and Randy Moss and Chris Carter at receiver form a near unstoppable threesome. Rookie Michael Bennett will get the chance to fill the shoes of Robert Smith who retired.

Negatives: Defense! The Vikings had only 31 sacks last year, their lowest total since 1984. The pass defense ranked 28th. The Vikes did little in the off season to improve the talent on the defensive side of the ball. The players that stunk last year must show improvement this season. It's a college approach.

Why the Vikings will finish 1st: Minnesota will be able to outscore people during the regular season. The playoffs will be different. No team in the league can stop Moss and Carter. Dennis Green will find a way to win 10 or 11 games and that should be good enough to win the black and blue division.

2.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Coach: Tony Dungy (6th year, 47-38)

Last Season: 10-6, NFC Wild Card, 2nd NFC Central

Key additions: QB Brad Johnson, DE Simeon Rice.

Key losses: DE Chidi Ahanotu, TE Patrick Hape, DT Tyoka Jackson, G Frank Middleton, S Damien Robinson.

Top draft picks: T Kenyatta Walker (1st rd) CB Dwight Smith (3rd rd)

Positives: For the first time in years the Bucs have a veteran QB in Brad Johnson who himself is still a bit of a question mark. Keyshawn Johnson is a top five wide receiver. Pro Bowler Warren Sapp leads a front four which accounted for 45 1/2 of the team's record 55 sacks and added free agent end Simeon Rice from Arizona. Sapp has 16 1/2 sacks last season.

Negatives: The Offense still has to step up. Johnson has shown signs of being a solid quarterback but can he stay healthy and lead the way. Johnson has only had one complete season. If he gets hurt Shawn King is the backup! Tony Dungy is a likeable guy but if he doesn't get to the Super Bowl this year he'll be gone.

Why the Bucs will finish 2nd: Change takes time. This year figures to be a lot like last season. The first four or five games will be an adjustment period. They should try to get the motor cranking in time for the NFC Wild Card game.

3.)Detroit Lions

Coach: Marty Mornhinweg (1st year)

Last season: 9-7, Tied 3rd NFC Central

Key additions: G Matt Joyce, CB Todd Lyght, TE Pete Mitchell, G Brenden Stai.

Key losses: CB Kevin Abrams, C Mike Compton, G Jeff Hartings, TE Walter Rasby.

Top picks: T Jeff Backus (1st rd) C Dominic Raiola (2nd rd) DT Shaun Rogers (2nd rd)

Positives: Matt Millen brings that FOX attitude to the powder blue and grey. Millen is a winner and will not put up with bad attitude players. Marty Mornhinweg is the new head coach after leading the Niners offense last season. Millen has made his number one priority building an offensive line. Jeff Backus was the teams third straight first round pick from the "O" Line.

Negatives: Charlie Batch is still a question mark at QB. Batch has been injured all three of his NFL seasons and has gone down hill when he has played. This team is still trying to find a super star to fill the shoes of Barry Sanders.

Why the Lions will finish 3rd: It will take time for Detroit to adjust to the West Coast offense. James Stewart will have to carry the load at running back again. Can Batch step up and be an impact player? If not Millen will look to the NFL Draft to find one.

4.)Green Bay Packers

Coach: Mike Sherman (2nd year, 9-7)

Last Season: 9-7, Tied 3rd NFC Central

Key additions: TE Bobby Collins, TE Troy Drayton, QB Doug Pederson.

Key losses: QB Matt Hasselbeck, T Ross Verba, LB Brian Williams.

Top draft picks: DE Jamal Reynolds (1st rd) WR Robert Ferguson (2nd rd)

Positives: Brett Favre is a future hall of famer at QB. Farve has started 141 straight games. Add to that 21 of 22 starters return from last years 9-7 team. Green Bay has depth at running back in Ahman Green and Dorsey Levins.

Negatives: Age is going to be a problem again. The Packers have tried to mix in younger players over the last few years. The core of the team is Favre, Freeman and Levins all are older players in NFL Years.

Why the Packers will finish 4th: With a big finish a year ago the Pack surprised many. This year they will take a step back. As good as Favre is he has had a serious problem of turning the ball over. Up front the Defensive line is one of the poorest in the league.

5.)Chicago Bears

Coach: Dick Jauron (3rd year, 11-21)

Last Season: 5-11, 5th NFC Central

Key additions: P Brad Maynard, DT Keith Traylor, DT Ted Washington.

Key losses: WR Bobby Engram, RB Curtis Enis, DT Jim Flanigan, WR Eddie Kennison, G Todd Perry, DE Clyde Simmons, CB Thomas Smith, C Casey Wiegmann.

Top draft picks: WR David Terrell (1st rd) RB Anthony Thomas (2nd rd)

Positives: Brian Urlacher was an impact rookie at middle linebacker. The Bears also improved their front seven with the signing of defensive tackles Ted Washington and Keith Traylor. Chicago should be able to stop the run. David Terrell a rookie figures to be an impact WR. Fellow Michigan rookie Anthony Thomas figures to get time at RB. Cade McNown and his sorry ass attitude have moved on to Miami.

Negatives: Quarterback is a mess Shane Matthews is the starting quarterback heading into the season with Jim Miller close behind. Neither one is a solid NFL QB. Dick Jauron could go 14-and-2 and get to the NFC Championship game and still get fired. The odds are better of a 2-and-14 record of course.

Why the Bears will finish last: They have the least amount of talent of any team in the Division. No QB and a lame duck coach. The defense figures to be improved up front against the run. If Terrell and Thomas can make an impact Chicago can win 7 to 9 games. James Allen rushed for more than 1,000 yards last season, but may split time in the backfield with Skip Hicks. Second-round pick Anthony Thomas suffered a knee injury in the preseason.

NFC West

1.) St. Louis Rams

Coach: Mike Martz (2nd year, 10-6)

Last season: 10-6, NFC Wild Card, 2nd in NFC West

Key additions: CB Aeneas Williams, S Kim Herring, LB Mark Fields, DE Chidi Ahanotu

Key losses: DE Kevin Carter, QB Trent Green, S Todd Lyght, LB Mike Jones

Top draft picks: DT Damione Lewis (1st rd) S Adam Archuleta (1st rd) DT Ryan Pickett (1st rd) LB Tommy Polley (2nd rd)

Positives: The Rams posses the NFL's most prolific offense, a unit that racked up a team-record 540 points, the third highest in league history last season. They also broke the league record for most yards in a season with 7,075.

Kurt Warner and Marshall Faulk are both healthy after battling injuries during the 10-6 season a year ago. Faulk is coming off a season in which he broke Emmitt Smith's NFL record for touchdowns with 26. Faulk also joined Jim Brown as the only players in league history to finish with 2,000 yards in consecutive seasons.

Lovie Smith is the new defensive coordinator via Tampa Bay. Only three starters return from last year's team to run a D similar to the Bucs. The offense scored 540 points leading the league.

Negatives: This defense had more holes last year than a pair of used Britney Spears pants! As fun as the Rams are to watch they must be able to shut down teams at least late in the year. St. Louis allowed an amazing 32 touchdown passes last year. Also the Rams allowed 471 points, nearly double what they allowed the previous year.

The Rams on grass are not anywhere near as good a football team as they are on turf in a dome. Aeneas Williams a Pro Bowl future Hall of Fame cornerback comes from the Cardinals. Mike Martz must still prove himself as a solid head coach. Jamie Watson was picked up off waivers to back up Warner. The Rams better hope that Warner stays on the field.

Why the Rams will Finish First: This football team should still be in Los Angeles if it was not for that bitch Georgia. Can you tell I'm still a bitter LA Rams fan? That said they are the class of the NFC West. They should win 11 games.

2.) New Orleans Saints

Coach: Jim Haslett (2nd year, 10-6)

Last season: 10-6, NFC West Champion

Key additions: S Jay Bellamy, WR Albert Connell, K John Carney

Key losses: LB Mark Fields, CB Alex Molden, K Doug Brien

Top draft picks: RB Deuce McAllister (1st rd) LB Sedrick Hodge (3rd rd) DT Kenny Smith (3rd rd)

Positives: Jim Haslett proved to be a solid coach. No team in the National Football League played harder than this team. The Saints win games up front on the defensive and offensive line. New Orleans plays an aggressive defense that lead the NFL with an amazing 66 sacks. It should be noted that the "O" line was built when Mike Ditka was the coach in Louisiana. Pro Bowl defensive tackle La'Roi Glover led the NFL with 17 sacks, and was a candidate for Defensive Player of the Year.

Negatives: Aaron Brooks will start at QB and Jeff Blake will be the backup. These guys played over their heads a year ago. Brooks entered the starting lineup after an injury to Blake in November, and compiled an 85.7 passer rating while leading the team into the playoffs where they beat the Rams. New Orleans will not be able to catch anyone by surprise this season. Ricky Williams has all the ability to be a Pro Bowl running back. Problem is he can't stay healthy long enough to tap his talent.

Why the Saints will finish 2nd:By process of elimination? The Panthers, Falcons and 49ers are not good enough to beat out the Saints. If Brooks and Williams can prove me wrong, stay healthy and have monster years then this football team can go far in the playoffs.

3.) Carolina Panthers

Coach: George Seifert (3rd year, 15-17, 123-52 career)

Last season: 7-9, 3rd NFC West

Key additions: C Jeff Mitchell, OT Todd Steussie G Kevin Donnalley

Key losses: KR Michael Bates, QB Steve Beuerlein, LB Lee Woodall.

Top draft picks: LB Dan Morgan (1st rd) DT Kris Jenkins (2nd rd) WR Steve Smith (3rd rd) QB Chris Weinke (4th rd)

Positives: This is George Seifert's third year with the Panthers. He has only had one losing season in 10 years as an NFL Coach. Thanks to free agency Carolina who allowed a league-high 66 sacks have a new look offensive line of Todd Steussie (Vikings) guard Kevin Donnalley (Dolphins) and center Jeff Mitchell (Ravens). First-round pick Dan Morgan from Miami is expected to be an impact middle linebacker and should start from day one. Muhsin Muhammad is a solid receiver, averaging 99 catches the last two seasons.

Negatives: Youth! The Panthers are trying to rebuild with a solid core of young players. Quarterback looks to be a disaster unless Chris Weinke can play. I'm banking on Weinke being at least an average NFL QB. Last season, Steve Beuerlein threw for 3,730 yards and 19 touchdowns, but was not re-signed.Tim Biakabutuka and Richard Huntley need to take advantage of the new look offensive line. The Panthers front seven must step up after ranking 26th in the league against the run a year ago.

Why the Panthers will finish in 3rd place: Good coach and a veteran offensive line will help the Panthers finish better than expected. Shawn Gilbert needs to have a big year on the defensive line as well.

4.) San Francisco 49ers

Coach: Steve Mariucci (5th year, 37-31)

Last season: 6-10, 4th NFC West

Key additions: LB Derek Smith, DT Dana Stubblefield

Key losses: RB Charlie Garner, LB Winfred Tubbs, LB Ken Norton, WR Jerry Rice, K Wade Richey

Top draft picks: DE Andre Carter (1st rd) LB Jamie Winborn (2nd rd) RB Kevan Barlow (3rd rd)

Positives: Jeff Garcia was able to take that Niners west coast offense and cash in a ticket to the Pro Bowl. Garcia threw for a team-record 4,278 yard in his first full season as the starter. Terrell Owens is the best receiver this side of Randy Moss. Owens had 97 receptions for 1,451 yards and 13 touchdowns last season despite missing two games. The Defense started five rookies but did play well down the stretch. SF allowed just 16.5ppg in the last six games. The Niners have finished as the NFL's top rushing team in two of the last three seasons, so the O-line is solid.

Negatives: Who is going to run the football? Charlie Garner is now across the bay in Oakland. Garrison Hearst has not played since 1998 because of an ankle injury. Hearst is the starter with rookie Kevan Barlow the backup. The Defense did play well at the end of the season however they still don't have much experience and are lacking in size. Dana Stubblefield a huge bust with the Redskins returns to the Bay Area.

Why the 49ers will finish in 4th Place: If you can't run the football you can't win consistently. It's cliche but true. The Defense also has many holes along the front line. Jeff Garcia was a Pro Bowler a year ago can he do it again? This looks to me like a team that is still a year away.

5.) Atlanta Falcons

Coach: Dan Reeves (5th year, 32-35, 181-148-1 career)

Last season: 4-12, 5th NFC West

Key additions: WR Tony Martin, CB Darrien Gordon, RB Rodney Thomas

Key losses: K Morten Andersen, WR Tim Dwight

Top draft picks: QB Michael Vick (1st rd) TE Alge Crumpler (2nd rd)

Positives: Michael Vick the number one pick in the NFL Draft is the future. Jamal Anderson should be back to Pro Bowl form after a serious knee injury two years ago. The Defense has played well during the preseason but figures to be average at best. Keith Brooking is one name to remember he has Pro Bowl talent.

Negatives: Since the magical super bowl run of 1998 Atlanta has won 9 games and lost 23 games. This will be Dan Reeves last season as coach of the Falcons. Chris Chandler is 35 years old and will play until he gets hurt because of Reeves.

Why the Falcons will finish in 5th place: Too many chips have to fall right for this team to surprise. The defense is average. Chris Chandler is a mediocre QB although the team has played well with him under center. Since 1997, the Falcons are 25-15 with Chandler in the lineup and just 2-8 in games he has missed. Jamal Anderson still must prove he's back.

Big Ben's Playoff Picks

American Football Conference

AFC East- Colts

AFC Central- Ravens

AFC West- Broncos

AFC Wild Cards: Ravens, Ravens

National Football Conference Playoff Picks

East- Eagles

Central- Vikings

NFC West- Rams

Wild Cards: Saints, Buccaneers

SUPER BOWL XXXVI
January 27, 2002
Louisiana Superdome
New Orleans, Louisiana

NFC Champion: St. Louis Rams vs. AFC Champions: Denver Broncos

World Champion: Denver Broncos

Ben's NFL Preview Take: I Hope you enjoyed reading my 2001 NFL Preview. I'll be making my NFL picks against the spread every Friday. Seattle will surprise people in the AFC. Carolina will be better than expected in the NFC. I'm a big fan of George Seifort as a coach and feel the defense is better along with a solid offensive line and receivers. If Chris Weinke is any good then watch out! I wanted to pick the Giants to finish 3rd in the NFC East. Problem is that Arizona, Dallas and Washington are a joke.

The AFC West is the best division in football. The AFC Central is the worst, The Browns, Bengals and Steelers are all rebuilding and the Jaguars are on the way down. No wonder that Tennessee and Baltimore win so many regular season games.

Agree? or Disagree Send E mail to: BigBenOnFox

permalink

Tuesday, September 04, 2001

Coming Wednesday...

BenMaller.com's 2001 NFL Preview

All 31 Teams. In-depth analysts and opinions on the National Football League!

permalink