BenMaller.com - Ben's Takes

Ben Maller's NFL Preview 2003

AFC East

1.)

Dolphins: Miami has the most talent in the AFC. Don't hold your breath for this team to win a game in December. They better or Dave Wandstedt is gone like wind.

2.)

Bills: Bill Belichick must have bet on Buffalo to make the playoffs. Why else would he give the Bills a pro bowl safety in Lawyer Malloy the week before the regular season? The Bill have balance on offense and a better defense so watch out!

3.)

Patriots: This team will implode early in the season. Expect a slow start. Here's the question: Will they be able to bounce back after losing their captain because their coach is an idiot? Answer: Hell no they are the Patsies

4.)

Jets: Vinny Testeverde couldn't lead a dog to water so how is he going to lead gang green to the playoffs?? The Jets should just get ready for the NFL draft. As the cheer goes J-E-T-S Suck Suck Suck!!!

AFC North

1.)

Steelers: Troy Polamalu will help the defense a ton as a rookie. This is not a great team but the division is garbage.

2.)

Ravens: The defense will be better and they should be fun to watch with Kyle Boller. Brian Billick is one of the top coaches in the NFL. Look for Terrell Suggs to tear up the NFL as a sack master.

3.)

Browns: Butch Davis decided you don't need linebackers to win in the NFL so he let all of his go in the offseason. This defense will be in the gutter all year and they can't run the ball. Good luck!

4.)

Bengals: I got suckered with the Bengals last year. It won't happen again for me. Marvin Lewis seems like a good coach but he has no idea what he's in for. These are the Clippers of the NFL. At least Matt O'Dwyer is fun to watch play.

AFC South

1.)

Titans: This team can run and pass and should be better on defense. I wonder if they are good enough to win the Super Bowl. They should if healthy have a chance to go all the way. Steve McNair is getting better with age.

2.)

Jaguars: They'll be able to score points with Mark Brunell and Fred Taylor and figure to be much better on defense thanks to Mike Peterson and Hugh Douglas. They won't make the playoffs but they'll have a good year.

3.)

Colts: Peyton Manning has great stats at the end of the year but he gets picked off to much for my tastes. Can they ever find another receiver to go with Marvin Harrison? They also didn't get better on defense. Look for a step back.

4.)

Texans: James Allen the teams RB decided he wanted to retire to rap during training camp. That says alot about the future of this team. At least David Carr shouldn't spend as much time on his ass this season.

AFC West

1.)

Chiefs: Welcome to the Super Bowl. Priest Holmes is healthy to team with Trent Green on offense. They added Vonnie Holliday and Shawn Barber to the defense. Dick Vermeil can cry again at the Super Bowl.

2.)

Raiders: Age will finally catch up to the old farts. Look for Rich Gannon to have a Super Bowl interception hang over. They are a solid team but should break down in the second half.

3.)

Chargers: David Boston is a stud at WR but they are still missing something. Could it be HEART? How else does a team crumble year after year in the second half. They are the Dolphins of the west coast.

4.)

Broncos: You sign a stiff like Jake Plummer and you should finish is the sewer. You don't sign guys like Plummer you release them! Mike Shannahan is a .500 coach without John Elway and trust me Plummer is no Elway!

NFC East

1.)

Eagles: This seems like a solid pick but if Donovan McNabb gets hurt like last year I can't imagine them not missing a beat again. They keep losing good defense players to free agency and this might be the year it catches up to them.

2.)

Redskins: The old ball coach Steve Spurrier will have the Skins back in the playoffs. The Benedict Arnolds that used to play for the Jets will lead the way. Patrick Ramsey should be much much better this year. The defensive line scares me but they have enough playmakers on defense to overcome that.

3.)

Giants: When a Jim Fassel coached team is supposed to stink they are good and when they are expected to win big they don't. Expect Kerry Collins who I've never been a fan of to have a poor season. They have 20-of-22 starters back but that won't help in the end.

4.)

Cowboys: I wonder if Bill Parcells is stealing money from Jerry Jones. That might explain why Quincy Carter is the starting quarterback. Unless he made a deal with the devil Carter is a garbage NFL QB.

NFC North

1.)

Packers: Brett Favre keeps talking about retirement but until he does look for the Pack to contend for the NFC title. Favre should keep playing as bad as this division is he could win 10 games a year at least till he's 40.

2.)

Lions: Steve Mariucci will have the Lions in the playoffs NEXT season. The NFL will be stunned at how much better this football team is. Charles Rogers will make the biggest impact of any rookie. Look for an 8-8 record and the start of something big for Honolulu Blue.

3.)

Vikings: This team has two players you would pay to watch Daunte Culpepper and Randy Moss and a bunch of trash. They are the classic 7-9 team going no place fast. Red McCombs the owner wants the team in LA and he is not really hiding that fact well.

4.)

Bears: Much like the Broncos pick its the Kordell factor. You don't sign guys like Kordell and expect to win big. The scary thing is Stewart had good players around him in the Burgh and failed. What will happen with average players near him in Chicago?

NFC South

1.)

Panthers: Say hello to the surprise team of the 2003 NFL season. Carolina will be able to run the ball and they play defense. Infact they have the best defense this side of Tampa with Julius Peppers, Dan Morgan, Kris Jenkins and Mike Ruker. Add to that a pro bowl running back in Stephen Davis and you have a team that will shock the league and beat out the Bucs for the NFC South title.

2.)

Buccaneers: No one has been able to repeat since John Elway and a very good Broncos team. This Bucs team was lucky to win last season and they sure as hell won't win this season. Look for Brad Johnson to take a step back and they still don't have a running game. They also lost depth on defense.

3.)

Saints: This team is a mess. They should have gone 14-2 last season instead they lost to the Bengals and Panthers at the end of the year to miss the playoffs. Jim Hasslet better win this year or he'll be working at McDonalds.

4.)

Falcons: This is one of the most overrated teams in the NFL. Video game boy Mike Vick is hurt and they really don't have many other big time stars to hold things together. Even with Vick they won't make the playoffs.

NFC West

1.)

Rams: Marshall Faulk and Kurt Warner are healthy. Look for the Rams to return to glory as NFL films likes to say. Mike Martz is still a dope as head coach but the talent on offense will overcome that. The defense has some holes but they'll be good enough.

2.)

Seahawks: Does Matt Hasselbeck suck or not? We will find out this season in Seattle. Mike Holmgren will be lucky to get a gig cleaning Brett Favre's shoes if things don't work out this season. They need the playoffs or else. Sorry no playoffs!

3.)

Cardinals: Is their any difference between losing as a Cowboy and losing as a Cardinal? Someone should ask Emmitt Smith after the season. The Cards will surprise and finish ahead of the 49ers but that doesn't mean they're any good.

4.)

49ers: The guy that should be coaching this team is with the Lions and the guy the Niners wanted Pete Carroll is at USC. So they are stuck with Dennis Erickson. When Jeff Garcia gets hurt this team will fly into football hell.

Ben's Wild Card Picks

NFC: Redskins, Buccaneers

AFC: Bills, Raiders

Super Bowl: Chiefs vs. Redskins

Super Bowl Champs: Kansas City Chiefs

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Big Ben's 2003 College Football Picks

Heisman Trophy:

1.) Kevin Jones RB, Virginia Tech
2.) Frank Gore RB, Miami
3.) Cody Pickett QB, Washington

Sugar Bowl "National Championship Game"

Oklahoma vs. Virginia Tech: Sooners win 31-10

Pac 10

1.) USC: The Trojans defense will lead the way. DE Kenechi Udeze, DT Shaun Cody and LB Matt Grootegoed are all big time stud college players. They'll fail if new QB Matt Leinart is unable to get the ball in WR Mike Williams hands. Pete Carroll turned down the 49ers job to stay at USC that tells me he thinks they can win big again.

2.) Washington: Cody Pickett to Reggie Williams is the best combo in the country. The defense is tissue soft but remember nobody plays much defense in the Pac-10

3.) Oregon: This team had a UCLA like fold losing 7-of-8 to finish the year. I'm a believer in Mike Bellotti as a big time coach. The Ducks will bounce back behind an improved defense led by LB Kevin Mitchell.

4.) Oregon State: Mike Riley is back and he has Dennis Erickson's players. This club could contend for a BCS bowl they have that much talent. RB Steven Jackson is fun to watch and he's the star of Corvallis.

5.) Arizona State: This team was crushed against good competition in USC, Washington State and Cal last season. The Sun Devils lost Terrell Suggs and shaun McDonald to the NFL... I like Andrew Walter but this team has to many questions.

6.) UCLA: I've seen too many Bruin teams fade away last in seasons. New coach Karl Dorrell does not create alot of excitment for me. I'll wait and see if he was a good hire. Tyler Ebell is a stud running back but they have no clear cut QB between Matt Moore and Drew Olson... I smell trouble.

7.) Washington State: Jason Gesser is now in the NFL and Mike Price is suing Alabama. Rebuilding year for the Cougs

8.) California: The Golden Bears don't have much talent left from last seasons good team. I like Jeff Tedford and think he'll get the most of this club. They were able to move the ball against Kansas State and thats a good sign.

9.) Stanford: Can Ty Willingham come back? The Buddy Teevens era stunk up the Pac-10... They had injuries yes but the Teevens offense looks like it has no chance to work in the conference. That said WR Luke Powell is as good a WR as you'll see.

10.) Arizona: Coach John MaKovic will be working at ESPN or FOX this time next season. The Wildcats took an offensive lineman Brandon Phillips to Pac-10 Media Day... not a good sign.

Big 10

1.) Ohio State: Even without Maurice Clarett for part of the season the Buckeyes have a senior offensive line and will be able to run the ball. Lydell Ross and Maurice Hall are not chopped liver in the backfield. Craig Krenzel showed he can make the big play last season. The defense is the bread and butter with CB Chris Gamble, DT Will Smith and DT Tim Anderson. Jim Tressel is already the best coach in the conference.

2.) Michigan: The Wolverines are loaded on defense led by Marlin Jackson but I have a feeling that John Navarre will mess things up. Chris Perry will be the best running back in the conference. Look for Michigan to lose at Iowa or Minnesota in the middle of the year.

3.) Wisconsin: Give Anthony Davis the damn ball and get out of the way. Davis will carry the load most of the season. If WR Lee Evans is back he could steal the thunder also. I'm not sold on the defense and QB Jim Sorgi

4.) Purdue: They lost alot of close games last year and expect that to change this season. WR John Stadeford is a stud but they don't have alot of big time difference makers on this football team. Joe Tiller is a solid coach never count out his club.

5.) Minnesota: The Gophers are the Kansas State of the Big 10. They play Tulsa, Troy State, Ohio and UL Lafayette non conference after playing SW Texas St. and Buffalo among others last season. RB Marion Barber is a special player and will have a huge year playing cupcakes...

6.) Iowa: With Brad Banks gone and according to the reports their best offensive player is tackle Robert Gallery. This is not a good sign! Look for RB Fred russell to have a huge year on offense... The Hawkeyes are going to have to win alot of low scoring games with a good defense.

7.) Penn State: Larry Johnson, Jimmy Kennedy, Bryant Johnson and Michael Haynes are all in the NFL. Good luck Joe Paterno! Its going to be the Zack Mills air attack. The Lions could start a fifth year senior in Ricky Upton at RB thats not a good sign. As for the defense they have no star players left.

8.) Illinois: The Illini lost the whole receiving corps from last season. Thats going to make QB Jon Beutjer's job easy. They'll most likely have a running back by committe with Morris Virgil getting alot of the work. The defense is supposed to be weak in the secondary.

9.) Michigan State: Where there is Smoker their is trouble? Jeff Smoker returns from rehab to start for the Spartans. I'm still trying to figure out why Michigan State chose John L. Smith as coach. When they fire him in 2 years they'll tell everyone.

10.) Indiana: The defense is small and will hold the Hoosiers back. That said former Notre Dame QB Matt LoVecchio has lots of options at WR with Courtney Roby and Glenn Johnson both highly thought of players. I'm a fan of coach Gerry DiNardo's personality but this team has no depth and little chance.

11.) Northwestern: The clouds from the death of Rashidi Wheeler continue to hang over this program. If they are as bad as they look on paper then expect coach Randy Walker to take a walk at the end of the season.

Big East

1.) Virginia Tech: The Hokies are loaded this season and if they can avoid a midseason meltdown they will take the Big East from Miami. Kevin Jones will run his way to the Heisman while both Bryan Randall and Marcus Vick are good enough to start at QB. The defense is stacked with speed led by CB DeAngelo Hall a future NFL star and DE Nathaniel Abibi... NFL scouting books say they have as many as 15 NFL prospects on this 2003 roster.

2.) Miami: The Canes' have even more talent then V-Tech but the question is can Broke Berlin step in for Ken Dorsey? I'm not sold on Berlin yet and think his interceptions will cost Miami one game and that will do them in. I'm already sick of Kellen Winslow after he struck the Heisman pose against La. "Bleeping" Tech!

3.) Pittsburgh: QB Rod Rutherford is a stud and he will play catch with WR Larry Fitzgerald all season. On defense DE Claude Harriott is the star leading the way for Pitt. They'll have to find one more playmaker on offense then they could end up winning the Big East.

4.) Boston College: The Eagles have played like garbage against Virginia Tech and Miami the last couple of years and now must replace QB Brian St. Pierre. Its clear that this will be a running club lead by Derrick Knight who's their only star player. This looks like a .500 football team.

5.) West Virginia: Stud RB Quincy Wilson will carry the load if the offensive line is any good. QB Rasheed Marshall looks good when he runs but not when he throws. Thats not a good sign for a quarterback! The defense has some new parts by LB Grant Wiley is supposed to be the real deal.

6.) Syracuse: The defense allowed almost 34 ppg last season... Thats Pac-10 like! RB Walter Reyes averaged 6.2 yards-per-carry he's fun to watch... The rest of the team stinks

7.) Temple: Instead of watching the Owls just watch some of Bill Cosby's old work. If Temple wins four games again they should have a party.

8.) Rutgers: Greg Schiano seems like a good guy as coach but he has to try to get kids to come to the arm pit of college football. They have some guys that have NFL skills in CB Nate Jones and WR Shawn Tucker but they lack size to compete in the Big East as a team.
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