JC's 2008 NFL Preview

Welcome to the 9th or 10th or 8th or 7th annual JC NFL Preview post. What started out as me being a fat nerd with too much times on his hands, evolved into me being a fat nerd with no time on his hands, but still feels compelled to do this every year. You see, to you new people out there, NFL fans on www.soundcircuit.com count on my preview. Not because they give a fuck at what I have to say, or what my opinions are. No, they would like to use this very post as a scapegoat for their shitty teams underachieving and under performing.

No, it's not cause Tony Romo has a vagina and routinely curls up in a fetal position when the playoffs roll around that the Cowboys can't win a playoff game. It's because JC picked them to go 13-3 and win the Super Bowl! No, the Giants didn't hobble through the regular season, then magically turned it on and made an improbable run to history simply because I picked them to have a mediocre year, my ass shots giving friend. They surprised us all, mostly to those of you who gave up on your lifelong team to become a 2 1/2 month Patriot fan.

People need a scapegoat and a make believe "curse" to describe why their teams don't do what they should. It's a tradition as old as sports itself. They fail to realize that unlike any other sport, it is nearly impossible to predict NFL seasons. Injuries run so rampant, that they can alter the course of an NFL team's fortunes. No, it's a "curse." So it's my duty to continue.

Now off to the races.

SUPER BOWL 43






The Jaguars have been on the cusp of greatness for years. But shaky play at QB and WR have held them back. Last year, David Garrard was handed the QB spot and Byron Leftwich cut in a surprise move. The move couldn't have worked out any better as Garrard had a great year managing the offense and keeping it out of trouble. With the addition of Joey Porter and the maturation of Marcedes Lewis, Garrard could throw more often, which will open up holes for Fred Taylor, who finally played in the Pro Bowl, and MJD to continue to run wild on defenses. Pass rushers were added in the draft to further help an elite defense. They will be the last team standing in an amazingly deep AFC conference that features other powerhouses like the Patriots, Colts, Chargers and Steelers.

In the NFC, however, only one such powerhouse exists. It's the same one that ran through a 13-3 mark before stumbling in the playoffs for a second year in a row. But there's no way I can logically pick any other team besides the Cowboys to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl. QB with 30+ touchdown passes? Check. A hall of fame wide reciever? Check. A two headed monster at running back? Check. A veteran offensive line? Check. A 3-4 defense with the personell to run it effectively? Check. An improved, deeper secondary? Check. Brilliant coaching? Uhhhh. But honestly, the only thing keeping Dallas from getting to the Super Bowl is themselves.

In conclusion, Dallas will beat the Jaguars 20-17 in Super Bowl 43. And if Dallas once again chokes against an inferior team (Seattle maybe?) it will be all my fault.

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Predictions

Disclaimer: These records are not particularly rankings on how good I think teams are. I picked a winner and loser for every game in the NFL, and these are the records that resulted. Keep that in mind, like real life, schedule difficulty plays a big part.

AFC East

1. New England Patriots (14-2)
2. New York Jets (7-9)
3. Buffalo Bills (6-10)
4. Miami Dolphins (3-13)

Patriots still own this division rather easily, and will sweep all the teams to help them acquire the #1 seed in the AFC again. The Bills and Jets both have the talent to reach 10 wins, but problems at the QB positions on both teams could keep them a shade below .500. Miami is finally doing the right thing and flat out rebuilding but a couple more painful years await while they acquire talent.

AFC North

1. Pittsburgh Steelers (11-5)
2. Cleveland Browns (9-7)
3. Baltimore Ravens (7-9)
4. Cincinnati Bengals (5-11)

Any of the four teams could win this division with 9-11 wins, but I see it shaking out like this. The Steelers have just enough to fight off the Browns, who are quickly emerging as an offensive force. I don't believe in Derek Anderson though. The Ravens need to cut ties with alot of defensive veterans and rebuild, and will next year. The Bengals could use some of those veterans, as the defense is a mess, along with the crumbling running game, forcing the Bengals to throw early and often.

AFC South

1. Jacksonville Jaguars (13-3)
2. Indianapolis Colts (12-4)
3. Houston Texans (6-10)
4. Tennessee Titans (6-10)

Turning to David Garrard was the best decision Jack Del Rio will ever make, he was excellent at managing the game and will provide more production this year, with the addition of Jerry Porter. That along with the running game and attacking defense means they could finally steal the division crown from the Colts. Indy won't give it up easy though, as long as Peyton, Reggie and Joseph are on offense. The team is more vulnerable then years past though with Marvin Harrison falling apart. Houston and Tennessee both really overachieved in my opinion and will fall back down to earth this year. They both have too many holes to compete. But of course, Jeff Fisher will somehow get 8-10 wins out of these bums though.

AFC West

1. San Diego Chargers (13-3)
2. Oakland Raiders (6-10)
3. Kansas City Chiefs (5-11)
4. Denver Broncos (5-11)

How things have changed the past few years. Now it's the Chargers who are beating up on all the other teams in the West. Besides Miami, the Raiders, Chiefs and Broncos may be the three worst teams in the AFC. Denver at 5-11 huh? Yeah, I'm a Mike Shanahan hater and think his ego has finally got the worst of him. Selvin Young will not hold up at running back, his cheating offensive blocking scheme isn't what it used to be and Brandon Marshall could be suspended. Add that to a defense that lacks talent, and they're looking up at the rest of the division.

NFC East

1. Dallas Cowboys (13-3)
2. New York Giants (11-5)
3. Philadelphia Eagles (9-7)
4. Washington Redskins (7-9)

The Cowboys have it all. A strong running game, amazing passing game, a defense that has the personell to perfectly operate the 3-4 defense and loads of depth in the secondary. What they need to do is show up playoff time. Anything less then a Super Bowl trip this year will be an utter failure, as they are so much better then any other team in the NFC, it's really no contest. The Giants shocked the world, and apparently didn't feel they had to add anything. Another long playoff run is expected. The Eagles and Redskins bring up the rear, but both could win 10 games and make it another year where the East gets 3 playoff spots.

NFC North

1. Minnesota Vikings (10-6)
2. Green Bay Packers (9-7)
3. Chicago Bears (6-10)
4. Detroit Lions (3-13)

The Vikings have it all, almost. They have a devastating running game and offensive line. They have an attacking defense with a stout line, and added pass rushing talent. What they lack is a QB to at least manage the game, if Tarvaris Jackson shows he can be competent they could get a first round bye. I don't think he is though. The Packers won't go away, no matter who's at QB. Is Ryan Grant the real deal? These two long time rivals will battle it out for the division. I like the Bears, but their offense is too much of a mess to compete. Last I read, their two starting WR's are Brandon Lloyd and Devin Hester. Nuff said. At least they won't be in last place, as the Lions will pick up that familiar spot. With a mess of a roster, you think they would have a little more depth right now with all their high draft picks, but they have pretty much nothing. On the bright side, two of my favorite college guys, Kevin Smith and Jordon Dizon, have starting spots.

NFC South

1. New Orleans Saints (11-5)
2. Carolina Panthers (10-6)
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-11)
4. Atlanta Falcons (3-13)

The Panthers did a great job of adding alot of depth, to protect against injuries devastating their season like last year. Jake Delhomme was off to an excellent start before he got hurt. The Saints rebuilt as well, adding Jeremy Shockey to an already potent defense and trying to build up that defense, if they are at least adequate they should return to the playoffs. The Buccaneers used an easy schedule last year to steal an awful division, but they'll fall back down to earth this year. They are just a bad team. Not as bad as the Falcons though, who will have to suffer through a couple more horrible years before they can turn the page.

NFC West

1. Seattle Seahawks (12-4)
2. St. Louis Rams (9-7)
3. Arizona Cardinals (5-11)
4. San Francisco 49ers (4-12)

The Seahawks have owned this division the last 6 years or so, and the dominance will continue. In fact, I think this is a sleeper team to win it all. They have their most complete and talented team since their Super Bowl year, and will want to send Mike Holmgren off in style. I foolishly picked the Rams to have a huge year last year, but I think they are way better then their record last year showed. I don't know if it's because Linehan is a bad coach, or their offensive line and other positions were destroyed by injuries, but they are too talented to be a 4-7 win team. The Cardinals finally broke through and didn't have a losing season, but all that got them was a harder schedule. Matt Leinart is still a long ways away, and the defense still lacks pieces for the 3-4. The Niners are also a mess. Mike Martz was brought in to further destroy Alex Smith's progress, which was halted last year. He's regressed badly and looks like a big time bust.

Playoff Predictions

AFC

1. New England Patriots
2. Jacksonville Jaguars
3. San Diego Chargers
4. Indianapolis Colts
5. Pittsburgh Steelers
6. Cleveland Browns

Wild Card

San Diego over Cleveland
Indianapolis over Pittsburgh

Divisional

Jacksonville over San Diego
New England over Indianapolis

AFC Championship

Jacksonville over New England

NFC

1. Dallas Cowboys
2. Seattle Seahawks
3. New Orleans Saints
4. Minnesota Vikings
5. New York Giants
6. Carolina Panthers

Wild Card

Carolina over New Orleans
New York over Minnesota

Divisional

Dallas over Carolina
New York over Seattle

NFC Championship

Dallas over New York

Super Bowl 43

Jacksonville Jaguars - 17
Dallas Cowboys - 20

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JC's 2009 NFL Mock Draft v. 1.0

1. Detroit Lions - QB Matthew Stafford, Georgia. The Lions quest for a franchise QB has been going on for decades, here's their latest effort. Thankfully Stafford is more Carson Palmer then Joey Harrington.

2. Miami Dolphins - WR Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech. Bill Parcells will want to continue building from the trenches out, but I hope they don't pass on the opportunity to add talent to the skill positions.

3. Atlanta Falcons - OT Michael Oher, Ole Miss. Sam Baker was a reach, and at the best he'll be an adequate right tackle. Someone on the left side is still needed.

4. San Francisco 49ers - CB Vontae Davis, Illinois. The Niners need help everywhere, and bring in Vernon's little brother.

5. Denver Broncos - RB LeSean McCoy, Pittsburgh. Mike Shanahan's shenanigans need to come to an end. Selvin Young? Really? Draft a real running back for once and stick with him you rat faced bastard.

6. Arizona Cardinals - DE/OLB George Selvie, South Florida. The Cardinals need pieces for a 3-4 defense, so they go with the best defensive player not many people have heard of. An undersized end, he'll excel as a pass rushing linebacker.

7. Cincinnati Bengals - DT Fili Moala, USC. The Bengals struck out on landing Shaun Rogers and Kris Jenkins. They desperately need someone to anchor the middle on defense.

8. Kansas City Chiefs - OT Andre Smith, Alabama. The Chiefs drafted Brandan Albert, but need more help on the line.

9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - QB Tim Tebow, Florida. Can Tim Tebow play quarterback at an NFL level? The answer will be no if Jon Gruden, quarterback killer, gets a hold of him.

10. Buffalo Bills - CB Malcolm Jenkins, Ohio St. The Bills used a first round pick on cornerback last year, but Jenkins, a possible top 5 pick, is too good to pass up on here.

11. Chicago Bears - WR Percy Harvin, Florida. Will Harvin excel, or be the next Florida WR to flame out in the NFL? Even if he does, he's better then Brandon Lloyd.

12. Oakland Raiders - OT Eugene Monroe, Virginia. Kwame Brown is not the answer, that's for sure.

13. Tennessee Titans - DT Sen'Derrick Marks, Auburn. Albert Haynesworth may be the best tackle in the NFL, but the Titans could really use someone to pair up next to him.

14. Houston Texans - RB Chris Wells, Ohio St. Houston has turned to the washed up likes of Ron Dayne, Chris Brown and Ahman Green. Time to get that tough runner that you can rely on.

15. Baltimore Ravens - MLB Ray Maualuga, USC. Ray Lewis is nearing the end of his career, time to look at his replacement.

16. New York Jets - DE Tyson Jackson, LSU. The Jets lack defensive ends suitable for the 3-4, Jackson is a 6'5, 300 pounder with speed and quickness.

17. Washington Redskins - FS Taylor Mays, USC. LaRon Landry was forced to move over to the free safety spot after the death of Sean Taylor, this will allow him to move back to the strong spot, where he was great.

18. Green Bay Packers - DE Michael Johnson, Georgia Tech. Packers have no real needs, but could use a situational pass rusher to groom behind KGB.

19. St. Louis Rams - OT Alex Boone, Ohio St. Orlando Pace is nearing the end of his career, and even if he has one or two good years left, depth is essential after their season was ruined last year.

20. Philadelphia Eagles - MLB James Laurinaitis, Ohio St. Ohhhhhhhhhhhh what a rush!

21. Cleveland Browns - CB Victor Harris, Virginia Tech. Cornerback is the only spot on the Browns that looks like a definite weakness.

22. Minnesota Vikings - CB Mike Mickens, Cincinnati. No quarterback available here will be of much help to a team that wants to win now, so they go with the nickle back.

23. Philadelphia Eagles (from Carolina Panthers) - WR Darrius Heyward-Bey, Maryland. The Eagles could use a big, strong possession reciever to go with their small speed guys.

24. New Orleans Saints - OLB Brian Cushing, USC. Jonathan Vilma was a start, but the Saints could use more talent at linebacker.

25. Pittsburgh Steelers - OG Duke Robinson, Oklahoma. Pittsburgh's offensive line underachieved last year, and the loss of Alan Feneca hurts even more.

26. New York Giants - DE Greg Middleton, Indiana. The Giants were unbeatable in the post season with a relentless pass rushing attack. With Strahan gone, Tuck becomes a starter so they draft the third rusher to replace him.

27. Seattle Seahawks - WR Jeremy Maclin, Missouri. Bobby Engram can't keep going strong forever.

28. Indianapolis Colts - DT George Hypolite, Colorado. Quinn Pitcock's sudden retirement, coupled with the fact that the Colts really don't have any good defensive tackles, means they take Hypolite here. But really, I wanted to put a Colorado Buffalo in the first round.

29. San Diego Chargers - S William Moore, Missouri. The Chargers are stacked everywhere, so they can really just take the best player available.

30. New England Patriots - TE Travis Beckum, Wisconsin. The Patriots love toys on offense, so they draft Beckum, who is an elite talent but slips because he's a WR/TE tweener.

31. Jacksonville Jaguars - OG Herman Johnson, LSU. The Jaguars bring in a mammoth guard to further improve their running game.

32. Dallas Cowboys - OT Phil Loadholt, Oklahoma. The Cowboys have everything, so they opt for depth along the offensive line.

Jonathan Carrano

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