It’s hard being a football fan in late June. With OTA’s and mini-camps wrapping up, and NFL training camps over a month away, these days are pretty quiet. Yes, new stories emerge everyday from beat writers around the country, but the general consensus seems to be that this is a dull time. With that being said, there are always new storylines unfolding in the NFL. With the new season on the horizon, let’s take a very brief look at each of the league’s 32 teams and their situations heading into this important time.
Yesterday I looked at the AFC, today i do the NFC.
NFC North:
Chicago Bears: The Bears are looking good these days. This is the best Bears offense that I can remember and if the defense can improve at all from last year (which is highly likely) this team could take the NFC North Title away from the Pack.
Detroit Lions: Big year for this team. It’s playoffs or bust this year, and a team with this much talent always comes with lofty expectations. The Ndamukong Suh contact situation is a lingering issue, but the focus needs to be on football. This team is much, much closer than people realize.
Green Bay Packers: The Packers seem to find a way to win this division every year. When Aaron Rodgers is on the filed, the Pack can beat anybody, but the key in Title Town is an improved defense. If Dom Capers’ squad can get back on track in 2014, then this club could very easily be and NFC favorite again.
Minnesota Vikings: The Vikings are an interesting team to watch this year. Drafting Teddy Bridgewater was the right move for this team, and he figures to make starts very early in the season. This club tends to be up and down in the NFC North standings on a year to year basis, but they’ve assembled a quality coaching staff, and made some wise moves this year. The return to relevance is not far off by any means.
NFC South:
Atlanta Falcons: The Falcons had a rough go of it last year. Injuries really hurt this team, but it would be insane to expect the Falcons to remain at the bottom of the barrel this time around. Having Julio Jones and Roddy White back at 100% is crucial, and the Falcons managed to get bigger up front along both lines this off season. Expect a bounce-back for the Dirty Birds.
Carolina Panthers: A tough cap situation has hurt this club. After winning twelve games and taking the NFC South title last year, the Panthers had to watch a lot of key players leave town. The defense still figures to among the league’s elite, but the passing attack will feature rookies like Kelvin Benjamin and Marqise Lee, young players who will take time to get acclimated to the NFL level. It could be a rough year for Cam Newton, but he has proven his toughness before, and will likely do it again.
New Orleans Saints: A more balanced offense, plus and improved defense equals a re-invigorated franchise. The Jimmy Graham drama will sort itself out. Expect big things from this team.
Tampa Bay Bucs: A big step forward could be on the way from the Bucs. The division is tough, but this club had one of the best off seasons in the league. If Doug Martin can stay healthy, the offense could be quite impressive with Vincent Jackson and Mike Evans lining up outside.
NFC East:
Dallas Cowboys: The Sean Lee injury is big. Any time a struggling defense is without its best player, there could be trouble. It’s a big year for Jason Garrett and company, and if the team doesn’t produce, there could be big changes in “Big D”.
New York Giants: Last season was not kind to the G-Men, but they could be primed for a bounce-back. The NFC East is up for grabs, and new OC Ben McAdoo’s scheme will likely benefit Eli Manning greatly.
Philadelphia Eagles: The Eagles dynamic offense put the league on notice last year, and they look to continue that success into 2014. It won’t be easy with DeSean Jackson now in Washington, but this scheme has proven to be successful in spite of which players are on the field. Look for some production this year from rookie wideout Jordan Matthews.
Washington: Speaking of DeSean Jackson, his presence in the nation’s capital could be a huge thing for Robert Griffin III as he enters 2014 healthy. The hiring of head coach Jay Gruden and his offensive creativity will likely be a huge asset to RGIII’s development. This club should be an interesting one to watch in 2014.
NFC West:
Arizona Cardinals: This is a team that doesn’t get enough respect. They won ten games last year, but were overshadowed by the Seahawks and 49ers. The Cards are a club to be taken seriously entering 2014 and will likely sneak up on a lot of people. Don’t be surprised if they find a way into the postseason.
San Francisco 49ers: The 49ers are one of the league’s best teams. They are a Super Bowl contender every year, and could very easily find themselves hoisting the Lombardi trophy this year. They paid Colin Kaepernick this off season and now have to do the same with some other key pieces, but they are still set up quite nicely for 2014.
Seattle Seahawks: Not much to say here. They are the defending Super Bowl Champions and the have the talent to repeat for more than one season. Cap issues may rear their head in future seasons, but right now the ‘Hawks are comfortable in their position as top dogs.
St. Louis Rams: Another underrated team in a great division. The Rams have found themselves hovering around .500 for a little while now, but are much closer to breaking out than many realize. It’s a big year for Sam Bradford, as he has a lot to prove to this coaching staff and the fan base, but the Rams are on their way.
Thanks for reading, everyone.
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