Firstly, let's be clear on exactly what "on the bubble" means. For a team to be "on the bubble," they must be a team that could go either way in the upcoming season. They might seriously contend or completely fall flat. These are the teams that frustrate guys like me, who make and post weekly win/loss predictions.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Who knows with this team? I could honestly see the Bucs making a deep playoff run and I could also see them 5-11! They are the poster team for "on the bubble" this season. Tampa Bay was one regular season win away from replacing the Packers in the playoffs as the second wild card team. Yet, the youthful core of this team scared almost every analyst out of taking them seriously. 2011 will be very interesting for the Bucs because, even a fast start like 2010, won't point one way or another. there is simply no harder team to predict this year than Tampa Bay.
Detroit Lions: I would be far from the first to notice that the Detroit Lions are stacked and
seem ready for a run at the big time just several years after their dismal 0-16 season. Two years of solid free agency moves and a ton of high draft picks can go a long way. That being said, we can't let ourselves forget how the Lions finished 6-10 in 2010. Whether they make it to the playoffs this year or not, they are certainly a team not to sleep on. If a few better teams fail to "get up" for their game versus the Lions, Detroit might find it's way into the tournament with a wild card berth... and then... who knows. Matthew Stafford will have to remain healthy if the Lions are going to let out any more than a meow this season.
seem ready for a run at the big time just several years after their dismal 0-16 season. Two years of solid free agency moves and a ton of high draft picks can go a long way. That being said, we can't let ourselves forget how the Lions finished 6-10 in 2010. Whether they make it to the playoffs this year or not, they are certainly a team not to sleep on. If a few better teams fail to "get up" for their game versus the Lions, Detroit might find it's way into the tournament with a wild card berth... and then... who knows. Matthew Stafford will have to remain healthy if the Lions are going to let out any more than a meow this season.
Chicago Bears: Like any of the last five years, the Bears are certainly to be counted as contenders. This team refuses to suck! There is no great reason to love Chicago's chances at a deep playoff run with an aging defense and the new kickoff rules limiting Hester's run back abilities. However, there head coach Lovie Smith simply knows how to rotate talent all year long. No matter where they play, they can win. I feel the Vikings will take their division this season due to s McNabb revival. If not, count on the bears making their play for the division as well.
Dallas Cowboys: The Cowboys will be Dr. Jekyl of Mr. Hyde this year. They will likely play with the make or break desperation they are expected to. Jerry Jones and the entire organization, not to mention the fan base, are sick and tired of this team refusing to live up to it's talent level and potential. I have to believe that Tony Romo will be throwing the ball all year from fingers with badly gnawed nails. The rest of the team will probably be looking to get out if they can't put it together this year. That is, whoever Jerry Jones doesn't fire. I see bad things for Dallas but am not ready to write them off. One thing I will say is that they will be hungry and, therefore, dangerous.
Baltimore Ravens: What year are these guys not in the 
running? They are always a title contender and, if Joe Flacco can become the quarterback he is expected to be, look out! They have the defense to hurt you and the receiving threats to rival the best tandems in the league. DO NOT sleep on this team. If Pittsburgh wasn't so consistently great, they would be my pick by far in the AFC North, and probably everybody else on the planet's as well.
running? They are always a title contender and, if Joe Flacco can become the quarterback he is expected to be, look out! They have the defense to hurt you and the receiving threats to rival the best tandems in the league. DO NOT sleep on this team. If Pittsburgh wasn't so consistently great, they would be my pick by far in the AFC North, and probably everybody else on the planet's as well.
No comments:
Post a Comment