AFC South Preview

1st Place, Indianapolis Colts

Offensive Players:
QB Peyton Manning
RB Joseph Addai
WR Reggie Wayne
WR Pierre Garcon
WR Austin Collie
TE Dallas Clark
C Jeff Saturday

Defensive Players:
DE Robert Mathis
DE Dwight Freeney
LB Gary Brackett
FS Antoine Bethea
SS Bob Sanders

The Colts can keep up with anyone on offense, and pair that high powered attack with a speedy, disruptive defense. With Mathis and Freeney putting pressure on opposing QB's, and Sanders and Bethea shadowing receivers, the Colts are one of the tougher teams to pass against. They can be run against though, which is the one area of weakness. There other question area is their own rushing attack as Addai hasn't rushed for 1,000 yards since 2007 and Donald Brown is coming off of a lackluster rookie campaign. I think their running game will be just fine though, as Addai looks healthy, and Brown looks hungry. Peyton Manning has so many weapons though (add a returning, healthy Anthony Gonzalez to the receiving mix), that even if they don't run the football at all, they'll still produce enough offense to beat most teams in this league.

2nd Place, Houston Texans

Offensive Players:
QB Matt Schaub
RB Arian Foster
WR Andre Johnson
TE Owen Daniels
LT Duane Brown

Defensive Players:
DE Mario Williams
LB Brian Cushing
LB DeMeco Ryans
SS Bernard Pollard
CB Glover Quin

The Texans have kept pretty much the same core in-tact over the last 3 seasons, and I think this year it's going to really start paying off. I like QB Matt Schaub and can see him having his first 30 TD season while he continues flirting with the 5,000 passing yard mark. Young running back Arian Foster is also set for a breakout season (I'm expecting 1,100 yards, 8 TD). I also like the top-3 targets Schaub throws to in Johnson, Daniels and Walter. They just need their defense to bring some more consistency to the plate, and I think that will happen this year. They have a stud pass-rusher in Mario Williams, and a young Brian Urlacher type in Brian Cushing (once he gets back from his 4 game suspension) and have some nice young players developing in their secondary.

3rd Place, Tennessee Titans

Offensive Players:
QB Vince Young
RB Chris Johnson
WR Kenny Britt
TE Bo Scaife
LT Michael Roos

Defensive Players:
DE Derrick Morgan (R)
DE Jacob Ford
LB Will Witherspoon
CB Cortland Finnegan
SS Chris Hope

The Titans hope Vince Young takes the quarterback reigns for good this year, and holds it for the next half decade at least, and I think he will. He finished off last year nicely, carrying the Titans to an 8-2 record after he took over in week 8. Now, most of that success was attributed to Chris Johnson's freakish year (16 TD, 2,000 yards, 5.6 YPC), but Young looked like a whole different QB as well, actually throwing more TD's than Int's for the first time in his career. Still though, questions surround the Titans' passing game, as Young has very limited options outside of WR #1 Kenny Britt. They also have some defensive questions to answer, like who's going to put pressure on the QB, and will they be able to stop the run?

4th Place, Jacksonville Jaguars

Offensive Players:
QB David Garrard
RB Maurice Jones-Drew
WR Mike Sims-Walker
WR Mike Thomas
LT Eugene Monroe

Defensive Players:
DE Aaron Kampman
DT Tyson Alualu (R)
LB Kirk Morrison
CB Derek Cox
CB Rashean Mathis

The Jaguars have a few nice pieces, I really like the hyphen bros' Jones-Drew and Sims-Walker, but I've never been sold on David Garrard as a starting QB, and I don't think the Jaguars are either. He's not horrible, but he just doesn't have a whole lot of upside. I wouldn't be surprised to see Jacksonville possibly look at the recently released Matt Lienhart for depth. Defensively, they don't have a whole lot either. I like rookie Alualu at DT, and their corners, but they're going to get run on like crazy, and don't have a pass rush to speak of.

(R) indicates rookie * indicates AFC Wild-Card team

AFC North Preview

First Place, Cincinnati Bengals

Offensive Players:
QB Carson Palmer
RB Cedric Benson
WR Chad Ochocinco
WR Terrell Owens
TE Jermaine Grisham (R)
LT Andre Whitworth

Defensive Players:
DE Robert Gathers
DE Antwan Odom
LB Ray Maualuga
LB Dhani Jones
CB Leon Hall
CB Jonathan Joseph
SS Roy Williams

In a stacked AFC North, in which even the lowly Cleveland Browns seem to be improving, I really like the Bengals. I know Ben Roethisberger will only be out 4 games now, and the Steelers will be rock solid when he gets back, but I really like what the Bengals have done on offense and with their defensive backfield. They have one of the best receiving tandems in the league, albeit two guys well into their 30's, and have the rejuvenated workhorse Cedric Benson (300 carries, 1200 yards, 6 TD) looking to build on last years breakout. They're going to be one of the toughest teams to pass against with corners' Jonathan Joseph, Leon Hall and nickelback Adam "Pacman" Jones blanketing opposing wideouts. If Carson Palmer can play the whole year like he did the first half of '09 (14 TD's/7 Ints, 1,832 yards and a 90 QB rating), and most importantly, stay healthy throughout the year, the Bengals should win 12 games. If Palmer goes down, so do their playoff hopes though as they have no experienced backup QB.

2nd Place, Pittsburgh Steelers*

Offensive Players:
QB Ben Roethlisberger (out until wk. 5)
RB Rashard Mendenhall
WR Hines Ward
WR Mike Wallace
TE Heath Miller
LT Max Starks
C Maurkice Pouncey (R)

Defensive Players:
NT Casey Hampton
LB LaMarr Woodley
LB James Farrior
LB James Harrison
CB Ike Taylor
SS Troy Polamalu

Everybody, including Sports Illustrated, likes the Steelers to win this division, but I think the loss of Roethlisberger for the first 4 games will be a bigger blow than expected. Not too mention, the Steelers lost one of his most reliable targets in Santonio Holmes this offseason. Their defense is once again rock-solid, and they have one of the best rushing attacks in the league, led by one of the nastiest O-lines in the league. If they can survive the first four weeks though (likely with Dennis Dixon doing the majority of the quarterbacking) and get to week 5 at 2-2 or 3-1, then they'll be just fine. No matter who wins this division, at least 2 teams, maybe 3 will make the playoffs, and the Steelers will most certainly be one of them.

3rd Place, Baltimore Ravens

Offensive Players:
QB Joe Flacco
RB Ray Rice
WR Anquan Boldin
WR Derrick Mayson
TE Todd Heap
LT Michael Oher

Defensive Players:
NT Kelly Gregg
DT Haloti Ngata
LB Ray Lewis
LB Terrell Suggs
FS Ed Reed
SS Dawan Landry

The Ravens improved their offense this offseason and solidified their passing game with the addition of all-pro wideout Anquan Boldin, but they failed to put their attention on their defense, which surprisingly, has become the weakness of the team. They shouldn't have any problem scoring points with their offense revolving around Flacco and Rice, two pro-bowlers who are still improving. They do, however, have one of the weakest secondarys in all the NFL, and are going to have some trouble providing a consistent pass-rush. That said, the Ravens are still a good enough team to make the playoffs and would actually be the favorites in some of the weaker divisions in the league. They just need their vets to carry that defense and hope that a few guys emerge in that young, unproven cornerback bunch.

4th Place, Cleveland Browns

Offense:
QB Jake Delhomme
RB Jerome Harrison
WR Mohamed Massaquoi
LT Joe Thomas

Defense:
NT Shaun Rogers
LB D'Quell Jackson
LB Scott Fujita
CB Eric Wright
CB Sheldon Brown

In a division where the top-3 teams are so closely matched, this is the one certainty in the AFC North. The Browns just don't have enough firepower to match up with most teams in the league, let alone three of the league's top-1o teams. Delhomme will be an improvement over Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson at QB, but not much, and isn't the answer for the future. I really like Jerome Harrison at running back, and Mohamed Massaquoi has shown some glimpses of greatness, but that's about all they got on offense. New GM Mike Holmgren is in just his first year with the Browns, so I expect vast improvements. The one area where they can build around is their defensive secondary, where they have one of the better CB duo's in the league.

* indicates AFC Wildcard Team
(R) indicates Rookies

NFL Previews: AFC East

Today we're starting our first ever NFL division-by-division preview here at The Bay Area Sports Journal! We'll be breaking down each division in the NFL, giving a small preview of each team, including key players, and predicting how each division will play out. We'll start in the AFC East and finish with the NFC West. So here we Go

1st Place, New England Patriots

Offensive Players:
QB Tom Brady
RB Laurence Maroney
RT Sebastian Vollmer
WR Randy Moss
WR Wes Welker
WR Julian Edelman
TE Aaron Hernandez

Defensive Players:
DT Vince Wilfork
LB Tully Banta-Cain
LB Jerod Mayo
SS Brandon Meriweather
CB Leigh Bodden

The Patriots have a nice mix of youth and effective veterans, and one of the best football minds out there to put the pieces together. I'm expecting big things out of Tom Brady in his second full year recovered from that ACL tear. With his same reliable vets in Welker and Moss, along with some rising youngsters like Edelman, Golden Tate and Aaron Hernandez, I think a 40 TD/4,500 yard season could be on tap for Brady. Their running game has enough guys who know how to run the ball that they should be fine, even if they don't have a clear-cut #1 workhorse. The question with the Pats lies on defense though. They have mostly a veteran heavy bunch with a decent secondary, but they're hoping to improve up front. They added run-stuffing Gerard Warren to the D-line in effort to due just that. The Pats definitely have some holes, and aren't the Patriots of 4-5 years back, but they aren't in an extremely tough division and should be the team to beat.

2ND PLACE, New York Jets*

Offensive Players:
QB Mark Sanchez
RB Shonn Greene
WR Braylon Edwards
WR Santonio Holmes
TE Dustin Keller
LT D'Brickashaw Ferguson

Defensive Players
DE Shaun Ellis
LB Davis Harris
LB Calvin Pace
CB Darrell Reevis (holdout)
CB Kyle Wilson (R)
LB Jason Taylor
CB Antonio Cromartie

Everybody likes the Jets for the AFC champs this year, but I'm not sold just yet. They could really be something if Mark Sanchez can take that huge step forward, but I think they're still a year away from being legit powerhouses. They have a mean defense, even if holdout Darrel Revis doesn't come back (but I think he will) and one of the best young running backs in the league. The only question mark with them is their passing game. Santonio Holmes was signed in effort to boolster the WR depth chart and should help out. I'm expecting a big second year out of tight end Dustin Keller as well. They have a solid O-line and a good coach. They really have all the makings, they're just waiting for Sanchez to develop.

3rd Place, Miami Dolphins

Offensive Players:
QB Chad Henne
RB Ronnie Brown
RB Ricky Williams
WR Brandon Marshall
WR Davone Bess
TE Anthony Fasano

Defensive Players:
DE Jared Odrick (R)
LB Channing Crowder
LB Karlos Dansby
CB Vontae Davis
SS Yeremiah Bell

Like the Jets, the Phins are an up and coming team who are really a year or 2 away from being really good. They have a bring young QB with a big arm in Chad Henne, and now have a premiere, true #1 wideout for him to throw to in Brandon Marshall. They have an effective two-headed monster at tailback with Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams sharing the rock. I also like how Tony Sporano has put together their defense, which I think is one of the more underrated D's in the NFL. Still though, they have a lot of gelling to do on the O-line, and they have really a whole new look compared to where they were at this time a year ago. The only constant is their running game. They're probably a .500 team right now, but like the Jets, could really be something in a year or 2.

4th Place, Buffalo Bills

Offense:

QB Trent Edwards
RB Fred Jackson
RB CJ Spiller
RB Marshawn Lynch
LT Demetrius Bell
WR Lee Evans

Defense:
NT Kyle Williams
LB Paul Pozlusky
LB Aaron Maybin (R)
CB Terrence McGee
FS Jarius Byrd

The Bills still have a ways to go before being relevant again. They're coming off of a 2 win season and I don't think Buffalo fans should be expecting much of an improvement. Trent Edwards is a solid back-up QB, but I think he's proven each year that he's over matched as a starter week in and week out. On top of it all, he'll also be throwing to a paper thin receiving group. The one area where the Bills are solid however, is at running back. They have 3 serviceable backs, and all three have the ability to be very good when they're on (and in shape in regards to Lynch).

* indicates AFC Wildcard Team
(R) indicates Rookies

Niners, Raiders Set for Final Tune Up

The Niners and Raiders each played respectively in their preseason game at Candlestick last weekend, as both of their first units saw their most extensive playing time of the preseason thus far. Now they prepare for their final tuneup of the preseason Thursday night as the Niners host the Chargers and the Raiders host the Seahawks.

I didn't have a chance to respond to last weekends Niners/Raiders game yet, and although I don't want to get into that too much, there are a few things I wanted discuss regarding that game (mostly on the Niners front). Not only did Alex Smith save his best outing for his final tuneup (9-15, 115 yards and 1 TD), he once again did it without his top-2 receiving threats in the lineup. Second-year wideout Michael Crabtree, and All-Pro tight-end Vernon Davis (who actually got into a verbal confrontation this week in practice) were each unavailable, but should make at least an appearance in Thursday night's finale. A couple of guys who did make their 2010 preseason debut were running backs Frank Gore and Brian Westbrook and each looked mighty impressive, albeit briefly. Gore ran 2 times for 58 yards, including a 49-yard scamper on his first carry of 2010 game action. Westbrook looked pretty darn good as well, breaking off a 17-yard run, but only had 2 carries himself, and didn't get any looks in the passing game. I can't wait until the opener to see exactly what Singletary and Jimmy Raye have in store for the Gore-Westbrook duo. I've heard rumblings of using them together in the backfield at times, and I think that would really give this offense a whole new dynamic.

The Raiders, who have had a surprisingly solid preseason, looked well themselves for much of this weekends game. Jason Campbell was 6-8 for 93 yards before a Patrick Willis sack knocked him out of the game in the 2nd quarter. It shortened Campbell's day, and probably ended his preseason, but the Raiders QB1 should be in the clear for the September 12th opener. Campbell's injury immediately started rumors of the Raiders potentially going after Matt Lienhart as insurance for Campbell, but that rumor was never confirmed by any legit source and doesn't appear to have any legs. I also don't see Lienhart making a lot of sense for this Raider team right now. I think a good veteran QB who can hold the fort for a few years like Campbell is really a good fit. Lienhart would be entering a less-than-ideal passing situation and very well could end up being J-Russ #2. Not saying Leinhart won't end up being a decent NFL QB, I just think he's going to need to be surrounded by some talent in order to get his career kick-started and give himself confidence. The Raiders actually don't have a horrible QB situation right now and aren't necessarily desperate for another project.

Niners and Alex Smith Solid Vs. Vikings

The 49ers hosted the Vikings and the newly un-retired Brett Favre on Sunday at Candlestick Park, and although they only faced the legend for 1 series, they looked pretty solid vs. the rest of the Vike's first string offense.

The Niners did allow just one Favre completion and Minnesota first during Favre's lone drive, but they were in his face multiple times and Patrick Willis sacked him for a 10-yard loss immediately after that one completion. The Niners defense looked very strong vs. the Vikings as a whole in the first half too. They allowed all-world back Adrian Peterson just 17 yards on 6 carries while keeping the Vikings passing attack from reaching 100 yards through the air. They kept back-up QB Tavaris Jackson in check, limiting him to just 47 yards passing, completing 7 of 11 passes. The way the Niners secondary played has to give the coaching staff some confidence. Granted, it's still early in the preseason, and the Vikings obviously weren't operating at full-strength, but the 49ers really shut down one of the better offenses in the league on Sunday. The only big play they gave up all afternoon was a 48-yard QB scramble to the dynamic Joe Webb with about a minute left in the game, otherwise the Niner's would have won 15-3 and would have smoked the NFL Spread for the game. Niner's 3rd round pick from April's draft, Navarro Bowman, made his debut and played very well as he tries to entrench himself into the middle linebacker rotation.

Offensively, Alex Smith was unspectacular, yet very efficient and accurate as he played the whole first half and lead the Niners to 7-3 halftime lead. Smith was 9-13 for 88 yards through the air and led the Niners on an impressive scoring drive on their first possession of the game. He did it without 2 of his favorite targets too, as both Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree, as well as the likely #2 wideout Josh Morgan, all were in street clothes for the contest and none of them have suited up for a preseason game yet (I do expect all 3 back for next weeks game though). The Niners also didn't activate Brian Westbrook or Frank Gore for the game, meaning Anthony Dixon once again got the load at running back. He wasn't quite as impressive this time around though, going against one of the more stingy run-defenses in the league, but he still managed a few nice runs, including a nice 4-yard TD scamper on a pitch around the outside corner.

In the 2nd half, Nate Davis got all the action behind center, and looked pretty good himself. Davis connected with Ted Ginn Jr. on a beautiful 60-yard strike in the 3rd quarter, which eventually led to a Niner field goal. Ginn showed Niner's fans an element that the team has been sorely lacking in recent years on that play, and that is a receiver who can get down the field and stretch a defense. Becuase of Ginn's ability to do just that, I think he's going to be a nice surprise to the 49er passing game this year. Hopefully this offensive line gels together and can protect Alex Smith, because he's got some weapons to work with this year. Ginn joins Crabtree and Morgan in the receiving corps, to go along with speedy tight-ends Vernon Davis and Delanie Walker (both above average pass-catching TE's) and now Brian Westbrook along with Frank Gore as outlet options out of the backfield. Smith should have no shortage of options to go to this year, and he's really been put in a great situation to succeed. I'm really looking forward to next week as the Niners will probably treat the first 3 quarters like a regular season game. Still not sure if Gore will got, but we should get at least a glimpse of Davis, Crabtree and Westbrook.

Raiders Continue Strong Preseason: Across the bay, the Raiders have looked equally as strong, if not better than San Francisco through their first two practice games. Newly acquired Jason Campbell, sadly, is the best thing the Raiders have had at QB since the days of Rich Gannon, in my opinion at least. It's amazing watching him after watching the bone-headed play of guys like Daunte Cullpepper and JaMarcus Russell. Campbell isn't a spectacular NFL QB, but I'd say he's slightly above average, and will look like Joe Montana to Raiders fans compared to what they've been used to over the past 5-6 seasons. The former Redskin threw for 170 yards (he was picked once) and ran for a touchdown in only 1 half of play. He looks comfortable with Zach Miller and Louis Murphy, and should be a help towards Derrius Heyward-Bey's development. On the ground, the Raiders have gotten a few stand-out performances from veteran Michael Bennett in the first 2 games. Bennett has totaled 132 yards on 27 carries, good for nearly 5 yards per carry... Check out our next post for much more Raider talk!

Niners sign Brian Westbrook

Less than 24-hours after the Niners beat the Indianapolis Colts in their first preseason game of the summer, 31-17, they added a much needed piece to their offensive depth chart, signing former Eagle halfback Brian Westbrook to a 1 year deal.

First off, although they won the game, the Niners first stringer's didn't impress too much vs. the Colts on Sunday. Alex Smith went just 3-9 for 37 yards with an interception, and the Niners went scoreless in the first quarter. It wasn't entirely Smith's fault though, there were a few drops on a couple of very catchable balls. The offense was without receiver Michael Crabtree and running back Frank Gore. In Gores absence, and in the aftermath of the sudden retirement from prior back-up Glen Coffee, Anthony Dixon got most of the touches at running back and did an admirable job. Dixon rushed for 103 yards on 21 carries, and did a lot towards securing himself a spot on the running back depth chart. Rookie tight-end Nate Byham, who's been very impressive in training camp, led the team in receiving, hauling in 3 passes for 52 yards. Most of those passes came from the arm of new Niner QB David Carr, who was impressive after Smith in the 2nd and into the 3rd quarter. Carr went 9-11 for 98 yards and a score, though he did get sacked 3 times. He did look good though, showing his uncanny accuracy and solid arm strength when he had time. David Carr is actually one of the more talented QB's the Niners have had in here in recent years, compared to the likes of J.T. O'Sullivan, and Trent Dilfer and is one of the better backups in the NFL.

Speaking of back-ups, the Niners now have one of the most explosive back-ups at running back in all the NFL as well. Brian Westbrook had concussions derail most of his 2009 season, but before that, he was about as efficient as any offensive player in the NFL with the ball in his hands. He was pretty healthy in 2008, and put up 1338 yards from scrimmage (936 rushing yards, 402 receiving yards) and 14 total touchdowns after putting up over 2000 yards from scrimmage in 2007. The best thing about his situation in San Francisco is that he's not going to need to be an every-down back and will only be asked to play 2nd fiddle to Frank Gore. That said, the Niners didn't add Westbrook to keep him on the sidelines. He has the flexibility to be on the field with Gore, as he has the ability to split out wide and play as a receiver. I really like this add, and I don't see how any Niner fan couldn't. Westbrook's not done and I think he's very eager to prove that. His value as a receiver should pay huge dividends for Alex Smith as well, and he could be even move valuable as a receiver to this team than a runner. Regardless what he's doing, he's going to be a weapon for this team, and provides them with an element they haven't had in a long time. With Westbrook and Ted Ginn Jr. now in tow, the Niners offense all the sudden has some speed to go along with Vernon Davis, and I can't wait to see this bunch get going.

49ers Depth Chart Close To Set

We're only a few weeks into training camp, and the Niners still have about a week before their first exhibition game of the 2010 season, but surprisingly, for a team that hasn't made the playoffs in 7 years, there roster is already very close to being set.

There is really only one competition going on for a starting spot this summer is for the starting right offensive tackle spot. The two most likely candidates who will be duking it out for that honor are first round pick from April's draft, Anthony Davis, and the incumbent, Adam Snyder. You'd think that Davis would have the edge, being that he's a highly paid, top-1o pick that has no shortage of expectations, but the kid is still only 20 years of age, and may not be quite ready to step into a starting NFL position during his first few months as a pro. Then again, he's a rare talent with exceptional strength, size and quickness, and the Niners drafted him with the thought that he'd see significant playing time this year and drastically help improve their offensive line. Snyder will probably start the first couple of exhibition games, but I fully expect Davis to be starting at right tackle for the Niners by week 4 or 5 of the regular season. The Niners other first round offensive lineman, Mike Iupati, just signed his contract 48 hours ago, so the Niners coaches haven't gotten too good a look at him quite yet.

The other prominent battles taking place in Niners camp will be the battle for the kick/punt return duties, backup middle linebacker and backup left tackle. As far as the kick returning duties go, the 49ers are hoping newly acquired Ted Ginn Jr. will grab the bull by the horns and claim that job, but just in case he doesn't, rookies Kyle Williams and LaRoy Vann will be giving him some competition. Kyle Williams is considered to be one of the quickest guys on the 49ers roster and could ultimately give Ginn a very good battle. The Niners also must decide how involved Ginn is going to be in their offense as well. If he ends up taking that #2 receiver slot, the Niners may not want him returning punts, but it's still far too early to tell anything right now. The battle for the backup middle linebacker spot behind Patrick Willis and Takeo Spikes is also up for grabs, and just lost it's #1 contender for the year in '09 5th rounder, Scott McKillop. The second-year man out of Pitt. was really impressing coaches and fellow players, but went down earlier in the week with an injury that will require surgery and keep him out up to 9 months. With Mckillop down, that puts the job in rookie Navarro Bowman's hands. Bowman was taken in the 3rd round in April's draft, but was ranked as one of the top inside linebackers in the 2010 draft class and I think he's going to surprise.

Also, we here at The Bay Area Sports Journal encourage all Giants fans to check out the charity event being put on by Matt Cain and his wife, Chelsea, on August 14th. It's looks like there will be some great food and plenty to drink and you can enjoy it all for just $30. Join Matt Cain and many more Giants players, as well as yours truly, for the event... for more information and tickets, go here: http://baseballwivesallstarcookoff.eventbrite.com/!