Place an Ad Calendars Classified Forums Sports Weather

sptimes.com Text-only News sections Arts & Entertainment AP The Wire Business Citrus County Columnists Floridian Hernando County Hillsborough Letters Movies Neighborhood Times News Update North Pinellas North of Tampa Obituaries Opinion Pasco County South Pinellas Sports State Tampa Bay TV Times World & Nation  Find your local news section Weekly sections Brandon Times City Times Homes Outdoors Perspective Personal Tech Taste Travel Weekend Xpress Special Sections Arena football Buccaneers College football Devil Rays Lightning Police reports Schools Seniority Subscriber Services Subscribe Renew Help Advertise Place an ad In print Online Market Info Join Us Internships Scholarships Times Jobs Contact us

NFL team rankings preview

By DARRELL FRY

© St. Petersburg Times,
published September 7, 2001

1. St. Louis Rams.

WELCOME WAGON: Lovie Smith (defensive coordinator), CB Aeneas Williams, S Kim Herring, DE Tyoka Jackson, LB Don Davis, DE Cedric Jones, LB Mike Fields, DE Chidi Ahanotu.

SAY BYE-BYE: DE Kevin Carter, DT D'Marco Farr, QB Trent Green, WR Tony Horne, LB Mike Jones, CB Todd Lyght, S Keith Lyle.

THE REAL DEAL: A weak defense that gave up 471 points last season has been noticeably upgraded despite the season-ending injury to Cedric Jones. QB Kurt Warner supposedly is recovered from last season's concussion, and RB Marshall Faulk's knees appear to be 100 percent.

THE DEAL BREAKER: The Rams' revamped defense has to deliver on its hype, otherwise this season will look a lot like last season when the Rams barely made the playoffs. If healthy, Warner, Faulk and the offense will put on their usual scoring exhibition, but it will need help from the defense to get anywhere in the postseason.

2. Tennessee Titans.

WELCOME WAGON: DE Kevin Carter, PK Joe Nedney.

SAY BYE-BYE: PK Al Del Greco, WR Carl Pickens, WR Yancey Thigpen, FB Lorenzo Neal, DE Kenny Holmes.

THE REAL DEAL: This team probably was a reliable kicker away from making it to the Super Bowl. Nedney is no savior, but he couldn't possibly be any worse than Del Greco in the postseason. Carter could be the steal of the year if he plays like he did during his best days with the Rams.

THE DEAL BREAKER: Even with Steve McNair and Eddie George, the offense remains a question mark. The Titans must score more, especially in the red zone, to come close to duplicating last season's 13-3 record. Actually, that might be impossible considering an early schedule that includes Miami, Jacksonville, Baltimore and Tampa Bay among their first five games.

3. Denver Broncos.

WELCOME WAGON: WR Eddie Kennison, DT Chester McGlockton, CB Tyrone Poole, CB Denard Walker, DT Leon Lett.

SAY BYE-BYE: LB Glenn Cadrez, TE Byron Chamberlain, OT Tony Jones, DT Keith Traylor.

THE REAL DEAL: They probably loaded up more during the offseason than anybody else, providing more juice to a team that went 11-5 a year ago. There's depth at every position and a somewhat forgiving schedule that should pave the way for a big season.

THE DEAL BREAKER: Like last season, injuries easily could turn this club from a contender into a bust. Pro Bowl running back Terrell Davis must prove he still is the runner who topped 2,000 yards in 1998. And QB Brian Griese's surgically-repaired shoulder must hold up for the season. If that happens, they'll ride roughshod over the league.

4. New Orleans Saints.

WELCOME WAGON: WR Albert Connell, S Jay Bellamy.

SAY BYE-BYE: LB Mark Fields, TE Andrew Glover, WR Jake Reed, CB Alex Molden.

THE REAL DEAL: The Saints are determined to make believers out of those who wonder if last season's success was a fluke. They probably are legitimate if only because of their solid defense that should be better with healthy CB Steve Israel and LB Charlie Clemons.

THE DEAL BREAKER: Aaron Brooks must dazzle again. And RB Ricky Williams, who will be pushed by top pick RB Deuce McAllister, has to overcome injuries and a casual attitude for this club to have any chance. A soft early schedule should help the cause.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

WELCOME WAGON: QB Brad Johnson, DE Simeon Rice, QB Ryan Leaf, OT Kenyatta Walker.

SAY BYE-BYE: DE Chidi Ahanotu, LB Don Davis, DE Tyoka Jackson, S Damien Robinson, G Frank Middleton.

THE REAL DEAL: Every weakness was addressed, especially quarterback, where the most help was needed. Even the talent-laden defense got a boost from the addition of Rice, a former Pro Bowl player. Johnson, a polished high-percentage passer, gives them the best signal-caller they've had in years.

THE DEAL BREAKER: Everything depends on how well the new additions, particularly QB Johnson, blend together under yet another offensive coordinator (Clyde Christensen). If Keyshawn Johnson becomes a big part of the offense, and RB Warrick Dunn can reach 1,000 yards again, this team could go all the way.

6. Indianapolis Colts.

WELCOME WAGON: DT Christian Peter.

SAY BYE-BYE: CB Tyrone Poole, LB Cornelius Bennett, DT Larry Chester.

THE REAL DEAL: These guys were major disappointments last season, but they'll bounce back nicely this season. They've got too much firepower to flop again. The return of suspended DE Shawn King should help beef up a defense that allowed nearly 2,000 rushing yards a season ago.

THE DEAL BREAKER: If the offense has to carry this team again, there could be more trouble ahead. Peter and King have to make an impact, otherwise 10 wins will be a stretch.

7. Philadelphia Eagles.

WELCOME WAGON: WR James Thrash.

SAY BYE-BYE: WR Charles Johnson, DE Mike Mamula, WR Torrance Small.

THE REAL DEAL: If you believe the hype, this team is ready to jump to the next level. A turnover-minded defense will cause more havoc. And QB Donovan McNabb will be a year wiser and more polished.

THE DEAL BREAKER: As great as McNabb is, last year showed he can't do it all. If RB Duce Staley, out much of 2000 with a foot injury, lasts the season and top draft pick WR Freddie Mitchell shines early, the Eagles could ... well, soar.

8. Baltimore Ravens.

WELCOME WAGON: QB Elvis Grbac, OT Leon Searcy.

SAY BYE-BYE: QB Trent Dilfer, QB Tony Banks, S Kim Herring, RB Priest Holmes, DE Keith Washington.

THE REAL DEAL: The defending Super Bowl champions haven't slipped at all, but other teams have gotten better. Even with Grbac aboard, gritty defense still will be this team's calling card. Some people think Grbac is going to make a big difference. We'll see.

THE DEAL BREAKER: The Ravens won't sneak up on anyone this time. Plus, they are confronted with a much tougher schedule that includes Minnesota, Denver, Tennessee and Green Bay among their first six games. RB Jamal Lewis has to be more durable and Grbac has to win a few games for any chance of a title repeat.

9. Minnesota Vikings.

WELCOME WAGON: WR Jake Reed, DE Lance Johnson, TE Byron Chamberlain.

SAY BYE-BYE: DL John Randle, LB Dwayne Rudd, OT Todd Steussie, QB Bubby Brister.

THE REAL DEAL: Despite its awful defense, this team finds ways to excel. They'll be high-flying again with WR Randy Moss and his fat contract leading the show. The question is, can they outscore enough opponents to be a real contender?

THE DEAL BREAKER: As usual, it comes down to defense. Frankly, other than DE Lance Johnson, no one of consequence was brought in to plug the holes. That means everything rides on the shoulders of Moss and QB Daunte Culpepper. Again.

10. New York Giants.

WELCOME WAGON: DE Kenny Holmes.

SAY BYE-BYE: DE Cedric Jones, TE Pete Mithcell, DT Christian Peter, PK Brad Daluiso.

THE REAL DEAL: The Giants seemed to do it with smoke and mirrors last season, so they're out to prove they belong among the elite. The talent level is pretty much the same as last season, so expect another playoff run.

THE DEAL BREAKER: A lot will depend on if QB Kerry Collins can play at the same level as a season ago, and if LB Jesse Armstead is as disgruntled about his contract during the season as he was during training camp. The Giants will need every ounce of their talent to combat a strenuous schedule that includes dates with Denver, New Orleans, St. Louis, Oakland, Minnesota and Philadelphia.

11. Miami Dolphins.

WELCOME WAGON: WR Dedric Ward, WR James McKnight, QB Ray Lucas, QB Cade McNown, CB Terry Cousin.

SAY BYE-BYE: DE Trace Armstrong, WR Bert Emanuel, LB Robert Jones, RB Thurman Thomas, OT Richmond Webb, QB Damon Huard, LB Larry Izzo.

THE REAL DEAL: The Fins lost some name players, but still pack plenty of punch. The defense will be as nasty as ever and there's reason to hope things will be improved on offense with more speedy targets for QB Jay Fiedler and Lamar Smith eager for another 1,000-yard season.

THE DEAL BREAKER: If the offense can't stretch the field any more than it did last season, the Fins aren't going very far. That means Fiedler must consistently put up good numbers, and speed burners McKnight and the injured Ward have to deliver, especially in the red zone.

12. Oakland Raiders.

WELCOME WAGON: DE Trace Armstrong, WR Reggie Barlow, RB Charlie Garner, WR Jerry Rice, OG Frank Middleton.

SAY BYE-BYE: TE Rickey Dudley, RB Napoleon Kaufman, CB Darrien Gordon, DE Lance Johnstone.

THE REAL DEAL: The Raiders were helped last season by a soft schedule. No such luck this time with Miami, Indianapolis, Philadelphia, Denver twice, Tennessee and the Giants on their dance card. The core of the team, though, returns which should at least secure a return to the post-season.

THE DEAL BREAKER: Like last season, the Raiders need everything to go right. Any injuries to QB Rich Gannon or CB Charles Woodson and this team is cooked. The team also is banking on Rice making significant contributions within an aging receiver corp.

13. New York Jets.

WELCOME WAGON: WR Santana Moss, WR Matthew Hatchett, S Damien Robinson, LB James Darling.

SAY BYE-BYE: LB Bryan Cox, QB Ray Lucas, LB Roman Phifer, WR Dedric Ward.

THE REAL DEAL: Even with its offseason personnel losses, this club still is loaded. Both sides of the ball look solid and deep, and the schedule is tough but favorable.

THE DEAL BREAKER: QB Vinny Testaverde has to bounce back from a subpar season in which he threw too many INTs. If Hatchett impresses right way and Moss contributes big once healthy and the offense embraces the new West Coast offense, this could be a big season for them. But that's a lot of "ifs."

14. Green Bay Packers.

WELCOME WAGON: NT Gilbert Brown, QB Doug Pederson.

SAY BYE-BYE: QB Matt Hasselbeck, OL Ross Verba, LB Brian Williams.

THE REAL DEAL: The Pack played impressively toward the end of last season, but enters this season without recently retired general manager Ron Wolf, whose absence can't be overstated. QB Brett Favre is back. He alone makes the Packers dangerous.

THE DEAL BREAKER: The team can't afford to have the kind of injuries that wrecked the last season and rookie defensive end Jamal Reynolds needs to have a big year to complement the team's veterans. Aside from that, the season, as usual, rests in Favre's hands. If he has lost a step, the team is in deep trouble.

15. Jacksonville Jaguars.

WELCOME WAGON: WR Sean Dawkins.

SAY BYE-BYE: WR Reggie Barlow, LB Brant Boyer, OT Leon Searcy, S Rayna Stewart, C Quentin Neujahr.

THE REAL DEAL: This club has the talent to push for a playoff spot, but just can't seem to get a break lately (injuries, salary-cap problems). There are no real weaknesses except for a lack of depth.

THE DEAL BREAKER: The Jags have to stay healthy, especially on offense, and protect QB Mark Brunell. If this team can light up the scoreboard like a couple of seasons ago, look out.

16. Buffalo Bills.

WELCOME WAGON: FB Larry Centers.

SAY BYE-BYE: QB Doug Flutie, LB Sam Rogers, RB Antowain Smith, NT Ted Washington, DE Marcellus Wiley, OT Marcus Spriggs.

THE REAL DEAL: The team essentially was turned over to QB Rob Johnson when Fluite was sent packing. But he is going to need help and there is not a lot available beyond WR Eric Moulds.

THE DEAL BREAKER: A host of lineup changes from last season makes this a transition year. Johnson has to have a stellar season and new faces such as rookie RB Travis Henry and Centers have to do the same, but even then it might not be enough for a .500 record.

17. San Francisco 49ers.

WELCOME WAGON: LB Derek Smith, DT Dana Stubblefield.

SAY BYE-BYE: WR Jerry Rice, RB Charlie Garner, LB Ken Norton, PK Wade Richey.

THE REAL DEAL: Rice is gone, but there are far more pressing concerns -- namely, replacing Garner in the backfield. WR Terrell Owens could have another big season if he isn't constantly double-covered.

THE DEAL BREAKER: Defense should keep the 49ers in every game. QB Jeff Garcia has to make his mark with this club, which will be difficult without a reliable running game.

18. Seattle Seahawks.

WELCOME WAGON: QB Trent Dilfer, QB Matt Hasselbeck, LB Levon Kirkland, DL John Randle.

SAY BYE-BYE: WR Sean Dawkins, G Pete Kendall, DT Cortez Kennedy, QB Jon Kitna, WR Derrick Mayes.

THE REAL DEAL: Lots of reshuffling here, most notably at quarterback where Hasselbeck and Dilfer spark little confidence. Not many upgrades from a team that went 6-10.

THE DEAL BREAKER: Coach Mike Holmgren's tinkering with the core of this team must pay off. If guys like Randle, Kirkland and Hasselbeck deliver, there's hope. If not, going 6-10 again will be a stretch.

19. Detroit Lions.

WELCOME WAGON: QB Jim Harbaugh, RB Amp Lee, CB Todd Lyght, TE Pete Mitchell, OG Brenden Stai

SAY BYE-BYE: OL Mike Compton, G Jeff Hastings.

THE REAL DEAL: The team switches to the West Coast offense under new coach Marty Mornhinweg. Excellent draft class probably will play a lot. Another tough schedule awaits, but what else is new?

THE DEAL BREAKER: QB Charlie Batch must adapt to the new offense quickly. High draft picks such as OT Jeff Backus and C Dominic Raiola have to hold up their ends. And Mornhinweg's tough talk must inspire his players.

20. Washington Redskins.

WELCOME WAGON: QB Tony Banks, FB Donnell Bennett, CB Donovan Greer, WR Kevin Lockett.

SAY BYE-BYE: QB Brad Johnson, CB Deion Sanders, FB Larry Centers, WR Albert Connell, G Tre Johnson, G Keith Sims.

THE REAL DEAL: The losses of Johnson and Sanders are huge, but QB Jeff George and rookie CB Fred Smoot might lessen the blow if both stay healthy. Defense might have to carry the club until things get worked out on offense.

THE DEAL BREAKER: If the aging George goes down, things could get ugly. And with lots of new faces on the offensive line, George could be vulnerable.

21. Kansas City Chiefs.

WELCOME WAGON: QB Trent Green, CB Ray Crockett, RB Priest Holmes, WR Tony Horne, DE Rich Owens.

SAY BYE-BYE: FB Donnell Bennett, QB Elvis Grbac, CB James Hasty, DT Chester McGlockton.

THE REAL DEAL: The Chiefs need new coach Dick Vermeil to work the same magic he did with the Rams. There's some talent here, but there are a lot of holes.

THE DEAL BREAKER: It begins and ends with Green. If he proves he can be an everyday starter, a 9-7 season is possible. Rookie WR Marvin Minnis and Horne should make things easier for Green.

22. New England Patriots.

WELCOME WAGON: OL Mike Compton, LB Larry Izzo, WR Charles Johnson, WR Bert Emanuel.

SAY BYE-BYE: DT Chad Eaton, CB Antonio Langham, LB Chris Slade, NT Henry Thomas.

THE REAL DEAL: Things are a bit tense after last year's poor finish and WR Terry Glenn's off-field problems. The Pats cut loose a lot of dead weight and look to rebuild this season.

THE DEAL BREAKER: Veterans such as QB Drew Bledsoe and safety Lawyer Milloy have to hold this club together. At least, until help arrives, which could take a while.

23. Carolina Panthers.

WELCOME WAGON: DT Larry Chester, OG Kevin Donnalley, OT Todd Steussie.

SAY BYE-BYE: QB Steve Beuerlein, CB Eric Davis, FB William Floyd, DT Eric Swann, LB Lee Woodall.

THE REAL DEAL: This team is hanging on to respectability by a string. There are major question marks on the defensive line, at quarterback and running back. All of that means this could be a long, long season.

THE DEAL BREAKER: QBs Chris Weinke or Jeff Lewis won't have the luxury of coming along slowly. If it becomes a problem, the season could slip away easily.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers.

WELCOME WAGON: LB Mike Jones, S Mike Logan, OL Jeff Hartings.

SAY BYE-BYE: C Dermontti Dawson, DE Kevin Hardy, LB Levon Kirkland.

THE REAL DEAL: Don't let the improvements from last season fool you. This is not a team on the rise. There still are too many weak links on offense that can't be covered up a solid defense.

THE DEAL BREAKER: As usual, the season revolves around QB Kordell Stewart's performance, but his targets are suspect. If Stewart can be consistent, they might make some fond memories for their first season in their new stadium.

25. Chicago Bears.

WELCOME WAGON: DT Keith Traylor, DT Ted Washington, S Larry Whigham.

SAY BYE-BYE: DT Brad Culpepper, RB Curtis Enis, DT Jim Flanigan, WR Eddie Kennison, G Todd Perry, QB Cade McNown.

THE REAL DEAL: Not much scary about these Monsters of the Midway. Quarterback still is a major issue and free agency cost this team plenty. Is Dick Jauron on the hot seat yet?

THE DEAL BREAKER: The offense can't have another repeat of 2000 when it was 23rd in in production. If rookie WR David Terrell blossoms early and the quarterback situation is solidified, seven wins are possible.

26. Atlanta Falcons.

WELCOME WAGON: RB Travis Henry, P Chris Mohr, QB Eric Zeier.

SAY BYE-BYE: LB Henri Crockett, WR Tim Dwight.

THE REAL DEAL: There's excitement in Atlanta because of rookie QB Michael Vick, but that's about it. They team will be better than last season (4-12), but not much better.

THE DEAL BREAKER: Injury-prone QB Chris Chandler must stay healthy. RB Jamal Anderson needs another 1,000-yard season. And coach Dan Reeves has to get more out of what he has.

27. Cleveland Browns.

WELCOME WAGON: TE Rickey Dudley, QB Kelly Holcomb, LB Dwayne Rudd, OL Ross Verba.

SAY BYE-BYE: FB Marc Edwards, WR David Patten, QB Doug Pederson.

THE REAL DEAL: The Butch Davis era figures to begin where the team left off last season -- at the bottom. There's decent talent, but it's still developing. A soft early schedule should help confidence, but that's it.

THE DEAL BREAKER: Davis better get the respect of his players immediately. If everyone isn't on the same page from opening day, things could go south as quickly as they did last season when they lost 12 of their last 13.

28. San Diego Chargers.

WELCOME WAGON: WR Tim Dwight, QB Doug Flutie, CB Ryan McNeil, DE Marcellus Wiley, LB Sam Rogers, CB Alex Molden.

SAY BYE-BYE: G Kevin Gogan, QB Ryan Leaf, CB Darryll Lewis.

THE REAL DEAL: Oddly enough, things are looking up despite the departure of Leaf. Chargers did well in the free-agent market and the draft. Don't be surprised if they flirt with a .500 record.

THE DEAL BREAKER: Flutie has to be the same elusive guy he was in Buffalo, and rookie LaDainian Tomlinson has to play beyond his years, improving on a running game that averaged 66.4 yards last season.

29. Cincinnati Bengals.

WELCOME WAGON: PK Richie Cunningham, QB Jon Kitna, FB Lorenzo Neal, OT Richmond Webb.

SAY BYE-BYE: DE John Copeland.

THE REAL DEAL: Expectations always are tempered with this team. DE Justin Smith from Missouri and WR Chad Johnson were good draft picks. This could be a step in the right direction, but it's a long, long road.

THE DEAL BREAKER: There must be stability and production from the quarterback. Also, it wouldn't hurt to develop a decent pass rush that could produce more than the 26 sacks from last season.

30. Arizona Cardinals.

WELCOME WAGON: OG Pete Kendall.

SAY BYE-BYE: DE Simeon Rice, CB Aeneas Williams, DT Mark Smith, DE Andre Wadsworth.

THE REAL DEAL: Things are not looking up in the desert. There is no replacing Rice and Williams, former Pro Bowl players. The offense still is noticeably weak and QB Jake Plummer is on the hot seat.

THE DEAL BREAKER: Quarterback. Quarterback. Quarterback. Plummer always has been the lifeblood of this team. He has to deliver big for the Cards to have any shot at respectability.

31. Dallas Cowboys.

WELCOME WAGON: QB Quincy Carter.

SAY BYE-BYE: QB Troy Aikman, QB Tony Banks, DT Chad Hennings, DT Leon Lett, WR James McKnight, OT Erik Williams.

THE REAL DEAL: It's a rebuilding year for America's Team whether it wants to admit it or not. RB Emmitt Smith is back, but there are many new faces, most of them young. Expect some big plays on offense with WRs Rocket Ismail and Joey Galloway, but defense remains a sore spot.

THE DEAL BREAKER: The Cowboys are putting this season in the hands of a rookie QB. Carter definitely is talented, but he probably isn't ready for this level yet, which could spell doom.

- Compiled by Darrell Fry.

© 2006 • All Rights Reserved • Tampa Bay Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111

Contact the Times | Privacy Policy
Standard of Accuracy | Terms, Conditions & Copyright