2008 Woodie Awards
A Season of Questions
Mike Jeffries
Issue date: 9/7/06 Section: Sports
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However, along with that excitement is a lot of teams with a lot of questions. Our very own Chiefs have questions at the offensive and defensive lines and how the new offensive coordinator, Mike Solari, will handle the usually juggernaut offense.
Here is a look at other questions around the NFL and how I believe they will be answered.
1. How will the Eagles fair without the Terrell Owens distraction? The Eagles are going to be just fine. In fact, they will be better than fine. The Eagles made it to several NFC title games without T.O. and the team will again contend for playoffs. Donovan McNabb is a smart veteran quarterback who has looked remarkably accurate this preseason. McNabb now will have the help of newly acquired receiver Donte Stallworth, yet another speedy target for the quarterback.
2. How will the Cowboys fair with T.O.? Terrell Owens' move to Dallas will pay dividends for the team and the receiver. T.O. is too talented to not impact a team and head coach Bill Parcells has already shown he is not going to let the media turn the Cowboys into a T.O. circus. Under Parcells' stubborn leadership, T.O. will start and finish the season.
3. Who will be the surprise playoff teams this year? The Arizona Cardinals will come from no where to be a contender in the NFC. They were one of the rare teams to finish with a top 10 offense and top 10 defense last year despite their losing record. With the addition of Edgerrin James, the Cards will have a scary good offense. They already boast the best wide receiver tandem in the league with Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin. All Kurt Warner will need to do will toss the ball high in the air and one of his tall, athletic receivers will come down with it. And if that's not enough, Matt Leinart will have no problem stepping in for Warner upon an injury. Also, watch for the Baltimore Ravens and the Miami Dolphins to compete for division titles.
4. Who will be this year's busts? The defending Super Bowl Champs are going to have a hard time this year. The Steelers will have a hard time in the opening game tonight against the Miami Dolphins without Ben Roethlisberger and will begin the season 0-1. The loss of Jerome Bettis will hurt the Steelers more than many think. Not only was Bettis a lock for the third and three conversion, he was also the best leader the team had. With division rival Steve McNair and the Ravens improving during the offseason, look for the Steelers to miss out on the playoffs. The Chicago Bears and San Diego Chargers will also have rough seasons with too many questions at the quarterback position.
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