Sporting News staff reports
Still on the free-agent market with time running out before spring training, infielder Felipe Lopez has fired his agent, Scott Boras, according to ESPN.com. Lopez has joined up with the Beverly Hills Sports Council.
Lopez reportedly was frustrated about not having signed despite coming off a season in which he hit .310 with nine homers, 57 RBIs, 88 runs and a .383 on-base percentage for the Diamondbacks and Brewers.
Lopez has been linked to the Cardinals, who aren’t set at third base. His new agency counts St. Louis first baseman Albert Pujols among its clients.
Sporting News staff reports
Still on the free-agent market with time running out before spring training, infielder Felipe Lopez has fired his agent, Scott Boras, according to ESPN.com. Lopez has joined up with the Beverly Hills Sports Council.
Lopez reportedly was frustrated about not having signed despite coming off a season in which he hit .310 with nine homers, 57 RBIs, 88 runs and a .383 on-base percentage for the Diamondbacks and Brewers.
Lopez has been linked to the Cardinals, who aren’t set at third base. His new agency counts St. Louis first baseman Albert Pujols among its clients.
Sporting News staff reports
Free-agent first baseman Carlos Delgado has no plans to retire, according to FOXSports.com, but he might wait until later in the season to sign a deal.
Delgado’s agent, David Sloane, told the Web site that Delgado has offers on the table but is unwilling to accept any of them.
Delgado played in just 26 games with the Mets last season and is trying to prove he is fully recovered from season-ending hip surgery. He played winter ball in Puerto Rico but was limited to mostly DH duty.
Sporting News staff reports
Free-agent first baseman Carlos Delgado has no plans to retire, according to FOXSports.com, but he might wait until later in the season to sign a deal.
Delgado’s agent, David Sloane, told the Web site that Delgado has offers on the table but is unwilling to accept any of them.
Delgado played in just 26 games with the Mets last season and is trying to prove he is fully recovered from season-ending hip surgery. He played winter ball in Puerto Rico but was limited to mostly DH duty.
Sporting News staff reports
Count Braves third baseman Chipper Jones among those impressed with top outfield prospect Jason Heyward, who will get the chance to win a starting job in spring training.
"I got to hit with him (Tuesday), and I was more than impressed," Jones told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "I’ve got a pretty good feeling he’s going to seize this opportunity and make the most of it."
Jones compared the 20-year-old Heyward to former Braves first baseman Fred McGriff, who like Heyward was a left-handed hitter. McGriff finished his major league career with 493 home runs.
As for Jones, he said he is healthy after suffering an assortment of nagging injuries last season.
Sporting News staff reports
Count Braves third baseman Chipper Jones among those impressed with top outfield prospect Jason Heyward, who will get the chance to win a starting job in spring training.
"I got to hit with him (Tuesday), and I was more than impressed," Jones told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "I’ve got a pretty good feeling he’s going to seize this opportunity and make the most of it."
Jones compared the 20-year-old Heyward to former Braves first baseman Fred McGriff, who like Heyward was a left-handed hitter. McGriff finished his major league career with 493 home runs.
As for Jones, he said he is healthy after suffering an assortment of nagging injuries last season.
Sporting News staff reports
Cardinals right-hander Adam Wainwright admitted to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that he was disappointed that neither he nor teammate Chris Carpenter won the 2009 National League Cy Young Award.
Wainwright tied for the major-league lead with 19 wins, led the NL with 233 innings pitched and posted a 2.63 ERA. Carpenter went 17-4 with an NL-best 2.24 ERA.
"I would have been OK with it if Carp had won. I obviously would have appreciated winning it as well," Wainwright told the newspaper. "The hard part was hearing it was neither one of us."
Instead, Giants right-hander Tim Lincecum won the award for the second consecutive season, going 15-7 with a 2.48 ERA and an NL-leading 261 strikeouts.
Sporting News staff reports
Cardinals right-hander Adam Wainwright admitted to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that he was disappointed that neither he nor teammate Chris Carpenter won the 2009 National League Cy Young Award.
Wainwright tied for the major-league lead with 19 wins, led the NL with 233 innings pitched and posted a 2.63 ERA. Carpenter went 17-4 with an NL-best 2.24 ERA.
"I would have been OK with it if Carp had won. I obviously would have appreciated winning it as well," Wainwright told the newspaper. "The hard part was hearing it was neither one of us."
Instead, Giants right-hander Tim Lincecum won the award for the second consecutive season, going 15-7 with a 2.48 ERA and an NL-leading 261 strikeouts.
Sporting News staff reports
With free-agent outfielder Johnny Damon still undecided about where he will play, the Detroit Free Press speculated agent Scott Boras might be using the Tigers to create a market for his client.
Last week, FOXSports.com reported Tigers owner Mike Ilitch authorized a two-year, $14 million deal for Damon; however, Damon has yet to sign.
The White Sox and Braves also have expressed interest in Damon, though a report on the White Sox’s Web site expressed doubt that the team could afford the outfielder. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution speculated Damon likely will pass on the Braves’ one-year offer, believed to be worth between $4 million and $5 million, because Detroit’s offer is stronger.
Sporting News staff reports
With free-agent outfielder Johnny Damon still undecided about where he will play, the Detroit Free Press speculated agent Scott Boras might be using the Tigers to create a market for his client.
Last week, FOXSports.com reported Tigers owner Mike Ilitch authorized a two-year, $14 million deal for Damon; however, Damon has yet to sign.
The White Sox and Braves also have expressed interest in Damon, though a report on the White Sox’s Web site expressed doubt that the team could afford the outfielder. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution speculated Damon likely will pass on the Braves’ one-year offer, believed to be worth between $4 million and $5 million, because Detroit’s offer is stronger.
Sporting News staff reports
According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, Phillies left-hander Cole Hamels plans to work with pitching coach Rich Dubee to add another pitch to his arsenal this spring.
Hamels already throws a fastball, a curveball and a changeup, though the newspaper noted he doesn’t have full confidence in his curveball. According to the newspaper, Hamels is likely to add a cut fastball or slider to his repertoire.
After a breakout 2008 season when he went 14-11 with a 3.09 ERA and 1.08 WHIP and was named NLCS and World Series MVP, Hamels went 10-11 with a 4.32 ERA and 1.28 WHIP last season.
If Hamels returns to top form, the Phillies could have one of the majors’ best 1-2 rotation punches with him and offseason acquisition Roy Halladay.
Sporting News staff reports
According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, Phillies left-hander Cole Hamels plans to work with pitching coach Rich Dubee to add another pitch to his arsenal this spring.
Hamels already throws a fastball, a curveball and a changeup, though the newspaper noted he doesn’t have full confidence in his curveball. According to the newspaper, Hamels is likely to add a cut fastball or slider to his repertoire.
After a breakout 2008 season when he went 14-11 with a 3.09 ERA and 1.08 WHIP and was named NLCS and World Series MVP, Hamels went 10-11 with a 4.32 ERA and 1.28 WHIP last season.
If Hamels returns to top form, the Phillies could have one of the majors’ best 1-2 rotation punches with him and offseason acquisition Roy Halladay.
Since it’s never too early to start looking ahead to the next fantasy football season, we asked Bill Bender from Fantasy Source to pay us a visit and offer his post-Super Bowl rankings for 2010. Here’s a look at tight ends:
2010 fantasy TEs: Check out the top 10 for free
Franchise: Dallas Clark Colts (No. 2). Clark became the second tight end to catch 100 passes in a single season, and he leads TEs with 27 TDs since 2007. Bottom line: Peyton Manning is his quarterback.
Bounce-back: Jason Witten, Cowboys (No. 4). Owners will overlook Witten because he scored just two TDs in 2009. But he still had 94 receptions and 1,030 yards. With a few more scores, he’ll be back on par with Clark and Antonio Gates.
Sleeper: John Carlson, Seahawks (No. 12). Because Jermichael Finley is too obvious. Carlson slumped most of ’09, but he closed with four TDs in the final four weeks. He’s a third-year breakout candidate.
Bust: Zach Miller, Raiders (No. 14). Miller is perceived as a draft-day bargain, but he has caught only seven TDs in three seasons. He’s no more than a bye-week backup. Bottom line: JaMarcus Russell is his quarterback (for now).
Rookie: Aaron Hernandez, Florida. Tim Tebow gets all the attention, but college teammate Hernandez (6-2, 250) had 68 catches for 850 yards and five scores as a junior. Hernandez will make an impact, especially in the red zone.
Also see: 2010 fantasy RBs | Fantasy QBs | Fantasy WRs
Bill Bender writes for Fantasy Source Football. For more coverage, visit Fantasy Source Football today.
Since it’s never too early to start looking ahead to the next fantasy football season, we asked Bill Bender from Fantasy Source to pay us a visit and offer his post-Super Bowl rankings for 2010. Here’s a look at tight ends:
2010 fantasy TEs: Check out the top 10 for free
Franchise: Dallas Clark Colts (No. 2). Clark became the second tight end to catch 100 passes in a single season, and he leads TEs with 27 TDs since 2007. Bottom line: Peyton Manning is his quarterback.
Bounce-back: Jason Witten, Cowboys (No. 4). Owners will overlook Witten because he scored just two TDs in 2009. But he still had 94 receptions and 1,030 yards. With a few more scores, he’ll be back on par with Clark and Antonio Gates.
Sleeper: John Carlson, Seahawks (No. 12). Because Jermichael Finley is too obvious. Carlson slumped most of ’09, but he closed with four TDs in the final four weeks. He’s a third-year breakout candidate.
Bust: Zach Miller, Raiders (No. 14). Miller is perceived as a draft-day bargain, but he has caught only seven TDs in three seasons. He’s no more than a bye-week backup. Bottom line: JaMarcus Russell is his quarterback (for now).
Rookie: Aaron Hernandez, Florida. Tim Tebow gets all the attention, but college teammate Hernandez (6-2, 250) had 68 catches for 850 yards and five scores as a junior. Hernandez will make an impact, especially in the red zone.
Also see: 2010 fantasy RBs | Fantasy QBs | Fantasy WRs
Bill Bender writes for Fantasy Source Football. For more coverage, visit Fantasy Source Football today.
Fantasy Source’s top 10 tight ends for 2010:
1. Antonio Gates, Chargers
2. Dallas Clark, Colts
3. Vernon Davis, 49ers
4. Jason Witten, Cowboys
5. Kellen Winslow, Buccaneers
6. Brent Celek, Eagles
7. Jermichael Finley, Packers
8. Tony Gonzalez, Falcons
9. Owen Daniels, Texans
10. Greg Olsen, Bears
For the full ranking of tight ends and much more, visit Fantasy Source.
Fantasy Source’s top 10 tight ends for 2010:
1. Antonio Gates, Chargers
2. Dallas Clark, Colts
3. Vernon Davis, 49ers
4. Jason Witten, Cowboys
5. Kellen Winslow, Buccaneers
6. Brent Celek, Eagles
7. Jermichael Finley, Packers
8. Tony Gonzalez, Falcons
9. Owen Daniels, Texans
10. Greg Olsen, Bears
For the full ranking of tight ends and much more, visit Fantasy Source.
It’s not too early to look ahead to next season, even with the Saints’ fingerprints still fresh on the Lombardi Trophy. We took our first 2010 rankings to current and former players and executives to see what they think.
1. Indianapolis Colts
2. Dallas Cowboys
Fox analyst and former Cowboys FB Daryl Johnston: "Does the Cowboys at No. 2 surprise me? Absolutely not. One of the big concerns people had was that Dallas always melted (down) at the end of the year. I think they silenced a lot of the critics. Linebacker Keith Brooking has brought in some great leadership that they needed."
3. Green Bay Packers
4. New Orleans Saints
GM Mickey Loomis: "No. 4? How come we’re not No. 1? We’ve got a good group of core players, a great coaching staff. I think our window of opportunity is going to last at least as long as Drew Brees is our quarterback."
5. San Diego Chargers
6. New York Jets
CBS analyst and former Jets QB Boomer Esiason: "No. 6 is about right, provided Mark Sanchez takes the next step and continues to develop as a quarterback. They need a pass rusher in the worst way. But they have Darrelle Revis, the best corner in the league. They have David Harris, the most underrated linebacker in the league."
7. Pittsburgh Steelers
NFL Network analyst and former Steelers CB Rod Woodson: "No. 7 may be a little high, but I can see them in the top 10. Their offensive line is an issue. Getting more depth in the secondary, at the corner position, is another issue. Their secondary has to step up, whether Troy (Polamalu) is there or not."
8. Philadelphia Eagles
LB Will Witherspoon: "Eighth? We should at least be sixth. We had some young guys, we had some injuries. Once we pick those guys back up, it will be a whole different animal."
9. Baltimore Ravens
RB Ray Rice: "We should be No. 1, not No. 9. We’ve made the playoffs the last two years. We’ve shown that we can win playoff games. It would be a nice step for us to win the division. Getting that extra week of rest in the playoffs is important."
10. Minnesota Vikings
11. Atlanta Falcons
12. New York Giants
CBS analyst and former Giants QB Phil Simms: "No. 12 for the Giants is about right. I think it’s important for them to re-establish who the leaders of that team are, get four or five guys to really step forward. What was their identity last year? I’m not sure they really established that."
13. Tennessee Titans
14. New England Patriots
15. Houston Texans
16. San Francisco 49ers
17. Miami Dolphins
CBS analyst and former Dolphins QB Dan Marino: "No. 17 is a little low. They were almost a playoff team, and they had a brutal schedule. They need Ronnie Brown to come back healthy, and they need playmakers on the outside at wide receiver. But their young quarterback, Chad Henne, developed nicely last year."
18. Carolina Panthers
19. Cincinnati Bengals
CBS analyst and former Bengals DB Solomon Wilcots: "No. 19 is too low. They won the AFC North, and that’s one of the toughest divisions. They swept both of them. They’ve got a strong defense and good young players. Even if they slip a little, I don’t see them slipping out of the top 12."
20. Arizona Cardinals
DT Darnell Dockett: "That’s too low, but it doesn’t matter. We won the NFC West two years in a row. We’ve never had a losing season since Ken Whisenhunt has been there. Not having Kurt Warner? There’s nothing that we can do about it. We’ll be fine. I actually like the fact we’re not one of the highlighted teams. It motivates us."
21. Jacksonville Jaguars
22. Chicago Bears
Former Bears QB Jim Miller: "They’re a middle-of-the-pack team, anywhere from 16 to 24, 25. Mike Martz’s (offensive) system is very tough to learn. So I think it’s going to take some time, not only for Jay Cutler but Johnny Knox, a young receiver. It really is going to set back Devin Hester. He’s going to have to learn a whole new system."
23. Washington Redskins
CBS analyst and former Redskins GM Charley Casserly: "No. 23 is about right. They will be a better team with Mike Shanahan. But they’re in a tough division. I don’t think they will take a major jump, at least not next season. Even though they have the No. 4 pick, they only have five picks overall."
24. Denver Broncos
25. Cleveland Browns
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Former Buccaneers LB Derrick Brooks: "There are a lot of questions to be answered. Where do they start? Last year, they drafted a quarterback. Does that mean they turn to the defense this year? They’ve got some pieces in place, especially in the secondary, but up front there’s no foundation around which to build."
27. Kansas City Chiefs
28. Oakland Raiders
CBS analyst and former Raiders QB Rich Gannon: "No. 28 sounds about right. The instability of the quarterback position is a big part of it. You have to have a guy at that position who is productive and efficient. The Raiders don’t have that in JaMarcus Russell. Getting (offensive coordinator) Hue Jackson was a good move. He helped Carson Palmer and Joe Flacco. Maybe he can help a guy like JaMarcus Russell."
29. Detroit Lions
30. Seattle Seahawks
Former Seahawks RB Shaun Alexander: "That’s better than I thought they would be. They’ve had two back-to-back bad seasons, two back-to-back injury-filled seasons. They haven’t carried the games, especially taking care of their home turf like they used to. I think it’s going to be exciting with Pete Carroll. He’ll bring new life."
31. Buffalo Bills
32. St. Louis Rams
NFL Network analyst and former Rams RB Marshall Faulk: "They’ve earned the No. 32 spot. It’s well-deserved. The Rams are more worried about firing their trainer and their equipment manager than they are worried about the coaches responsible for their play on the field. That says a lot. When the first offseason move you make is to fire your trainer? Perfect. Maybe the draft will help. But at no point last season did I see anything that made me think they were turning the corner. It’s painful to watch."
This story first appeared in the February 15, 2010 edition of Sporting News magazine. If you are not receiving the magazine, subscribe today, or pick up a copy, available at most Barnes & Noble, Borders and Hudson Retail outlets.
It’s not too early to look ahead to next season, even with the Saints’ fingerprints still fresh on the Lombardi Trophy. We took our first 2010 rankings to current and former players and executives to see what they think.
1. Indianapolis Colts
2. Dallas Cowboys
Fox analyst and former Cowboys FB Daryl Johnston: "Does the Cowboys at No. 2 surprise me? Absolutely not. One of the big concerns people had was that Dallas always melted (down) at the end of the year. I think they silenced a lot of the critics. Linebacker Keith Brooking has brought in some great leadership that they needed."
3. Green Bay Packers
4. New Orleans Saints
GM Mickey Loomis: "No. 4? How come we’re not No. 1? We’ve got a good group of core players, a great coaching staff. I think our window of opportunity is going to last at least as long as Drew Brees is our quarterback."
5. San Diego Chargers
6. New York Jets
CBS analyst and former Jets QB Boomer Esiason: "No. 6 is about right, provided Mark Sanchez takes the next step and continues to develop as a quarterback. They need a pass rusher in the worst way. But they have Darrelle Revis, the best corner in the league. They have David Harris, the most underrated linebacker in the league."
7. Pittsburgh Steelers
NFL Network analyst and former Steelers CB Rod Woodson: "No. 7 may be a little high, but I can see them in the top 10. Their offensive line is an issue. Getting more depth in the secondary, at the corner position, is another issue. Their secondary has to step up, whether Troy (Polamalu) is there or not."
8. Philadelphia Eagles
LB Will Witherspoon: "Eighth? We should at least be sixth. We had some young guys, we had some injuries. Once we pick those guys back up, it will be a whole different animal."
9. Baltimore Ravens
RB Ray Rice: "We should be No. 1, not No. 9. We’ve made the playoffs the last two years. We’ve shown that we can win playoff games. It would be a nice step for us to win the division. Getting that extra week of rest in the playoffs is important."
10. Minnesota Vikings
11. Atlanta Falcons
12. New York Giants
CBS analyst and former Giants QB Phil Simms: "No. 12 for the Giants is about right. I think it’s important for them to re-establish who the leaders of that team are, get four or five guys to really step forward. What was their identity last year? I’m not sure they really established that."
13. Tennessee Titans
14. New England Patriots
15. Houston Texans
16. San Francisco 49ers
17. Miami Dolphins
CBS analyst and former Dolphins QB Dan Marino: "No. 17 is a little low. They were almost a playoff team, and they had a brutal schedule. They need Ronnie Brown to come back healthy, and they need playmakers on the outside at wide receiver. But their young quarterback, Chad Henne, developed nicely last year."
18. Carolina Panthers
19. Cincinnati Bengals
CBS analyst and former Bengals DB Solomon Wilcots: "No. 19 is too low. They won the AFC North, and that’s one of the toughest divisions. They swept both of them. They’ve got a strong defense and good young players. Even if they slip a little, I don’t see them slipping out of the top 12."
20. Arizona Cardinals
DT Darnell Dockett: "That’s too low, but it doesn’t matter. We won the NFC West two years in a row. We’ve never had a losing season since Ken Whisenhunt has been there. Not having Kurt Warner? There’s nothing that we can do about it. We’ll be fine. I actually like the fact we’re not one of the highlighted teams. It motivates us."
21. Jacksonville Jaguars
22. Chicago Bears
Former Bears QB Jim Miller: "They’re a middle-of-the-pack team, anywhere from 16 to 24, 25. Mike Martz’s (offensive) system is very tough to learn. So I think it’s going to take some time, not only for Jay Cutler but Johnny Knox, a young receiver. It really is going to set back Devin Hester. He’s going to have to learn a whole new system."
23. Washington Redskins
CBS analyst and former Redskins GM Charley Casserly: "No. 23 is about right. They will be a better team with Mike Shanahan. But they’re in a tough division. I don’t think they will take a major jump, at least not next season. Even though they have the No. 4 pick, they only have five picks overall."
24. Denver Broncos
25. Cleveland Browns
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Former Buccaneers LB Derrick Brooks: "There are a lot of questions to be answered. Where do they start? Last year, they drafted a quarterback. Does that mean they turn to the defense this year? They’ve got some pieces in place, especially in the secondary, but up front there’s no foundation around which to build."
27. Kansas City Chiefs
28. Oakland Raiders
CBS analyst and former Raiders QB Rich Gannon: "No. 28 sounds about right. The instability of the quarterback position is a big part of it. You have to have a guy at that position who is productive and efficient. The Raiders don’t have that in JaMarcus Russell. Getting (offensive coordinator) Hue Jackson was a good move. He helped Carson Palmer and Joe Flacco. Maybe he can help a guy like JaMarcus Russell."
29. Detroit Lions
30. Seattle Seahawks
Former Seahawks RB Shaun Alexander: "That’s better than I thought they would be. They’ve had two back-to-back bad seasons, two back-to-back injury-filled seasons. They haven’t carried the games, especially taking care of their home turf like they used to. I think it’s going to be exciting with Pete Carroll. He’ll bring new life."
31. Buffalo Bills
32. St. Louis Rams
NFL Network analyst and former Rams RB Marshall Faulk: "They’ve earned the No. 32 spot. It’s well-deserved. The Rams are more worried about firing their trainer and their equipment manager than they are worried about the coaches responsible for their play on the field. That says a lot. When the first offseason move you make is to fire your trainer? Perfect. Maybe the draft will help. But at no point last season did I see anything that made me think they were turning the corner. It’s painful to watch."
This story first appeared in the February 15, 2010 edition of Sporting News magazine. If you are not receiving the magazine, subscribe today, or pick up a copy, available at most Barnes & Noble, Borders and Hudson Retail outlets.
The New Orleans Saints have given hope and been a source of inspiration to so many in the Big Easy. They rose up when their city needed it most to become Super Bowl champions. They also should serve as a reminder that any NFL franchise is capable of turning itself around, no matter how bleak the situation may seem.
Steven Jackson is a starting point, but the Rams are far from being showstoppers.
When the Saints were 3-13 nomads in 2005 in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, no one could have expected the kind of success they’ve enjoyed since (two NFC championship game appearances, one Super Bowl title).
The Saints’ rise after bringing in the right people — coach Sean Payton, quarterback Drew Brees — should inspire the league’s bottom-dwellers.
32. St. Louis Rams
It has been 10 years since St. Louis had the "Greatest Show" in the NFL. After what happened in 1999 — the Rams won a championship after going 4-12 in ’98 — the Rams know surprise upswings are possible. But a decade later, the team is mired again among the league’s worst.
One of their superstars in ’99 was running back Marshall Faulk, now an analyst for the NFL Network. Although Faulk is hopeful his former team can find its way again, he knows there is quite a mess to clean up.
"I’m not sure they know their plan and have an idea of what direction they want to go in yet," Faulk said. "It’s just been one year for (general manager) Billy Devaney, and one year for (coach) Steve Spagnoulo."
Success for Kevin Smith’s Lions is more difficult while playing in the NFC North.
The problems are similar to the team’s issues in the early ’90s — a lack of consistency at quarterback and a series of bad drafts that has especially hurt the defense. The team will need to hit on a young franchise QB to get above .500 in the next three years.
31. Buffalo Bills
Since the Music City Miracle befell them, they haven’t sniffed the playoffs. From 2000-09, they had to watch division rival New England win three Super Bowls and, more recently, the Jets and the Dolphins make dramatic improvements.
At quarterback, J.P. Losman hasn’t lived up to his potential and Trent Edwards might not, either. The offensive line must be rebuilt, and injuries and inconsistency have hurt at running back. Bringing in Terrell Owens to spark the passing game didn’t work, either. Now it’s new coach Chan Gailey’s turn.
Considering how well-coached and well-stocked the Patriots, Jets and Dolphins are, the Bills won’t be able to compete with them in the near future.
30. Seattle Seahawks
Former Seahawks league MVP Shaun Alexander told Sporting News at the Super Bowl that he wasn’t surprised at how far his former team had fallen since appearing in the Super Bowl four years ago. The Seahawks were able to win a division title just two seasons ago but have gotten caught between contending and rebuilding.
The team wasn’t able to find a replacement for Alexander, cornerstone left tackle Walter Jones missed the past 20 games and appears done, and the receiving unit must be overhauled. The Seahawks still haven’t drafted a potential successor to Matt Hasselbeck.
Kirk Morrison’s Raiders have traded pride and pose for misery and frustration.
The front office hired Jim Mora to maintain continuity from the Mike Holmgren era, and then abruptly fired Mora after one season. He didn’t even get a chance to put his stamp on the team before being replaced by the glossier option, Pete Carroll.
Carroll was used to reloading talent at Southern Cal, but he must be a lot more patient to get the Seahawks up to snuff.
29. Detroit Lions
Unlike St. Louis, Buffalo and Seattle, Detroit has no Super Bowl history of which to speak. The Lions are the only NFC team that has failed to win a conference championship during the Super Bowl era. If the Lions are to win anytime soon, quarterback Matthew Stafford, running back Kevin Smith and wideout Calvin Johnson must stay healthy.
Like Buffalo, however, Detroit is stuck in a competitive division, where the Vikings, Packers and Bears continue to make splashy moves.
Minnesota and Green Bay have top defenses, and all three are intent on having a strong passing offense. All that makes the Lions’ task that much harder.
28. Oakland Raiders
Their Super Bowl hangover is seven years running, and the Raiders haven’t been able to exceed five wins during that span. In 2009, they had quality wins against the Eagles, Bengals and Steelers, and one wonders why they can’t do more of that.
"It is frustrating for sure," middle linebacker Kirk Morrison said. "It’s one thing to get big wins like that, but then you have to go out there and back it up with another win the next week. We can be much better if we’re just more consistent."
The defense has fine talent, including Morrison, cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, outside linebacker Thomas Howard and former Patriots end Richard Seymour. If they can just stay healthy and consistent on offense — perhaps with quarterback Bruce Gradkowski and running back Darren McFadden in the most important roles — the Raiders may not be as far away as many think.
The New Orleans Saints have given hope and been a source of inspiration to so many in the Big Easy. They rose up when their city needed it most to become Super Bowl champions. They also should serve as a reminder that any NFL franchise is capable of turning itself around, no matter how bleak the situation may seem.
Steven Jackson is a starting point, but the Rams are far from being showstoppers.
When the Saints were 3-13 nomads in 2005 in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, no one could have expected the kind of success they’ve enjoyed since (two NFC championship game appearances, one Super Bowl title).
The Saints’ rise after bringing in the right people — coach Sean Payton, quarterback Drew Brees — should inspire the league’s bottom-dwellers.
32. St. Louis Rams
It has been 10 years since St. Louis had the "Greatest Show" in the NFL. After what happened in 1999 — the Rams won a championship after going 4-12 in ’98 — the Rams know surprise upswings are possible. But a decade later, the team is mired again among the league’s worst.
One of their superstars in ’99 was running back Marshall Faulk, now an analyst for the NFL Network. Although Faulk is hopeful his former team can find its way again, he knows there is quite a mess to clean up.
"I’m not sure they know their plan and have an idea of what direction they want to go in yet," Faulk said. "It’s just been one year for (general manager) Billy Devaney, and one year for (coach) Steve Spagnoulo."
Success for Kevin Smith’s Lions is more difficult while playing in the NFC North.
The problems are similar to the team’s issues in the early ’90s — a lack of consistency at quarterback and a series of bad drafts that has especially hurt the defense. The team will need to hit on a young franchise QB to get above .500 in the next three years.
31. Buffalo Bills
Since the Music City Miracle befell them, they haven’t sniffed the playoffs. From 2000-09, they had to watch division rival New England win three Super Bowls and, more recently, the Jets and the Dolphins make dramatic improvements.
At quarterback, J.P. Losman hasn’t lived up to his potential and Trent Edwards might not, either. The offensive line must be rebuilt, and injuries and inconsistency have hurt at running back. Bringing in Terrell Owens to spark the passing game didn’t work, either. Now it’s new coach Chan Gailey’s turn.
Considering how well-coached and well-stocked the Patriots, Jets and Dolphins are, the Bills won’t be able to compete with them in the near future.
30. Seattle Seahawks
Former Seahawks league MVP Shaun Alexander told Sporting News at the Super Bowl that he wasn’t surprised at how far his former team had fallen since appearing in the Super Bowl four years ago. The Seahawks were able to win a division title just two seasons ago but have gotten caught between contending and rebuilding.
The team wasn’t able to find a replacement for Alexander, cornerstone left tackle Walter Jones missed the past 20 games and appears done, and the receiving unit must be overhauled. The Seahawks still haven’t drafted a potential successor to Matt Hasselbeck.
Kirk Morrison’s Raiders have traded pride and pose for misery and frustration.
The front office hired Jim Mora to maintain continuity from the Mike Holmgren era, and then abruptly fired Mora after one season. He didn’t even get a chance to put his stamp on the team before being replaced by the glossier option, Pete Carroll.
Carroll was used to reloading talent at Southern Cal, but he must be a lot more patient to get the Seahawks up to snuff.
29. Detroit Lions
Unlike St. Louis, Buffalo and Seattle, Detroit has no Super Bowl history of which to speak. The Lions are the only NFC team that has failed to win a conference championship during the Super Bowl era. If the Lions are to win anytime soon, quarterback Matthew Stafford, running back Kevin Smith and wideout Calvin Johnson must stay healthy.
Like Buffalo, however, Detroit is stuck in a competitive division, where the Vikings, Packers and Bears continue to make splashy moves.
Minnesota and Green Bay have top defenses, and all three are intent on having a strong passing offense. All that makes the Lions’ task that much harder.
28. Oakland Raiders
Their Super Bowl hangover is seven years running, and the Raiders haven’t been able to exceed five wins during that span. In 2009, they had quality wins against the Eagles, Bengals and Steelers, and one wonders why they can’t do more of that.
"It is frustrating for sure," middle linebacker Kirk Morrison said. "It’s one thing to get big wins like that, but then you have to go out there and back it up with another win the next week. We can be much better if we’re just more consistent."
The defense has fine talent, including Morrison, cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, outside linebacker Thomas Howard and former Patriots end Richard Seymour. If they can just stay healthy and consistent on offense — perhaps with quarterback Bruce Gradkowski and running back Darren McFadden in the most important roles — the Raiders may not be as far away as many think.
