2011 NFL Predictions: NFC East Washington Redskins

Washington Redskins

Last Season: 6 – 10

2011 NFL Draft: DE Ryan Kerrigan (Purdue, Rd. 1/Pick 16), DT Jarvis Jenkins (Clemson, Rd. 2/Pick 9), WR Leonard Hankerson (Miami (FL.), Rd. 3/Pick 15), RB Roy Helu (Nebraska, Rd. 4/Pick 8), S Dejon Gomes (Nebraska, Rd. 5/Pick 15), WR Niles Paul (Nebraska, Rd. 5/Pick 24), RB Evan Royster (Penn St., Rd. 6/Pick 12), WR Aldrick Robinson (Southern Methodist, RD. 6/Pick 13), CB Brandyn Thompson (Boise St., Rd. 7/Pick 10), G Maurice Hurt (Florida, Rd. 7/Pick 14), DE Markus White (Florida St., Rd. 7/Pick 21), DT Christopher Neild (West Virginia, Rd. 7/Pick 50)

Key Additions: WR Jabar Gaffney, WR Donte’ Stallworth, CB Josh Wilson, RB Tim Hightower, K Shayne Graham

Key Losses: DT Albert Haynesworth, QB Donovan McNabb, DE Vonnie Holliday

2010 Individual Stat Leaders:

• Passing yards — Donovan McNabb — 3,377 yards

• Passing touchdowns — Donovan McNabb — 14

• Rushing yards — Ryan Torain — 742 yards

• Rushing touchdowns ­— Ryan Torain — 4

• Receiving yards — Santana Moss — 1,115 yards

• Receiving touchdowns — Santana Moss — 6

• Tackles — London Fletcher — 136

• Sacks — Brian Orakpo — 9

• Interceptions — DeAngelo Hall — 6

2011 Regular Season Schedule:

Week 1: NY Giants

Week 2: Cardinals

Week 3: @ Cowboys

Week 4: @ Rams

Week 5: Bye

Week 6: Eagles

Week 7: @ Panthers

Week 8: @ Bills

Week 9: 49ers

Week 10: @ Dolphins

Week 11: Cowboys

Week 12: @ Seahawks

Week 13: NY Jets

Week 14: Patriots

Week 15: @ NY Giants

Week 16: Vikings

Week 17: @ Eagles

Analysis: After a failed experiment with Donovan McNabb in Mike Shanahan’s first season, the Redskins are ready to start over. Unfortunately for the Washington, that means choosing between QB Rex Grossman and QB John Beck. Yes, Grossman has been to a Super Bowl, but that was more about the defense than it was about his stellar quarterback play.  Still, with some offseason moves, the Redskins have tried to surround whoever starts at quarterback with some weapons. WR Jabar Gaffney will make a great No. 2 receiver and bringing in RB Tim Hightower from Arizona provides a solid running game with RB Ryan Torain after RB Clinton Portis started to show his age. First round draft pick Ryan Kerrigan will move from his college position of defensive end to outside linebacker along with LB London Fletcher and LB Brian Orakpo. The loss of DE Vonnie Holliday will be felt when the linebackers are called upon to provide more run support. The secondary receives some more help from free agent pickup CB Josh Wilson, who, along with fellow CB DeAngelo Hall and S LaRon Landry, should provide decent coverage against the opposing NFC East quarterbacks. However, the run game will haunt a weak defensive line. Along with the lack of offensive production, the Redskins are in for another long season and may want to think about picking up a quarterback in the next offseason.

2011 Season Prediction: 3 – 13, Fourth in the NFC East

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2011 NFL Predictions: AFC West San Diego Chargers

San Diego Chargers

Last Season: 9 – 7

2011 NFL Draft: DT Corey Liuget (Illinois, Rd. 1/Pick 18), CB Marcus Gilchrist (Clemson, Rd. 2/Pick 18), LB Jonas Mouton (Michigan, Rd. 2/Pick 29), WR Vincent Brown (San Diego St., Rd. 3/Pick 18), CB Shareece Wright (USC, Rd. 3/Pick 25), RB Jordan Todman (UConn, Rd. 6/Pick 18), G Steve Schilling (Michigan, Rd. 6/Pick 36), LB Andrew Gachkar (Missouri, Rd. 7/Pick 31)

Key Additions: S Bob Sanders, LB Takeo Spikes

Key Losses: RB Darren Sproles

2010 Individual Stat Leaders:

• Passing yards — Philip Rivers — 4,710 yards

• Passing touchdowns — Philip Rivers — 30

• Rushing yards — Mike Tolbert — 735 yards

• Rushing touchdowns ­— Mike Tolbert — 11

• Receiving yards — Antonio Gates — 782 yards

• Receiving touchdowns — Antonio Gates — 10

• Tackles — Eric Weddle — 96

• Sacks — Shaun Phillips — 11

• Interceptions — Antoine Cason — 4

2011 Regular Season Schedule:

Week 1: Vikings

Week 2: @ Patriots

Week 3: Chiefs

Week 4: Dolphins

Week 5: @ Broncos

Week 6: Bye

Week 7: @ NY Jets

Week 8: @ Chiefs

Week 9: Packers

Week 10: Raiders

Week 11: @ Bears

Week 12: Broncos

Week 13: @ Jaguars

Week 14: Bills

Week 15: Ravens

Week 16: @ Lions

Week 17: @ Raiders

Analysis: The San Diego Chargers were looking to finally get over the hump in the AFC playoffs last season and make the Super Bowl. Instead, turnovers and a lackluster defense buried the Chargers early and they gave up the AFC West crown to the Chiefs. They finished strong, however, going 7-2 after a 2-5 start. With QB Philip Rivers still at the helm the Chargers have as good a chance as anyone. Rivers is a statistical machine, passing for over 4,000 yards the past three seasons and an average of about 30 touchdowns over the same time period. With WR Vincent Jackson locked down early and raring to go, the offensive production should be on par. RB Ryan Matthews had a not-so-pleasant rookie season, but the Chargers still think he can produce. RB Mike Tolbert stepped up last year and will back-up Matthews this year. On the defensive side, the Chargers picked up free agent S Bob Sanders and LB Takeo Spikes, with both contributing to an already solid defense. The only question is the defensive line. DT Antonio Garay had a good season in 2010, but defensive ends Jacques Cesaire and Luis Castillo will have to help around the ends. The Chargers still have all the makings of a playoff contender, and if they can handle a scrappy Chiefs team, they should return to power in the AFC West.

2011 Season Prediction: 10 – 6, AFC West champions

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2011 NFL Predictions: AFC West Kansas City Chiefs

Kansas City Chiefs

Last Season: 10 – 6

2011 NFL Draft: WR Jonathan Baldwin (Pittsburgh, Rd. 1/Pick 26), C Rodney Hudson (Florida St., Rd. 2/Pick 23), DE Justin Houston (Georgia, Rd. 3/Pick 6), DE Allen Bailey (Miami (FL.), Rd. 3/Pick 22), CB Jalil Brown (Colorado, Rd. 4/Pick 21), QB Ricky Stanzi (Iowa, Rd. 5/Pick 4), LB Gabe Miller (Oregon St., Rd. 5/Pick 9), DT Jerrell Powe (Mississippi, Rd. 6/Pick 34), RB Shane Bannon (Yale, Rd. 7/Pick 20)

Key Additions: WR Steve Breaston, RB Le’Ron McClain

Key Losses: DT Shaun Smith, DT Ron Edwards, LB Mike Vrabel

2010 Individual Stat Leaders:

• Passing yards — Matt Cassel — 3,116 yards

• Passing touchdowns — Matt Cassel — 27

• Rushing yards — Jamaal Charles — 1,467 yards

• Rushing touchdowns ­— Thomas Jones — 6

• Receiving yards — Dwayne Bowe — 1,162 yards

• Receiving touchdowns — Dwayne Bowe — 15

• Tackles — Derrick Johnson — 122

• Sacks — Tamba Hali — 15

• Interceptions — Eric Berry — 4

2011 Regular Season Schedule:

Week 1: Bills

Week 2: @ Lions

Week 3: @ Chargers

Week 4: Vikings

Week 5: @ Colts

Week 6: Bye

Week 7: @ Raiders

Week 8: Chargers

Week 9: Dolphins

Week 10: Broncos

Week 11: @ Patriots

Week 12: Steelers

Week 13: @ Bears

Week 14: @ NY Jets

Week 15: Packers

Week 16: Raiders

Week 17: @ Broncos

Analysis: Kansas City surprised many last season when they went 10-6 and won the AFC West. QB Matt Cassel improved in his second season in Kansas City, passing for more yards and touchdowns all the while cutting down on interceptions, which was a big factor. Cassel wasn’t the only surprise. WR Dwayne Bowe had a breakout season and RB Jamaal Charles had his second strong year, rushing for almost 1,500 yards. The Chiefs wanted more weapons and did so in the offseason. They picked up RB/FB Le’Ron McClain, a very strong blocker and pass catcher, as well as WR Steve Breaston from Arizona. WR Jonathan Baldwin was a strong draft pick, and, combined with Breaston, will allow Bowe to have another strong season. The defense will be a big question this year however. The team lost DT Ron Edwards and DT Shaun Smith, but keep DE Glenn Dorsey. The retirement of LB Mike Vrabel was a big surprise, so more responsibility will fall on fellow linebackers Derrick Johnson and Tamba Hali. The defense was a big reason the Chiefs excelled last season, and if they want to make it back to the playoffs, they are going to have to answer some of the questions that arise on the D-line and linebacker core.

2011 Season Prediction: 8 – 8, Second in the AFC West

 

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2011 NFL Predictions: AFC West Oakland Raiders

Oakland Raiders

Last Season: 8 – 8

2011 NFL Draft: C Stefen Wisniewski (Penn State, Rd. 2/Pick 16), CB Demarcus Van Dyke (Miami (FL.), Rd. 3/Pick 17), T Joe Barksdale (LSU, Rd. 3/Pick 28), CB Chimdi Chekwa (Ohio St., Rd. 4/Pick 16), RB Taiwan Jones (Eastern Washington, Rd. 4/Pick 28), WR Denarius Moore (Tennessee, Rd. 5/Pick 17), TE Richard Gordon (Miami (FL.), Rd. 6/Pick 16), WR David Ausberry (USC, Rd. 7/Pick 38)

Key Additions: QB Trent Edwards, TE Kevin Boss

Key Losses: TE Zach Miller, QB Bruce Gradkowski, CB Nnamdi Asomugha,

2010 Individual Stat Leaders:

• Passing yards — Jason Campbell — 2,387 yards

• Passing touchdowns — Jason Campbell — 13

• Rushing yards — Darren McFadden — 1,157 yards

• Rushing touchdowns ­— Michael Bush — 8

• Receiving yards — Zach Miller — 685 yards

• Receiving touchdowns — Zach Miller — 5

• Tackles — Tyvon Branch — 104

• Sacks — Kamerion Wimbley — 9

• Interceptions — Michael Huff — 3

2011 Regular Season Schedule:

Week 1: @ Broncos

Week 2: @ Bills

Week 3: NY Jets

Week 4: Patriots

Week 5: @ Texans

Week 6: Browns

Week 7: Chiefs

Week 8: Bye

Week 9: Broncos

Week 10: @ Chargers

Week 11: @ Vikings

Week 12: Bears

Week 13: @ Dolphins

Week 14: @ Packers

Week 15: Lions

Week 16: @ Chiefs

Week 17: Chargers

Analysis: Like their AFC West counterparts, the Raiders had problems with sacks last season. The O-line allowed 44 sacks on the season. Rookie C Stefen Wisniewski will start right away, but that is about all the Raiders did to help the situation. But, that is not the only problem the Raiders have on offense. QB Jason Campbell isn’t great. He barely got over 2,300 passing yards last year and the team lost their leader in receiving yards and touchdowns, TE Zach Miller. But, they were able to replace them with workhorse TE Kevin Boss from the NY Giants. WR Darrius Heyward-Bey hasn’t yet lived up to his draft selection, but WR Jacoby Ford and WR Louis Murphy can produce. However, without a quarterback who can distribute the ball, the receivers can't score points. The Raiders did pick up QB Trent Edwards in free agency, and don’t be surprised to see a battle during the season. The one shining point is the Raiders still have the running back combo of Darren McFadden and Michael Bush. Defensively, the Raiders only loss was CB Nnamdi Asomugha. Unfortunately, that is a big loss. CB Chris Johnson and CB Stanford Routt will fill in, but hopefully the front line led by DT Richard Seymour and DE Lamarr Houston can put some pressure on opposing quarterbacks to help out. Ultimately, the Raiders improved last season, going 8-8, but they didn’t add much to keep improving in 2011. They benefited by playing in a weak division last season, but I think the Chargers will be tougher this year and the Chiefs will continue to battle for a playoff division.

2011 Season Prediction: 6 – 10, Third in the AFC West

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2011 NFL Predictions: AFC West Denver Broncos

Denver Broncos

Last Season: 4 – 12

2011 NFL Draft: LB Von Miller (Texas A&M, Rd. 1/Pick 2), S Rahim Moore (UCLA, Rd. 2/Pick 13), G Orlando Franklin (Miami (FL.), Rd. 2/Pick 14), LB Nate Irving (North Carolina St., Rd. 3/Pick 3), S Quinton Carter (Oklahoma, Rd. 4/Pick 11), TE Julius Thomas (Portland St., Rd. 4/Pick 32), LB Mike Mohamed (California, Rd. 6/Pick 24), TE Virgil Green (Nevada, Rd. 7/Pick 1), DE Jeremy Beal (Oklahoma, Rd. 7/Pick 44)

Key Additions: RB Willis McGahee, DT Ty Warren

Key Losses: WR Jabar Gaffney

2010 Individual Stat Leaders:

• Passing yards — Kyle Orton — 3,653 yards

• Passing touchdowns — Kyle Orton — 20

• Rushing yards — Knowshon Moreno — 779 yards

• Rushing touchdowns ­— Tim Tebow — 6

• Receiving yards — Brandon Lloyd — 1,448 yards

• Receiving touchdowns — Brandon Lloyd — 11

• Tackles — D.J. Williams — 119

• Sacks — D.J. Williams — 6

• Interceptions — Champ Bailey/Renaldo Hill/Syd’Quan Thompson — 2

2011 Regular Season Schedule:

Week 1: Raiders

Week 2: Bengals

Week 3: @ Titans

Week 4: @ Packers

Week 5: Chargers

Week 6: Bye

Week 7: @ Dolphins

Week 8: Lions

Week 9: @ Raiders

Week 10: @ Chiefs

Week 11: NY Jets

Week 12: @ Chargers

Week 13: @ Vikings

Week 14: Bears

Week 15: Patriots

Week 16: @ Bills

Week 17: Chiefs

Analysis: When the biggest discussion of the offseason is if you should start Tim Tebow or Kyle Orton at quarterback, you know you are doomed for an underwhelming season. I appreciate what Tebow did in college, but unlike all the Denver Broncos fans I have met, I do not think he is the savor of the Broncos. Orton may not be QB Peyton Manning or QB Tom Brady, but he can throw. One of the main issues last season is the Broncos line allowed 40 sacks. Rookie draft selection OT Orlando Franklin out of Miami (FL.) should help in his first season, but the Broncos should have made some noise in free agency or trades. WR Brandon Lloyd had a great 2010, but his 2011 season will determine if Lloyd is for real. Fellow WR Eddie Royal is a playmaker and will look to make an impact as the No. 2 receiver. In the backfield, the Broncos return RB Knowshon Moreno and picked up RB Willis McGahee to help carry the load. Defensively, the Broncos improved, quite a bit. No. 2 overall pick LB Von Miller is a force and second round pick S Rahim Moore will contribute to a secondary of S Brian Dawkins and CB Champ Bailey. Free agent acquisition DT Ty Warren should contribute to a solid defensive line. The problem the Broncos will have again in 2011 is a lack of production from the offense. In half of their games in 2010, the Broncos failed to score 20 points. The line is going to have to protect whoever gets the snaps and the running game is going to have to produce for the Broncos to battle for the AFC West crown.

2011 Season Prediction: 5 – 11, Fourth in the AFC West

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2011 NFL Predictions: AFC South Houston Texans

Houston Texans

Last Season: 6 – 10

2011 NFL Draft: DE J.J. Watt (Wisconsin, Rd. 1/Pick 11), DE Brooks Reed (Arizona, Rd. 2/Pick 10), CB Brandon Harris (Miami (FL.), Rd. 2/Pick 28), CB Rashad Carmichael (Virginia Tech, Rd. 4/Pick 30), S Shiloh Keo (Idaho, Rd. 5/Pick 13), QB T.J. Yates (North Carolina, Rd. 5/Pick 21), OT Derek Newton (Arkansas St., Rd. 7/Pick 11), DE Cheta Ozougwu (Rice, Rd. 7/Pick 51)

Key Additions: CB Johnathan Joseph, S Danieal Manning

Key Losses: S Bernard Pollard, DT Amobi Okoye

2010 Individual Stat Leaders:

• Passing yards — Matt Schaub — 4,370 yards

• Passing touchdowns — Matt Schaub — 24

• Rushing yards — Arian Foster — 1,616 yards

• Rushing touchdowns ­— Arian Foster — 16

• Receiving yards — Andre Johnson — 1,216 yards

• Receiving touchdowns — Andre Johnson — 8

• Tackles — Bernard Pollard — 112

• Sacks — Mario Williams — 9

• Interceptions — Troy Nolan/Glover Quin/Jason Allen — 3

2011 Regular Season Schedule:

Week 1: Colts

Week 2: @ Dolphins

Week 3: @ Saints

Week 4: Steelers

Week 5: Raiders

Week 6: @ Ravens

Week 7: @ Titans

Week 8: Jaguars

Week 9: Browns

Week 10: @ Bucs

Week 11: Bye

Week 12: @ Jaguars

Week 13: Falcons

Week 14: @ Bengals

Week 15: Panthers

Week 16: @ Colts

Week 17: Titans

Analysis: For the past two or three years, it has been the Houston Texans time to finally make the playoffs. Only problem is, they haven’t lived up to that prediction. Last year I feel for the Texans and predicted them to give the Colts a run for their money and end up with an AFC Wildcard spot. But, the Texans went 6-10 and fell flat again. The main problem I see is the defense. But, in 2011, the Texans are finally looking to make a change. With Wade Phillips on board (and in a position more suited for him), the Texans switch to a 3-4 scheme this year. Sack leader Mario Williams moves from defensive end to outside linebacker and joins LB Brian Cushing in a second level that could cause a lot of damage. Up front, the Texans return DT Shaun Cody and DE Antonio Smith and add Wisconsin rookie DE J.J. Watt. In fact, the Texans used the first five picks of the 2011 draft on defense. They lose tackle leader S Bernard Pollard, but bring in S Daniel Manning from the Bears. Manning has some big shoes to fill, but he will get help from fellow free agent pick up CB Johnathan Joseph. If the defense can turn things around, it will really help out the explosive offense led by QB Matt Schaub. Schaub passed for over 4,000 yards last year in large part to his receiving core. WR Andre Johnson is always a threat and fellow WR Kevin Walter and WR Jacoby Jones add another level. TE Owen Daniels is also a threat. But, the big surprise in 2010 was LB Arian Foster, who rushed for over 1,600 yards. If Foster can replicate his 2010 season, the Texans may finally upend the Colts in the AFC South and make it to the playoffs.

2011 Season Prediction: 10 – 6, AFC South champions

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2011 NFL Predictions: AFC South Indianapolis Colts

Indianapolis Colts

Last Season: 10 – 6

2011 NFL Draft: T Anthony Castonzo (Boston College, Rd. 1/Pick 22), T Benjamin Ijalana (Villanova, Rd. 2/Pick 17), DT Drake Nevis (LSU, RD. 3/Pick 23), RB Delone Carter (Syracuse, Rd. 4/Pick 22), CB Chris L. Rucker (Michigan State, Rd. 6/Pick 23)

Key Additions: LB Ernie Sims, DT Tommie Harris

Key Losses: S Bob Sanders

2010 Individual Stat Leaders:

• Passing yards — Peyton Manning — 4,700 yards

• Passing touchdowns — Peyton Manning — 33

• Rushing yards — Donald Brown — 497 yards

• Rushing touchdowns ­— Joseph Addai — 4

• Receiving yards — Reggie Wayne — 1,355 yards

• Receiving touchdowns — Austin Collie — 8

• Tackles — Antonie Bethea — 106

• Sacks — Robert Mathis — 11

• Interceptions — Kelvin Hayden/Aaron Francisco/Jerraud Powers — 2

2011 Regular Season Schedule:

Week 1: @ Texans

Week 2: Browns

Week 3: Steelers

Week 4: @ Bucs

Week 5: Chiefs

Week 6: @ Bengals

Week 7: @ Saints

Week 8: @ Titans

Week 9: Falcons

Week 10: Jaguars

Week 11: Bye

Week 12: Panthers

Week 13: @ Patriots

Week 14: @ Ravens

Week 15: Titans

Week 16: Texans

Week 17: @ Jaguars

Analysis: Many thought the Colts would miss out on the playoffs last season for the first time since 2001. However, the rest of the AFC South collapsed and the Colts played strong down the stretch to win the division. They eventually lost to the New York Jets in the first round of the playoffs. So, is 2011 the year the Colts miss the playoffs? QB Peyton Manning will continue to throw strong, and his receiving core is growing. With young receivers Pierre Garson, Austin Collie, Blair White and Anthony Gonzalez behind veteran WR Reggie Wayne, Manning will have many targets. However, the running game struggled last year. RB Donald Brown was the team’s leading rusher with 497 yards. RB Joseph Addai wasn’t far behind with 495 yards. If the running game doesn’t get going, then defenses will continue to have success reading Manning, who threw 17 picks last year. The defense received some help from the acquisition of LB Ernie Sims, but the secondary was the problem. It didn’t improve and opposing offenses will continue to take advantage of the weak secondary. So yes, I think this is the year the Colts miss the playoffs.

2011 Season Prediction: 9 – 7, Second in the AFC South

 

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2011 NFL Predictions: AFC South Tennessee Titans

Tennessee Titans

Last Season: 7 – 9

2011 NFL Draft: QB Jake Locker (Washington, Rd. 1/Pick 8), LB Akeem Ayers (UCLA, Rd. 2/Pick 7), DT Jurrell Casey (USC, Rd. 3/Pick 13), LB Colin McCarthy (Miami (FL.), Rd. 4/Pick 12), RB Jamie Harper (Clemson, Rd. 4/Pick 33), DE Karl Klug (Iowa, Rd. 5/Pick 11), T Byron Stingily (Louisville, Rd. 6/Pick 10), DT Zach Clayton (Auburn, Rd. 7/Pick 9), S Tommie Campbell (California (PA), Rd. 7/Pick 48)

Key Additions: QB Matt Hasselbeck

Key Losses: QB Kerry Collins, QB Vince Young, TE Bo Scaife, DE Jason Babin, LB Stephen Tulloch, WR Randy Moss

2010 Individual Stat Leaders:

• Passing yards — Kerry Collins — 1,823 yards

• Passing touchdowns — Kerry Collins — 14

• Rushing yards — Chris Johnson — 1,364 yards

• Rushing touchdowns ­— Chris Johnson — 11

• Receiving yards — Kenny Britt — 775 yards

• Receiving touchdowns — Kenny Britt — 9

• Tackles — Stephen Tulloch — 159

• Sacks — Jason Babin — 13

• Interceptions — Michael Griffin — 4

2011 Regular Season Schedule:

Week 1: @ Jaguars

Week 2: Ravens

Week 3: Broncos

Week 4: @ Browns

Week 5: @ Steelers

Week 6: Bye

Week 7: Texans

Week 8: Colts

Week 9: Bengals

Week 10: @ Panthers

Week 11: @ Falcons

Week 12: Bucs

Week 13: @ Bills

Week 14: Saints

Week 15: @ Colts

Week 16: Jaguars

Week 17: @ Texans

Analysis: After a disappointing campaign in 2010, the Titans are a new team this year. Starting with new head coach Mike Munchak and down to a new starting quarterback. The two quarterbacks who started last season, Vince Young and Kerry Collins, have both parted ways with the team via release and retirement, respectively. Young had some off-field issues that had management concerned, so they wanted a new start. They picked up veteran QB Matt Hasselbeck, who led the Seahawks to an upset of the Saints in the first round of the NFC playoffs last season, as well as having played in a Super Bowl. He will be battling rookie QB Jake Locker from Washington, who at one point was considered a #1 pick. Locker can be inconsistent at times, but he could learn from Hasselbeck, so don’t be surprised to see the veteran start at least the beginning of the season. Luckily, the Titans will have reliable RB Chris Johnson in the backfield. Johnson was quiet last season, but still rushed for over 1,300 yards and got into the end zone 11 times. The defense is what will be the downfall of this year’s team. They lost their tackle leader LB Stephen Tulloch and their sack leader DE Jason Babin to free agency. On top of that, they didn’t do much replacing. The secondary should be strong with safeties Michael Griffin and Chris Hope as well as CB Cortland Finnegan. But, you can’t count on your secondary as your run stop, so while the offense may score some points, they will have to keep up with their opponents on a regular basis.

2011 Season Prediction: 6 – 10, Third in the AFC South

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2011 NFL Predictions: AFC South Jacksonville Jaguars

Jacksonville Jaguars

Last Season: 8 – 8

2011 NFL Draft: QB Blaine Gabbert (Missouri, Rd. 1/Pick 10), G William Rackley (Lehigh, Rd. 3/Pick 12), WR Cecil Shorts (Mount Union, RD. 4/Pick 17), S Christopher Prosinski (Wyoming, Rd. 4/Pick 24), CB Roderick Issac (Middle Tennessee St., Rd. 5/Pick 16)

Key Additions: LB Paul Posluszny, G Jason Spitz

Key Losses: LB Justin Durant, WR Mike Sims-Walker

2010 Individual Stat Leaders:

• Passing yards — David Garrard — 2,734 yards

• Passing touchdowns — David Garrard — 23

• Rushing yards — Maurice Jones-Drew — 1,324 yards

• Rushing touchdowns ­— Maurice Jones-Drew/David Garrard — 5

• Receiving yards — Mike Thomas — 820 yards

• Receiving touchdowns — Marcedes Lewis — 10

• Tackles — Daryl Smith — 97

• Sacks — Jeremy Mincey — 5

• Interceptions — Derek Cox — 4

2011 Regular Season Schedule:

Week 1: Titans

Week 2: @ NY Jets

Week 3: @ Panthers

Week 4: Saints

Week 5: Bengals

Week 6: @ Steelers

Week 7: Ravens

Week 8: @ Texans

Week 9: Bye

Week 10: @ Colts

Week 11: @ Browns

Week 12: Texans

Week 13: Chargers

Week 14: Bucs

Week 15: @ Falcons

Week 16: @ Titans

Week 17: Colts

Analysis: The Jaguars had a chance to upend the AFC South last season, but feel flat in the end by losing three straight games. QB David Garrard was once thought to be the next great quarterback, but the Jaguars have since changed their mind and drafted what some thought was the best passer in the draft this year in QB Blaine Gabbert. Still, I think the position is Garrard’s to lose. No matter who starts at QB, they will have one less target to throw to with losing WR Mike Sims-Walker. WR Mike Thomas and TE Marcedes Lewis are strong targets, but the Jaguars could do with a solid #2 receiver. RB Maurice Jones-Drew had a down season last year, only getting into the end zone five times on the ground. G Jason Spitz should be a nice addition to help the run game as well as protect the quarterback. Besides Gabbert, the Jaguars didn’t do much in the draft, which is a disappointment for the defense. LB Paul Posluszny is a great pick-up in free agency, but they could have definitely used some help in the secondary playing in the same division as QB Peyton Manning and QB Matt Schaub. For the defensive reasons alone the Jaguars would have a long season, but add in the lack of quarterback confidence and no clear #2 receiver and the team should be in for a long season.

2011 Season Prediction: 5 – 11, Fourth in the AFC South

 

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2011 NFL Predictions: AFC North Pittsburgh Steelers

Pittsburgh Steelers

Last Season: 12 – 4

2011 NFL Draft: DE Cameron Heyward (Ohio State, Rd. 1/Pick 31), T Marcus Gilbert (Florida, RD. 2/Pick 31), CB Curtis Brown (Texas, Rd. 3/Pick 31), CB Cortez Allen (Citadel, Rd. 4/Pick 31), LB Christopher Carter (Fresno State, RD. 5/Pick 31), G Keith Williams (Nebraska, Rd. 6/Pick 31), RB Baron Batch (Texas Tech, Rd. 7/Pick 29)

Key Additions: None

Key Losses: WR Antwaan Randle El

2010 Individual Stat Leaders:

• Passing yards — Ben Roethlisberger — 3,200 yards

• Passing touchdowns — Ben Roethlisberger — 17

• Rushing yards — Rashard Mendenhall — 1,273 yards

• Rushing touchdowns ­— Rashard Mendenhall — 13

• Receiving yards — Mike Wallace — 1,257 yards

• Receiving touchdowns — Mike Wallace — 10

• Tackles — Lawrence Timmons — 135

• Sacks — James Harrison — 11

• Interceptions — Troy Polamalu — 7

2011 Regular Season Schedule:

Week 1: @ Ravens

Week 2: Seahawks

Week 3: @ Colts

Week 4: @ Texans

Week 5: Titans

Week 6: Jaguars

Week 7: @ Cardinals

Week 8: Patriots

Week 9: Ravens

Week 10: @ Bengals

Week 11: Bye

Week 12: @ Chiefs

Week 13: Bengals

Week 14: Browns

Week 15: @ 49ers

Week 16: Rams

Week 17: @ Browns

Analysis: What is the best way to repeat as AFC champions? Don’t mess with your team. The Pittsburgh Steelers figured that out and kept almost their entire team intact from the team that lost out to the Green Bay Packers in last year’s Super Bowl. They have all their offensive weapons still. WR Mike Wallace keeps getting better and the position goes about five or six deep with receivers who can make a play when it counts. From WR Emmanuel Sanders to WR Antonio Brown, who will both be entering their second year, QB Ben Roethlisberger will have plenty of options. Plus, this year, Big Ben won’t miss any games to start the season. The offensive line will need to do a little better job protecting Roethlisberger, but he will get help from the running game. RB Rashard Mendenhall put up over 1,200 yards and 13 touchdowns last year and he doesn’t show any signs of slowing down. The biggest help the Steelers got was first-round draft pick DE Cameron Heyward, and he may not even be a starter. The Steelers’ defense is superb and they signed LB LaMarr Woodley to a contract extension. If S Troy Polamalu stays on the field this year, the 2011 Steelers may get over the small hump the 2010 team couldn’t.

2011 Season Prediction: 14 – 2, First in the AFC North

 
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2011 NFL Predictions: AFC North Baltimore Ravens

Baltimore Ravens

Last Season: 12 – 4

2011 NFL Draft: CB Jimmy Smith (Colorado, Rd. 1/Pick 27), WR Torrey Smith (Maryland, Rd. 2/Pick 26), T Jah Reid (UCF, Rd. 3/Pick 21), WR Randon Doss (Indiana, Rd. 4/Pick 26), CB Chykie Brown (Texas, Rd. 5/Pick 33), DE Pernell McPhee (Miss. St., Rd. 5/Pick 34), QB Tyrod Taylor (Virginia Tech, Rd. 6/Pick 15), RB Anthony Allen (Georgia Tech, Rd. 7/Pick 22)

Key Additions: S Bernard Pollard

Key Losses: FB Le’Ron McClain, WR Donte’ Stallworth, WR Derrick Mason, TE Todd Heap, RB Willis McGahee

2010 Individual Stat Leaders:

• Passing yards — Joe Flacco — 3,622 yards

• Passing touchdowns — Joe Flacco — 25

• Rushing yards — Ray Rice — 1,220 yards

• Rushing touchdowns ­— Ray Rice/Willis McGahee — 5

• Receiving yards — Anquan Boldin — 837 yards

• Receiving touchdowns — Anquan Boldin/Derrick Mason — 7

• Tackles — Ray Lewis — 139

• Sacks — Terrell Suggs — 11

• Interceptions — Ed Reed — 8

2011 Regular Season Schedule:

Week 1: Steelers

Week 2: @ Titans

Week 3: @ Rams

Week 4: NY Jets

Week 5: Bye

Week 6: Texans

Week 7: @ Jaguars

Week 8: Cardinals

Week 9: @ Steelers

Week 10: @ Seahawks

Week 11: Bengals

Week 12: 49ers

Week 13: @ Browns

Week 14: Colts

Week 15: @ Chargers

Week 16: Browns

Week 17: @ Bengals

Analysis: If you look at what the Ravens lost in the past two weeks and what they gained, you will see they didn’t help their offense, but improved one of the NFL’s most elite defenses. Losing WR Derrick Mason as well as TE Todd Heap takes away two of QB Joe Flacco’s top three targets. Yes, they still have WR Anquan Boldin, but he will be lining up with a new crowd this year, including rookie WR Torrey Smith. RB Ray Rice will also have to carry even more of a load in the backfield with the loss of RB Willis McGahee and FB Le’Ron McClain. However, the defense got even stronger. S Bernard Pollard will line up at safety along S Ed Reed and rookie CB Jimmy Smith out of Colorado should see good minutes on the field. Linebackers Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs will continue to dominate opposing run games and second year DT Terrence Cody should continue to improve in the trenches. The losses on offense are a cause for concern, but as in several years past, it will be the defense that carries the Ravens.

2011 Season Prediction: 12 – 4, Second in the AFC North and AFC Wildcard

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