Pick the one team that wasn't in the NFL playoffs in 2008 that will be in 2009.
That's easy. New England is it. Tom Brady is back, so they will be back.
It's that simple.
With Brady back running their high-octane offense, the Patriots will win the AFC East and push for a Super Bowl.
So eliminating the Patriots, let's make it harder. What other teams have a chance to go from playoff watcher last season to playoff team in 2009?
|
|
| Drew Brees and Carson Palmer: Playoff bound? (Getty Images) |
Yes, they play in a tough division with the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens, the two participants in the AFC Championship Game last season, but with Palmer coming back the Bengals can play with those two.
Palmer had back-to-back 4,000-yard seasons before missing 12 games in 2008 with an elbow injury. He insists he is 100 percent, which is why I like the Bengals.
They won the division in 2005, and this team will have a better defense than that team did. Watch out, Pittsburgh and Baltimore.
The other four teams I considered are the Houston Texans, Chicago Bears, New Orleans Saints and the Green Bay Packers.
Here is a short breakdown on all five.
Cincinnati Bengals
Why I like them: Palmer is healthy again. When he's on his game, he's among the top five passers in the NFL. Their passing game will be dangerous again. Chad Johnson will be a happy man with Palmer back.
Why I have concern: The running game. Can Cedric Benson prove to be more than a one-hit wonder for this team? Benson is their guy now and he does have a good pedigree, even if it didn't work out in Chicago as the Bears' first-round pick. Even so, there are questions about his ability to be a featured back. He needs to show that his 2008 season was not an aberration.
Key player for playoff chances: Palmer. He has to be back to his pre-injury form. If he is, they will push the Ravens and the Steelers for the division title. That's how good he is as a passer.
Improving area that must keep getting better: The defense. They finished 12th in the league in defense last season and with a lot of young rising players --- like corner Leon Hall -- they should be even better.
Playoff chances: Good. I think they will be a wild-card team at the least -- even in a tough division.
Houston Texans
Why I like them: They have some key pieces in place. They have their version of the triplets in quarterback Matt Schaub, receiver Andre Johnson and running back Steve Slaton. They also have a young front seven, including star end Mario Williams, which could present big problems for opposing offenses.
Why I have some concern: Their division is brutal. The Colts and Titans are the class of this division heading to the season. The Texans have to edge out at least one of those teams for a playoff spot.
|
|
| The Texans need Dunta Robinson's cover skills. (Getty Images) |
Improving area that must keep getting better: The offensive line, long a sore spot for this franchise, took a major step forward last season. As left tackle Duane Brown, now in his second season, continues to improve, the line will as well.
Playoff chances: So-so. I think they have a chance to move past the Titans in the division, but the Colts are the class.
Chicago Bears
Why I like them: Jay Cutler. They finally have a franchise passer. If they allow Cutler to play up-tempo, and that's a big if, the Bears will have their best passing game in decades. That's reason to like them more.
Why I have some concern: Who are the receivers Cutler will be throwing to? Devin Hester has to show he's more than a return man and we keep hearing how second-year player Earl Bennett is ready. If they both play well, then it won't be an issue. If not, they have big problems. I do like third-round pick Juaquin Iglesias.
Key player for playoff chances: Hester. He needs to become more of a polished receiver. He has to be the go-to guy and an 80-catch player.
Improving area that must keep getting better: Running back Matt Forte showed off his all-round skills last season when he broke Gale Sayers' team rookie record for yards from scrimmage. He might be ready for the Pro Bowl this year now that he has a passing game to back off the defense.
Playoff chances: So-so. Cutler doesn't play defense and the Bears couldn't defend the pass last season. That remains a worry. Expect shootouts.
New Orleans Saints
Why I like them: Have you seen that passing game? With Drew Brees throwing it all over the place and a coach in Sean Payton who loves to do it, they will score a lot of points -- again.
|
|
| The Saints need a healthy, productive Reggie Bush. (Getty Images) |
Key player for playoff chances: Reggie Bush. Yes, Reggie Bush. He has to stay healthy and he has to be a factor in the run game, passing game and return game. If he does all three, the Saints will thrive.
Improving area that must keep getting better: The interior defense. That means defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis. He had 30 tackles and four sacks last season as a rookie, but has the tools to be a force in the middle.
Playoff chances: Decent. Their division is tough with Atlanta and Carolina and Tampa Bay, but if the defense improves the Saints could win the division.
Green Bay Packers
Why I like them: I liked what I saw from Aaron Rodgers in his first year as a starter, and he has a good group of skill people around him. Rodgers should be even better in his second full season as a starter. He is a franchise passer. Brett who?
Why I have some concern: The defense. It was a disaster last year, which is why new coordinator Dom Capers takes over. The Packers are moving to a 3-4, which will take a transition period. But Capers is one of the best in the business. They will be better.
Key player for playoff chances: OLB Aaron Kampman. He was a good pass rusher as a 4-3 end, but now must convert to a 3-4 outside linebacker. Capers said he doesn't think Kampman should have much trouble making the move, but only time will tell.
Improving area that must keep getting better: The passing game. Rodgers to Greg Jennings will be a top combination in 2009.
Playoff chances: Decent. With the Vikings and the Bears in the division, they will face a tough battle to win the division. But it's doable.
