Surprise Teams
by Josh Gaier
If your team didn’t make the playoffs last year, don’t fret: here’s a look at some teams whose fortunes could change this fall.
Every year teams in the NFL rise from the pits to the playoff, shocking the NFL world in the process. Last year we saw the Packers, Buccaneers, and Titans accomplish this feat. Whether it’s through the draft, free-agent signings, or just a mental makeshift in the organization, teams fight from the bottom of the NFL reigns to the top. Below is a list of four teams (two from each conference) that could turn their fortunes around in the 2008 NFL Season
Minnesota Vikings
Going into the offseason, the Vikings two biggest priorities were to upgrade their receiving corps and to improve their lackluster pass rush. And the Vikings did just that. To add a spark to the offense and to facilitate the development of young quarterback Tarvaris Jackson, the Vikings signed Bernard Berrian away from the division-rival Bears. Although Berrian isn’t the biggest receiver, he is a great compliment to sophomore receiver Sidney Rice. In contrast to Rice, who is more physical, Berrian relies on his speed. He’ll instantly become a deep-threat target for Jackson as he can hit the seam down the sideline and make plays after the catch. Next, the Vikings traded for one of the biggest threats off the edge in the NFL, Jared Allen. For the last couple of years, the Vikings pass rush has been their Achilles Heel on defense. However, Allen (who recorded 15.5 sacks last year) immediately upgrades a once-inactive pass rush. With Adrian Peterson leading the Vikings ground attack and Pat Williams and Kevin Williams anchoring the trenches and keeping the Vikings the top run defense in the league, the Vikings have the potential to win the division. However, the fate of the Vikings team rests on young quarterback Tavaris Jackson. If he can develop and show he’s the quarterback of the future this season, the Vikings could potentially make it all the way to the Super Bowl.
New York Jets
After turning from a surprising 10-6 in 2006 to a disappointing 4-12 in 2007, the Jets are poised to make a big run after their offseason shopping spree. With the front seven of the Jets 3-4 scheme in shambles last season, the Jets brought in nose tackle Kris Jenkins, outside linebacker Calvin Pace, and drafted outside linebacker Vernon Gholston with the sixth overall pick in the draft. With a big, space-eating Kris Jenkins at nose tackle, the run defense should be much improved. Bryan Thomas didn’t play well in 2007 after an excellent 2006, so head coach Eric Mangini and G.M. Mike Tannebaum brought in two explosive athletes that know how to reach the opposition’s quarterback. Also, the Jets revamped their offensive line by brining in perennial pro-bowler Alan Faneca and right tackle Damian Woody. Like the Vikings, the Jets biggest problem will come down to the quarterback position as Chad Pennington and Kellen Clemens compete for the starting job. As long as the starting quarterback can hold his own and play mistake free football, the Jets can soar to the playoffs in the tough AFC.
New Orleans Saints
Like the Jets, the Saints collapsed from a high in 2006 to a low in 2007. The offense wasn’t the same as it was in ’06 and the big acquisition of Jason David to help solidify the secondary turned out to be a nightmare. Nevertheless, the offense still has plenty of weapons, led by a stellar backfield that includes Drew Brees, Reggie Bush and Deuce McAllister. With Colston still split wide and a formidable offensive line, there is no reason why the offense shouldn’t continue to excel. The defensive side of the ball has been a weakness in Payton’s two-year regime. In an effort to improve a vulnerable defense, the Saints acquired three valuable starters: Jonathan Vilma, Randall Gay,and Sedrick Ellis. Vilma is one of the best 4-3 middle linebackers in the game, and if he can recover from injury, he’ll instantly boost the Saints defense against both the run and the pass. Randall Gay pushes Jason David to the nickel package as he’ll claim the starting job, and Sedrick Ellis offers the Saints a penetrating defensive tackle that was equally impressive against the run and pass in college. With the defense much improved on paper and an offense not to far removed from being tops in the NFL, the Saints could make a run to the Super Bowl.
Oakland Raiders
It may seem like a long shot, but the Raiders have a roster packed with talent, and they have the potential to shock the NFL world and make their way into the playoffs. 2006 first-overall pick JaMarcus Russell will be handed the starting job, and the running back corps is stacked with Justin Fargas, Darren McFadden, LaMont Jordan, and Michael Bush – the Raiders are destined to have an excellent running game with all the talent at the position. At receiver, the Raiders brought in Javon Walker to play opposite Ronald Curry. With the offensive line still intact and solid, the Raiders can emerge as an explosive offense to pair with their excellent defense. Despite the defense already being solid, the Raiders brought in DeAngelo Hall and paired with him another talented corner, Nnamdi Asomugha. Together, they comprise arguably the best cornerback tandem in all of football. In addition, Burgess will continue to apply pressure off the edge and the linebacking corps led by Thomas Howard has speed and the ability to track down the ball. Although it’s a long shot due to their young coach and inexperienced quarterback, the Raiders have the pure talent to sneak into the AFC Playoffs.