[font=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][size=+1]Line of Scrimmage: 5 Teams on the Rise, 5 on the DeclineThe point is that now is not the time to grade the league's offseason winners and losers. We'll all be wearing shorts and flip-flops when we have enough of the picture to begin anointing the next NFL dynasties and assigning blame to the mismanaged and downtrodden. With that in mind, let's take a look at the most recent sonogram, with a spotlight upon those setting themselves up best for either success or failure in 2005: ON THE RISE 1. Minnesota [/size][/font]
2. Miami - The Dolphins made some subtle changes during the free agency period, as blowing up a team that has more talent than say, the Browns or the 49ers, was not necessary. Miami filled some needs, bringing in ex-Titan Kevin Carter to clog up the defensive interior, adding right tackle Stockar McDougle for veteran help on a thin offensive line, and quietly ushering in Gus Frerotte to run new offensive coordinator Scott Linehan's system. The Fins will have their choice of running backs at No. 2 in the draft and should be able to get more offensive line help with their two third-round selections (they traded their second-round selection to the Eagles for A.J. Feeley). What's more, Nick Saban excised some baggage (WR David Boston, QB Jay Fiedler, FB Rob Konrad), and put an immediate stamp on his team in the process.
3. Cincinnati
4. Arizona
5. Washington
ON THE DECLINE
1. Green Bay
2. Buffalo - Forget that late-season playoff run, the Bills have taken a step back. Either cut-rate newcomer Kelly Holcomb or the inexperienced J.P. Losman will be taking the snaps in 2005, and will be operating behind a line that just lost left tackle Jonas Jennings. On the other side of the ball, the departure of key run-stuffer Pat Williams to the Vikings will undoubtedly be felt in a big way. Don't expect the Patriots, Jets, and improving Dolphins to be very forgiving to Buffalo's plight come the fall.
3. St. Louis
4. Denver
5. Pittsburgh
ACTUALLY a good read and after reading it all he makes good points to his case on zwire
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2. Miami - The Dolphins made some subtle changes during the free agency period, as blowing up a team that has more talent than say, the Browns or the 49ers, was not necessary. Miami filled some needs, bringing in ex-Titan Kevin Carter to clog up the defensive interior, adding right tackle Stockar McDougle for veteran help on a thin offensive line, and quietly ushering in Gus Frerotte to run new offensive coordinator Scott Linehan's system. The Fins will have their choice of running backs at No. 2 in the draft and should be able to get more offensive line help with their two third-round selections (they traded their second-round selection to the Eagles for A.J. Feeley). What's more, Nick Saban excised some baggage (WR David Boston, QB Jay Fiedler, FB Rob Konrad), and put an immediate stamp on his team in the process.
3. Cincinnati
4. Arizona
5. Washington
ON THE DECLINE
1. Green Bay
2. Buffalo - Forget that late-season playoff run, the Bills have taken a step back. Either cut-rate newcomer Kelly Holcomb or the inexperienced J.P. Losman will be taking the snaps in 2005, and will be operating behind a line that just lost left tackle Jonas Jennings. On the other side of the ball, the departure of key run-stuffer Pat Williams to the Vikings will undoubtedly be felt in a big way. Don't expect the Patriots, Jets, and improving Dolphins to be very forgiving to Buffalo's plight come the fall.
3. St. Louis
4. Denver
5. Pittsburgh
ACTUALLY a good read and after reading it all he makes good points to his case on zwire
a.fullstory_linkbar { color: #006666; font-size: 10px; font-family: verdana; text-decoration: none; } a.fullstory_linkbar:hover { text-decoration: underline; }
