NFL 2014 NFC Preview

I conclude my NFL preview by examining the NFC.

NFC East
1.  Philadelphia Eagles (8-8 overall; 3-3 in division; playoff team):  Home to one of the fastest and most efficient offenses, the defense is often overlooked.  That would be a mistake by their opponents, as this is a tough defense.  Their biggest flaw is caused by their offense.  The offense scores so quickly that the defense doesn't have time to really rest.  They were losing games last year in the second half as the defense was tiring.  If they improve their conditioning, this team could win two or three more games than I expect.

2.  New York Giants (8-8; 3-3):  QB Eli Manning seems confused by the new offensive scheme.  He has struggled in preseason.  The defense has been helping them win, as they beefed up the cornerback corps by obtaining Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Walter Thurmond.  They are thin among defensive linemen, however, so the front four must stay healthy.

3.  Washington Redskins (7-9; 3-3):  New coach Jay Gruden wants more pass routes and less read-option.  That means Griffin must be willing to look for alternate receivers.  His habit is to look for his primary target.  If that receiver is covered, he runs and looks for his "dump off" option.  If Griffin can't be more patient, this scheme will fail.

4.  Dallas Cowboys (7-9; 3-3):  The simple passing scheme created last year helps Tony Romo, as he does not improve well.  They are a bit thin at wide receiver and tight end, so injuries could hamper this scheme.  RB DeMarco Murray also must stay healthy, a feat he has not accomplished in recent years.

NFC North
1.  Green Bay Packers (12-4; 5-1; playoffs):  This team has a well-balanced offense, as they discovered when Aaron Rodgers suffered his shoulder injury last year.  There may not be a better runner in the game than Eddie Lacy, except his own divisional rival Matt Forte.  The biggest dark cloud for Green Bay is the one that has haunted them in recent years -- injuries.  The backups are not nearly as talented as the first team, and they don't fit into the offensive scheme as well.  Perhaps that would change this year, as they needed to learn the system last year.

2.  Chicago Bears (10-6; 5-1; playoffs):  Bears coach Marc Trestman focused on offense last year, improving the wide receiving corps and offensive line.  While QB Jay Cutler appreciated the better targets, he was most happy for the line improvements, as the Bears had previously given up more sacks than all but two teams.  Since Cutler has to scramble less, he has time to target his throws, and this offense is potent.  The defense suffered last year, especially in the front four.  They gained some talent to help in case the starters get injured, so that squad should improve.

3.  Detroit Lions (6-10; 2-4):  Of all teams in this division, this one has the most solid defense (not something we often say about the Lions!).  On the offensive side, the team has quality wide receivers, but QB Matthew Stafford forces too many plays.  This year he will be learning a new offensive scheme, which will just make that situation worse.

4.  Minnesota Vikings (3-13; 0-6):  QB Matt Cassel will be looking over his shoulder at Teddy Bridgewater.  If the team is smart, though, they will keep Bridgewater on the bench until late in the season.  Granted, by that time their playoff chances will have evaporated, but that gives him time to learn how NFL defenses work.  Besides, the biggest problems on the Vikings offense do not sit behind the center, as both quarterback and RB Adrian Peterson are solid.  The wide receiving corps is thin, and the right side of the line is weak.  Through in a weak defense that causes the offense to constantly play "catch up" football, and this is  recipe for disaster.

NFC South
1.  New Orleans Saints (12-4; 6-0; playoffs):  If the offensive line works, this offense is nearly unstoppable.  They brought in some new cogs to help the O line this year, and it seems to be working.  The defense has yo-yo'ed in recent years, sometimes being fairly strong and then the next year stinking.  Preseason hasn't given me a consistent enough picture to determine how that squad will do this season, but I'm predicting they will have it together.

2.  Atlanta Falcons (8-8; 4-2):  If this team can stay healthy, the offense is potent.  Injuries were a problem last year, and they didn't really add to the depth of the offensive roster in the off-season.  Throw in a suspect defensive line, and this team seems on the edge of disaster.

3.  Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-10; 1-5):  Lovie Smith is in heaven!  He has come to the home of his favorite defense, the Tampa Two!  I guess we know what the Bucs will be playing this season!  Hopefully Smith can improve on last year's defensive performances, as this team gave up too many big plays.  Josh McCown was great last year in Chicago in relief of Jay Cutler, and Smith brings him to Tampa.  Unfortunately he doesn't have the same quality receivers here, so it's questionable how he will perform.  I think RB Doug Martin will be carrying much of the load.

4.  Arizona Cardinals (3-13; 1-5):  This team lost too much offensive firepower in the off-season.  They added some elements to the defense, but that may take some time to gel.  This team will be forced to rely on the running game, which does not fit into the modern style of NFL football.

NFC West
1.  Seattle Seahawks (14-2; 5-1; playoffs):  It has been rare for a Super Bowl winning to repeat in the free agency era.  This team might, as they were able to retain nearly all of their players.  That's a tremendous feat!  They again have a great home schedule, and could go unbeaten at home for the third consecutive season.

2.  San Francisco 49ers (12-4; 5-1; playoffs):  They added more hands to the offense, giving that squad a major boost.  The defense is a bit thin in places, but if they stay healthy, they can give anyone (except maybe Denver) a challenge.

3.  Arizona Cardinals (3-13; 1-5):  They picked up some wide receiver tools to help QB Carson Palmer, but a weak running game hurts the offense.  The defense is also slow, so this team will struggle.

4.  St Louis Rams (3-13; 1-5):  With QB Sam Bradford already injured, the offense is in trouble.  Backup Shaun Hill has spent 12 years in the NFL, and none of them have been standouts.  With few versatile wide receivers and a weak offensive backfield, there is little for Hill and the Rams to fall back upon.  The defense has some bright spots, but they have enough holes to give teams chances to establish leads that the Rams offense cannot match.