Quick Preview: Seattle Seahawks

Since the last time we saw them:
2008 Record: 4-12
Key Additions: WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh, DT Colin Cole, DL Cory Redding, CB Ken Lucas, FB Justin Griffith, TE John Owens, CB Travis Fisher, OC Greg Knapp, DC Casey Bradley
Key Losses: WR Bobby Engram, OLB Julian Peterson, DT Rocky Bernard, OG Mike Wahle, OL Floyd Womack, WR Koren Robinson, FB Leonard Weaver, RB Maurice Morris, TE Will Heller, OG Chris Gray, QB Charlie Frye, HC Mike Holmgren
Top Draft Picks: OLB Aaron Curry, C Max Unger

What we now know:
Best Player: MLB Lofa Tatupu
Most Underrated: DT Brandon Mebane

Looking Forward:
Breakout Candidates: TE John Carlson, DT Brandon Mebane, DE Darryl Tapp
Looking to bounce back: QB Matt Hasselbeck, WR Nate Burleson, OG Rob Sims, DE Patrick Kerney, CB Ken Lucas
Time to step up: OG Mansfield Wrotto, RB Julius Jones, OT Sean Locklear, DT Colin Cole, HC Jim Mora Jr.

Strengths:

• Very talented young LB corp headed by Tatupu and underrated Leroy Hill
• A deep D-Line with DE Kerney coming back and DT Cole and DL Redding added in off-season
• CB Marcus Trufant, whose physical style should transfer well to increased Cover-2 under new DC Bradley
• WR Houshmandzadeh and TE Carlson lead a solid receiving corp that could be a real strength if it remains healthy
• QB Hasselbeck, if healthy, will be solid again
  
• More coaching stability with new HC Mora Jr.

Concerns:

• Interior Offensive Line
• OT positions, especially since injured LT Walter Jones is unlikely to return before midseason
  
• RB position, where both Jones and backup T.J. Duckett have struggled in the past
• Health of soon-to-be 34 year-old QB Hasselbeck
• Pass rush if DE Kerney gets hurt again or isn't the same after repeated shoulder surgeries
• CB Trufant's back issues that could possible put him on the PUP list
  
• Shaky Special Teams, reliant on either unknown second-year K Brandon Coutu or a repeat career-year from K Olindo Mare
  

Expectations: 8 wins, playoff contention

Quick Preview: San Francisco 49ers

Since the last time we saw them:
2008 Record: 7-9
Key Additions: OT Marvel Smith, CB Dre Bly, WR Brandon Jones, FB Moran Norris, QB Damon Huard, DE Demetric Evans, LB Marques Harris, OC Jimmy Raye
Key Losses: WR Bryant Johnson, OLB Tully Banta-Cain, TE Billy Bajema, RB DeShaun Foster, DT Ronald Fields, CB Donald Strickland, OT Jonas Jennings, DE Roderick Green, S Keith Lewis, QB J.T. O'Sullivan
Top Draft Picks: WR Michael Crabtree, RB Glen Coffee

What we now know:
Best Player: ILB Patrick Willis
Most Underrated: QB Shaun Hill

Looking Forward:
Breakout Candidates: QB Shaun Hill, WR Josh Morgan, TE Vernon Davis, RG Chilo Rachal, OLB Manny Lawson, OLB Parys Haralson
Looking to bounce back: QB Alex Smith, OT Marvel Smith, FB Moran Norris
Time to step up: LG David Baas, S Dashon Goldson, CB Tarell Brown

Strengths:

• RB Frank Gore, a tough inside runner who will get more carries in new offense and gets FB Norris back
• C Eric Heitmann and LT Joe Staley are very nice players, while RG Rachal came on strong last season
• QB Hill's 7-3 career record and 101.3 4th quarter passer rating
• Talented, but immature TE Davis's fit in new TE-friendly offense
  
• ILB Willis, arguably the NFL's best interior LB pairs with solid veteran Takeo Spikes
• Strong, versatile, consistent and never injured DE Justin Smith
  
• OLBs Haralson had strong '08 season while OLB Lawson is now fully healthy after '07 ACL tear
• CB Nate Clements
  
• SS Michael Lewis's excellent play versus the run
• Special teams very strong with Pro Bowl P Andy Lee, solid K Joe Nedney and ageless KR Allen Rossum
• Depth relatively strong across the board
  
• Niners were 5-2 down the stretch last season and 5-4 under interim HC Mike Singletary
• Intense HC Singletary now has total control over players and schemes
• Defense improved by 10 points per game after full switch to 3-4 midway through '08

Concerns:

• QB position, where incumbent Hill is gritty, but lacks pro arm or tools is battling disappointing former #1 overall pick Alex Smith
• Lack of game changers at WR due to Crabtree holdout
• O-Line allowed NFL high 55 sacks last season
• Questions at RT and LG (OG Baas has been disappointing and OT Smith is still hurt)
• NT Aubreyo Franklin
• Pass rush, should OLB Lawson fail to break out
• Potentially career-ending injury to CB Walt Harris leaves #2 CB spot in hands of banged of CB Brown and veteran CB Bly, who had dreadful season in Denver
• Unproven S Goldson
  

Expectations: Playoffs

Quick Preview: St. Louis Rams

Since the last time we saw them:
2008 Record: 2-14
Key Additions: C Jason Brown, S James Butler, WR Laurent Robinson, FB Mike Karney, QB Kyle Boller, DT Gary Gibson, WR Tim Carter, WR Ronald Curry, TE Billy Bajema, HC Steve Spagnuolo, OC Pat Shurmur, DC Ken Flajole
Key Losses: WR Torry Holt, OLB Pisa Tinoisamoa, LT Orlando Pace, C Nick Leckey, DT La'Roi Glover, S Corey Chavous, CB Fakhir Brown, CB Jason Craft, TE Anthony Becht, QB Trent Green, WR Dante Hall, WR Drew Bennett, FB Brian Leonard, WR Dane Looker, CB Ricky Manning, Rb Travis Minor, C Brett Romberg, LB Gary Stills
Top Draft Picks: OT Jason Smith, LB James Laurinaitis, CB Bradley Fletcher

What we now know:
Best Player: S O.J. Atogwe
Most Underrated: CB Ron Bartell

Looking Forward:
Breakout Candidates: DE Chris Long, DT Clifton Ryan, WR Laurent Robinson, WR Donnie Avery
Looking to bounce back: QB Marc Bulger, RB Steven Jackson, LG Jacob Bell, DE Leonard Little
Time to step up: WR Keenan Burton, OT Alex Barron, DT Adam Carriker, CB Tye Hill, CB Jonathan Wade

Strengths:

• RB Steven Jackson can do it all, including catch, a big bonus for new OC Shurmur's West Coast Offense
• C Jason Brown is a stud and will help lead an underachieving O-Line
• Second-year WR Avery should improve on solid rookie season
  
• LB Will Witherspoon has been a very nice MLB for three years and now moves back to natural WLB spot
• HC Spagnuolo has a deep group of big DEs, and should have a nice Nickel pass rush
• Secondary features NFL's top ball-hawking FS Atogwe, while SS Butler is an improvement over departed Corey Chavous
• CB Bartell is a solid player who broke up 19 passes in '08
• P Donnie Jones averaged over 50 yards per punt and coverage units allowed no TDs
  

Concerns:

• QB Bulger has been really mediocre the past two seasons, posting 6 more INTs than TDs since career year in '06
• RB Jackson, while productive, has missed equivalent of 10 games the past two seasons and has no quality backup
  
• WR position a complete unknown, especially with Avery very possibly missing start of season with foot stress fracture
• O-Line allowed 45 sacks last year while OT Barron and RG Richie Incognito take tons of bad penalties
• LG Bell, a terrible free agent bust last season and earns 6 mill/year
• DT position completely reliant on emergence of disappointing Carriker and incumbent Ryan
• LB Laurinaitas being thrown into lineup as rookie next to SLB Chris Draft, who is aging and declining athletically
• CB opposite Bartell, most likely to be manned by underachieving former first rounder Hill

Expectations: Improvement, remaining competetive

Quick Preview: Arizona Cardinals

Since the last time we saw them:
2008 Record: 9-7, Wild Card win against Atlanta, Divisional Playoffs win at Carolina, NFC Championship win at Philadelphia, Super Bowl loss to Pittsburgh
Key Additions: CB Bryant McFadden, RB Jason Wright, TE Anthony Becht, FB Dan Kreider, C Melvin Fowler
Key Losses: DE Antonio Smith, RB J.J. Arrington, LB Monty Beisel, CB Eric Green, CB Rod Hood, RB Edgerrin James, DE Travis LaBoy, FB Terrelle Smith, OC Todd Haley
Top Draft Picks: RB Chris Wells, OLB Cody Brown

What we now know:
Best Player: WR Larry Fitzgerald
Most Underrated: LT Mike Gandy

Looking Forward:
Breakout Candidates: RB Tim Hightower, CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, S Antrel Rolle
Looking to bounce back: LOLB Clark Haggans
Time to step up: DE Calais Campbell, CB Ralph Brown, CB Michael Adams

Strengths:

• QB Kurt Warner is accurate, smart and arguably has NFL's quickest release
• NFL's best receiving corp in WR Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin and Steve Breaston
• A very good pass blocking O-Line. (218 blitzes faced, only 6 sacks on blitzes)
• DL Darnell Dockett
• Very nice, underrated ILB duo in Gerald Hayes and Karlos Dansby
• Depth at OLB
• Dependable CB McFadden and potential star in CB Rodgers-Cromartie
• S position deep and talented, led by Adrian Wilson
• K Neil Rackers
• New winning attitude with postseason success

Concerns:

• Rushing game was non-existant last season and incumbent RB Hightower averaged just 2.8 yards per carry.
• QB Warner's surgically repaired hip won't completely heal until March and will hamper his mobility and footwork all season
• Potential Brett Favre-like late-season collapse from aging, 38-year-old QB Warner
  
• DE Campbell thrown into lineup with departure of Antonio Smith
• Age of NT Bryan Robinson
  
• Lack of pass rush from aging OLB's (Haggans, Chike Okeafor, Bertand Berry)
• Nickel Back questionable with veteran CB Brown and unproven CB Adams vying for position
• Already poor return game loses best returner in RB Arrington
• Departure of OC Todd Haley, who implimented pass-heavy spread offense to Arizona
• Contract disputes with WR Boldin, LB Dansby and DL Dockett
• Loss of momentum that helped 9-7 team reach Super Bowl
• Bull's Eye on back and lack of us-against-the-world attitude
• Super Bowl loser's curse. (8 of past 10 failed to make playoffs next season with only 1 combined playoff win)
  

Expectations: Super Bowl Victory

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Quick Preview

Since the last time we saw them:
2008 Record: 9-7
Key Additions: TE Kellen Winslow, OLB Angelo Crowell, RB Derrick Ward, QB Byron Leftwich, K Mike Nugent, P Dirk Johnson, LB Niko Koutouvides, DC Jim Bates, OC Jeff Jagodzinski
Key Losses: OLB Derrick Brooks, CB Philip Buchanon, DE Kevin Carter, RB Warrick Dunn, WR Joey Galloway, QB Jeff Garcia, DT Jovan Haye, WR Ike Hilliard, OLB Cato June, TE Alex Smith, QB Brian Griese
Top Draft Pick: QB Josh Freeman

What we now know:
Best Player: RG Davin Joseph
Most Underrated: MLB Barrett Ruud

Looking Forward:
Breakout Candidates: DE Gaines Adams, DE Jimmy Wilkerson, OLB Quincy Black, CB Aqib Talib, S Tanard Jackson
Looking to bounce back: TE Kellen Winslow, OLB Angelo Crowell, RB Carnell Williams, WR Michael Clayton
Time to step up: QB Luke McCown, WR Maurice Stovall, LG Jeremy Zuttah, DE Jimmy Wilkerson, DT Ryan Sims, CB Aqib Talib, CB Elbert Mack

Strengths:

• Depth at RB is solid, and newly added RB Ward is a good fit for new zone-blocking scheme
• Offensive Line is young and talented and led by potential perennial Pro Bowl OG Joseph
• WR Antonio Bryant and TE Winslow's unquestionable talent
• MLB Ruud, who's been one of the NFL's most underrated players for two years now
  
• 4th ranked pass defense in '08 will get more playmaking opportunites, which bodes well for emerging star CB Talib
• Pass rush should be improved with more blitzing and improvement by DE Adams
• Pro Bowl KR in Clifton Smith
  

Concerns:

• Week 1 starting QB will most likely be either Luke McCown or Byron Leftwich
• Head cases Bryant, Winslow and TE Jerramy Stevens
• LG Arron Sears's mental problems stemming from a Week 8 concussion in '08
• WR Bryant's knee surgery could force him to miss entire preseason, maybe more.
• Lack of talent, experience and depth at WR beyond Bryant
• Best DT Chris Hovan is a poor fit in new DC Bates's system
• Underachiever DT Ryan Sims will be primary run stuffer
  
• OLB Jermaine Phillips's transition from SS
• Lack of Depth at CB with no proven Nickel Back
• Rebuilding caused release of many high character veteran leaders, including WR Hilliard, RB Dunn and LB Brooks
• Kicking game injuries to K Matt Bryant and reliable P Josh Bidwell
  

Expectations: 6-8 wins

Quick Preview: New Orleans Saints

Since the last time we saw them:
2008 Record: 8-8
Key Additions: FS Darren Sharper, DE Paul Spicer, CB Jabari Greer, FB Heath Evans, DT Rod Coleman, S Pierson Prioleau, TE Darnell Dinkins, C Nick Leckey, DC Gregg Williams
Key Losses: RB Deuce McAllister, S Josh Bullocks, CB Mike McKenzie, DT Bryant Young, TE Mark Campbell, CB Aaron Glenn, FB Mike Karney, S KEvin Kaesviharn, DT Antwan Lake, C Matt Lehr, RB Aaron Stecker, DT Hollis Thomas
Top Draft Pick: CB Malcolm Jenkins

What we now know:
Best Player: QB Drew Brees
Most Underrated: NT Kendrick Clancy

Looking Forward:
Breakout Candidates: RB Pierre Thomas, WR Robert Meachum, DT Sedrick Ellis, CB Tracy Porter
Looking to bounce back: WR Marques Colston, RB Reggie Bush, TE Jeremy Shockey, DE Will Smith, DE Charles Grant
Time to step up: CB Tracy Porter, RB Pierre Thomas

Strengths:

• The NFL's best QB without a ring in Brees leads elite passing attack
  
• A fantastic pass blocking Offensive Line that allowed just 13 sacks last year, anchored by Pro Bowl LT Jammal Brown
• NFL's "best kept secret", according to Jon Gruden, in RB Thomas, who rushed for 475 yards and scored 9 TDs in 5 starts last season.
• WR Meachum has reportedly been extremely impressive all off-season and WR Colston is fully healthy again
• MLB Jonathan Vilma
• Deep and improved secondary with additions of CBs Greer and Jenkins and FS Sharper
• S Roman Harper will be able to maximize blitzing and run stopping ability in new DC Williams's aggressive scheme
  
• Punt returner Bush had 3 TDs in just 10 games last season
• Saints lost 6 games by total of 18 points
• Team had 17 player wind up on I.R. in '08
  

Concerns:

• Rushing game could continue to be among NFL's worst if RB Thomas fails to break out
• Pass rush was awful last season and little was done to address that
• Chemistry cancer TE Shockey
  
• DEs Smith and Grant's dreadful, injury plagued '08 campaigns and possble suspensions for StarCaps incident
• OLB Scott Shanle
• LB depth real concern with likely season-ending injury to key backup Mark Simoneau
  
• Whether K Garrett Hartley can prove to be reliable for a whole season and sure up woeful kicking game
• Team's ability to close out and finish games

Expectations: Playoffs

Quick Preview: Carolina Panthers

Since the last time we saw them:
2008 Record: 12-4, Divisional Playoffs Loss to Arizona
Key Additions: OL Justin Geisinger, DC Ron Meeks
Key Losses: CB Ken Lucas, OL Geoff Hangartner, OL Jeremy Bridges, DT Gary Gibson, RB Nick Goings, OT Frank Omiyale, WR D.J. Hackett, WR Mark Jones, LB Donte Curry
Top Draft Picks: DE Everette Brown, CB Sherrod Martin, DT Corvey Irvin

What we now know:
Best Player: WR Steve Smith
Most Underrated: LB Thomas Davis

Looking Forward:
Breakout Candidates: DE Charles Johnson, RT Jeff Otah, CB Richard Marshall, S Charles Godfrey, TE Gary Barnidge
Time to step up: DT Nick Hayden, CB Richard Marshall, WR Dwayne Jarrett

Strengths:

• An elite RB tandem in DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart
• A great O-Line, especially in pass protection, anchored by LT Jordan Gross
• Gamebreaking WR Steve Smith
• QB Jake Delhomme is a very strong leader and has won 5 playoff games
  
• NFL's most athletic DE in 2-time All-Pro Julius Peppers, complimented by solid incumbent DEs Tyler Brayton and Charles Johnson
  
• Pro Bowl MLB Jon Beason and athletic blitz specialist Thomas Davis lead a solid, deep LB corp.
• CB Chris Gamble had exceptional '08 contract season, while new starting CB Marshall has been solid Nickel CB for years.
• S Chris Harris showed flashes in '08 and moves to familiar Tampa-2 system he played in in Chicago.
• Kicking game solid with K John Kasay and P Jason Baker
• In the John Fox era, Carolina has 2nd most wins of any NFC team
  

Concerns:

• Receiving corps is very thin
• Offensive Line lost its 3 key backups in free agency. No backup O-Lineman has started a single NFL game
  
• WR Smith's shoulder injury could force him to miss time early on
• QB Jake Delhomme occasionally has just dreadful games (at TB, at OAK, vs. ARI) that no team could overcome
• Achilles injury to DT Maake Kemoeatu is serious blow to run defense, which could be a huge problem since there is no depth at DT
• Panthers' schedule is absolutely brutal. (15 games against .500 or better teams in '08)
• Team was extremely lucky when it came to injuries to starters (only 18 missed starts combined). Odds are that number will be much higher
• Depth really is a concern at a lot of positions should injuries hit
• Coach John Fox's inability to back up winning seasons
  

Expectations: NFC South Division Title, Playoff Run

Quick Preview: Atlanta Falcons

Since the last time we saw them:
2008 Record: 11-5, Wild Card loss to Arizona
Key Additions: TE Tony Gonzalez, LB Mike Peterson, C Brett Romberg, WR Marty Booker, WR Robert Ferguson, OLB Jamie Winborn
Key Losses: CB Dominique Foxworth, OLB Michael Boley, MLB Keith Brooking, DT Grady Jackson, S Lawyer Milloy, LT Todd Weiner, DT Kindal Moorehead, OT Wayne Gandy
Top Draft Picks: DT Peria Jerry, S William Moore, CB Chris Owens

What we now know:
Best Player: RB Michael Turner
Most Underrated: WR Roddy White

Looking Forward:
Breakout Candidates: MLB Curtis Lofton, LT Sam Baker, LG Justin Blalock, DE Chauncey Davis
Looking to bounce back: LB Mike Peterson, WR Brian Finneran, CB Von Hutchins
Time to step up: OLB Stephen Nicholas, DT Peria Jerry, S Thomas DeCoud, CB Brent Grimes, CB Chevis Jackson

Strengths:

• Awsome running game with powerful RB Turner and speedy RB Jerious Norwood
• QB Matt Ryan, who is coming off of arguably the greatest season ever for a rookie QB
• Playmakers WR White and newly added TE Gonzalez
• Solid, underrated starters at LG, C and RT (OG Blalock, C Todd McClure, OT Tyson Clabo)
• League's most underrated pass rusher in DE John Abraham (16.5 sacks in 'o8, 10 in '07)
• LB Peterson starred in Head Coach Mike Smith's defense in Jacksonville, while LBs Nicholas and Lofton are young, emerging players
• FS Erik Coleman had breakout season in '08
• Special Teams solid with K Jason Elam, franchise P Michael Koenen and return man Norwood
  

Concerns:

• Injury to second-year man Harry Douglass leaves WR position dangerously thin and without sure-fire slot guy
  
• QB Matt Ryan's poor play late last season
• RB Turner's durability and wear-and-tear after 377 carries last season (he will get less carries this season)
• Pass rush totally reliant on DE Abraham
• 25th ranked run defense relying on rookie DT Jerry to fix problems
• SLB Nichols, while promising, is completely unproven
• CB position very questionable with incumbent CB Chris Houston starting opposite quagmire of unproven CBs, including 3rd round rookie Owens
• SS will be manned by unproven S DeCoud
• Falcons have loftier expectations, much tougher schedule and even younger roster in '09
  

Expectations: NFC South Division Title

Quick Preview: Minnesota Vikings

Since the last time we saw them:
2008 Record: 10-6, Wild Card loss to Philadelphia
Key Additions: QB Sage Rosenfels, CB Karl Paymah
Key Losses: C Matt Birk, S Darren Sharper, QB Gus Frerotte, LB Napoleon Harris, LB Vinny Ciurciu, DT Ellis Wyms
Top Draft Picks: WR Percy Harvin, OT Phil Loadholt

What we now know:
Best Player: DT Kevin Williams
Most Underrated: OLB Chad Greenway

Looking Forward:
Breakout Candidates: DE Ray Edwards, WR Sidney Rice, S Tyrell Johnson
Looking to bounce back: MLB E.J. Henderson, S Madieu Williams
Time to step up: QB Tarvaris Jackson, C John Sullivan, RT Phil Loadholt, S Tyrell Johnson

Strengths:

• The NFL's leading rusher in RB Adrian Peterson
• A very strong left side of the Offensive Line with LT Bryant McKinnie and LG Steve Hutchinson
• An underrated TE in Visanthe Shiancoe
• NFL's best Defensive line with DTs Pat and Kevin Williams and DE Jared Allen
• Elite run defense
• NFL's 4th best pass rush
  
• Borderline Pro Bowl SAM LB in playmaker Chad Greenway
• NFL's most physical CB tandem in Antoine Winfield and Cedric Griffin
• Kicking game very solid with K Ryan Longwell and P Chris Kluwe
  

Concerns:

• QB, where Rosenfels and Jackson have combined 50-47 TD-to-INT ratio
• RB Peterson's fumble issues (Led all RBs with 9 in '08)
• Lack of proven WRs outside of Bernard Berrian
  
• Unproven RT and C
• Special Teams allowed NFL record 7 return TDs
• Head Coach Brad Childress's predictable playcalling and recent underachieving
  

Expectations: Playoff run

Quick Preview: Green Bay Packers

Since the last time we saw them:
2008 Record: 6-10
Key Additions: C Duke Preston, S Anthony Smith, DC Dom Capers
Key Losses: RT Mark Tauscher, DT Colin Cole
Top Draft Picks: DL B.J. Raji, OLB Clay Matthews

What we now know:
Best Player: CB Charles Woodson
Most Underrated: DE Cullen Jenkins

Looking Forward:
Breakout Candidates: OG Josh Sitton, OG Daryn Colledge, CB Tramon Williams
Looking to bounce back: RB Ryan Grant, DE Cullen Jenkins, S Atari Bigby, ILB Nick Barnett
Time to step up: OT Allen Barbre, NT Ryan Pickett, OLB Clay Matthews

Strengths:

• A promising young QB in Aaron Rodgers with a solid first season under his belt
• RB Grant had down year and still rushed for over 1,200 yards
• WR position is deep and talented, led by Greg Jennings
  
• Interior Offensive Line is talented and deep
• Addition of Raji and return of Jenkins should drastically improve Defensive Line
  
• Pass rusher OLB Aaron Kampman will no longer be facing constant double teams, could have monster season
• ILBs Barnett and A.J. Hawk, when healthy, are solid
• Secondary boasts three Pro Bowlers in Woodson, Al Harris and Nick Collins
• PR Will Blackmon had two TDs last season
• 7 of 10 losses were by 4 points or less
  

Concerns:

• Aaron Rodgers failure to rally team to victory late in games (0-7 in go-ahead oppourtunities with 5 minutes remaining)
• Pass protection with LT Chad Clifton aging and coming off of two knee surgeries and unproven prospects vying for RT spot
  
• LDE Position with rookie Raji's holdout and DL Johnny Jolly's legal issues
  
• ILB Barnett's coverage ability at new position following knee surgery
• ROLB position if rookie Matthews and Jeremy Thompson can't make transition to new position
• Pass rush threat outside of OLB Kampman (25th in '08)
  
• CB Al Harris's transition away from press to zone scheme
• S Bigby's poor 2008 season and injury

Expectations: Playoffs

Quick Preview: Detroit Lions

Since the last time we saw them:
2008 Record: 0-16
Key Additions: OLB Julian Peterson, MLB Larry Foote, CB Phillip Buchanon, CB Anthony Henry, DT Grady Jackson, WR Bryant Johnson, FB Terrelle Smith, RB Maurice Morris, WR Dennis Northcutt, OT Daniel Loper, OT Jan Jansen, OL Dylan Gandy, CB Eric King, OT Ephraim Salaam, HC Jim Schwartz, DC Gunther Cunningham, OC Scott Linehan
Key Losses: CB Leigh Bodden, DT Shaun Cody, WR Mike Furrey, CB Travis Fisher, RB Rudi Johnson, QB Jon Kitna, LB Paris Lenon, WR Shaun McDonald, OG Edwin Mulitalo, QB Dan Orlovsky, DT, Cory Redding, S Dwight Smith, S Gerald Alexander
Top Draft Picks: QB Matthew Stafford, TE Brandon Pettigrew, S Louis Delmas

What we now know:
Best Player: WR Calvin Johnson
Most Underrated: K Jason Hanson

Looking Forward:
Breakout Candidates: RB Kevin Smith, DE Cliff Avril, RT Gosder Cherilus, OLB Ernie Sims
Looking to bounce back: DT Grady Jackson, CB Anthony Henry
Time to step up: S Kalvin Pearson, S Daniel Bullocks, OL Daniel Loper

Strengths:

• Lowest expectations in entire NFL following winless season
• Only 5 games against '08 playoff teams
• New attitude, logo, coach and face of franchise in rookie QB Matthew Stafford
  
• New OC Scott Linehan was QB Dante Culpepper's coach when he shined for Vikings
• WR Calvin Johnson leads a pretty decent receiving corp
• RB Kevin Smith came on strong at end of last season
  
• A very nice group of LBs, including pass-rushing playmaker Peterson
• K Jason Hanson quietly had sensational year, nailing 14-14 FG from beyond 40 yards; 8-8 from beyong 50.
  

Concerns:

• Struggling Offensive Line got very little help in the off-season
• Likely starting QB Culpepper has been mediocre since big '04 season
  
• Defensive Line undersized for new HC Schwartz's system
• DT position so weak that mammoth veteran Grady Jackson is viewed as top run-stuffer
• Pass rush could be weak if DE Avril fails to break out
  
• Secondary had 1 interception last season
  
• Projected starting CB Henry looked ancient last year in Dallas
• FS is unproven rookie Delmas; all SS candidates have struggled in past
  

Expectations: 6 wins, being competetive

Quick Preview: Chicago Bears

Since the last time we saw them:
2008 Record: 9-7
Key Additions: QB Jay Cutler, LT Orlando Pace, OLB Pisa Tinoisamoa, OG Frank Omiyale, RT Kevin Shaffer, S Josh Bullocks, DL Coach Rod Marinelli
Key Losses: S Mike Brown, OT John St. Clair, OT John Tait, QB Kyle Orton, WR Marty Booker, QB Rex Grossman, WR Brandon Lloyd

What we now know:
Best Player: OLB Lance Briggs
Most Underrated: DE Alex Brown

Looking Forward:
Breakout Candidates: TE Greg Olsen, WR Earl Bennett, S Kevin Payne, DT Dusty Dvoracek
Looking to bounce back: DT Tommie Harris, DE Adewale Ogunleye, CB Nathan Vasher, CB Charles Tillman
Time to step up: WR Earl Bennett, DE Mark Anderson, S Craig Steltz, CB Zackary Bowman, CB Corey Graham

Strengths:

• QB Cutler, the best QB Chicago has had in decades
• RB Matt Forte who can do it all and is mature beyond his years
• An elite TE combination in Greg Olsen and Desmond Clark
• An improved OT situation with additions of Pace, Omiyale and Shaffer
• Deep DT rotation anchored by 4-time Pro Bowler Harris, coached by D-Line guru Marinellu
  
• An excellent LB group in Brian Urlacher, Briggs and Tinoisamoa
• K Robbie Gould is NFL's all-time third most accurate kicker
• Fairly solid depth at almost every position
  

Concerns:

• A receiving corp with no proven veteran wideouts and a lot of inexperience
• A patchwork O-Line with question marks at LG and RT
• A non-existant pass rush with aging DEs and frustrating Mark Anderson
• CB Tillman's recent back surgery which could force him to miss up to 10 weeks
  
• Starting CB Vasher hasn't played a full season since 2005 and depth at CB is unproven
  
• FS spot very uncertain with inconsistent Bullocks, unproven Steltz and athletic, but frustrating Danieal Manning battling for job
• Without a pass rush or a proven secondary, Chicago could very well be susceptible to the pass again (30th in '08)
  
• No backup QB with NFL experience on the roster. (Brett Basanez, Caleb Hanie)
  

Expectations: NFC North Division Title

Quick Preview: Washington Redskins

Since the last time we saw them:
2008 Record: 8-8
Key Additions: DT Albert Haynesworth, OG Derrick Dockery, OG Jeremy Bridges, P Hunter Smith, OT Mike Williams, LB Robert Thomas, DE Renaldo Wynn
Key Losses: CB Shawn Springs, OG Pete Kendall, LB Marcus Washington, DE Demetric Evans, DE Jason Taylor, P Ryan Plakemeier
Top Draft Pick: OLB/DE Brian Orakpo,

What we now know:
Best Player: DT Albert Haynesworth
Most Underrated: C Casey Rabach

Looking Forward:
Breakout Candidates: S LaRon Landry, QB Jason Campbell, WR Devin Thomas
Looking to bounce back: LG Derrick Dockery, RG Randy Thomas, LT Chris Samuels, DE Andre Carter, K Shaun Suisham
Time to step up: WR Devin Thomas, RT Stephon Heyer, RB Ladell Betts

Strengths:

• Two excellent receiving threats in TE Chris Cooley and WR Santana Moss
• When healthy, a very productive RB in Clinton Portis
  
• Six-time Pro Bowl LT Chris Samuels, while declining, is stout
  
• Improved Defensive Line due to DT Haynesworth's ability to command double team
  
• Arguably best NFL player to have never made Pro Bowl in MLB London Fletcher
  
• Inconsistent, but very talented secondary
  

Concerns:

• QB Jason Campbell's mental toughness following off-season rumors
• Portis's possible physical decline due to overwork as well as his relationship with Head Coach Jim Zorn
• One of NFL's oldest Offensive Lines has become very injury prone
• DE Carter's ability to bounce back from poor '08 season
  
• Orakpo transition to new role as SLB
• K Shaun Suisham was NFL's least accurate K in 2008
• Like every year, Washington's veteran lineup is prone to injury, decline and lacks depth
  

Expectations: Playoffs

Quick Preview: Philadelphia Eagles

Since the last time we saw them:
2008 Record: 9-6-1, Wild Card Win at Minnesota, Divisional Playoff Win at New York Giants, Conference Championship Loss to Arizona
Key Additions: LT Jason Peters, RG Stacy Andrews, S Sean Jones, CB Ellis Hobbs, FB Leonard Weaver
Key Losses: LT Tra Thomas, RT Jon Runyan, TE L.J. Smith, RB Correll Buckhalter, S Brian Dawkins, S Sean Considine, CB Lito Sheppard, DC Jim Johnson, MLB Stewart Bradley (injury)
Top Draft Picks: WR Jeremy Maclin, RB LeSean McCoy

What we now know:
Best Player: CB Asante Samuel
Most Underrated: S Quintin Mikell

Looking Forward:
Breakout Candidates: WR DeSean Jackson, DE Victor Abiamiri, OLB Chris Gocong, S Quintin Demps
Looking to bounce back: RB Brian Westbrook, LT Jason Peters, WR Kevin Curtis, LB Omar Gaither
Time to step up: RB LeSean McCoy, TE Brent Celek, S Quintin Demps, DC Sean McDermott

Strengths:

• QB Donovan McNabb's decision-making and leadership
• Arguably the NFL's best pass catching RB in Brian Westbrook
  
• A deep, young and improved Offensive Line
• A very deep, talented Defensive Line led by DE Trent Cole
  
• A very nice group of experienced, proven CBs
• Second team All-Pro S Quintin Mikell
• Head Coach Andy Reid's ability to get the most out of his team late in the season.
• Tons of gamebreaking return men
  

Concerns:

• Westbrook hitting the magic age of 30 in September with no proven backup on the roster
• OT Shawn Andrews' mental and physical health
• ACL Injury to MLB Stewart Bradley weakens starting LB corps as well as depth
• OLB Akeem Jordan not going the route of Keith Adams, Matt McCoy, Mark Simoneau etc.
  
• Replacing Brian Dawkins leadership on defense
• Keeping up the strong pass rush without DC Jim Johnson's complex blitzing schemes
• Andy Reid's playcalling, especially early in the season
  

Expectations: Super Bowl Victory

Quick Preview: New York Giants

Since the last time we saw them:
2008 Record: 12-4, Divisional Playoff Loss to Philadelphia
Key Additions: DL Chris Canty, OLB Michael Boley, DT Rocky Bernard, S C.C. Brown
Key Losses: WR Plaxico Burress, RB Derrick Ward, S James Butler, WR Amani Toomer, K John Carney, DC Steve Spagnuolo
Top Draft Picks: WR Hakeem Nicks, LB Clint Sintim, OT William Beatty

What we now know:
Best Player: G Chris Snee
Most Underrated: CB Corey Webster

Looking Forward:
Breakout Candidates: WR Steve Smith, RB Ahmad Bradshaw, CB Aaron Ross
Looking to bounce back: DE Osi Umenyiora, DT Barry Cofield, K Lawrence Tynes
Time to step up: WR Dominik Hixon, WR Steve Smith, S Kenny Phillips, RB Ahmad Bradshaw, DC Bill Sheridan

Strengths:

• The NFL's best run-blocking Offensive Line, combined with RB Brandon Jacobs wear down defenses badly.
• The Defensive Line has 7 proven starters on the roster.
• A young, but very talented and quickly improving Secondary anchored by CB Webster.
  
• QB Eli Manning had his highest career completion percentage and through a career-low 1o picks in '08.
  
• Head Coach Tom Coughlin.

Concerns:

• DC Steve Spagnuolo's departure.
  
• No longer having the luxury of the double team focused on WR Burress.
  
• MLB Antonio Pierce's legal concerns.
• Increased roles for Hixon and Bradshaw may force team to find other return man options.

Expectations: Superbowl Victory

Quick Preview: Dallas Cowboys

It's here! It's finally here! Sports Purgatory looks to be almost over, because football is back ladies and gentlemen! During Training Camp, I will prepare you for the upcoming season. I will give you a brief preview of every team in the NFL. Then in a week or two, when I'm done, I will finally give you my predictions, breakout teams and free-fallers.

But until then, it's preview time. And the first team I'll start with is the Dallas Cowboys.





Since the last time we saw them:
2008 Record: 9-7
Key Additions: DE Igor Olshansky, ILB Keith Brooking, S Gerald Sensabaugh, QB Jon Kitna
Key Losses: WR Terrell Owens, DE Chris Canty, Nickel LB Kevin Burnett, CB Anthony Henry, S Roy Williams, ILB Zach Thomas, Nickel CB Adam Jones

What we now know:
Best Player: OLB DeMarcus Ware
Most Underrated: ILB Bradie James

Looking Forward:
Breakout Candidates: RB Felix Jones, DE Marcus Spears
Looking to bounce back: LT Flozell Adams, LG Kyle Kosier, ILB Keith Brooking, CB Terrence Newman, S Ken Hamlin
Time to step up: WR Roy Williams, WR Miles Austin, OLB Anthony Spencer, CB Mike Jenkins, CB Orlando Scandrick

Strengths:

• QB Tony Romo's ability to improvise and make plays, especially early in the season
• Three-headed Monster at RB with Marion Barber, Felix Jones and Tashard Choice
• TEs Jason Whitten and Martellus Bennett
• C Andre Gurode and RG Leonard Davis
  
• Outside pass rush from Ware and interior rush from NT Jay Ratliff
  
• Stable run defense from DEs Spears and Olshansky and LB James
• Kicking game with Pro Bowlers P Mat McBriar and K Nick Folk
  

Concerns:

• Romo's dreadful play in December and January
• Flozell Adams's declining play at LT.
• Williams, Austin and Patrick Crayton being able to replace Owens at WR.
• SS Gerald Sensabaugh
• Second-year CBs Jenkins and Scandrick replacing Henry at CB
  
• Head Coach Wade Phillips's ability to lead this team through the playoffs.

Expectations: Superbowl Victory