Welcome to the eighth and final edition of your 8-week series taking an off-season look at each of the National Football League’s divisions. This week we chase the setting sun west and drop in one of the most lopsided groups where the bottom three were outscored by an average of 6.52 points per game in 2007. Can any of these crews stop the Bolts?

San Diego (11-5 regular season, 2-1 playoffs) Hang with me, but is this crew that tough? They outscored opponents by 8 points per game in the regular season and won 8 straight before falling in the AFC Championship Game but is a team that ranked 20^th in offense and 15^th in defense while being out-gained ready to win a Bowl? The answer is Coach Norv Turner’s philosophy: dominate the box, take few offensive risks, and leave the stats to the geeks. The front 7 that sprung 42 sacks, 25 fumble recoveries, and 30 interceptions (+18 S, + 22 TO) returns, including the 21 sacks of OLBs Merriman and Phillips, with veteran RILB Derek Smith (cut-SF) holding fort while Wilhelm serves a 4-game suspension. CBs Jammer and Cromartie (10 INT) also return while nickel back Drayton Florence (FA-JAX) will be replaced by 1^st round pick CB Antoine Cason (Arizona) and FS Eric Weddel (53 T, INT) takes over for Marlon McCree (FA-DEN). A key offensive piece was secured when RT Jerome Clary, who took the job from Shane Olivea (cut) last season, was re-signed to join the top-flight crew of RG Goff, C Hardwick, LG Dielman, and back-to-back Pro Bowler LT McNeil. Hardwick is recovering from toe surgery but the adds of veteran starters C Jeremy Newberry (FA-OAK) and T LJ Shelton (FA-MIA) plus T Corey Clark (7^th round, Texas A&M) brings enviable insurance. Michael Turner (FA-ATL) and Lorenzo Neal (cut) are big losses in the backfield so the Chargers spent 3^rd and 5^th round picks on backs 5’11” 230 Jacob Hester (LSU) and 6’2” 215 Marcus Thomas (UTEP) to battle RB Andrew Pinnock behind Tomlinson. The targets for QB Rivers are equally thin behind the front line of Chambers, Jackson, and still rehabbing TE Antonio Gates (toe) with WRs Eric Parker, Craig Davis, and re-signed Malcolm Floyd in the pen. Health at the skill positions will decide the Bolts’ Super Bowl readiness.

Denver (7-9 regular season, missed playoffs) Getting pushed around for 142.6 rush yards and 25.6 points per game prompted GM Lundquist to a major overhaul. Gone are DE Rice (mid-2007) and DT Adams (cut) and in is LDT Dewayne Robertson (Trade-NYJ) while RDT Alvin McKinney moves to first sting along re-signed LDE Engelberger and RDE Dumervil. 2^nd-year comers DT Thomas, DE Crowder, and DE Moss plus re-signed DE Ekuban and run-stuffer DT Carlton Powell (5^th round, Virginia Tech) bring keen competition for starts. At backer, WLB Gold’s release allows DJ Williams to move back outside with his MIKE slot filled by Niko Koutouvides (FA-SEA) while SLB Webster gets pushed to backup by SLB Boss Bailey (FA-DET). Corners Bailey and Bly return, re-signed FS Abdul Hamza moves up for Nick Ferguson (FA-HOU), plus safety adds Marlon McCree (FA-SD) and Marquand Manuel (FA-CAR) push re-signed SS Lynch and allow Dominique Foxworth to move to nickel, bumping Payma to dime. On offense, LG Hamilton and C Nalen are back after ending 2007 on the IR to rejoin RG Holland while retired LT Lepsis is replaced by the light feet and devastating punch of 12^th overall selection Ryan Clady (Boise State), backed up by Pears who surrenders his starting job to RT Chris Cooper with C/G Casey Wiegmann (FA-KC) grabbed for insurance. QB Cutler lost WR Jevon Walker (FA-OAK) but has his diabetes in check and gets WRs Darrell Jackson (cut-SF), WR Sammie Parker (FA-KC), and Keary Colbert (FA-CAR) added to Marshall and Stokley plus WR Eddie Royal’s (2^nd round, Virginia Tech) RAC ability has impressed. For now RB Selvin Young keeps his job but Michael Pittman (FA-TB) and powerful Ryan Torian (5^th round, Arizona State) have shots at major rushing roles. P Sam Paulescu and K Matt Prater replace Sauerbrun (cut) and Elam (FA-ATL).

Kansas City (4-12 regular season, missed playoffs) The Chiefs fell from the NFL’s best offensive unit to one of the worst in two seasons while losing 9 straight to end 2007 but thanks to the trade of DE Allen to Minnesota, KC was stacked with 12 draft choices including 6 in the top 82 overall – at least 3 of which will start immediately. Offensive line was a disaster (78.0 rush yards per game and 55 sacks) so let’s start there where starters RT John Welbourne (cut) and C Casey Wiegmann (FA-DEN) plus part-time starter T Kyle Turley (cut) went packing. RT Damion McIntosh moves from left, opening up a slot for 15^th overall pick LT Branden Albert (Virginia) next to 3-time Pro Bowler LG Walters, while backups C Rudy Niswanger and RG Adrian Jones move to first string. Road grader G/T Barry Richardson (6^th round, Clemson) or free agent pickups C Wade Smith (NYJ) and T Anthony Alibi (FA-MIA) could challenge. Behind this shaky crew, QB Croyle gets back a healthy RB Johnson plus elusive RB Jamaal Charles (3^rd round, Texas) to push Smith. Two-TE sets are the norm and Brad Cottam (3^rd round, Tennessee) is a dynamite blocker to pair with Gonzalez while 4^th rounder WR Will Franklin (Missouri) brings a rare size/speed combo to battle WR Devard Darling (FA-BAL) opposite Bowe and in place of Kennison (cut) and Parker (FA-DEN). Slashing payroll while boosting run stopping were the goals on defense sending LB Bell (cut), CB Law (cut), DT Reed (cut), and CB Sapp (FA-MIN) packing. RE Hali moves from the left side, LE Boone slides over from tackle and 5^th overall pick RDT Glenn Dorsey gets the start next to Ron Edwards. WLB Demorrio Willams (FA-ATL) was the big grab, allowing slowing Donnie Edwards to move inside and pushing MLB to the 2^nd string, while RCB Brandon Flowers (2^nd round, Virginia Tech) steps right in opposite Surtain. What a mess!

Oakland (4-12 regular season, missed playoffs) Predicting a team that has posted a 19-61 mark over the last 5 seasons will be improved – especially in a weak division – isn’t much of a stretch but we like the Raiders’ direction. The departure of QBs Culpepper (cut) and McCowan (FA-MIA) and their 15 starts in 2007 signals the open of the JaMarcus Russell era and his line will be better. LT Barry Sims (FA-cut) is replaced by Kwame Harris (FA-SF), LG Gallery has found a position is which he can succeed, and C John Wade (FA-TB) is an upgrade joining returning starters RG Cooper and RT Green on Russell’s oft-used roll-out side. Re-signed RB Fargas and the homerun ability of 4^th overall pick Darren McFadden (Arkansas) will buy time, leaving Rhodes (cut) superfluous, while the adds of WR Javon Walker (FA-DEN) plus 4^th and 7^th round blazers Armon Shields (Richmond) and Chaz Schilens (San Diego State) replace the loss of WR Jerry Porter (FA-JAX) alongside Curry and Carter. A defense that allowed 4.8 yards per rush is a little trickier. Gone are rush DE’s Clemons (FA-PHI) and Brayton (FA-CAR) plus DT Sapp (retired) while LDT Tommy Kelly re-signed and along with RDT Terdell Sands the Raiders see their future. We’re not sold but this pair and starting DE’s Burgess and Richardson have plenty veteran help in DE Kalimba Edwards (FA-DET), DT Gerard Warren, DT William Joseph (FA-NYG), and DE Greg Spires (cut-TB). The linebacker situation is largely the same – better vs. pass than run – but the trade for RCB DeAngelo Hall (ATL) opposite re-signed LCB Asomugha give Oakland a top-flight pair. Nickel back Stanford Routt moves up for Fabian Washington (trade-BAL) while grabbing SS Gibril Wilson (FA-NYG) adds run support, allows Michael Huff to move to his natural free safety, and made FS Schweigart (cut) expendable. Give some love to the Black and Silver!

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 Welcome to the seventh edition of our 8-week series taking an off-season look at the National Football League’s divisions. This week we drop in on the NFC West where the member crews tied with their regional mates for the league’s worst combined record at 26-38. However, fortunes can seemingly change overnight in this league so let’s check out who’s ready to make a move.

Seattle (10-6 regular season, 1-1 playoffs) The Seahawks dominated at Quest Field (8-1) in 2007 but poor offensive line play (36 sacks, 3.8 yards per rush) stalled further hopes. New OL Coach Mike Solari brings zone blocking with LG Mike Wahle (FA-CAR) replacing Rob Sims who moves to right while backup T Tom Ashworth was let go, leaving C Gray and re-signed T/G Womack to back up LT Jones, re-signed RT Locklear, and C Spencer. The Hawk passing game is largely intact with 2^nd round pick TE John Carlson (Notre Dame) and TE Jeb Putzier (FA-HOU) replacing WR Hackett (FA-CAR) and TE Pollard (FA-NE) but the backfield has been extensively reworked. Re-signed FBs Weaver and Kirtman will compete with the draft’s best fullback 6’3” 260 Owen Schmitt (5^th round, West Virginia), who broke 10 facemasks and lost yards 4 times in 353 carries in college. RB Julius Jones (FA-DAL) replaces Shaun Alexander (cut) while RB TJ Duckett (FA-DET) and Justin Forsett (7^th round, California) join Maurice Morris (140 for 628 and 4 TD rush) who stays on. The rehab of DT Marcus Tubbs and the re-signing of LCB Marcus Trufant returns Seattle’s entire starting defense (18.2 points per game, 45 sacks) but key backups LB Bentley (HOU), DT Darby (DET), LB Koutouvides (DEN), and DL Wyms (MIN) were all lost to free agency. 1^st round pick RDE Lawrence Jackson was the productive (30 ½ S, 52 TFL) bookend to Sedrick Ellis at USC while 6’5” 328 Texas A&M DT Red Bryant may was college’s best run-stuffer and a straight up 4^th round theft. Competing with the rooks for backup roles are former Seahawks LDT Chris Cooper (street), MLB DD Lewis (street), and re-signed Lance Laury plus FS Omar Lowe (FA-ATL) and DT Larry Triplett (FA-BUF) while either K Olindo Mare (FA-NO) or 7^th round selection Brandon Coutu (Georgia) will replace Josh Brown (FA-STL).

Arizona (8-8 regular season, missed playoffs) Cardinal fans got home wins over Seattle, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh in 2007 plus with a premier OL returning and a superb draft, the future looks as bright as the Sonoran sun. The wall that lost only backups T Ross (cut) and G Vincent (FA-CAR) of RT Levi Brown, RG Deuce Lutui, C Al Johnson, LG Reggie Wells, and LT Mike Gandy gave up 24 sacks in 600 drop-backs will protect QB Leinart who takes 1^st string from Warner who is asked to lower his cap number with QB Brian St. Pierre (FA-PIT) as insurance. WR Larry Fitzgerald (100 for 1409 and 10 TD) got a new deal but Boldin is unhappy and WR Johnson took free-agency to Frisco so GM Graves added TE Jerame Tuman (FA-PIT) and WR Early Doucet (3^rd round, LSU) plus re-signed TE Bienemann and WRs Merrit, Morey, Rector, and Urban. James and Arrington will still carry the backfield load but look out for 6’0” 226 Tim Hightower (5^th round, Richmond) who rushed for1924 yards and 20 TD in 2007. Arizona’s 28^th-ranked pass defense got the draft attention.16^th overall pick LCB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (Tenn. State) will start opposite re-signed RCB Eric Green with DEs Calais Campbell (2^nd round, Miami-Fla), Kenny Iwebema (4^th round, Iowa), and Chris Harrington (6^th round, Texas A&M) plus RDE Travis LaBoy (FA-TEN) added to bring heat while DE’s Schobel, Tafoya, and starter Antonio Smith were re-inked. DT Bryan Robinson (FA-CIN) will fill the backup job of DT Chris Cooper (cut). Promotions of FS Adrian Wilson and Chike Okeafor fills the starter losses of Pace (NYJ) and S Holt (cut), additions WLB Clark Haggans (FA-PIT) and SLB Matt Stewart (FA-CLE) take key backup roles for LBs Blackstock (FA-CIN) and Johnson (FA-CIN), with a slew of re-signings in franchise SLB Karlos Densby plus CB Adams, CB Brown, FS Celestin, and FS Ware.

San Francisco (5-11 regular season, missed playoffs) Finish the season at -24 in sack margin and -419 in rush yards margin, the need is clear and the 49er lines got major shuffling. On offense, LT Jennings and RT Stanley have switched sides, LG David Bass (started 8 games) takes over full-time for departed Smiley (FA-MIA), and backup T Harris (FA-OAK) hits bricks while veteran linemen Joe Toledo (street), Alan Reuber (street), Jeb Terry (street), and 16-game starter Barry Sims (FA-OAK) enter to battle for jobs with G/T Chilo Rachal (2^nd round USC) and C Cody Wallace (4^th round, Texas A&M) – each superb grabs. Not superb was using a 1^st on DT Kentwan Balmer (North Carolina), a 1-year wonder with questionable work ethic. Anyway, he will have help from re-signed starting LDE Isaac Sapoaga plus the add of starter RDE Justin Smith (FA-CIN) and DT LaJaun Ramsey (waivers-PHI) while DT Young (retired) and starting LDE Douglass (FA-TB) are gone. Starting LOLB Smith was cut, LB Dontarrios Smith (FA-MIN) and CB Allan Rossum (FA-PIT) were added, while LB Green and CB Strickland re-inked. The drama is San Francisco is at the trigger. 2007 starter Dilfer was released and Weinke wasn’t tendered so that battle pits Alex Smith (94 of 193 for 914, 2 TD, 4 INT) vs. re-signed Shaun Hill (54 of 79 for 501, 5 TD, 1 INT) with JT O’Sullivan (FA-DET) locking up the 3^rd string. We take Hill but either way, if the QB stays upright there are enough weapons to succeed here. RB Hicks (FA-MIN) and WR Jackson (cut) may be gone but RB Frank Gore is a monster while free agent snatches WR Isaac Bruce (STL), WR Bryant Johnson (ARI), and RB DeShaun Foster bring experience. Picks CB Reggie Smith (3^rd round, Oklahoma), WR Josh Morgan (6^th round, Virginia Tech), and LB Larry Grant (7^th round, Ohio State) are each underrated players with special teams experience.

St. Louis (3-13 regular season, missed playoffs) The “Sluggish Show on a Stretcher” gave the training room more action than a MLK Boulevard working girl. The Rams rolled over and the fans turned against them – situations looked to be changed by drafting a hard-working class to get behind. 2^nd overall selection, Chris Long is a classic leader who terrorized pockets at Virginia and destroyed lanes with his long arms. A move from LDE in the 3-4 to RDE in the 4-3 won’t slow a kid with his vision and determination; he can’t but help the crew of Little, Glover, Carriker, and Hall (re-signed). 3^rd and 5^th round picks added T John Greco (Toledo) and G Roy Schoening (Oregon State), each defined by aggression that borders on brutal – traits this unit dearly needs. 16-game starter LG Jacob Bell (FA-TEN) brings toughness in place of Milford Brown (FA-CAR), starters C Richie Incognito and re-signed RG Brett Romberg switch roles, while backup tackles Goldberg and Gorin were re-inked for insurance behind LT Pace. T Steussie and G/C McCollum have not been tendered offers. At receiver, 2^nd and 4^th rounders were spent on Donnie Avery (Houston) and Keenan Burton (Kentucky), each of whom have return experience and eagerness to battle over the middle. WR Reche Caldwell (FA-WAS) and TE Anthony Becht (FA-TB) for cuts Isaac Bruce and TE Dominique Byrd gives starting QB Bulger plus Bruce Gradkowski (waivers-TB) and Trent Green (FA-MIA) a decent mix behind WR Holt, WR Bennett, and TE McMichael. A good Ram secondary returns with re-signed FS OJ Atogwe (8 INT) and S Jerome Carter plus pickups CB David Macklin (FA-WAS) and CB Justin King (4^th round, Penn State) while 7^th round LB selections Chris Chamberlain (Tulsa) and David Vobora ((Idaho) are tackle machines behind WLB Quentin Culbertson who moves up in place of Brandon Chillar (FA-GB).

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 Welcome to week six of your 8-week series taking an off-season look at the National Football League. This week we drop in on the AFC South where the league’s top offensive production at 24.1 points per game, top defensive stinginess at 19.5 points per game, and top record at 42-22 during the 2007 regular season failed to yield more than a single playoff win. Let’s see if they can get over the top this campaign…

Indianapolis (13-3 regulars, 0-1 playoffs) The Colts have plenty to prove in their first season at Lucas Oil Stadium after being dispatched from the ‘07 playoffs by San Diego, 24-28. Bill Polian sat out free agency, bringing back only RB Dominic Rhodes (FA-OAK), and focused on resigning key players plus building offensive line, linebacker, and tight end depth through the draft. G Jake Scott is gone (FA-TEN) from a group that yielded 23 sacks but Indy grabbed 3 athletic college centers with Mike Pollack (2^nd round Arizona State) to back up RG Johnson, Steve Justice (6^th round, Wake Forest) backing C Saturday, and Jamey Richard (7^th round Buffalo) backing re-signed LG Lilja. Manning is back for his 11^th season (in case you haven’t felt old today) as is re-signed backup QB Sorgi plus re-signed TE Dallas Clark joined by 4^th and 6^th round picks TE Jacob Tamme (Kentucky) and TE Tom Santi (Virginia). WR Marvin Harrison is still rehabbing his knee plus WR Crophonso Thorpe (FA-JAX) and TE Ben Utecht (FA-CIN) sought greener pastures so it’s critical WR Anthony Gonzalez backs up his fine rookie season (37 for 576 yards and 3 TD) opposite Wayne. Luke Lawton’s trade to Philly leaves the Colts without a fullback so look for re-signed DT Darrell Reid to fill the short-yardage role he held in 2006. Defensive losses of DT Dan Klecko (FA-PHI), LB Rob Morris (cut), DT Anthony McFarland (cut), and LB Rocky Boiman (FA-PHI) are negligible compared to the re-signings of starters DT Ed Johnson and S Bob Sanders plus key backups SS Matt Giordano and LDE Josh Thomas while incoming 6’2” 230 Philip Wheeler (3^rd round, Georgia Tech) and 6’1” 237 Marcus Howard (5^th round, Georgia) fit the Indianapolis mold of edge-rushing linebackers perfectly. The health of DE Freeney, MLB Brackett, and S Sanders concerns us as much as facing a schedule that finished 152-104 in 2007.

Jacksonville (11-5 regulars, 1-1 playoffs) Other than draft weekend, GM Skip Richardson did Coach Del Rio few favors this off-season, letting a crew that posted a franchise-best record get absolutely gutted. 5 starters were allowed to move on in RCB Terry Cousin (FA-CLE), SS Sammy Knight (FA-NYG), DT Marcus Stroud (Trade, BUF), G Chris Naole (cut), and WR Ernest Wilford (FA-MIA) – in addition to key backups CB Glenn (FA-NO), QB Gray (FA-HOU), DE McCray (FA-NO), T McDougle (not tendered), CB Roberson (not tendered), and DE Orr (FA-CLE) – while re-signing exactly zero of his own first-stringers with free agency options. He focused on re-inking a slew of 2^nd-stringers in FS Jamal Fudge, MLB Tony Gilbert, RDE Jeremy Mincey, FB Montell Owens, OL Tutan Reyes, SS Gerald Sensabaugh, and LG Maurice Williams. OK, we get the approach but for a squad this close? Anyway, WR Jerry Porter (FA-OAK) and WR Troy Williamson (FA-MIN) join WR Williams (38 for 629 and 10 TD), WR Northcutt (44 for 601 yards and 4 TD), WR Jones (24 for 317 yards and 4 TD), and TE Lewis (37 for 391 and 2 TD) to give starting QB David Garrard, backed up by Todd Bauman (FA-STL) and Cleo Lemon (FA-MIA), plenty of options when not riding the NFL’s 2^nd-best rushing game (149.4 yards at 4.6 yards per) which will see 2^nd-year LG Uche Nwaneri replacing Naole. The Jags defense, which slipped to 12^th last season, replaced Cousin with RCB Drayton Florence (FA-SD) plus scored from the college ranks. 8^th overall selection LDE Derrick Harvey (Florida) is getting rave reviews, 2^nd round 6’3” 250 LB turned RDE Quentin Groves broke Auburn’s career sack mark with 4.43 speed, and RCB Trae Williams (South Florida) was a steal in the 5^th round compared to fellow Bull’s CB Mike Williams (1^st round to DAL) with whom he is nearly on par.

Tennessee (10-6 regulars, 0-1 playoffs) The Titans faced major challenges this off-season along their lines. On offense starter RG Benji Olsen (retired) was replaced by Jake Scott (FA-IND), Eugene Amano moves up for lost LG Jason Bell (FA-STL), while GM Reinfeldt re-inked starters RT Stewart and LT Roos plus key backup T Looper. On defense the franchise tag held DT Albert Haynesworth, Tennessee replaced lost starters LDE Antwan Odom and LDT Randy Starks plus backup DE Travis LaBoy by expanding LDT Tony Brown’s role, picking up LDE Jevon Kearse (FA-PHI), and drafting explosive DT Jason Jones (2^nd round, Eastern Michigan) who has impressed despite “tweener” size. On draft picks, East Carolina’s RB Chris Johnson was stolen at 24^th overall. No one will miss Chris Brown (FA-HOU) and the fat, lazy, and injured LenDale While will get all the rest he wants when this powerful (375# bench press) and blazing (4.25 40-yard time) kid hits the NFL with a unique combination of rushing, receiving, return, and blocking skills. QB Young needs all the help he can get and the losses of TE Ben Troupe (FA-TB), TE Ben Hartstock (FA-ATL), WR David Givens (cut) plus injury to TE Bo Scaife were bolstered by free agent pickups Algae Crumpler (ATL) and WR Justin McCareins (NYJ), the re-signings of WR Justin Gage and FB Ahmard Hall, plus draft grabs TE Craig Stevens (3^rd round, Cal) and WR Lavelle Hawkins (4^th round, Cal). Behind the defensive line, the Titans starters will return intact. The Departure of backups LB Gilbert Gardener (FA-DET) and CB Mike Waddell (FA-OAK) plus the house-cleaning of CB Kelly Herndon (cut) and CB Adam Jones (trade to DAL) was handled by free agent snatches of CB/S Chris Carr (FA-OAK) and SLB Josh Stamer (FA-BUF) plus the re-signing of FS Fuller, LCB Hill, and SS Nickey. Challenges met but Young’s performance is critical.

Houston (8-8 regulars, missed playoffs) Coach Kubiak squeezed plenty from his talent last season and we love the off-season work of GM Rick Smith. Cut are LB Shawn Barber, T Jordan Black, S Curome Cox, and TE Jeb Putzier plus injury plagued centers Mike Flanagan and Steve McKinney. At center, the Texans plug Chris Meyers (trade from DEN) plus re-signed RG Weary to assemble an experienced front line that started 76 of 80 games in 2007 while LT Duane Brown (Virginia Tech) with the 24^th overall selection under whelmed us. Numerous weapons are in camp for QB Matt Schaub with re-signings of WR Anderson, TE Bruener, WR Davis, and RB Walker plus acquisitions of RB Chris Brown (FA-TEN), WR Tim Carter (FA-CLE), TE Ryan Krause (FA-GB), and RB Steve Slaton (3^rd round, West Virginia) to go with RB Green, WR Johnson, WR Walter, and TE Daniels while only WR Jerome Mathis (FA-WAS) was lost. WOW! Houston’s defensive front 7 that includes recent 1^st round NFL Draft picks RDE Mario Williams, RDT Amobi Okoye, and LDT Travis Johnson plus 2006 Defensive Rookie of the Year MLB DeMeco Ryans was bolstered by re-signings of linemen Cochran, Kalu, and Maddox, the free agent grabs of WLB Kevin Bently (FA-SEA), SLB Chaun Thompson (FA-CLE), and DE/LB Rosevelt Colvin (FA-NE), plus the draft steals of All-SEC LB Xavier Adibi (4^th round, Virginia Tech) and All-Big 12 DT Frank Okam (5^th round, Texas) – each of whom had a great camp. Behind them, the re-inking of starting safeties Brown and Demps plus pickup of FS Nick Ferguson (FA-DEN), CB Jacques Reeves (FA-DAL), and CB Jimmy Williams (FA-SEA) exceeds the loss of CB Von Hutchins and S Michael Boulware. We dislike draftees CB Antwaun Molden (3^rd round, Eastern Kentucky) and S Dominique Barber (6^th round, Minnesota) but…WOW!

 Welcome to week five of your 8-week series taking an off-season look at the National Football League. This week we head down to the nation’s southeast where the battle for attention from our country’s most rabid college football fans can be a bigger task than the foes they face on Sunday. Proud locals and snowbirds alike, let’s check out what’s shaking in the NFC South.

Tampa Bay (9-7, 0-1 playoffs) The Bucs offensive off-season moves have been groaners. At QB, Plummer is presumed retired, Simms wants out, Luke McCown (3 starts in ’07) and Bruce Gradkowski (11 starts in ’06) wait in the wings, a 5^th rounder grabbed D1-AA San Diego’s Josh Johnson, a 6^th rounder in 2009 brought back Brian Griese (CHI), while starter Jeff Garcia (2440 yards, 13 TD, 4 INT) wants more than the $2 million due in his final contract year after being held out the final 10 regular season quarters – supposedly for playoff health – costing him a $1 M bonus. After Cadillac Williams (still rehabbing) and Michael Pittman (free agency to Denver) fell early in 2007, RB Ernest Graham (222 for 898 and 10 TD rushing, 49 for 324 receiving) was a force but sits out off-season workouts while denied more than the 5^th year minimum $605,000 while FB Askew got a 4-year $8M extension, RB Bennett got $3.75 M over 3 years, and RB Warrick Dunn (FA-ATL) was purchased for $6 M over 2 years. TE’s John Gilmore (FA-CHI) and Ben Troupe (FA-TEN) were signed to compete with Alex Smith and Jerramy Stevens (yet unsigned) but little was done to address Tampa’s biggest need – wide receiver where Galloway and Hilliard are rehabbing injuries. 2^nd round selection Dexter Jackson memorably led Appalachian State past Michigan but did little else in 2007 and at 5’10” is limited to the slot while Eric Moulds, Eddie Kennison, and Bryan Gilmore were worked out – but not signed. The loss of centers Matt Lehr (FA-NO) and John Wade (FA-OAK) was filled by C Jeff Faine (FA-NO) and G Jeremy Zuttah (3^rd round, Rutgers) was a nice add. The NFL’s 3^rd-ranked stoppers needed little help but Tampa used their 1^st rounder on Kansas’s CB Aquib Talib and signed a slew of free agents including LDE Marques Douglass (SF) to replace Greg Spires (cut). Yahoo…

Carolina (7-9, missed playoffs) Zero offensive TD in 6 of their 2007 losses, determined the Panthers to get bigger up front. 80-straight game starter LT Jordan Gross re-signed, 6’4” 312 LG Travelle Wharton (re-signed) moves from right tackle to make room for 6’6” 340 pure mauler Jeff Otah (19^th overall, Pitt), C Ryan Kalil takes over for cut starter Justin Hartwig, and 6’5” 325 pickup RG Keydrick Vincent (FA-ARI) replaces cut starter Mike Wahle. OL’s Geoff Hangartner and Evan Mathis were re-inked plus Milford Brown (FA-STL) and Tonui Fonoti (street free agent) boost depth. Coach Fox vows to rush 500+ times this year and gets the draft’s best back RB Jonathan Stewart (13^th overall, Oregon) to pair with RB DeAngelo Williams while RB LaBrandon Toefield (FA-JAX) was added, FB Hoover and RB Haynes were re-signed, and RB DeShawn Foster was cut. David Carr (cut) and Vinny Testaverde (retired) are gone so it’s QB Jake Delhome’s show to run backed by Basenez and Moore while losses of #2 WR Drew Carter (FA-OAK) and #3 WR Keary Colbert (FA-DEN) are modestly filled by Muhsin Muhammad (FA-CHI) and DJ Hackett (FA-SEA) so it’s critical that WR Dwayne Jarrett shows up. Line was also a defensive priority where Carolina managed just 23 sacks last season. Starters DE Mike Rucker (retired) and DT Kris Jenkins (trade NYJ) plus backup DT Kindal Moorehead (FA-ATL) are replaced by RDE Tyler Brayton (FA-OAK) and re-signed RDT Damione Lewis supported by free agent DT’s Ian Scott (PHI) and Darwin Walker (CHI) plus returning DE’s McClover and Johnson who started at the end of 2007. The Panthers will be faster up front allowing LDE Julius Pepper slide from end to end pre-snap. WLB Landon Johnson (FA-CIN), CB Ricardo Colclough, and S Terrence Holt were also good adds plus keep your eye on 3^rd round Notre Dame pick ILB Dan Conner to crack skulls.

New Orleans (7-9, missed playoffs) Poor pass defense (257.6 yards per game, 32 TD, 7.87 yards per attempt) cost the Saints a 2007 post-season trip and GM Mickey Loomis made this his priority. RDE Will Smith (66 T, 8 S, 3 FR) wants a new contract and LDE Charles Grant (48 T, 2 ½ S) is fighting a baseless involuntary manslaughter charge but they return with DE Bobby McCray (FA-JAX) to bookend 7^th overall draft selection RDT Sedrick Ellis (USC) and re-signed LDT Young. Ellis has Warren Sapp quickness, power, and lateral ability plus New Orleans may have stolen 5^th round pick DT DeMario Pressley (NC State). Backup LB Simoneau re-signed and the acquisition of MLB Jonathon Vilma (trade-NYJ) is a huge impact upgrade while backers McCoy (FA-TB) and Simmons (cut) are done in the Big Easy. RCB Randall “Big Play” Gay (FA-NE) finally gets a real shot to start in this league opposite rehabbed LCB Mike McKenzie (knee), backed by CB Aaron Glenn (FA-JAX) and electrifying 2^nd round pick CB Tracy Porter (Indiana) who’s 4.41 40-yard time barely topped his 4 of 23 on the Wonderlich. Little was needed done for an offense that averaged 24.3 points on 368.1 yards per game plus gets RB Deuce McAlister back (ACL) to join Bush (581 yards/4 TD rushing, 417 yards/2 TD receiving) and re-signed Stecker (448 yards/5 TD rushing, 211 receiving). The re-signing of WR’s Cooper, Henderson, and Patten plus TE’s Johnson and Miller keeps the targets of all 440 of Drew Brees’s completions in Saints jerseys while 7^th round pick WR Adrian Arrington (67 for 882 and 8 TD for Michigan in 2007) is pure theft if he behaves. The loss of C Jeff Faine (FA-TB) from a line that surrendered 16 sacks hurts but a combination of C/G Jonathon Goodwin (re-signed), LG Jamar Nesbit (re-signed), and C/G Matt Lehr (FA-TB) should handle the middle. Laissez les bons temps roulez!

Atlanta (4-12, missed playoffs) With a new GM in Thomas Dimitroff, a new Head Coach in Mike Smith, and a new franchise QB in 1^st round selection Matt Ryan the Falcons want you to know that things in Atlanta are…well…NEW! Ok, so Boston College’s Ryan (25-7 as a starter) was a reach at #3 overall for a kid without a deep arm but we’re concerned with a defense that allowed 33.1 points per over their 1-6 finish. LCB DeAngelo Hall (trade-OAK) and FS Chris Crocker (FA-MIA) are gone in favor of LCB Von Hutchins (FA-HOU) and FS Eric Coleman (FA-NYJ) while 3^rd round picks CB Chevis Jackson (21 of 82 passes his way completed in ‘07 with LSU) and FS Thomas DeCoud (California) are fine grabs. SLB Micheal Boley re-signed while WLB Demorrio Williams (FA-KC) hit the bricks, allowing Keith Brooking to move back outside and opens up the middle for Big 12 Defender of the Year Curtis Lofton (2^nd round, Oklahoma) to battle Tony Taylor for the job. Needed defensive line overhaul (25 sacks, 4.2 yards per rush) was un-addressed. DT Tim Anderson (re-signed), DT Rashad Moore (FA-NE), DT Kindal Morehead (FA-CAR), DE Chauncey Davis (re-signed), and DE Simon Fraser (FA-CLE) fill the depth chart but starters Abraham (10 S), Babineaux (3 S), Lewis (0 S), and Jamaal Anderson (0 S) remain unimpressive. QB Leftwich (cut), RB Dunn (cut), TE Crumpler, and TE Anderson (FA-BUF) are gone from Atlanta’s offense while RB Michael Turner (FA-SD) adds beef to RB Jerious Norwood’s (5.95 yards per rush, 9.89 per catch) big play ability plus the addition of 3-time All-American T Sam Baker (1^st round, USC) and starting TE Ben Hartstock (FA-TEN) can’t hurt this rushing attack (95.0 yards per game). K Jason Elam (FA-DEN) and P Michael Koenen (re-signed) are worth a win or two alone. Atlanta had too much to do in one off-season.

 Welcome to the 4^th edition of our eight-week series taking an off-season look at the National Football League. This week we check in the AFC North where big expectations in 2007 were never quite realized as the member squads pounded each other into the middle of the pack and failed to notch a playoff win. It’s a tall order to crack the elite tier of the AFC so let’s find out what’s shaking in the land of the 3-4 defense.

Pittsburgh (10-6 regular season, 0-1 playoffs) Elite offensive line and linebacker play define Steelers football and plenty of changes have been underway. The departure of Alan Faneca (FA-NYJ) moves C Sean Mahan to RG while veteran pick up Justin Hartwig (FA-CAR) will hold down center. The rushing game, led by Willie Parker (321 for 1316 yards and 2 TD) and Najeh Davenport (107 for 499 and 5 TD), pounded out 135.5 yards per game but this was still a drop off from 2006 and 47 surrendered sacks was an embarrassment. Only T Tony Hill (4^th round, Texas) – who is coming off a broken fibula – was added on draft weekend while backup OL Starks, Essex, and Kemoeatu were re-signed. Instead, Pittsburgh scooped up Illinois inside rusher Rashard Mendenhall in the round one and got QB Ben Rothlisberger (3154 yards, 32 TD, 11 INT) his big target in 6’4” 212 WR Limas Sweed in the second. Sweed did little last season at Texas due to a wrist injury but was college football’s top receiver prospect in 2007 and also brings tough downfield blocking to the table – key to Coach Mike Tomlin’s attack. Pittsburgh’s top-ranked defense (89.9 rush yards, 191.7 pass yards) lost another key free agent this off-season with LOLB Clark Haggans headed to Arizona. LB LaMarr Woodley (14 T, 4 S) moves to first string alongside Farrior (94 T, 6 ½ S, I) Foote (81 T, 3 S, I), and Harrison (98 T, 8 ½ S, I, 3 FR), LBs Keyaron Fox (FA-KC) and Andre Frazier (re-signed) add depth, plus more help was netted from the colleges. 6’3” 252 UCLA DE Bruce Davis (12 sacks, 15 ½ TFL) projects at OLB while Iowa LB Mike Humpal (127 T) is a hitter suited for the inside of Pittsburgh’s 3-4. Backfield starters LCB Ike Taylor, RCB Deshea Townsend, FS Ryan Clark, and SS Troy Polamalu all return plus DT Booger McFarland – who won a Super Bowl with Coach Tomlin in Tampa – may also yet be brought aboard.

Cleveland (10-6 regular season, missed playoffs) General Manager Phil Savage didn’t have a Day 1 selection, but he still made strong use of the draft. Facing a major quarterback need into 2007, this season’s 1^st round pick moved Cleveland up to grab Brady Quinn who is learning behind Derek Anderson (3787 yards, 29 TD, 19 INT) who recently signed a 3-year deal to lock up the position. Rush defense (129.5 yards per game at 4.5 yards/carry) was a major Browns issue but a 2^nd round pick to Green Bay grabs 6’4” 313 LE Corey Williams and a 3^rd round pick plus RCB Leigh Bodden to Detroit adds 6’4” 340 Shaun Rogers to join with 6’4” 320 RE Robaire Smith in what should be a tough unit to budge. Unproductive or little used defenders DB Kenny Wright (cut, drugs), DE Orpheus Roye (cut, age), CB Ricardo Colclough (FA-CAR), DE Simon Fraser (FA-ATL), LB Matt Stewart (FA-ARI), LB Chaun Thomas (FA-HOU), LB Keith Adams, NT Ethan Kelly, and NT Ted Washington have been let go while legitimate 2^nd stringers with a future CB Daven Holly, S Nick Sorenson, and LB Kris Griffin have been re-signed to welcome run-stuffing LB Beau Bell (4^th round UNLV) and DT Ahtyba Rubin (6^th round Iowa State) who could be a major sleeper. The moves on offense have been equally targeted and effective. RG Rex Hadnot (FA-MIA) joins a starting line that was already superb (4.3 yards per rush, 19 sacks) while key backups LG Lonnie Friedman and C/RG have been re-signed to secure critical interior depth. WR Joe Jerevicius is batting injury but WR Donte Stallworth (FA-NE) and TE Martin Rucker (4^th round Missouri) are big additions to WR Braylon Edwards (80 for 1289 and 16 TD) and TE Kellen Winslow (82 for 1106). Only the lack of help for re-signed RB Jamal Lewis (298 for 1304 and 9 TD) is worth criticism. Coach Romeo Crennel must make the playoffs with this team.

Cincinnati (7-9 regular season, missed playoffs) Thinking about the Bengals’ off-season gives me a headache so let’s stick to what we know. The NFL’s 25^th ranked stoppers (238.4 pass, 118.3 rush) lose 3 of their top 4 tacklers to free agency in LB Landon Johnson (109 T, S), DE Justin Smith (78 T, 2 S), and S Madieu Williams (74 T, 2 S, 2 INT) and keep LB Ahmad Brooks who missed 14 games in 2007 and spent his off-season getting charged for punching some broad. Starting LB’s Rashad Jeanty and Dhani Jones plus key backup Corey Mayes were re-signed while LB Darryl Blackstock (FA-ARI), DE Antuan Odom (FA-TEN), and DT Antwon Burton (FA-DEN) are impact pickups but then GM Mike Brown spends four draft picks on a linebacker that bench presses 260 pounds and limped on a bum ankle all season (1^st round USC LB Keith Rivers), a guy with a club for a hand (3^rd round Auburn DT Pat Sims), a guy thrown off his team early in the season (5^th round Fresno State DE Jason Shirley), and a guy with a drug arrest (7^th round Cincinnati DE Angelo Craig). Throw in a track guy turned football player from the Big South (2^nd round Coastal Carolina WR Jerome Simpson), a personal foul specialist that missed much of the year with turf toe (7^th round Louisville WR Mario Urrutia), and a guy with 4 years experience playing football (4^th round Kansas T Anthony Collins). That’s one hell of a draft weekend! On the bright side, QB Carson Palmer’s (4131 yards, 26 TD, 20 INT) line that surrendered just 22 sacks returns 4 of 5 starters with promoted C Eric Ghiaciuc a decent replacement for Alex Stepanovic (FA-ATL) in punching holes for backs Watson (763 yards/ 7 TD rush, 364 yards receiving) and Johnson (497 yards/ 3 TD rush). We pat the Bengals’ backs for cutting WR Chris Henry, kick them in the groin for keeping WR Chad Johnson, and send their better-deserving fans our condolences.

Baltimore (5-11 regular season, missed playoffs) GM Ozzie Newsome has ensured another top-flight defense, adding up and coming free agents to a slew of re-signings, while building offense through the draft. The franchise tag on ROLB Terrell Suggs (45 sacks in 5 years) keeps a dominating front seven (2.8 yards per rush, 32 sacks) intact, LB Brendon Ayanbadejo (FA-CHI) and LB Tavares Gooden (3^rd round Mia-Fla) will push RILB Bart Scott and LOLB Jarrett Johnson for first string, while the re-signings of linemen Gordon, Jones, and Parker plus backers Greisen, McClure, and Smith stacks the depth chart. Starting CB’s Chris McAlister and Samari Role are healthy but missed 18 total games in 2007 so the Raven’s picked up young cover men in S Jim Leonard (FA-BUF), CB Frank Walker (FA-GB), and CB Fabian Washington (trade OAK) plus brought back CB Prude and FS Winbourne to battle with draftees FS Tom Zbikowski (3^rd round, Notre Dame) and FS Hakuri Nakamura (6^th round Cincinnati) who bring return experience. Steve McNair retired and Kyle Boller (1743 yards, 9 TD, 10 INT) plays his final contract year so Baltimore gave 1^st round love to Delaware’s strong-arm QB John Flacco to battle 2006 Heisman Winner Troy Smith for the future behind a line that parts with 115-game starter C Mike Flynn. C Chris Chester Smith (started 5 games in 2007) takes over next to the re-signed RG Jason Brown while 2^nd round pick RB Ray Rice of Rutgers rounds out the backfield of Willis McGahee (1207 yards/7 TD) and 3^rd down back Musa Smith (264 yards/2 TD). WR Demitrius Williams and TE Todd Heap rejoin the aerial corps of Mason and Clayton after missing much of 2007 plus draft weekend netted big targets in 6’2” 221 WR Marcus Smith (4^th round New Mexico) and 6’4” 198 Justin Harper (7^th round Virginia Tech) Newsome and Harbaugh will build a winner!

 Welcome the third edition of your 8-week series taking an off-season look at the National Football League. This week follow the trail of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox through the Great Lakes region to check out what has been shaking in the NFC North other than the locals this unseasonably cool spring in the Midwest. This is our back yard so bundle up, leave your Big City troubles at the door, and we’ll throw a couple extra brats on the grill!

Green Bay (13-3 regular season, 1-1 playoffs) The Packers lose just 2 starters from a squad that came within a field goal of the Super Bowl in Brett Favre’s final season and begin the Aaron Rogers (20 of 28 for 218 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT) era with a cupboard stocked deep. The young line (19 sacks allowed, 4.1 yards per rush) of the league’s 2^nd ranked offense (378.2 yards and 27.2 points per game) returns with another year of experience, joined by T Joe Toledo (FA-Mia) plus 4^th and 5^th round draft selections G/T Josh Sitton and T Breno Giacomini. WR’s Driver (82 for 1048 and 2 TD), Jennings (53 for 920 and 12 TD), and Jones (47 for 656 and 2 TD) plus TE Donald Lee (48 for 575 and 6 TD) – who seized the starting job from Bubba Franks (cut) – all return to welcome 2^nd round Kansas State draft pick WR Jordy Nelson (Big 12 records 122 catches for 1606 yards and 10 TD in 2007) who’s arrival likely ends the comeback of WR/KR Koren Robinson’s with the Green and Gold. Backs Brandon Jackson and DeShawn Wynn are healthy again to share the load with RB Ryan Grant (188 for 956 yards and 8 TD) while quarterbacks Brian Brohm (2^nd round, Louisville) and Matt Flynn (7^th round, LSU) bring big time college football experience to the depth chart. Coach Mike McCarthy loses only DT Corey Williams (trade, Cleveland) from a defense that posted 36 sacks, 19 picks, and 22 fumble recoveries while allowing 18.2 points per game and added St. Louis free agent SLB Brandon Chillar (41 starts) to compete with Brady Poppinga alongside studs Nick Barnett and A.J. Hawk (combined 236 T, 4 ½ S, 3 INT). Aging corners Charles Woodson (37 T, 4 INT) and Al Harris (63 T, 2 INT) get help from 3^rd round Auburn CB Patrick Lee while future Pro Bowler and lethal hitter S Atari Bigby (86 T, 5 INT) has been re-signed. Only 6 of Green Bay’s games this year will be against 2007 playoff teams.

Minnesota (8-8 regular season, missed playoffs) Brad Childress’s crew lost their final pair to end 2007, eliminating them from the post-season…to the relief of NFC contenders. No one was excited to face the #1 ranked team in both rushing offense (164.6 yards per game at 5.3 yards per) and defense (74.1 yards per game at 3.1 yards per) while banking 8 defensive scores. Backs Adrian Peterson (1341 yards/12 TD rushing) and Chester Taylor (844 yards/7 TD rushing) pounding behind the right side of McKinnie, Huchinson, and Birk will again be the plan of attack but don’t completely discount the Viking passing game this season. Minnesota swapped out Kelly Holcomb for Gus Ferrotte at the backup trigger and threw away a 5^th round pick on John David Booty (my finger, elbow, wrist, back, etc. hurts!) but we still think QB Tavaris Jackson (1911 yards, 9 TD, 12 INT) can succeed with his 6 top targets returning plus Chicago free agent WR Bernard Berrian. Even the remarkable job against both the run and pass (38 sacks) done last season by the Viking front seven – which adds Pro Bowl free agent DE Jared Allen (15 ½ S in 14 games) to backers E.J Henderson and Chad Greenway plus tackles Kevin Williams and Pat Williams – couldn’t hide their coverage liabilities. At safety Mike Doss, Dwight Smith, and Tank Johnson are gone while FS Madieu Williams (FA-CIN) is a major upgrade alongside Darren Sharper, Texan free agent Michael Boulware will be a valuable backup, and 2^nd round pick/tackle machine FS Tyrell Johnson (363 T and 13 INT in 41 college starts) from Arkansas State was a fine grab but little has changed at the corners. CB’s Antoine Winfield and Cedric Griffin, who combined for just 1 pick while opponents piled up a league worst 281.2 yards passing per contest, will again get the call. The Vikings are not a complete team but they are tough enough to grab a Wildcard spot.

Detroit (7-9 regular season, missed playoffs) The Lions collapsed under the league’s worst defense (393.6 yards per game) with a 1-8 finish, but Matt Millen has made the most of the off-season. Starters CB Fernando Bryant and SS Kennoy Kennedy are gone from a secondary that was toasted for 274.2 yards per game and 32 TD passing, joining LB Boss Bailey and DE Kalimba Edwards in getting cut. DT Shaun Rogers was traded to Cleveland for CB Leigh Bodden (88 T, 6 INT) who becomes Detroit’s #1 corner opposite the re-signed Stanley Wilson, backed up by Fisher (re-signed), Smith (re-signed), and Brain Kelly (FA-TB). Free agent SS pickups Dwight Smith (MN) and Kalvin Peterson (TB) are upgrades plus all this depth improves the Lions’ not so special teams coverage (12.1 yards per punt, 26.9 per kick). Quality draft day attention to the stoppers added blazing OLBs Jordan Dizon (2^nd round, Colorado) and Cliff Avril (3^rd round, Purdue) plus 3^rd and 7^th round DT’s Andre Fluellen (Florid State) and Landon Cohen (Ohio) add depth as does Seattle free agent DT Chuck Darby. Coach Marinelli’s explosive passing game returns starting QB John Kitna (63.3% for 4068 yards, 18 TD, 20 INT), backups Stanton and Orlovsky, plus all 4 top receiving targets but didn’t greatly help the league’s 2^nd-worst rushing attack (80.5 yards per). Top backs Kevin Jones (cut) and T.J. Duckett (FA-SEA) and their combined 916 yards and 11 TD rushing are gone, leaving Tatum Bell (44 for 182 and TD) and 3^rd round pick Kevin Smith (2576 rush yards for Central Florida in 2007) but the bigger problem is an offensive line that surrendered 56 sacks in 2007. Subtract free agent G/T Damien Woody to the Jets and add 1^st round pick Boston College RT Gosder Cherilus who struggled his senior season (7 penalties, 5 ½ sacks) while playing out of position. Much has been done and much needs to be done for this squad.

Chicago (7-9 regular season, missed playoffs) With 12 draft the Bears chose to largely sit free agency out, grabbing only WR’s Marty Booker (Miami) and Brandon Lloyd (Washington) to replace Muhsin Muhammad (cut) and Bernard Berrian (FA-MIN). Offensive line was the major need (43 sacks, 3.1 yards per rush) for Coach Lovie Smith, resulting in the release of RT Fred Miller (if you can’t block, can you at least stay onside?) and LG Reuben Brown with help coming from the college ranks. The 14^th overall pick snatched Vanderbilt LT Chris Williams (2 sacks last 1558 snaps) – allowing John Tait to move back to RT – while a pair of 7^th round steals purloined Georgia G Chester Adams and All-Big 10 Michigan T Kirk Barton. RG Garza and C Kreutz stay put while Terrence Metcalf, Josh Beekman, and John St. Claire battle for LG. Behind the upgraded line will again be QB Rex Grossman and backup Kyle Orton with Brian Griese traded to Tampa Bay for a second round pick that adds 6’2” 222 Tulane RB Matt Forte who rushed for 2127 yards and 23 TD for Tulane in 2007 and may take the top job from Cedric Benson (DUI arrest) and Adrian Peterson. 3-time All-SEC WR Earl Bennett (3^rd round, Vanderbilt) and 6’6” 218 WR Marcus Monk (7^th round, Arkansas) add firepower while TE’s Desmond Clark (re-signed) and Greg Olsen will get plenty of downfield grabs. The Bear 29^th ranked defense (247.1 pass, 122.9 rush) got less attention with DT Walker (cut), S Archuleta (cut), and LB Ayanbadejo (FA-BAL) gone while starters LB Lance Briggs and FS Brandon McGowan re-signed but their is hope for this group. SS Mike Brown returns from injury to help CB’s Tillman and Vasher plus 3^rd round Arkansas DT Marcus Harrison is a huge addition to a line that racked up 41 sacks last season. PR/KR Devin Hester (6 return TD in 2007) can’t carry this team again…can he?

 Welcome to the second edition of our 8-week series taking an off-season look at each of the National Football League’s conferences. This week we have selected the home of your 2007 AFC Champions with a look at what these franchises have been up to and the direction they are heading this upcoming season. Be sure to check in for a new article each Thursday the next couple months and away we go…

New England Patriots (16-0 regular season, 2-1 playoffs) Bill Belichick’s crew came within 35 seconds of running the 2007 table into the history books and returns both lines plus the bulk of offensive firepower that piled up 38.8 points per regular season game – 8.4 points per game more than the next-best Cowboys. WR Dante Stallworth left for Cleveland and Seattle’s TE Marcus Pollard was added while receivers Moss, Washington, and Gaffney resigned with the Pats but the real off-season action took place among the New England linebacker and defensive backfield ranks. Aging backers Rosevelt Colvin and Chad Brown are gone while Pierre Woods, Tedy Bruschi, and Larry Izzo have been resigned to battle Mike Vrabel and Adalius Thomas for playing time in the 3-4 but they will have plenty of incoming competition with the signing of LB Victor Hobson away from the Jets plus 1^st and 3^rd round draft picks OLB Jerod Mayo (Tennessee) and OLB Shawn Crable (Michigan). Throw in the possible additions of Junior Seau (may retire) plus Eric Alexander (team’s exclusive rights free agent) and New England is positively stacked at the position and likely deadly on special teams. In the defensive backfield the competition for jobs will be just as fierce with the return games again also getting a boost. Randall Gay, Asante Samuel, and Eugene Wilson rode the free agent train out of town while corners Fernando Bryant (Detroit), Lewis Sanders (Atlanta), Jason Webster (Buffalo), and S Tank Johnson (Minnesota) rode it in plus 2^nd and 4^th round draft picks scooped up Colorado’s CB/KR Terrence Wheatley and Auburn’s CB Jonathon White. The 3^rd round selection of Kevin O’Connell likely sends backup QB Matt Cassell packing. A returning #1 offense, a younger and faster #4 defense, and beefed up special teams. Meet the new boss; same as the old boss!

Buffalo Bills (7-9 regular season, 0-0 playoffs) A squad that finishes the season with the 31^st ranked offense and 31^st ranked defense to miss the playoffs for the 8^th consecutive year has plenty of needs and GM Russ Brandon has cut dead weight like CB Jeremetrius Butler (15 T), WR Peerless Price (7 catches), and RB Anthony Thomas (2.5 yards per carry) while filling pressing holes and banking $78 million to play 8 games over 5 years in Toronto’s Rogers Centre. Backup QB JP Losman was rumored draft day trade bait but the Bills sat pat and have 2 solid arms with QB Trent Edwards (1630 yards, 7 TD, 8 INT) and Losman while resigning C Matt Whittle and T Matt Murphy keeps depth intact for a line that helped rookie RB Marshawn Lynch rush for 1115 yard and 7 TD in just 13 games and backup Fred Jackson pile up 300 yards in just 58 carries. Buffalo’s key need was at defensive back where the Bills allowed 247.4 yards per game. Eagles free agent CB Will James was added and college football’s top cover corner Leodis McKelvin was snatched with the 11^th overall pick in the NFL Draft in addition to 4^th round pick CB Reggie Corner (Akron) and 7^th round pick Kennard Cox (Pittsburgh). Just 26 team sacks in 2007 were answered with the acquisitions of DT Spencer Johnson (FA-ATL), DT Marcus Stroud (Jacksonville trade), LB Kawika Mitchell (FA-NYG) and 3^rd round pick Virginia Tech DE Chris Ellis (8 ½ sacks in 2007). Coach Dick Jauron wanted to add a big receiver to his smallish corps (top four wire receivers 5’10” or less) and he got three with a steal of a 2^nd round selection 6’6” 221 Indiana WR James Hardy, 7^th round pick 6’2” 210 WR Steve Johnson (led SEC in yards and touchdowns), plus 6’6” 270 Atlanta free agent TE Courtney Anderson to compete at a position that will be back under new O-Coordinator Turk Schonert. Call us crazy, but we see a playoff team in the making.

New York Jets (4-12 regular season, 0-0 playoffs) A quarterback controversy is certain this season between QB Chad Pennington (68.8% completions, 1765 yards, 10 TD, 9 INT) who started the first 8 games of 2007 and QB Kellen Clemens (52.0% completions, 1529 yards, 5 TD, 10 INT) who took over at mid-season but at least it will happen behind a premier offensive line. As part of a house cleaning that included letting go starters FS Eric Coleman, NT Dewayne Robertson, and LB Victor Hobson plus key players CB Andre Dyson, WR Justin McCareins, and C Wade Smith to free agency and outright release, GM Mike Tannenbaum cut starting LG Adrien Clark and starting RT Anthony Clement. Big free agent bucks brings in LG Alan Faneca and RT Damien Woody to join LT D’Brickashaw Ferguson, C Nick Mangold, and RG Brandon Moore to punch holes for RB Thomas Jones (310 for 1119 yards and 1 TD) while the passing game takes a back seat. New York’s defense was pushed around last year for 134.8 rushing yards per game so the Jets traded for Carolina DT Kris Jenkins and picked up free agent ROLB Calvin Pace from Arizona – each will take starting roles. As far as the NFL draft was concerned, Coach Eric Mangini didn’t get much immediate help, despite 2 first round selections. We disagree with the pundits who say that Ohio State DE Vernon Gholston (14 sacks in 2007 against Big 10 linemen) is overrated and a mistake at the 6^th overall pick but he projects to ROLB in the J-Men’s 3-4 defense where they dropped coin to pick up Pace while using the 30^th overall selection on Purdue TE Dustin Keller conjures up images of drunken, foul mouthed Jets fans screaming like stuck pigs for the ESPN cameras. Starting TE Chris Baker (41 for 409 and 3 TD) is decent plus free agency yielded TE Bubba Franks from Green Bay. Pour me whatever the guy in the Blair Thomas jersey is having.

Miami Dolphins (1-15 regular season, 0-0 playoffs) Losing 6 games by a field goal may tempt some to build on existing personnel, but GM Jeff Ireland and VP/Football Ops Bill Parcells are not those guys. Parcells is famous for cleaning house and bringing in big, tough guys which has sent packing starting QB’s Trent Green (cut) and Cleo Lemon (FA-Jacksonville), top receiver Marty Booker (cut), plus the squad’s second and third leading rushers Lorenzo Booker (trade to Philadelphia) and Jesse Chatman (free agent Jets) as well as offensive linemen L.J. Shelton, Rex Hadnot, Anthony Alibi, Marvin Dukes, and Joe Toledo with Chris Liwienski and Cory Lekkerkerker soon to follow. Oakland free agent QB Josh McCown takes over at the trigger while 2^nd-year John Beck (60 of 107 for 559 yards, TD, 3 INT) and 2^nd round selection Chad Henne battle for the future. LT Vernon Carey moves next to 4^th round pick RG Shawn Murphy (son of baseball’s Dale Murphy) while the NFL Draft’s overall #1 LT Jake Long will start next to 49ers free agent LG Justin Smiley. RB Ronnie Brown (119 for 602 and 4 TD) and Ricky Williams return from season-ending injuries, while TE Anthony Fasano (trade Dallas) and WR Ernest Wilford (free agent Jacksonville) join WR Ted Ginn Jr. (34 for 420 and 2 TD. Defensively, DE Jason Taylor (11 of teams 30 sacks) doesn’t fit Parcells’s mold and may join DT Keith Traylor and DT Anthony Bryant who have been sent packing with LB Zach Thomas and LB Derrick Pope. Miami grabbed 3 defensive ends in the draft including 2^nd rounder Phillip Merling from Clemson while free agency/trades bring LB’s Reggie Torbor, Charlie Anderson, and Akin Ayodele, DB’s Chris Crocker, Keith Davis, and Nate Jones, plus DL’s Jason Ferguson and Randy Starks. A new roster, a new Head Coach in Tony Sparano, and new results? The Dolphins couldn’t help but improve.

 This begins our 8-week series taking an off-season look at each of the National Football League’s conferences. Look for a new article each Wednesday throughout the Spring as prepare for the upcoming season of Gridiron Greatness. We’ll kick things off with a look at the NFC’s top conference in 2007 and producer of your reigning Super Bowl Champions. Yes, Hank, we are ready for some football so let’s get the party started!

Dallas Cowboys (13-3 regular season, 0-1 playoffs) Head Coach Wade Phillips retains the key players that earned the NFC’s top seed in the 2007 Playoffs but free agent losses of S Keith Davis, CB Nate Jones, CB Jacques Reeves, and RB Julius Jones have created some needs on the depth chart. Safeties Ken Hamlin (franchised) and Roy Williams will anchor the defensive backfield (18^th-best at 233.0 pass yards allowed per game in ’07) and Dallas has secured the rights to CB Adam Jones with a 4^th round pick to Tennessee plus will certainly add talent in this weekend’s draft. Owner/General Manager Jerry Jones hold both the 22^nd and 28^th picks in the first round with most mock drafts having the Cowboys taking Arkansas RB Felix Jones to pair with RB Marion Barber (204 for 975 and 10 TD) – who did not sign an offer sheet with another team and will return – as he did with Darren McFadden. The Boys have not selected an offensive player in the first round since 1997 and if they stay put, Arizona CB Antoine Carson or Kansas CB Aquib Talib are possibilities as is Tennessee State CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie if they move up. QB Tony Romo (4211 yards, 36 TD, 19 INT) and WR Terrell Owens (81 for 1355 and 15 TD) led the league’s 4^th best passing attack last year but have made inquiries about adding a big name wide out through trade rather than draft. WR Terry Glenn comes off two knee surgeries and those first round picks could grab a player like Cincinnati’s Chad Johnson, Detroit’s Roy Williams, or Arizona’s Anquan Boldin. LT Flozell Adams has been resigned to guard the pocket and TE Jason Witten (96 for 1145 and 7 TD) also returns to an offense that finished second to only the Patriots with 28.4 points scored per game. Dallas’s 17-21 playoff loss to the Giants last season marked the 11^th consecutive season without a post-season win for the world’s most valuable sports franchise.

New York Giants (10-6 regular season, 4-0 playoffs) With a Super Bowl win comes attention from league for your personnel and Coach Tom Coughlin’s defensive crew (9^th ranked overall with 326.8 yards per) took plenty of hits with FS Gibril Wilson (Oakland), DT William Joseph (Oakland), LB Kawika Mitchell (Buffalo), and LB Reggie Torbor (Miami) taking the free agent train out of town. To fill the hole at safety, General Manager Jerry Reese picked up Sammy Knight from Jacksonville, tendered a restricted free agent offer to their starting SS James Butler, plus has a young hitter in CB Corey Webster that could make the move. Linebacker presents a bigger problem. The acquiring of Texan LB Danny Clark is a start and young LB Gerris Wilkinson may be ready for a starting job but if Tennessee LB Jerod Mayo is still available at the 31^st pick, the Giants would grab him in a New York second with Arkansas State’s S Tyrell Johnson, Miami-Fla S Kenny Phillips, Arkansas DT Marcus Harrison, and North Carolina DT Kentwan Balmer certainly possibilities. 36-year old DE Michael Strahan (57 T, 9 sacks) still hasn’t let the team know if he’ll return but the biggest news in the Big Apple is the possible trade of 4-time All Pro TE Jeremy Shockey. The Saints and Seahawks are interested with 2^nd round picks the offer while Green Bay and Miami also seem good fits. Miami’s 32^nd selection overall might be enough and would give the Giants back to back firepower in the draft while other teams would have to add a need position player for Reese to jump. If Shockey gets dealt, 2^nd year pass-catching TE Kevin Boss (started last 6 games) and 2^nd year blocking TE Michael Mathews (played in every game last season) get the call plus TE Darcy Johnson returns from missing 2007 while rehabbing his surgically repaired knee. DE Justin Tuck, K Lawrence Tynes, RB Derrick Ward, and G Rich Seubert have all been resigned while QB David Carr has been added from Carolina.

Washington Redskins (9-7 regular season, 0-1 playoffs) QB Jason Campbell improved enough last season with 2700 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 11 picks before tearing a knee in Week 14 to boost the Redskin passing game to #15 in the league at 226.4 yards per game but faces another challenge this season. The knee is fine but new Head Coach Jim Zorn’s West Coast Offense will be Campbell’s 7^th new system in 8 years of college and pro football. A new passing game requires new personnel as incumbent receivers 5’10” Santana Moss, 5’10” Antwaan Randle El, and 6’0” James Thrash don’t fit the size profile for the West Coast so disgruntled Bengal Chad Johnson is a possibility and selections in the draft are a necessity. Owner Daniel Snyder and departed Coach Joe Gibbs spent years paying for overpriced free agents with top draft selections – leaving a grand total of 7 picks in the top 4 rounds over the last 4 years – but this season the cupboard is full with 9 selections including the 21^st overall. Oklahoma’s Malcolm Kelly, Texas’s Limas Sweed, and Michigan State’s Devin Thomas all fit the bill for a big target while an aging offensive line (all 5 starters and top 2 backups all at least 30 years old) will certainly get attention on offense. 33 regular season sacks and 91.2 rushing yards allowed per game were decent numbers but age at defensive line is also a problem so ends Calais Campbell of Miami-Fla, Phillip Merling of Clemson, or Derrick Harvey of Florida could be heading to the nation’s capitol, as could tackles Sedrick Ellis of Southern Cal or Kentwan Balmer of North Carolina. FS Reed Doughty looks able to handle the job opposite of SS LaRon Landry, vacated by the deceased Sean Taylor, while the Skins will make do with CB Fred Smoot while CB Carlos Rogers rehabs from the knee surgery that cost him 9 games in 2007. Not great and not young but Washington returns all 22 starters that won 4 straight to end the regular season.

Philadelphia Eagles (8-8 regular season, missed playoffs) Andy Reid’s crew failed to reach the playoffs last season but they did finish with 3 consecutive wins and the numbers reveal a squad still among the best in the NFC. 250.3 yards passing and 123.4 yards rushing per game was good enough to rank 4^th in the entire league. QB Donovan McNabb (19 TD, 7 INT, and 3224 yards in 14 games) has taken plenty of heat but he did spread the ball around extremely well with WR Kevin Curtis (77 for 1110 yards and 6 TD) and WR Reggie Brown (61 for 780 yards and 4 TD) putting up strong numbers while still getting 368 offensive touches for RB Brian “The Weapon” Westbrook (1333 yards/7 TD rushing, 771 yards/5 TD receiving). While Philly fans scream for a Big Time receiver, the Eagle’s offensive need is offensive tackle. T Jon Runyan (34) and T William Thomas (33) are in their 2^nd decade in the pros with Vanderbilt’s Chris Williams and Pittsburgh’s Jeff Otah possibilities at the 19^th selection of this weekend’s draft. An overall defensive ranking of 8^th (230.4 pass, 95.8 rush) was dragged down by defensive backfield injuries to SS Sean Considine (missed final 8 games), FS Brian Dawkins (missed 6 games), and CB Lito Sheppard (missed 14 games last 3 years) with a major shuffle underway. CB Will James is gone to the Bills and Sheppard will likely follow as soon as this weekend. CB Assante Samuel (16 INT last 2 years) enters via free agency, S J.R. Reed and nickel back Joselio Hanson have been resigned, and more help will come from the college ranks. Sitting pat gets a player like Miami-Fla S Kenny Phillips in Round 1 while moving up could grab a cover/return monster like Troy CB Leodis McKelvin. DE Jevon Kearse and LB Takeo Spikes have been cut but the Eagles have depth at their positions plus with 11 selections in the draft, they will get plenty more.

 #7 Seed – Philadelphia (40-42) had little to play for down the homestretch, having for some time been locked into the 7-spot, and lost the momentum gained over a remarkable 22-8 run by losing their last 4 contests. Size is certainly not a strength of Coach Maurice Cheeks’ crew but they are athletic, like to get out into the passing lanes, and score in transition. Sixer stars 6’2″ PG Andre Miller (17.0p, 4.0r, 6.9a, 1.3 steals), 6’6″ SF Andre Iguodala (19.9p, 5.4r, 4.8a, 2.1 steals), and 6’11″ C Samuel Dalembert (10.5r, 10.4r, 2.3 blocks) have each started all 82 games for a offense that averages 96.6 points per game and a defense that surrenders 96.2. Rounding out the Philly front five are the less than impressive 6’3″ SG Willie Green 12.4p, 2.5r, 2.0a) and 6’8″ PF Reggie Evans (5.2p, 7.5r, 1.1 steals). 6’2″ G Lou Williams (11.5p, 2.1r, 3.2a) and 6’7″ G/F Rodney Carney (5.8p, 2.1r) back up the front court while interesting rookies 7’0″ C Jason Smith (4.5p, 3.0r) and 6’8″ F Thadeus Young (8.2p, 4.2r) support the blocks off the bench. Young in particular is a player to keep an eye on in this series. There’s no doubt his size is needed against the bigger Pistons and with 16.3 points scored per game over his last four, this kid has certainly made the most of his additional minutes during the Seventy-Sixers coast to the post-season. Philadelphia managed a 2-2 split against Detroit this season, although in their final meeting (101-94 Philly at the Wachovia Center on April 9th) the Pistons played without Richard Hamilton and with limited minutes for the other starters. In the other 3 meetings, neither squad managed more than 86 points with Detroit taking a home game 83-78 on November 23rd and a road game 86-78 on January 23rd while Philly scored an 83-82 victory at The Palace of Auburn Hills on March 12th. So just how does Philadelphia stop an experienced playoff team like Detroit? For most playoff dogs is means piling up the 3-pointers and besting the favorite in assist to turnover ratio, neither likely here. The Sixers’ A/TO ratio on the season is 1.43, compared to 1.91 for the Pistons, while Philadelphia is the worst shooting team in the league behind the arc at 31.7% with only Iguodala (101 of 307) nailing more than 55 makes from downtown.

 #2 Seed – Detroit (59-23) cruised to the Central Division Title, some 14 games ahead of the Cavaliers, and enter the post-season as winners 9 of their final 11 contests. Coach Flip Saunders is roundly disliked by Motor City fans for supposedly burning out his starters on the way to the Eastern Conference Finals Series each of the last 2 seasons (The Pistons have reached the Eastern Finals each of the last 5 seasons) and leaving little in the tank to get further. Our home state’s NBA squad (their names will be withheld to protect the lazy the unwilling to play defense) never has to face this problem so we guess we should count ourselves lucky as we count our Ping-Pong balls…again this season! The gripe is true to a degree with 6’3″ PG Chauncey Billiups (17.0p, 2.7r, 6.8a, 1.3 steals), 6’7″ SG Richard Hamilton (17.3p, 3.3r, 4.2a), 6’9″ SF Tayshaun Prince (13.2p, 4.9r, 3.3a), 6’11″ PF Rasheed Wallace (12.7p, 6.6r, 1.8a, 1.2 steals, 1.7 blocks), and 6’9″ C Antonio McDyess (8.8p, 8.5r) accounting for 386 of a possible 410 starts but this season the minutes have been spread around pretty well following the opening tip. No less than 12 active Piston players have averaged over 3 points per game in 2007-2008 with 6’7″ F Jason Maxiel (7.9p, 5.3r) and 6’8″ F Jarvis Hayes (6.7p, 2.2r, played in all 82 games) bringing the most important front court support off the bench while 6’3″ G Juan Dixon (5.0p, 1.4r, 1.8a) and 6’5″ G Rodney Stuckey (7.6p, 2.3r, 2.8a) do likely for the perimeter. Dixon in particular has been sharp lately with double-digit points scored in each of Detroit’s last 5 games. Offensively, Coach Saunders’ unit racks up 97.5 points per contest with 3-point shooting a big piece of their scheme. Billups (137 of 342), Hamilton (62 of 141), Prince (53 of 146), Wallace (112 of 315), Hayes (73 of 194), and Dixon (30 of 72) are all legitimate threats from behind the arc while the Pistons’ have continued their decades-long tradition of stiff defense with only 90.1 points allowed per game this campaign. And then there is the biggest disparity in this first round match up – experience. Philadelphia’s entire roster has amassed a grand total of 95 playoff game appearances (for 6 Sixers, Sunday will be their first) while Tayshaun Prince has 97 of his crew’s 647 under his belt alone.

FREE SELECTION: Welcome to your 2008 Eastern Conference Playoffs! Now, can’t we just get to Pistons vs. Celtics already? In the first 3 games between these teams this season, Detroit dropped the defensive hammer on Philadelphia, allowing Iguodala to shoot just 32% from the field and held Miller to just 11.7 points per game and 3.7 assists. In the 2-2-1-1-1 format, Pistons in 5 makes the most sense but with an eye on Boston’s progress and the anticipated Eastern Finals showdown we’ll put our money on a 4-game Pistons sweep job.

 San Antonio (53-24) has won 9 of their last 10 games but in the log-jam that is the Western Conference playoff race, even the defending NBA Champions have plenty of work to do. Currently holding the #2 Seed (currently would play Dallas in the first round), the Spurs are just 1 game behind the Hornets and 1/2 game ahead of the Lakers – this season, every game in April counts. 6’11″ PF Tim Duncan (19.5p, 11.5r, 2.9a, 1.95 blocks) is certainly the first option offensively, but the 3-point bomb has been key to this franchises 4 NBA Championships over the last decade or so. Current starters 6’7″ SG Michael Finley (125 of 338) and 6’7″ SF Bruce Bowen (88 of 206) are deadly shooters from deep and substitutions don’t ease the heat from the arc. 6’6″ Manu Ginobli (19.8p, 4.8r, 4.5a, 1.46 steals) is playing the 6th-man role right now and has nailed 156 of 385 attempts from downtown while bench players 6’5″ G Ime Udoka (51 of 146) and the resigned 6’7″ G Brent Barry (46 of 107) twinkle the twine with regularity – even 6’10″ F/C Matt Bonner has stepped out an kill opponents with 44 of 127 shooting the treys. Rounding out the starting five are 6’2″ PG Tony Parker (18.4p, 3.2r, 5.8a) and 6’10″ C Francisco Oberto (4.6p, 5.2r) while Coach Greg Popovich (629-300 regular season, 91-51 playoffs) has been given depth help with the additions of 6’9″ F/C Kurt Thomas (4.7p, 5.2r in 18 minutes per game) and 5’10″ G Damon Stoudamire (3.5p, 1.5r, 1.5a in 13 minutes per game). Speaking of “Pop”, he would make one hell of a dinner guest. Popovich earned a degree in Soviet Studies from the Air Force Academy before serving his tour of duty by playing on the US Armed Forces Team as it played its way around the Eastern Bloc plus also was captain of the National AAU squad that traveled around the Soviet Union. Chuck Barris’s cover as a game show host while employed as a “hitter” for the CIA has nothing on Pops’ during the heart of the Cold War! Anyway, the Spurs are coming off their worst back-to-back games in years with an embarrassing 64-90 loss Friday at Utah and a sloppy 72-65 win Sunday at Portland and have plenty to work on. As stacked as the West is this season, nobody will walk through the field like San Antonio did with a 16-4 postseason mark on the way to the Title in 2007. Timmy and the boys are a modest 21-18 away from the AT&T Center this year and play home games against the Suns on Wednesday and the Sonics on Thursday before this weekend’s showdown.

 Los Angeles (53-25) has been batting injuries among their big men all season but may get more help by this weekend. 7’0″  backup C Chris Mihm (3.7p, 3.5r) has battled a foot injury all season with just 21 games played and 7’0″ starting C Pau Gasol (18.9p, 7.9r, 3.7a, 1.50 blocks) missed three weeks with an ankle injury but 7’0″ C Andew Bynum (13.1p, 10.2r) travels to New York for an exam on his left kneecap and if the report is as expected he will practice Saturday and be available against the Spurs on Sunday. Meanwhile, Kobe (28.7p, 6.4r, 5.4a, 1.86 steals) keeps doing what Kobe does for an offensive attack that piles up 108.5 points per game. Is it the shoes? Not sure but Thursday night Bryant will debut Nike’s new “Hyperdunk” kicks against the Clippers so we’ll find out! This season, Coach Phil Jackson’s (885-341 regular season, 175-64 playoffs) triangle offense isn’t nearly as obtuse as it has in the past with starters Gasol, 6’10″ PF Lamar Odom (14.2p, 10.5r, 3.6a), 6’1″ PG Derek Fisher (11.7p, 2.1r, 2.8a), and 6’10″ SF Vladamir Radmanovic (8.4p, 3.4r) each making big contributions. Well and good, but it’s the Laker bench that is the envy of the rest of the Association. And we don’t just mean 6’2″ G Jordan Farmar (9.1p, 2.2r, 2.7a), 6’7″ G Sasha Vujacic (8.8p, 2.1r, 1.0a), 6’10″ F/C Ronny Turiaf (6.6p, 4.0r, 1.6a), and 6’8″ F Luke Walton (7.1p, 3.9r, 3.0a); the pine is lined with enough glitterati in the form of assistant coaches to hold its own on any Hollywood red carpet. Frank Hamblen, Kurt Rambis, Brian Shaw, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Craig Hodges, and Jim Cleamons make up the best support team in the NBA and each capable of manning the top job were he called up upon by Los Angeles or any other squad. Back to the guys in the jerseys, this roster can flat-out shoot the rock. The Lakers have nailed 47.6 percent of their shots from  the field this season including 37.8 percent from behind the arc with Bryant (142 of 392), Fisher (106 of 259), Farmar (106 of 292), Vujacic (112 of 254), and Radmanovic (91 of 217) each nailing the triples at better than the 35% mark. It’s taken a while but it can be fairly assessed that the Lake Show is more than just Kobe and some stiffs and they’ll need every hand on deck for the final week. After dropping a 103-112 game that they dearly needed at Portland on Tuesday, Los Angeles holds the #3 Seed (would currently face the Suns in the first round), is 1/2 game behind San Antonio, and 1 game ahead of Utah. The Clippers on Thursday and the Hornets at the Staple Center on Friday precede their Sunday showdown with the Spurs.

FREE SELECTION: So who’s better, who wants it more, and who needs it more? Spurs, Lakers, and draw – but a playoff atmosphere at the Staples Center combined with the recent offensive struggles of the Spurs give the nod to the Zen Master’s crew. Take Los Angeles on Sunday and enjoy what looks to be one hell of a game!