INJURY REPORT WEEK 10

Name Position Injury Status: Wed. Thurs. Fri. Status

Locklear, Sean T Ankle FP FP FP Probable
Spencer, Chris C Thumb - - FP Probable
Lucas, Ken CB Neck LP FP FP Probable
Hasselbeck, Matt QB Right Shoulder LP FP FP Probable

DNP = Did not participate in practice
LP = Limited Participation in Practice
FP = Full Participation
Full Participation = 100% of a player's normal repetitions
Limited Participation = Less than 100% of a players normal repetitions
Out = Player will not play
Doubtful = 25% chance a player will play
Questionable = 50% chance a player will play
Probable = 75% chance a player will play

WE HAVE REACHED THE MIDWAY POINT

Seahawks Take 3-5 Record into Second Half of Season

Fair weather- fans. Its seasons like these and losses like week 6 to the Arizona Cardinals that show the true Seahawk fans from the fakes. Turnover- plagued first quarters, red zone pass interference penalties, poor coaching, poor playing, and season ending injuries; these are the bi lines that have defined the Seahawks first half of the 2009 Season. Time to decide, what kind of fan are you?

There are those of us who are so emotionally invested, our health cannot afford us to not change the channel. Then there are those who simply jump off and on the ban wagon with every season, every game, every play. Going into Arizona this week with a 3-5 record facing the division leading Cardinals 5-3, I am the true 12th man. I look at this season and I'm not thinking about the draft or who needs to be fired, I believe in our players and support our efforts every down. I'm looking for us to win this game and be only 1 game back from the division lead, with a weak remaining schedule! ( except for Minnesota next week)

For those of you who are already chanting, "Fire Mora", or booing Matt Hasselbeck for throwing an interception on the first play for the Hawks vs. the Lions last week, I have but one thing to say "GO PUT ON YOUR BLUE AND WHITE AND ROOT FOR THE COLTS!" because us true fans don't need you, and your constant doubting and flip flopping.

That said I know I haven't updated my blog in a while, and I apologize for that. It's taken me a while to decide how I feel about the heartbreaking performances of the last few weeks, as well as the injuries that continue to plague the team. What I will say is this; at 3-5 I at best only expected to be 5-3 at this point (that's a two game swing) If we had beaten Chicago or actually showed up to play vs. Arizona, we would be looking at a 5-3 record atop the division.

This weeks game is Pivotal. Splitting the season series with the Cardinals who look to be at the top of the division is huge if it comes down to a tie record at the end of the year. We cannot afford to lose both games to AZ this year. Matt has historically performed well in AZ, and AZ has typically played poor at home. That said, the Seahawks continue to play horribly on the road and are 0-3 this season. Something has got to give. The defense is relatively healthy going into this game. Marcus Trufant (C) should play a big role against the high flying and dynamic wide receiving core Arizona will field.

Like I said going into week 6, the key to this game will be for our front 4 to get pressure on Kurt Warner, and working in intelligent and effective blitz packages. Mebane, Hawthorne, and Curry are my key players on defense this week.

On offense, we have no running game. No need to discuss it. Just like last week against the Lions where Matt went 39-51, 329yrds, this game will rest on the shoulders of our leader. Matt gets easily discouraged by dropped balls and key penalties, so I look for fundamentals and execution to be key on the offensive side of the ball.

I will not make a prediction for this game all I will say is GO HAWKS!!

(note: Matt Hasselbeck's shoulder status is (probable) for this weeks game)

REVIEW OF WEEK 4 AND 5 AND PREVIEW OF WEEK 6 (sorry I've been slacking!)

Review Week 4 vs. Colts

I don't think anyone really thought we had a chance of winning that game in the first place. I know i didn't, and that was when I thought Dwight Freeney wasn't going to be playing. That said, we lost to a better team, perhaps the best team in the NFL right now. Penalties stopped drives, and Seneca just wasn't accurate enough. That said, the defense didn't really stand a chance, however I am very encouraged with the play of Hawthorne and Reed. These are two young and exciting players on defense.

We were hurting and it would have been a tough game if we had all our starters healthy.

Review Week 5 vs. Jaguars

First and foremost, what a relief to get a win! I don't think I have ever been so happy to see Matt Hasselbeck. I could dote on the fact that we played a bad Jacksonville team, but we didn't just beat them, we smashed 'em! So I'm giving all the credit to the Hawks on this one. In case you missed it we won 41-0, the defenses second shutout this season, and say what you will about who the two opponents were, a shutout is a hard feat in the NFL.

Both Nate Burleson, and T.J. Houshmanzadeh has 2 TD's a piece, and even our defense scored in this game! We are a different team with Matt in the game. Our 5th string left tackle ( i think) Frye went out of the game with a stinger in his neck, and will now miss the remainder of the season, with a neck injury. Its like there is a curse on the position, and now we are struggling to even suit a front 7. With Hasselbeck's rib injury, we need to be able to protect him, its obvious we cannot win with Seneca at QB.

I am happy to see Lawrence Jackson making some plays, he's been a relative dud since being our #1 draft pick 2 years ago. He is currently tied for 10th in the NFL for sacks, with 4 on the season.

side note: Owen Schmidt beat his head with his helmet to the point where blood was streaming down his face and colored his jersey pink. I think to think it was intentional in support of breast cancer month!

Player of the Game: Matt Hasselbeck

Preview of Week 6 vs. Cardinals

This week is as big a game as you get in week 6. The Cardinals come into Seattle with a 2-2 record, ahead of the Seahawks in the division. Maybe it's just me, but I am not and never have been impressed with the Cardinals. I know I am biased, I will never pretend not to be, but they just don't scare me, and I'm still trying to figure out how they went to the super bowl last year. I give all the credit in the world to Larry Fitzgerald, who is the best wide receiver in the game, and Kurt Warner, who continues to master the QB position.

That said, the game is at Qwest field, and our defense feeds of the 12th man. I think it will be a close game but I think the defense can rattle Warner early, I'm looking for Aaron Curry to possibly take Warner out of the game with a big sack early. The Cardinals do have some play makers on defense as well, and our success on offense once again will rely on our make-shift offensive line being able to give Matt time to find open receivers. We all know Matt can get frustrated if passing lanes aren't opening up, and if we can run the ball effectively enough, that should help loosen up coverage down field.

Home field advantage is key, and Seattle defense is the key to this game. I predict a big game for Aaron Curry and the 12th man, and I will take the Seahawks in this game.

Prediction: Seahawks 26 Cardinals 21

SEAHAWKS: REVIEW OF WEEK 3 & PREVIEW OF WEEK 4 VS. COLTS & PREDICTIONS

REVIEW OF WEEK 3 SEAHAWKS VS. BEARS

WHILE ALL THE FOCUS OF THE SEAHAWKS 25-19 LOSS TO THE CHICAGO BEARS WAS PLACED ON KICKER OLINDO MARE THERE WERE MANY OPPORTUNITIES SQUANDERED FOR THE SEAHAWKS TO WIN THE GAME. COACH JIM MORA IN A PRESS CONFERENCE AFTER THE GAME SEEMED TO BE PLACING PERHAPS TOO MUCH BLAME ON THE SHOULDERS OF MARE, WHO MISSED 2 FIELD GOALS,OF 43 AND 34 YARDS. THERE WERE SOME OTHER BIG MISSES ON BOTH OFFENSE AND DEFENSE THAT WAS JUST AS MUCH TO BLAME FOR THE LOSS. THE DEFENSE COULD NOT HOLD THE BEARS WHEN THEY MOST NEEDED TO AT THE END OF THE GAME, AND INSTEAD OF EVEN KEEPING CHICAGO TO A FIELD GOAL THE HAWKS GAVE UP A TD TO DEVIN HESTER WITH 1:52 REMAINING IN THE GAME TO GIVE THE BEARS THE LEAD.

ON OFFENSE THERE WERE A NUMBER OF DROPPED PASSES BY ALL RECEIVERS MOST NOTABLY T.J. HOUSHMANZADEH, WHO IS STILL SUFFERING FROM BACK SPASMS. SENECA WALLACE STARTED IN PLACE THE THE INJURED MATT HASSELBECK, CRACKED RIB, AND THREW AN INTERCEPTION FROM HIS OWN END ZONE LATE IN THE THIRD QUARTER, THAT SEEMED TO STEAL MOMENTUM IN FAVOR OF THE BEARS. THE RUNNING GAME WAS AGAIN UN NOTABLE.

ON A POSITIVE NOTE SENECA IS A REALLY GOOD SCRAMBLING QUARTER BACK. WITH THE ALMOST CONSTANT BLITZ OF THE BEARS DEFENSE, SENECA WAS CONTINUALLY FORCED OUT THE POCKET AND WAS ABLE TO BUY TIME AND CONVERT SOME KEY THROWS, WHERE A LESS MOBILE QB ( IE: HASSELBECK) PROBABLY WOULD HAVE TAKEN A SACK. BOTH THE OFFENSE AND DEFENSE SEEMED TO BE IN A BETTER RHYTHM THAN THEY WERE IN LAST WEEK AGAINST THE 49ERS, AND THAT WAS WITH INJURY TO SEVERAL KEY PLAYERS.


PREVIEW OF SEAHAWKS WEEK 4 VS. COLTS

ITS THE EVER-AUDIBLING QUARTER BACK OF THE INDIANAPOLIS COLTS THAT WILL DICTATE THE OUTCOME OF THIS GAME. PEYTON MANNING HAS A KEEN ABILITY TO READ DEFENSE AND MAKE ADJUSTMENTS AT THE LINE OF SCRIMMAGE. HE THROWS WITH TOUCH AND ACCURACY THAT IS UNPARALLELED IN THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE, AND IF HE IS ON THE FIELD THE COLTS WILL BE SCORING.

IF THE SEAHAWKS WANT TO HAVE ANY CHANCE OF WINNING THIS GAME AGAINST A 3-0 COLTS TEAM THEY WILL HAVE TO KEEP THE COLTS OFFENSE OFF THE FIELD. MEANING, RUNNING THE BALL! THEY WILL HAVE TO BE ABLE TO RUN THE BALL EFFECTIVELY AND FOR FIRST DOWNS AND COMPLETE FULL DRIVES WITH SCORES IF THEY EVEN WANT THE GAME TO BE CLOSE. THE SEAHAWKS WILL MOST LIKELY BE MISSING LOFA TATUPU, MLB, AND LEROY HILL, OLB AGAIN THIS WEEK, AND SAFETY JOSH WILSON IS STILL QUESTIONABLE AS WELL. OUR DEFENSE DOESN'T HAVE MUCH HOPE OF STOPPING WHAT I PREVIOUSLY REFERRED TO AS "THE SMOOTHEST OPERATING OFFENSE IN THE LEAGUE."

THE SEAHAWKS ONCE AGAIN WILL BE FACING A TEAM MISSING THEIR DEFENSIVE LEADER. THIS WEEK IT IS PERENNIAL PRO BOWLER DWIGHT FREENEY,DE FOR THE COLTS. THUS THIS MAY BE A HIGH SCORING GAME FOR BOTH TEAMS. I'M LOOKING FOR OLINDO MARE TO HAVE A BIG GAME THIS WEEK.

PREDICTIONS:

SEAHAWKS 28 & COLTS 41

QUICK PREVIEW & PREDICTION OF HAWKS WEEK 3 VS. BEARS

I first want to apologize for my "review" of the Seahawks game vs. the 49ers last week. That was a hard game to watch and a really hard one to want to write about afterwards. I do this blog for fun and its just not fun when we lose a game and lose key players like that.

This week poses a new challenge. We are hurting, Matt Hasselbeck will not start, they have yet to announce it,but its pretty clear that he's not ready to play. As Donovan Mcnabb is set to miss his second week in Phili with a similar injury(cracked rib.) We are missing key players on defense as well. Leroy Hill and Lofa Tatupu at the linebacker position, both Wilson and Griffith are hurt at Safety. On Offense T.J. Houshmenzadeh is still ailing with back spasms, and feeling slightly disgruntled about his number of catches in the first 2 games. If we were completely healthy I think we may have a real shot at winning this game.

That said, we aren't healthy and if the real Jay Cutler comes to play, it could be an easy win for the Chicago Bears. It will be interesting to see how the Bears defense looks without Brian Urlacher who is out for the season with surgery on a dislocated wrist. I think the only chance Seattle has of winning this game is to get Seneca moving. Designing a game plan around the athletic ability of Seneca Wallace and not turning over the ball will be key for Seattle to come out with a victory.

Special teams will also play a big role in this game, in containing Devin Hester, and winning the battle for field position is normally half the battle. Seattle can win this game, but in my opinion its not likely. That said this week i am making an optimistic and a pessimistic prediction for the game.

OPTIMISTIC PREDICTION: SEAHAWKS 17 BEARS 13
PESSIMISTIC PREDICTION: SEAHAWKS 12 BEARS 28

Seahawks Injury Report

Injury Report

Name Status Injury
Houshmandzadeh, T.J. DNP Back
Lucas, Ken LP Groin
Spencer, Chris FP Quadriceps
Hill, Leroy DNP Groin
Branch, Deion FP Hamstring
Mebane, Brandon - Calf
Fisher, Travis FP Hamstring
Wilson, Josh DNP Ankle
Hasselbeck, Matt DNP Rib
Griffith, Justin DNP Knee
Jones, Walter FP Knee
Locklear, Sean DNP Ankle
Tatupu, Lofa DNP Hamstring

Review of Hawks game Week 2

We Lost. :(

Week 2 Seahawks vs. 49ers Preview & Prediction

I really get the feeling this game will come down to who has the better offense. Both teams have solid defenses and exciting young players. Whats key for Seattle is whether or not T.J. houshmanzadeh plays. He sat out practice with back spasms and if he misses the game could throw of the balance of the passing game. If Seattle can run the ball effectively then the subject is mute, however the Seahawks haven't been successfull in running ball since Shaun Alxanders MVP season. That coupled with the improvement in defense for the 49ers, it could be a long game.

The 49ers are hit or miss on offense. Issac Bruce always seems to tear up the Seahawks secondary, going back to his days with the Rams, and if they are able to open up the field with some big plays early, they may just steal the momentum at home. Everybody makes a big deal out of Frank Gore, RB, or as I like to call him Frank " Ogore" cuz his mug resembles shrek, because of the huge game he had against the Seahawks a few seasons back where he ran for over 300 yards. Quite "frankly" however, Seattle made key adjustments on defense after that game and he hasn't been nearly as effective since.

I predict this will be a back and forth battle for first place in the NFC West, granted its only week 2, but teams are looking to establish dominance. Going into this season everybody was torn, will the Seahawks bounce back? Will the Cardinals suffer the Superbowl loser curse? How much will San Fran improve under coach Mike Singletary? Starting off the season facing 2 division rivals is big for the Seahawks. I think they will prevail against the 49ers will key 3rd down plays and improved secondary play from Ken Lucas and Josh Wilson, to take the #1 spot atop the NFC West , where they belong.

SEAHAWKS 24 & 49ERS 13

10 Observations from Week 1 NFL

Here's 10 observations I made after week 1

1. The Jets look alot better on defense than I anticipated. They should play a really tough game this week against the Patriots, with or without all the trash they are talking.

2. The Steeler's losing Troy Polamalu for 3-6 weeks with an MCL strain is HUGE! They win close low scoring games with him and I'm afraid with him out, those close games may swing the other way.

3. T.O. just isn't the player he used to be, and the talk of how great he is going to be " next week" is starting to take on the feeling of "the boy who cried wolf." Eventually people are going to stop tuning in to see if he actually shows up in a game

4. The Okland Raiders running game is sick! RunDMC aka Darren Mcfadden is a bulldoser, but will it amount to a better season for the Raiders? I don't think so, but they should beat the Cheifs this week.

5. Rex Ryan I thought they traded for Jay Cutler..wait what..! that was Jay Cutler who started at QB for the Bears, and threw 4 interceptions? Ouch! Lets hope he's put that game behind him. Hell I put the Bears in my top 10 this season, but not with that kind of play from the QB position

6. The Ravens look even better than I anticipated, with the usually run heavy offense really opening up the field with a plethora of passing plays to start the game. Joe Flacco the next Trent Dilfer for the Ravens? not a star but gets the job done... I could see them deep in the playoffs.

7. How good are the 49ers really? Im not buying the Shaun Hill love fest, but their defense is much improved and their head coach, steady. It will be a good test of dominance between them and Seattle this week. Of course I feel like Seattle is the better team.

8. There are going to be some real bottom feeders again this year. Rams, Cheifs, Lions, Browns, Bengals, and im adding the Dolphins back onto that list.

9. Drew Breeze rules and Reggie Bush..well... drools. Luckily the Saint have enough on offense without him, lets see if they need their defense or not when they play a better team than Detroit.

10. It was just a great opening weekend of football. From Thurdays Steelers vs.Titans to the two monday night double headers. I am really excited for football this season!

SEAHAWKS SHUTOUT RAMS 28-0

The Jim Mora Era has begun in Seattle, with a 28- 0 win over the St. Louis Rams on Sunday. The game started on shaky to say the least. The first quarter left me questioning whether or not I was watching a professional football game. Fumbles, interceptions, and poor play on offense gave me that immediate pit in my stomach. That "It's gonna be a long season" ache in my heart! But once the team started to settle down, penalties were corrected, and the offense began to flow my hopes began to rise. They just may be back.

Not to get lost in the excitement of the offense, I would first like to acknowledge the first shutout since 2007 for the Seahawks defense. Yes it is the Rams, and there were some unique situations, like Seattle long time stud kicker (now with the Rams) Josh Brown missing an easy field goal, however a shutout in the NFL is impressive no matter who the opponent. So rather than take away from the feat by pointing to the lack of receivers or abundance of penalties for the Rams I'm giving credit to a strong defensive effort.

Aaron Curry is fast, passionate, and athletic! He will be a sight to see this season. The secondary played very well, which was our weakest aspect on defense last season. No big plays for the Rams, they held them on 3 rd downs, and got pressure on Mark Bulger. Most importantly they didn't allow a single point.

Now to the offense. With the beginning jitters aside the offense was at times electric. In years past Matt seemed to be spending too much time looking for receivers rather than throwing the ball. I remember myself saying on several occasions when Matt would have all day and still take a sack, " Really Matt? No one was open?" That won't be a problem this year. We have real viable threats at wide receiver, and tight end. John Carlson is proving he is among the best TE in the game with 2 TD catches vs. the Rams. The offensive line was more than impressive, not allowing a single sack despite being without their starting center, Chris Spencer, and the best offensive left tackle in the game in Walter Jones.

The running game did enough. Jones broke a 62 yard run for a TD, and ended the game with 117 yards. I still saw to many running plays with no gain. We really need to be able to at least get some positive yardage on most running plays. That said, there is hope that the 60-30-10 guide** set out by coach Mora may work this season. I was interested most in weather or not we would notice a change in the play calling with Greg Knapp as the new Offensive Coordinator. The trick play with Seneca Wallace that netted 24 yards was just what I wanted to see. It was unexpected and to me it shows confidence, and a willingness to take risks. I'm excited to see how this offense will develop and improve from game to game.

Injuries: Lofa Tatupu, MLB, had a hamstring injury and left the game, it is said to be mild. Leroy Hill, OLB, had a strained groin and did not return to the game, also reportedly mild. Deion Branch, WR, did not play with a hamstring injury, after not practicing all week. I'll be chanting "Trade him! trade him!" every chance I get this season.

Great win! Great team effort overall. Even with injuries to key starters coming into the game and early in the game on defense, there was little to no drop off in play with the back up players. Im feeling very good, about this season, and I'm not going to let the fact that we had a weak opponent take away from what the team was able to accomplish! GO HAWKS!!!

PLAYER OF THE GAME: John Carlson

** 60-30-10 guide: Coach Mora stated that his intent with the running back situation was to give Julius Jones 60% of the carries, Edgerrin James 30%, and Justin Forsett 10%, ideally.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS : Preview of the 2009 season

There are some big questions going into the 2009 season for the Seattle Seahawks. Some big concerns, and some big opportunities for this team to return to form and reclaim its rightful place atop the NFC West.

Overall, I'm optimistic going into this year. Matt is back, and he's healthy. We will have to win more than 4 games if he stays in the line up all year. No knock on Seneca Wallace, but we need to start a healthy Matt Hasselbeck on all 16 games if we want to make it to the playoffs this season. The addition of T.J. Houshmanzedah could completely electrify this offense. Matt works best when he get into a rhythm, we've seen him at his best in the past, when he consistently could convert 1st downs on 8-15 yard gains to Bobby Engram. Engram is now with the Kansas City Chiefs, but what the Seahawks have in T.J. is a B.Eazy on steroids( not literally!) T.J. in theory will be that same go-to guy, except this time he will be of a #1 WR caliber.

The question remains, can Houshmanzedah handle being the #1 guy, or was his success in Cincinnati largely due to Chad Ochocinco drawing double teams on the other side of the field? This won't be a concern however if Nate Burleson can stay healthy and step up this season, he is a viable threat to opposing teams.

Lets break down all sides of the ball and address the Strengths and Weakness' :

Offense:

Pro's- Matt is healthy, the addition of T.J. and a healthy Nate Burleson, as well as the young exciting receivers ( Butler, Taylor, etc.) will make the passing game something to watch this season. That is if the offensive line, who is missing the NFL best left tackle in Walter Jones, can provide enough protection for the passing game to develop.

Con's- The makeshift offensive line, has 3 men starting that were not on the starting roster going into the preseason. Walter Jones and Chris Spencer need to get healthy quick before the momentum of this season is lost on multi- sack games. Also, the running game is still mediocre at best. The Seahawks will need to address their running game in the off season by either a trade or preferably in the draft. I don't see James or Jones having a big season. Justin Forsett can be a nice spark every now and then however.

Defense:

Pro's- Will the implement of a new Defensive scheme revamp a defense that was 31st in passing Defense? That's the question. Aaron Curry looks like could be not only the rookie of the year at the LB position, but also could have a probowl season ahead of him in his first year in the NFL. What I've seen from him in the preseason excites me! We do have the best linebacking core in the NFL with Tatupu, Hill, and now Curry. We should be able to get pressure on the opposing QB consistently this season.

Con's- Injuries once again are the biggest cause for concern. The Seahawks pass- defense was 31st in the league last season, and with Marcus Trufant out for at least 6 games with a injury to a disk in his back, this could prove to be a weakness again this year. Corner Ken Lucas is back and needed at the corner position. Also, they released Safety Brain Russel which is a good move, if nothing else it shows that they are not content to just put back on the field the same players that failed last year.

Special Teams: Punter Matt Ryan has had a very impressive preseason, if he can continue his preseason success into the season that could prove to be a small aspect with a big impact on football games. After all, field position is everything. We need better coverage on kickoff and punt returns, too many missed tackles. Its about time we step up our return game as well. The new rules the allow only a 3 man wedge on returns doesn't help, but I'm not writing off our return game just yet. The few missed field goals in the preseason shouldn't haunt to regular season.

Coaching: Jim Mora Jr. has something to prove. With his reputation as a "player's coach" he strove to command respect during training camp and preseason this year by working the team hard. Did it work? or are they player's too tired going into the start of the season?

Seahawk fans have a nagging pit in their stomach with the departure of Mike Holmgren, reminding them of when Lou Pinella left the Mariners. Sparing a string of losing season's and multiple managers since his departure. The situation with Mora is different however, and I think Mora will get the time he needs to prove he is deserving of the head coaching position.

I am most interested to see how the addition of Greg Knapp as a Offensive Coordinator will affect play calling this season. This is a year where the coaches are as much a story as the player's.

GAME 1 SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 13, 2009 VS. ST.LOUIS RAMS

Prediction: Seahawks 31, Rams, 17

NFL ROUND UP!! MY TAKE ON ALL 32 TEAMS FOR 2009-2010 SEASON

Tonight the 2009 NFL season kicks with the Pittsburgh Steelers taking on the Tennessee Titans, in what very easily could end up being a preview of the AFC title game this season!

Here are some quick thoughts on how this season teams may stack up, following all the major headlines that have driven this offseason, and gotten us here today at the season opener!

Who will live up to the hype? Who will fail to impress? The pressure is on this season in the NFL, lots of big players making moves to new teams, Farve to Minnesota, Cutler to Chicago, Sanchez to the Jets, T.O. to Buffalo. I'm left wondering if one person can a winning season make, after all football is the ultimate team sport!

Here's my breakdown and rankings going into week 1 of the 2009 NFL season. ENJOY!

1. Steelers - Its the old idea of " Until someone can prove they can beat them, they are still the World Champions!" As much as I have to admit it (being a Seahawk fan) Hines Field is an intimidating place to play. Their defense is pure adrenaline meets talent, and the offense continues to improve. Mike Tomlin is a young and exciting coach.

2. Colts- With a healthy team and a healthy Peyton Manning they have the smoothest operating offense in the league. however injuries are a big concern and if they can't stay healthy they can easily fall out of the top 10

3. Patriots- TOM BRADY'S BACK! however only 3 players remain from the 3 Super Bowl wins this decade. Coach Belichick is the best coach currently in the NFL so they should still have great success with the current players. However, the defense is getting older and I don't forsee another ring this season

4. Giants- (hesitantly) They have a great running game, that really takes the pressure off of Eli Manning under the scope of the New York press. Their defense is improved, it will be interesting to see how the passing games fairs with Plexico behind bars rather than getting behind a secondary.

5. Titans- Last season some people called a breakout season for the Titans, im of the opinion that it was rather the culmination of constant and continual improvement over that last several seasons. If they can get through the first half of their season with a decent record they should coast into the playoffs.

6. Bears- Thats right I said Daaaa Bears! i feel like this team has been so close for so many years and mainly held back by their quarterback position. The addition of Jay Cutler may be the biggest and best move this franchise has made in a long time! After all this is a team who won 9 games last year with a joke of a QB.

7. Chargers- They have all the talent in the world, but is Ladainian Tomlinson on the downside of his career? They need him to have a comeback year if they want to go deep into the playoffs. At this point I just don't see it happening. They will probably face another slow start.

8. Ravens- I love defense..... enough said.

9. Vikings- Honestly they would have been in my top ten prior to Farve's unretirement. In Adrian Peterson I do believe. Lets give some credit to good ol' "Hutch" Seattle fans still woe the day he slipped away! That said, Farve health is always a concern, he is a senior citizen now, but the players like Tavaris Jackson, and if he has to come in to relieve Bret late in the season they will fair just fine.

10. Packers- Aaron Rogers is a good quarter back, but offense isnt where this team struggles. They are attempting to input a new defensive scheme switing to a 3-4 package, and by all accounts seem to be transitioning well. For some reason however I can't seem to think of one WR after Donald Driver...hmmmmm?

NOW THAT THE TOP 10 IS OUT OF THE WAY LETS BREEZE THROUGH THE REMAINING 22 TEAMS.

11. Eagles- They get hyped up every year and Im just not buying it. Vick will prove to have no real value as a back up QB.

12. Carolina- They don't get enough respect, and its because their QB is quietly good. They had a 12-4 last season, I look for a similar showing this year, what it all comes down to is how they play in the playoffs. They need a little bit more swagger if they want to advance.

13. Seahawks- If they can stay healthy they can easily rise up in the ranks. The passing defense was horrible last season! but what this team reall has going for it is a winning mindset last season's bad showing was due greatly to injury and call me a "homer" but I see a bounce back season for the Hawks!

14, Falcons- Unlike Tennessee who have been gradually improving over the last several seasons, the Falcons got good overnight. I need more evidence from Matt Ryan before last season can count as proof of a good football team.

15. Cardinals- Im still baffled by how they made it to the Super bowl last year.... Kurt Warner another year older, and still some bad feeling surrounding #2 WR Boldin. That said they do have the best WR in the NFL is Fitzgerald, Madden curse anyone?

16. Saints- Drew Breeze is the man...and the Saints defense is the woman. No offense to woman, but they need to improve on defense in order to have any real measurable success outside of the fantasy football stats of Breeze. p.s Reggie Bush is a bust!

17. Texans- Frankly they have just been bad long enough. Time to put it together if they want to take a step into the top half of the NFL rankings.

18. Miami- Last season's successes won't hold up in 2009. The wildcat will not have the same effect it did , so unless they can successfully impliment some other college scheme this year i predict a fall from grace.

19. Dallas- Their QB is not a leader, and that's never a formula for success.

20. Jaguars- Tough division games to start the season, if they can come out of the start with atleast one win, they will be in better shape. I like this team to move up in the ranking throughout the seaason.

AND NOW THE BOTTOM FEEDERS AND THE FEW WORD ASSOCIATIONS THEY EVOKE

21. Jets- Sanchez

22. Bengals- Hard knocks

23. Bills- Turf toe T.O.

24. Redskins- Crazy Zorn

25. 49ers- Missing the decades past

26. Lions- #1 pick overall

27. Broncos- Pay up!

28. Cheifs- Hurting and too old

29. Buccaneers- Hate those cannons!!

30. Rams- (blank)

31. Browns- Poop

32. Raiders- Sucker punch themselves