There are three teams who missed the playoffs in 2008 to watch out for in 2009. All three are under the radar and will sneak up on the league during the first half of this season. I have also targeted some players that I feel will have a breakout season.
Lets start with the teams I feel will take that next step and make it to the post season. All three are in the NFC, so there should be quite a shift in the balance of power in that conference. The Saints and Packers are my first two choices. This is not much of a stretch because these teams were in the postseason year before last.
The Saints explosive offense is no secret but I think their defense is going to shock some people in the NFL this year. I could easily see the black and gold in the super bowl. I think they will be very balanced, and if they except that Bush should be used mostly in the receiving game and special teams they will probably be able to keep him healthy. Their defense which has been a work in progress for two years is finally coming together, and their high octane offense will not need to put up 30+ points a week to have a chance at a win. If they can get a Matt forte/Steve Slayton type RB to emerge for them I see no way the don't make a deep post season run.
The Green Bay Packers are a real 'jekll & hyde' organization right now. In 07' they looked like the next big thing in this league. In 08' they struggled and looked lost. They have a ton of young, disciplined solid players on both sides of the ball. I loved how they built an smart, aggressive defense and didn't just focus on acquiring offensive weapons for Favre during his final years there. They have balance and had the guts to give Brett his walking papers (and even got a 3rd round draft pick out of it!). Their GM and head coach are the best young tandem in this league and I think 08' was a stutter step. They will be back on track in 09' with at least 11-12 wins.
My third team to watch is the Seattle Seahawks. Aaron Curry is the missing piece not only for the defense, but for the team as a whole. Can a rookie be a leader on the field and in the locker room? YES! Especially a MLB like this Wake Forest product. Obviously the health of Hasselbeck is the most important unknown for this team. If I am Jim Mora I get real aggressive about making Mike Vick a part of my team. They have history, and Seattle is a small market. The less attention, the less drama surrounding Vick's return. A wildcat style offense with a seasoned vet like Hasselbeck and an x-factor like Vick could be wicked. They are in a weak division and have a realistic shot at a wildcard birth.
Lets switch gears to individual players who have a chance at becoming household names this season. First off I'll start with Miles Austin WR from the Dallas Cowboys. I won't spend much time on him because everybody and their mother is predicting a breakout year for Austin. The departure of Owens opens the door for Austin to step up as a prime target for Tony Romo. He has all the tools to become a dominate receiver in the NFC East..... IF..... he can stay healthy.
The next player on my radar is Abram Elam safety from the Browns. He's a playmaker and Mangini tried every way possible to get him to Cleveland. He finally succeeded with a blockbuster trade during round one of this years draft. I think he could have beat out Jim Leonhard for the starting job and he will certainly have a huge impact on his new team. Breaks my heart to see him leave the green and white.
Paul Posluszny MLB from the Bills could easily be a probowler from the AFC east beating out some of his high profile counterparts. This Penn State product is the real deal. He would have been a big story last year, but the epic collapse of the Bills as a whole out-shined him as an individual. He's powerful, smart and nasty... perfect formula for a MLB playing for a cold weather team.
Greg Camarillo WR from the Dolphins made some noise last year before having his season ended early by an injury. Again, like a lot of young talented players trying to make a name in this league, his ability to stay healthy will weigh heavily on his future. He will have a hard time making it to the probowl considering the other WR talent in the AFC, but a 1,000 + yard season is very realistic for this opportunistic, sure handed prospect in 09'. That qualifies as a breakout season for any wide-out.
Kevin Smith RB from the winless Lions had an excellent rookie outing. He doesn't fumble, has great vision and a second gear in the open field. His sophomore season should be even better. He may end up as a part of the 'new triplets' consisting of Stafford, Calvin Johnson, and Smith. If Stafford is the real deal we could e seeing the start of something special here.
Next up is Brandon Jackson RB from the Packers. I know Ryan Grant is the man in Green Bay, in my opinion he was a flash in the pan. I see Jackson as a better all around back and I have been singing his praises for years, so I won't stop now. I think he is an every down RB and can anchor the Pack's running game. He is a natural pass catcher as well and until he makes a big impact I will stick with him. Come on BJ, it's now or never... the clock is ticking.
Domenick Hixon WR from the NYG is primed for an explosive 2009. His QB believes in him and he is not afraid to make a big play. The team has a bunch of draft picks from the past few years who are all clawing to become Eli's new favorite. Nicks, Manningham and Smith will all get a lot of looks during camp and the preseason. When it's all said and done I see Hixon and Smith taking over for Burress and Toomer as the NYG new book ends. Smith will be racking up the most catches and Hixon scoring the most TD's and big plays. How about 1050 yards and 11 Td's... is that a breakout season?
There is a big hole in the middle of the Tampa Bay Bucs defense with the release of Derrick Brooks and Barret Ruud MLB will step up to the plate. This dude is a leader and a playmaker. Tampa only let the legend walk because they know how great Ruud is. This new look defense in Tampa will be it's salvation (Tampa will not be running the 'Tampa 2' anymore?????). If they plan on winning any games they will need a probowl season from Ruud.
Dwayne Bowe WR is a powerhouse from Kansas City. He and Jamaal Charles RB will really reap the benefits of the acquisition of Matt Cassel. The real question mark on this team is their young re-building offensive line. If that line gels, this offense could take flight. Charles and Bowe were solid starters last year who are poised to be the Roddy White and Mike Turner of the 09'season thanks to a new leader behind center.
Steve Spagnuolo is the new head coach in St. Louis and he is all defense all the time. He learned an unpredictable, attacking defensive system from Jim Johnson in Philly and the student has out grown the teacher. Chris Long DE, the Rams #1 overall pick in 08', is a dynamic player. He can play all front 7 spots in this defense and can be an invaluable weapon for Spagnuolo. He had a lackluster rookie season but remember his name, you will be hearing it a lot in 09'.
Speaking of poor rookie seasons, my 'last-but-not-least' player to watch in 09' is Vernon Gholston OLB... of course. If you have given up on this player as a Jets fan because he had little to no impact his first year consider this... He played DE about 85% of the time in college, not OLB. He was asked to drop back into coverage maybe 5% of the time in college. He was playing in an overcomplicated system last year, with Mangini and Sutton as his coaches.
Things are different this time around and Rex knows he will be judged heavily on his ability to get through to this young talent. I have faith in him and I see at least 7-9 sacks this year. If he is ever to live up to his potential and draft position it will not be for sometime, but he will make some noise in 09' and start to quite the critics.
J.Wagner
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