Word spreads that Albert Haynesworth, famous for failing conditioning tests in Washington, has passed the New England condition test and will practic today. Also from New England, Chad Ochocinco has been gifted jersey #85 from tight-end Aaron Hernandez without charge.
But that's nothing. The Philadelphia Eagles just loaded themseves up, the Jets scooped up Plaxico Burress instead of Randy Moss, Peyton Manning agreed to a huge contract despite lingering injuries, and all sorts of other news. So let's jump around the league while we don't talk about the debt ceiling!
I thought the NFC last year was a joke. A losing-team made it to the playoffs, the best team from the year before was taken out early, and the top-seeded team of the year was routed by 50-something to basically nothing in a loss to the Packers in which the Packers didn't punt once. Now, the NFC-West still looks weak and Carroll of the Seahawks still looks insane; however.. The Packers still look formidable, the Falcons finally added some serious personnel at wide-receiver, and of course the Philadelphia Eagles just gave upped their defense at both the front and the back in Jenkins/Asomugha. I expect these three teams to be back in the NFC-playoffs, and right now they look like the closest thing to sure-bets on that. That's right; I'm saying the Chicago Bears are not a sure bet for the playoffs.
As for my beloved AFC...
I predict the signing of Plaxico Burress to eventually lead to the New York Jets figuratively shooting themselves in the foot. He had great hands and speed, but the speed was in decline even before he put a bullet through his own foot and had to serve time in jail. We'll see how he performs, but am I the only one who thinks the Jets really should have focused on the second-corner spot to back up Revis? I don't think the Jets are a sure bet for the playoffs this year. I sense decline coming for GangGreen.
The Baltimore Ravens... so quiet there, huh? The Pittsburgh-Ravens rivalry is excellent, and I think this could be the year when the Ravens finally beat the Steelers. Hines Ward's absense will leave Big Ben without his favorite target, and his only elite-target. Keep in mind, the Steelers haven't won the Superbowl since they had a Hines/Holmes combination. The Steelers are going to need someone to step up on offense and especially in the passing game. A DUI and a broken thumb is double-trouble for a wide-receiver. What do you think?
The Indianapolous Colts were seriously challenged last year within their division by teams like the Jaguars and the Bucs. I expect them to be seriously challenged again within their division, Manning's millions aside, mostly due to the Manning's neck. The Colts are built around the man. I don't think they're a sure thing from the playoffs this year.
Out west, I'd love to see San Diego finally step up their game but I'm not holding my breath.
Then the Patriots, potentially switching to a 4-3 defense while everyone else is going 3-4. Classic Belichik.
So who do you expect to not make it to the playoffs this year, excluding the Seattle Seahawks?