National Over-Reaction League

The most wonderful week of the year has now come and gone. The NFL is back in full swing, and it's a glorious sight. And with that comes the over-reactions to every team's win or loss each week.

Glenn Dorsey played great last night

Let's look at the four "upsets." Kansas City over San Diego, Washington over Dallas, Seattle over San Francisco and Houston over Indianapolis.

All were somewhat unexpected but were they really that surprising? All were divisional games won by the home team. As Brian Billick reminded viewers during another near/shouldabeen upset, Detroit/Chicago, winning a division game on the road is "the hardest thing in sports."

With those wins come the over-reactions by the fans and media. "Dallas won't win a game!" "Look at how great the Chiefs are!" "It's the Texans' year to get over on the Colts!" "Pete Carroll is a genius!"

There are certain truths to all the over-reactions from the games. Dallas did play like garbage. But they probably just need a little more time to knock the rust off. The Colts defense just got ran over to the tune of a NFL record (first player to go over 200 yards and 3 TDs in the opener). But those games meant more to the Redskins and Texans than vice-versa.

Kansas City made some big, splash plays on special teams, had a long run and its defense looked much improved but they passed for just 68 yards. KC converted 1 of 11 third downs. They were outgained 389-197 on offense. San Diego was missing three of its best players in the middle of a downpour. Malcolm Floyd slipped twice at the goal line in the final minute that may have tied the game.

Oh, well. A win is a win. Kudos to the Chiefs for getting it done. They made more plays than the Chargers. But let's not put the Chiefs in the playoffs just yet. Same goes for the Texans and Seahawks. To use an old, over-used cliche "there's a lot of football to be played."

Despite the over-reactions being a bit much and sometimes off-base, it once again shows the power of the NFL. Each game means so much, even game one. The passion and pride generated is why we love this league. A win in Week 1 may not get a team to the Super Bowl but it sure feels like it can.

NFC North Preview

People could argue this is the best division in football. I could be one of those people. This year features two premiere teams, an underachieving, highly-scrutinized team and a team that went 0-16. All areas are covered. At least the Lions appear to be trying now.

GREEN BAY 12-4

Rodgers - MVP?

A lot of signs are pointing to the Pack this year. The Aaron Rodgers discussion is over. There's no real doubt he has what it takes. Playoff wins are a must to put him in the elite group but because he played so well in last year's loss you can determine he's not a Romo, a player who folds up shop come playoff time.

The Green Bay offense will be firing on all cylinders with a healthy line. With any resemblance of a running game and adequate time, Rodgers will hurt you with precision down the field. Taking sacks has been an issue for years with Rodgers. Taking away his primary read allows more time for the pass rush to get there. Well-timed blitzes can work, as it did for Arizona in last year's playoff loss. Speaking of that ...

Giving up 51 points in a playoff game demands attention be paid to the defense in the offseason. Attention was paid. Unfortunately it was the wrong kind and it resulted in top-notch nose tackle Johnny Jolly being arrested and getting suspended the entire season. Last year's top-ten pick B.J. Raji will have to fill the spot. Aaron Kampman is no longer on the end after struggling to find an effective spot in last year's new scheme.

It will be the second year in Dom Capers' 3-4 defense. It has shown the ability to get pressure and force turnovers. The corners are getting older and Al Harris is still recovering from his spleen injury and starts the year on the PUP list.

The defense won't have to do much. Rodgers and company will cruise through the regular season and into the playoffs. It could be an MVP year for Rodgers.

MINNESOTA 10-6

Does he even care this year?

Brett Favre is back but doesn't look the least bit interested in being there. He's spent much of his time this preseason talking about how there's no way he plays as well as he did last year. How everything went right and there's no shot it can happen like that again. He's right but does he need to be so focused on letting everyone know a letdown is coming?

The Sidney Rice loss will hurt slightly but people must remember Favre turned him into a Pro Bowler. He clearly has the tools and ability but without someone putting it on him down the field consistently, he's just another guy. Greg Camarillo will be a nice addition for the receivers. Hopefully Percy Harvin will be on the field each week. On top of the migraines, he's always taking huge hits. He's one of the toughest young players in the league.

Adrian Peterson must prove he belongs in the upper echelon of running backs again. His fumbling has become a major problem and team have shown the ability to shut him down. Defensively, the Vikings will use the same formula they always have - rely on the front four to cause havoc and stop the run. Getting E.J. Henderson back at LB will be big for Minnesota.

The Vikings still have a very solid team, it will just depend on Favre's motivation. The schedule isn't nearly as easy as last year's, especially the beginning. If Favre loses interest, or his problems with Chili continue to fester, it could be a disappointing year in the Twin Cities.

CHICAGO 7-9

A day Bears fans may wish to forget

The Bears have been swimming in mediocrity for the last three years and fans shouldn't expect it to change this year. Despite some impressive moves in the offseason, notably signing Julius Peppers for $91 million, the Bears fate lies in Jay Cutler's hands. And that doesn't inspire confidence.

Cutler threw a league-high 26 interceptions last year. While the receiving corps is average at best, Cutler hasn't shown the signs of being a leader so far in his career. He needs to make the receivers better, not blame them for inexperienced mistakes.

Enter Mike Martz as offensive coordinator. This could be a volatile combination. Cutler has proven to be a difficult personality to deal with and mixing with Martz may cause additional problems. Martz will demand a lot, and Cutler hasn't been able to live up to high expectations in the past.

Teaming Peppers with Tommie Harris on the right side of the defensive line creates a tough combo. The linebackers must pull their weight but team leader Brian Urlacher, who missed all of last season, has already went down in the preseason. His time could be up as a top LB. Rod Marinelli is running the defense this year and will need a lot of big plays and consistency to stay in games.

Lovie Smith will be on the hot seat all year. Chicago is desperate for a winner and continue to have high expectations with its new acquisitions. The Bears will be competitive, just not to the tune its fans would like.

DETROIT 4-12

This needs to be avoided

After making history in 2008, the Lions and Jim Schwartz began the climb out of the deepest hole any franchise had ever been in. Last year was rocky, to be expected with a depleted roster, rookie QB and first-year head coach, but they scraped together two wins. Another productive offseason and draft should get the Lions a few more wins this year.

Matthew Stafford will be expected to be much improved in his second campaign. He will have to cut down on interceptions and stay healthy. Detroit picked up a few pieces in WR Nate Burlson, TE Tony Scheffler and draft pick RB Jahvid Best. All will help the offense and free up Calvin Johnson to make plays.

Schwartz went out and got Kyle Vanden Bosch and drafted Ndamukong Suh to sure up a very weak defensive line. No one gave up more points last year than the Lions (494) and will have to dramatically improve in order to have a chance. Look for another year of growth from Detroit.

AFC North Preview

BALTIMORE 11-5

Rice can do it all

The Ravens have everything in place to legitimately contend for a Super Bowl. Picking up two veteran, savvy receivers in Anquan Boldin and T.J. Houshmandzadeh will help Joe Flacco and the passing game. The Ravens haven't had this type of talent in the receiving corps in quite some time. The defense still has Ray Lewis but will be missing Ed Reed for at least the first six games.

Even with the new receivers, the Ravens will try to pound the ball with Ray Rice, who has emerged as a premiere back in the league. His pass-catching ability rivals any starting running back and his bowling-ball stature and speed make him very difficult to deal with. Flacco must continue his progression up the ranks of NFL QBs by making good decisions and not turning the ball over.

Losing Ed Reed will certainly hurt the Ravens, but how much? You can't replace him but you can try to cover up the loss by increasing the pass rush. Lewis will have the defense playing with its hair on fire regardless but they will need to avoid getting burned over the top.

The Ravens' nose tackle, Haloti Ngata, is one of the best in the game. Absolutely massive, (6'4", 340 lbs) he has the quickness and foot speed to be as disruptive and dominating as anyone at the position.

The Ravens are in the driver's seat in the AFC North and, with a healthy Reed, should be disappointed with anything less than a trip to the conference championship game.

PITTSBURGH 10-6

Polamalu's return is critical for Pittsburgh

Facing challenges and situations they wish didn't exist, the Steelers have a lot to prove this year. Missing the playoffs last year turned out to be the tip of the iceberg. Another embarrassing, reprehensible off-field incident by Ben Roethlisbeger has him suspended for the first four games.  Dennis Dixon will be asked to play caretaker. If the Steelers can stay afloat in Big Ben's absence, they should have enough to make it back to the playoffs.

Big Ben will be driven and motivated to succeed after the general public has turned on him and insulted him every way possible (deservedly so.)  He is still a top-notch quarterback who must earn back the fans' and team's trust and admiration, if only on the field. Cutting Santonio Holmes will hurt, even though he too would miss the first four games. Other receivers must step up.

Troy Polamalu missing 11 games is the major reason for last year's defensive letdown. With him back the defense will improve naturally. They must get back to resembling the defense from two years ago.

The Steelers will have a chip on their shoulder and a desire to prove they're a contender. Getting back to a more balanced attack on offense will be wise and holding on to leads late will be a must.

CINCINNATI 6-10

TO: A questionable move

This team has never performed when dealing with lofty expectations. The pattern has been make the playoffs and get complacent. The Bengals caught teams off guard and played exceptional defense. They went undefeated in the division, a remarkable accomplishment. All that does for them this year, however, is put a bigger target on their back.

The re-birth of Cedric Benson last year was refreshing. He showed people who called him a bust he is capable of playing at a high level. Will his motivation be as strong this year? The offseason moves at wide receiver were puzzling. Signing Antonio Bryant with a bum knee for $8 million and then cutting him during training camp. Signing TO, who no one else wanted.

The defense will have to play as well or better than last year for any type of success. Cincinnati is playing a division-winner's schedule and won't be sneaking up on anyone this year.  I considered bumping them up to seven wins but stuck to my early August prediction.

CLEVELAND 4-12

Still has his work cut out

The Holmgren Era began last season and it resulted in finishing the year 4-0. They've finally moved away from Brady Quinn and brought in Jake Delhomme and drafted Colt McCoy. Delhomme is coming off a horrible 2009 season but his experience will be a nice addition to this young offense.

Eric Mangini may be on his last go-round as a head coach. He still hasn't proven himself as a leader and his departure could be sooner than later. Holmgren was very busy in the offseason with roster moves and it may be a matter of time before he wants to coach his team himself.

The Browns have some scattered talent and proved last year they're capable of putting together a run. Holmgren is moving them in the right direction but needs more time. Overall, they don't have the numbers of quality players yet and will be finishing 4th yet again.

NFC East Preview

The rivalries are what carry this division, as it will be among the most watched and competitive divisions in football this year.

DALLAS 11-5

Once again the Cowboys have the talent to be one of the best teams in the league but it will come down to execution. They have the skill players on offense and defense to be considered the best in the league. However, the offensive line continues to be an issue with its protection and run blocking. With Romo established, three capable running backs and a receiving corps that gained Dez Bryant, the offense will go as far as the line can block.

The defensive line and pass rush will be at the top of the league again and the Cowboys will use it to generate turnovers. Wade Phillips' specialty is defense so expect another strong season from that side of the ball.

The Cowboys looked rusty in preseason, perhaps just biding their time. Either way, the Cowboys have a tough schedule and always get their opponent's best effort. Bum's son's laid-back approach can result in a let-down from time to time but, ultimately, the Cowboys should win the division. However, don't expect a home game in the Super Bowl.

NEW YORK 9-7

The Giants were a tale of two teams last year. Out the gate quickly at 5-0, they stumbled badly in the second half, especially on defense, going 3-8 after getting hit hard with injuries. Tom Coughlin and Eli Manning are anxious to get back to the playoffs but must get better line play on both sides of the ball.

The defense looked awful much of the time last year, allowing the second most points in the league. The Giants spent four draft picks on defense, including DE Jason Pierre-Paul with the 15th pick. The defensive line used to be the strong point of the team and will need to return there if the Giants are to be successful. Picking up S Antrel Rolle in free agency will be a great pick up on the back end.

New York must get back to a more formidable rushing attack to compete within this division. Manning is coming off his best year but needs a ground game to keep defenses honest. He was also sacked a career-high 30 times, so protection must improve.

The Giants will have its work cut out but should be able to improve from last year's disappointment.

WASHINGTON 8-8

Major turnover happened in DC this offseason, and not a moment too soon. The Redskins had become the butt of jokes during last year's forgettable 4-12 campaign. But now they have a veteran coach and veteran QB to lead the way.

Things have been tumultuous for the entire summer thanks to disgruntled employee Albert Haynesworth. His relationship with the new staff started bad and still hasn't improved. Haynesworth doesn't want to play nose tackle in Mike Shanahan's 3-4 defense and it appears to be a stalemate in the battle of wills that has gone on for months. The Redskins are still trying to trade Haynesworth and Shanahan has said he will not start the $100 million man opening weekend.

With McNabb now under center, the offense will dramatically improve. He's being looked at as a savior of sorts, but he must be protected and stay healthy to accomplish anything. The Redskins offensive line was very porous last year and must perform better to allow McNabb to distribute the ball. The running game also fell off with the lack of blocking up front and will need to be re-established this year. No. 4 overall pick OT Trent Williams can hopefully contribute immediately.

With new management and a proven quarterback now leading the 'Skins, dramatic improvement should be seen. Doubling last year's win total is well within range, as well as a run at the division title.

PHILADELPHIA 7-9

The Eagles are in the heart of a youth movement. Andy Reid will turn things over to Kevin Kolb to fill the shoes of McNabb. Kolb is unproven but has potential to do what Aaron Rodgers did in his first year after patiently waiting. Kolb will have the receiving weapons and experienced play-callers, but will have a tough challenge in such a competitive division.

DeSean Jackson has established himself as one of the most electrifying players in the league. Hopefully Kolb can throw the deep ball as well as McNabb because Jackson can fly past defenses. Kolb will need solid offensive line play and RB LeSean McCoy to build on his impressive rookie season carrying the ball.

The defense will be the question mark with a lot of holes to fill. They will blitz and harass the quarterback, as they always have, but may not have the manpower to be as effective as they have been in the past.

The Eagles have potential to compete in the NFC but will take a step back as its young players get accustomed to the NFL.

AFC East Preview

This will be an excellent division to watch all year. Expectations are extremely high in New York, New England is hungry, Miami is a tough team that will challenge for the division and Buffalo is......... playing a couple games in Toronto again this year.

NEW YORK 11-5

Bart Scott will lead another great defense

Last year's run into the AFC Championship game proved the Jets have what it takes. This year will be about consistency on offense. The Jets struggled at times last year, even Rex Ryan proclaimed they were out of the playoffs at one point. That consistency will revolve around QB Mark Sanchez's ability to make good decision.

The defense will carry the team again. Antonio Cromartie will be a good pick-up on the other side of Darrelle Revis, who finally will report to the team after holding out for five weeks. The Jets also signed Jason Taylor but shouldn't expect much from him. Losing Calvin Pace for 4-6 weeks will be a minor bump in the road. Having Kris Jenkins back in the middle will be as helpful as any of their free agency moves.

The offense will rely on its ground game to take away some pressure on Sanchez. Letting Thomas Jones go opens the door for Shonn Greene to be the full-time back. Jones was an established hard runner with multiple 1000 yard seasons and it will be interesting to see if Greene can fill his shoes. LT is starting his first season in a new locker room and his role will be limited but important. Relieving pressure on third downs and the goal line will be where LT can help.

Picking up Santonio Holmes, despite his four-game suspension, is a bold move that will pay-off for the Jets. Holmes is a Super Bowl MVP with game-changing ability. He'll provide the stability and sure-hands that Sanchez will need as the young QB navigates through a bumpy second year with Super Bowl expectations on his back.

The Jets have improved since last year but will still face certain struggles, as the offense continues to grow. The defense will lead them to a division title.

NEW ENGLAND 10-6

Looking for the 2007 magic again

Bill Belichick and Tom Brady are out to prove they are still the best at what they do. Last year's crushing playoff loss to Baltimore exposed the defense as a cause for concern. With the offense back on track and Brady's knee further along, the Pats should have the firepower to ensure another trip to the playoffs.

Brady has Welker back quickly from a torn ACL and its hard to know how good he's feeling. He looks to be nearly fully recovered. Moss is in a contract year and they drafted a big TE in the second round, Rob Gronkowski, who has looked good this preseason. All signs for another impressive passing attack in New England. The running game will be by-committee again and provide only what's necessary.

The defense is the question mark. DE Ty Warren is out for the season, which is a major blow. Belichick will need young/new players to step up. The secondary must improve from last year. They drafted a CB, Devin McCourty, with the first round pick.

The Patriots will have another productive, playoff-run season. The pressure will continue to mount among fans desperate for the Pats' return to glory. They will have a good shot this year.

MIAMI 9-7

The Dolphins took a step back last year after 2008's division title but upgraded at some key positions and are poised to contend again this year.

Henne's in charge

Miami and third-year head coach Tony Sparano will continue with what has worked, the running game. Using Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown out of the Wildcat or power sets, the Dolphins will establish themselves on the ground to set-up Chad Henne in the passing game. The air attack will improve this year with the signing of Brandon Marshall, who will provide Henne the number one receiver that he so sorely needed last year. Marshall's size and ability will instantly bolster Miami's passing game.

The defense struggled at times last year and finished ranked 25th in points allowed. They let Joey Porter and Jason Taylor go, but brought in Karlos Dansby from Arizona. They spent first and second round picks on front-seven players. Sparano knows his defense must improve if he wants another shot at the playoffs, which is why he brought in Mike Nolan to coordinate the unit.

Miami will challenge within this tough division and could surprise people this year.

BUFFALO 3-13

Spiller will excite

The Bills have a new coach, Chan Gailey, a new running back, CJ Spiller, and a new defensive formation, the 3-4. Unfortunately, the new changes won't produce many wins this year in Buffalo.

The offense will continue to struggle with Trent Edwards. Between him and Ryan Fitzpatrick, the Bills need more production under center. Spiller looks to be an exciting player but will be asked to do a lot. Staying healthy will need to be the concern for him. It will be interesting to see how the Bills perform under its new coaches but the lack of talent and depth will be the factor.

AFC South Preview

The AFC South is a solid division from top to bottom. All four teams are viable and competitive year-in and year-out. History has taught us the Colts will make the playoffs and the Texans won't, while the Titans and Jaguars will fight around to varying degrees of success. That's been the story of this division and it will repeat again this year.

INDIANAPOLIS 12-4

Another stellar regular season for the Colts

It's like clockwork. Peyton Manning, Reggie Wayne, Dallas Clark. No running game - it's just for show. Year after year after year. Expect more of the same. The only question will be the offensive line. Some new players will get the nod this year and veterans are getting older, but Manning is too smart to let that slow down the offense. Only the refs, with a possible new rule, have a chance.

The defense can be suspect at times, but not enough to do any real damage. Bob Sanders, the 2007 Defensive Player of the Year, will be back after missing a lot of time over the past two seasons. His presence on the field is a major boost for the Colts. Hopefully Sanders can stay healthy but history tells us otherwise. LB Gary Brackett injured his arm in the preseason and Indianapolis will need its leading tackler at full strength. X-rays were negative on Brackett.

The Colts are on their way to another division title and legitimate Super Bowl aspirations. The regular season is just a formality for Manning and the Colts as they try to atone for many playoff disappointments.

TENNESSEE 9-7

Best in the league

Chris Johnson is the most exciting player in the league and says he's going for Dickerson's record again this year. Despite his confidence, CJ won't rush for 2000 yards again, but it won't be for lack of effort. Tennessee knows CJ and the running game is its money-maker but it also knows Vince Young must be effective and consistent all year in order for the Titans to contend for a playoff spot.

The Titans could have made the playoffs last year if they hadn't went back to Kerry Collins for six ill-fated games to start the season. They dug themselves out of an 0-6 hole to finish a respectable 8-8, losing only to Indianapolis and San Diego in the final 10 games.

Teams will scheme on trying to contain Johnson, no easy task, and demand Young beat them with quick decisions and accuracy. Young continues to improve and is poised to have a productive year as the full-time starter. He's put some off-the-field issues behind him and looks ready to lead the Titans to the playoffs, as he did in 2007.

Defensively, Tennessee struggled to start the year and its problems culminated in Week 6 with a 59-0 loss to New England. The line loses KyleVanden Bosch to Detroit but Tennessee is known for producing defensive linemen capable of performing well.

The playoffs are well within reach for Tennessee. Young's execution, Johnson's health and a consistent defense will be necessary for a postseason run.

HOUSTON 8-8

Will just miss playoffs again

The Texans have been trying to get over the hump for the past three years and still haven't been able to crack into the postseason. Matt Schuab established himself as a quarterback who can put up numbers but hasn't proven himself as a leader of a playoff team.

Schuab and Andre Johnson proved to be an elite combo, leading Houston to the league's No. 1 passing offense. However, its running game was a disappointment, ranking 30th in the league and averaging only 3.5 yards per carry. Second-year RB Arian Foster looks to break out this season after ending last year strong and producing in the preseason.

The defense will deal with the loss of CB Dunta Robinson to Atlanta and LB Brian Cushing to a four-game suspension. Mario Williams will continue to add to his sack numbers. He's impressive rushing off the end.

Houston will have a decent team but will continue to struggle in its own division. The Colts have won 15 of the last 16 meetings against them and they open against each other in Houston. The Jags were able to get two from them last year and the Titans always get one from them. It's still not time to see Houston in the playoffs.

JACKSONVILLE 7-9

Del Rio needs wins to stay

A very tough team to figure out over the last few years. Jack Del Rio will have them playing as hard-nosed and gritty as any in the league but, unfortunately, toughness and grit alone don't result in wins. And at times last year, Del Rio's message wasn't surfacing at all. (example: The 41-0 loss at Seattle and 35-7 loss at New England were embarrassing.) Del Rio's time in Jacksonville could be coming to an end if he can't get the Jags going in the right direction.

David Garrard has consistently went downhill after his 2007 breakout year. His starting days are on thin ice, and he and Del Rio could share the same fate if things don't improve this year. Maurice Jones-Drew is one of the fiercest backs in the league and can produce running and catching the ball, but he's dealing with a leg injury in the preseason that could linger.

The Jags were last in the league with only 14 sacks last year, making it very tough on the secondary. They added two young pieces to the defensive line in the draft, as well as Aaron Kampman through free agency.

The Jags are young and were hit hard last year with injuries. They scrap and claw but it hasn't been enough to get the job done of late. Despite their efforts and attitude, they will have their hands full to stay out of the bottom of the division. Del Rio will be coaching for his job all year.

NFC South Preview

NEW ORLEANS 12-4

Don't expect the Saints to repeat as Super Bowl champs this year but expect another division title. Defending the crown is incredibly tough, ask Pittsburgh about last year. Drew Brees and Sean Payton know all about the challenges facing defending champions and will ride the league's best offense to another impressive season.

Brees and Payton set out on separate national media tours this off-season promoting books and cashed in on the position winning the Super Bowl provides, especially winning one in New Orleans. While some may get distracted by the constant attention and praise, Brees will get right back to business as one of the top-2 quarterbacks in the league.

New Orleans will get everyone's best shot this year, which is why it won't match last year's win total. The Saints may not score over 500 points again but its offense will be at the top of the league. Brees will spread it to all receivers and backs in incredible accuracy, while Pierre Thomas, Mike Bell, and Reggie Bush will have the rushing game clicking. The defense, which proved to be very opportunistic last year with huge plays and hits, will have to carry its own weight and improve on allowing points.

ATLANTA 10-6

Smith and Ryan trying to get back to the playoffs

Matt Ryan and head coach Mike Smith look to get back their first-year successes two years ago and return the Falcons to the playoffs. The QB and coach's rookie campaigns were so impressive it wasn't surprising to see them stutter slightly last year. While 9-7 isn't a bad season, Atlanta failed to make the playoffs and will be hungry in 2010.

Ryan must continue to improve and make fewer mistakes. His first two seasons have been very solid for a young QB and he will continue to mature in the pocket and have a very nice career. The weapons around him provide the potential for big plays and a balanced offense. Atlanta's running backs will provide the compliment Ryan needs to progress the passing game.

The Falcons hope Michael Turner will get back to 2008 form when he rushed for nearly 1700 yards and 17 TDs. He also carried the ball 376 times that year and some wonder if it wore him down, considering 80 attempts was his previous career-high. Turner battled with an ankle injury much of last year and, at 28, may not be able to carry a full load. Jerious Norwood and Justin Snelling filled in nicely at times last year.

Mike Smith will ensure a hard-nosed, fiery team ready to compete each Sunday. With continued improvements from Ryan and healthy running backs, Atlanta should return to the playoffs with a Wildcard bid.

CAROLINA 8-8

Can Moore lead the Panthers?

The best rushing tandem in the league resides in Carolina and their success will factor greatly into the successes of the team. DeAngelo Williams and Jonathon Stewert each rushed for over 1100 yards last year, and combined for 17 TDs. Similar results will be needed to allow QB Matt Moore to establish himself under center.

Moore looked good last year stepping in for Jake Delhomme, who suffered through a disastrous 18-interception season. Moore went 4-1 in his five starts to end the year and appears to be capable of starting in this league. His development hinges greatly on production this year and ability to adjust and read defenses. Backing up Moore will be rookies Jimmy Clausen and Tony Pike, so lack of experience at the position may be a factor. It's tough to know what to expect from Moore, but with a top-notch running game and line, he will have the necessary tools in place.

Losing Julius Peppers will play a role, as he's one of the league's top pass-rushers and Carolina's all-time leader with 81 sacks. Two other starters on the defensive line are also gone so Carolina will have to rely on younger players to pick up the slack, and blockers to allow All-Pro LB Jon Beason to make plays.

John Fox will have a well-prepared, physical team. With decent quarterback play, it wouldn't be surprising to see Carolina make a playoff push this year.

TAMPA BAY 3-13

Tampa Bay is still rebuilding with a young head coach and younger team. Many question marks still surround the Bucs and gaining more valuable experience may be the reachable goal for this year's team.

More improvement this year

Josh Freeman started the final nine games last year and will begin the season as the starter. He led the Bucs to all three of its wins last year, but played with the inconsistencies you would expect from a rookie on a sub-par team. Expect Freeman to have another up-and-down year as Tampa faces an uphill road again this season. Freeman is also dealing with a fractured right thumb which kept him out of the final two preseason games.

No. 3 overall pick DT Gerald McCoy will be a player to watch on the defensive line. The Bucs need all the help they can get there. They were ranked 32nd against the rush last year.

Tampa Bay will be driven by the passion and fire of its young, second-year coach Raheem Morris and they will hope to steal some wins from unexpecting teams. However, the roster is so young and inexperienced, this season will be spent more on improving than winning.