NFL Power Rankings Through Week 6

1. Pittsburgh Steelers(4-1) - They have the best defense in the NFL, and with QB Ben Roethlisberger back, they now have to be the most well rounded team in the NFL.

2. New York Jets (5-1) - They have the ability to both run the ball and stop the run. There next big challenge may not be until week 13 at Gillette against the Patriots.

3. New England Patriots (4-1) - If their defense can play like they did in the 4th qua

rter and overtime, against the Ravens, they should be a very tough team to beat.

4. Indianapolis Colts (4-2) - They have had two tough losses on the road, but they still have

the best offense in the NFL.

5. Baltimore Ravens (4-2) - Offense has struggled at times, but their defense is still top 5 in almost every statistical category.

6. New Orleans Saints (4-2) - Struggled in some close games in the beginning of the year, but it looks

like things started clicking in there win against an underrated Buccaneers team.

7. Philadelphia Eagles (4-2)- It doesn't matter whether its Kolb or Vick under center the Eagles are hard to beat.

8. Atlanta Falcons (4-2) - Very talented team, but have been inconsistent at times.

9. Houston Texans (4-2) -Andre Johnson has

fought through injury this year, and shown why he is the best receiver in the NFL. He can take over a game at any time.

10. New York Giants (4-2) - Their defensive line is looking awfully similar to the 20

07 d-line that led them to a super bowl win, the Giants could be very dangerous this year.

11. Tennessee Titans (4-2) - The Titans may not have many big names on defense, but they put a lot of pressure on the QB and make it tough to score.

12. Kansas City Chiefs ( 3-2) - The Chiefs have lost 2 games in a row, but their offense has shown some sign of improvement and their defense is still very good.

13. Miami Dolphins (3-2) - Tough game coming up

against the Steelers, but they have a talented enough team to beat them.

14. Green Bay Packers (3-3) - Have been plagued with injuries. They really need Aaron Rodgers, and last years defensive player of the year Charles Woodson, to carry them through until they get some of their key guys back.

15. Chicago Bears (4-2) -The Bears are a little overrated in my mind, they have had one solid win against the Packers, other than they are pretty average.

16. Seattle Seahawks (3-2) - Great team to be a fan

of, they don't have a lot of stars on their roster but they are getting the most out of their players and have won against some talented teams.

17. Washington Redskins (3-3) - You never know what you are going to get with the Redskins. One week their defense is stifling offenses, the next their letting up 500 yards.

18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-2) - I really like this team, I don't think they have enough talent this year, but they have a lot of potential and will be good in the future.

19. Minnesota Vikings (2-3) - The opposite of the Seahawks, tons of talent, underachieving, team full of big names.

20. Arizona Cardinals (3-2) - Not as good as there 3-2 record, they have been completely blown out in their two losses.

21. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-3) - Their success depends on QB David Garrard (or whoever is under center), unfortunately he is extremely inconsistent.

22. Cincinnati

Bengals (2-3) -Carson Palmer and the Bengals have had a really disappointing year so far, hopefully a bye can re-energize their team.

23. San Diego Chargers (2-4) - Plenty of talent to make a push towards the playoff, they have shown they gave rip off 6 or 7 wins is a row.

24. St. Louis Rams (3-3) - Rookie QB Sam Bradford has really done a great job so far. What was really impressive was their ability to beat the Chargers after a blow out loss against the Lions.

25. Denver Broncos (2-4) - They are averaging 2.7 yards per carry on the ground. It d

oes not matter how good you are at passing or playing defense, you need to be able to run the ball to win games in the NFL.

26. Dallas Cowboys (1-4) - Poorly coached, overrated, and undisciplined is the best way to describe them.

27. San Fransisco 49ers (1-5) - With RB Frank Gore, WR Michael Crabtree, TE Vernon Davis, MLB Patrick Willis, and CB Nate Clements, you would think their team would be better than 1-5.

28. Detroit Lions (1-5) -Three of there losses have been by 5 points or less, this is definitely a

different Lions team than the last few years.

29. Oakland Raiders (2-4) - Solid defense at times, but another team that will be in line for a quarterback in the draft

this year.

30. Cleveland Browns (1-4) - They have kept most games close, but they are just not that talented.

31. Carolina Panthers (0-5) - More talented than their 0-5 record, but they need to stick with a QB and find him some legitimate receivers.

32. Buffalo Bills (0-5) - With the first overall pick should they go Andrew Luck, Ryan Mallet or Jake Locker?

AFC & NFC East Quarter Review

NFC East- This division is completely up for grabs.

By New Contributor Jimmy Hawley

Washington Redskins (2-2)

Washington has been greatly improved by the arrival of new coach Mike Shanahan and longtime Eagles QB Donovan McNabb. The team has to be ecstatic about their 2-0 start within the division with big wins over the Cowboys and the Eagles. While the loss to the Rams was a little baffling, the Redskins have shown a new toughness under Shanahan and even Albert Haynesworth, who has been a major distraction this season, played very well against the Eagles.

Standout Players: Donovan McNabb, Brian Orakpo, Santana Moss

New York Giants (2-2)

The Giants finally saw the resurgence of their defense in their last game against the Bears, registering an

incredible 10 sacks. The defense, which looked awful in the loss to the Colts, is starting to find its rhythm. The offense, however, is still a big problem spot, and they need improved play out of Eli Manning if they want to contend in the division.

Standout Players: Ahmad Bradshaw, Hakeem Nicks, Osi Umenyiora, Mathias Kiwanuka, Justin Tuck

Philadelphia Eagles (2-2)

Philadelphia may have taken for granted how great it is to have a reliable QB in Donovan McNabb. The concussion to QB Kevin Kolb opened up the door for Michael Vick to showcase what could only be characterized as a MVP performance in his first three appearances, leaving Kolb, who was once thought of as the future franchise QB as merely an afterthought. Vickmania may need to cool down, however, as Vick suffered an injury to his ribs. The injury is not likely to keep Vick out of action for more than two weeks, but it is obvious the type of style Vick plays makes him more susceptible to injuries. Kevin Kolb will get the chance in the mean time to try to show why the Eagles traded away McNabb, and QB situation in Philadelphia will likely be a yearlong storyline and continue into the offseason. Despite the issues, the Eagles are right in the mix to contend for the division and have the talent to rise to the top, however that chance will suffer if Vick cannot stay healthy.

Standout Players: Michael Vick, DeSean Jackson, LeSean McCoy

Dallas Cowboys (1-2)

Dallas seems to have one of the most talented teams in the league every year, yet it is always a question of if that talent can translate into wins. The Cowboys are usually a team that starts out great and fades as the season progresses, but this year they have struggled right out of the gate. A mediocre offensive line has made the running game practically nonexistent. They may have righted the ship with the win against the Texans, but the team has a brutal schedule this year. The defense is solid but does not create many turnovers and if they continue to be a one dimensional team on offense, they will not be able to win the division.

Standout Players: Tony Romo, Miles Austin, DeMarcus Ware

Prediction: The Giants defense and improved play from Eli Manning earns New York the division title in what will likely be the closest divisional race in the NFC.

AFC East – One of the strongest divisions in the NFL

By Keith McGonigle

New York Jets (3-1)

After a tough season opening loss to the Ravens, everyone criticized Jets and the arrogance they displayed in Hard Knocks. Since then, however, they have looked like the super bowl contenders they talked about. Mark Sanchez has really come on, throwing 8 touchdowns 0 interceptions in the last three games. Rex Ryan’s defense has had some injuries, but they have not lost a step. With WR Santonio Holmes coming back from his suspension and CB Darrelle Revis and LB Calvin Pace both coming back from injury, it is scary to think how good the Jets could be.

Surprise players: LaDainian Tomlinson, Mark Sanchez, Dustin Keller

New England Patriots (3-1)

The Patriots first three games were a roller coaster ride, but they are coming off a huge road game against the Miami Dolphins, a team they have struggled against in the past. Bill Belichick’s teams are usually defined by veteran players and high IQ guys. This year the Patriots team is filled with a lot of young fast players that are still trying to grasp all the concepts. Six rookies have started and contributed so far this year. The offense has been very efficient; they haven’t put up great stats, but lead the NFL in points per game. The big question will be can the young defensive players mature and play like a Belichick coached team.

Surprise Players: Aaron Hernandez, Rob Gronkowski, Brandon Tate, Patrick Chung

Miami Dolphins (2-2)

Many people picked the Dolphins to win the AFC East this year so the 2-2 start is somewhat disappointing. Overall, the Dolphins have played pretty well except a few phases of the game. They just fired their special teams coach after two poor performances against the Jets and Patriots. They have also had too many turnovers and some questionable play calling. The talent is still there though; individually a lot of players have done well. They have a very tough stretch of games coming up; we will see what the Dolphins are made of in the coming weeks.

Surprise Players: Davone Bess, Cameron Wake, Jason Allen

Buffalo Bills (0-4)

There really is not a lot to say about the Buffalo Bills. They are the worst team in the NFL. You have to think that this season they are just playing for the first overall pick in next year’s draft, so they can finally get a franchise QB. The only problem is the Bills are so bad at drafting I don’t know if they will even select a QB.

Surprise Players: CJ Spiller. Ryan Fitzpatrick, Steve Johnson

Prediction: It will come down to the Patriots and Jets. The Jets are a very streaky team so I am nervous to just give them the AFC East. I think the Patriots will end up taking it and the Jets will get in with the Wild Card.

New York Giants 2010 Analysis and Preview

Last Years Record 8-8

Wins: Redskins (2x), Cowboys (2x), Buccaneers, Chiefs, Raiders, Falcons

Losses: Saints, Cardinals, Eagles (2x), Chargers, Broncos, Panthers, Vikings

Biggest Playmakers Defensive Ends

The biggest playmakers on the Giants team are their defensive ends. With the addition of rookie Jason-Pierre Paul they now have four guys that can really get after the quarterback. Last year Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora, and Mathias Kiwanuka did not put up the same numbers sack-wise as they had in previous year, but still were able to force 11 fumbles. If their defensive ends produce like they are cable of, the Giants should be a very scary team for QB’s to go up against this year.

Impact Player Steve Smith

WR, USC, Drafted #51, 4^th year

He may not be the flashiest receiver but Smith knows how to get open. In his first full year as a starter, Smith had 107 receptions and 1,220 yards receiving.

Biggest Off-season Addition Antrel Rolle

FS, U of Miami, Drafted #8, 6^th year

Adding Rolle is a huge addition for the Giants. Rolle was considered one of the best free agents available and should help stabilize the Giants shaky secondary that let up 31 touchdowns through the air and 26.7 points per game.

Biggest Offseason Loss Antonio Pierce

MLB, Arizona, Undrafted, 9^th year

The Giants surprisingly released Pierce this off-season after he was plagued with injuries. Pierce had been a mainstay at middle linebacker for the Giants for the last 5 years. The Giants will miss Pierce’s leadership on the defensive side of the ball.

Biggest Draft Steal Jason Pierre-Paul

DE, South Florida, Drafted #15, Rookie

The Giants biggest need going into the draft had to be the linebacker position, but when Pierre-Paul fell to them at 15 they had to select him. Pierre-Paul is a 6’5” 270 lbs freak who has all sorts of potential. He is going to be able to learn from some of the best defensive ends in the game so I cannot imagine him not succeeding.

Biggest Draft Mistake Passing On LB’s

Other than Michael Boley, the Giants depth at linebacker is very thin. They will be going into the season relying on guys that have little to no experience starting in the NFL. In a draft that was heavy with linebacker talent, the Giants waited until the 4^th round to select their first linebacker.

Offseason Grade C+

Adding Antrel Rolle and Jason Pierre-Paul were both big additions. But releasing Antonio Pierce and not bringing in some linebacker help seems to be a huge mistake. If I am an opposing team I would be running the ball all day against the Giants.

X-Factor Running Game

The Giants offense relies heavily on their ability to run the ball effectively. Last year they just never seemed to be able to get the running game going. They only had 2 games where one of their backs rushed for over 100 yards. Brandon Jacobs and Ahmed Bradshaw are going to have to have good seasons for the Giants to be successful.

Name You Should Know Kevin Boss

TE, Western Oregon, Drafted #152, 4^th year

Boss does not have the same speed or athleticism as former Giant tight end Jeremy Shockey, but he is a very good, fundamental player. At 6’6” 253 lbs. he gives Eli Manning a big target to throw to. He may never be a star in the league but he is a great fit for the Giants offense.

Rising Star Hakeem Nicks

WR, UNC, Drafted 29^th, 2^nd year

Even though he was bothered with hamstring and foot injuries in 2009, Nicks had a very impressive rookie season with 47 receptions and 16.8 YPC, 6^th best in the NFL. Nicks is a guy that could have a break out year for the Giants.

Offensive Outlook B

They have some good young receivers and QB Eli Manning has proved he can very good at times. Their offensive success really depends on their ability to run the ball. If they can consistently run the ball like in years past they will have an impressive offense.

Defensive Outlook C+

Their defensive line and secondary should be very good but if I am a fan of the Giants I would be very worried about the linebacker core.

Special Teams Outlook B-

Domenik Hixon is a solid return man and Lawrence Tynes is an excellent kicker. The punting situation is up in the air after Jeff Feagles retired. 7^th round pick Matt Dodge may be the answer.

Projected 2010 Record 7-9

The NFC East should be a very competitive division this year and I would not be surprised if the division winner only ends up having 9 or 10 wins. There are still a few questions on this Giant team, but I think they are still capable of playing like the 2008 super bowl team. They still have the pieces in place to have an amazing pass rush and a good running/play action offense. With all that being said I still don’t trust Eli Manning to be consistent throughout the season and carry this team to the playoffs. He is just too streaky.

Washington Redskins 2010 Analysis and Preview

Last Years Record            4-12

Wins: Rams, Bucs, Broncos, Raiders

Losses: Giants (x2), Lions, Panthers, Chiefs, Eagles (x2), Falcons, Cowboys (x2), Saints, Chargers

Biggest Playmaker            Donovan McNabb

QB, Syracuse, Drafted #2, 12^th Year

McNabb joined the Redskins and immediately surfaced as a leader.  He has been one of the most effective playmakers at the position during his career, evolving from a QB who tended to leave the pocket too soon to a very accurate pocket passer.  McNabb led the Eagles to five NFC Championship games in the last eight years, and people knock him for not winning the big games.  Just like people knocked John Elway when Mike Shanahan was coaching him…

Impact Player            London Fletcher

MLB, John Carroll, Undrafted, 13^th Year

London Fletcher may be one of the most underrated players of the last decade.   Consider that he has made only one Pro Bowl in his career (2009).  Now consider that he has made over 115 tackles every year for the past ten seasons.  Not to mention his 15 interceptions, 12 forced fumbles, 30 sacks and 60 passes defended…all impressive numbers for an inside backer, a guy who is supposed to stuff the run.

Biggest Offseason Addition            Donovan McNabb

QB, Syracuse, Drafted #2, 12^th Year

Acquiring Donovan McNabb was definitely the best move the Redskins made with a draft pick.  Coming off a season in which he threw for 3,500 yards, 22 touchdowns and just ten interceptions, McNabb is poised to help lead the Redskins to an improved record.

Biggest Offseason Loss            Antwaan Randle El

WR, Indiana, Drafted #63, 8^th Year

Normally, losing your starting QB would be the biggest offseason loss, but they upgraded at the position.  They also lost OT Chris Samuels (the 3^rd overall pick in 2000) to retirement due to injury, but there was nothing they could do to help that.  Losing Antwaan Randle El was their biggest loss because of their lack of depth at the WR position in 2010.  Devin Thomas is a third year veteran from Michigan State who will need to step up to make the Redskins not regret releasing Randle El.

Biggest Draft Steal            Selvish Capers

OT, West Virginia, Drafted #231, Rookie

Selvish Capers is a guy who is a project, but has a lot of potential.  Drafting a guy who is relatively new to his position (Capers switched from TE to OT two years ago) is risky business, but Capers was picked to be drafted much higher.  The Redskins were looking to add depth at tackle in this draft, and Capers has big upside.

Biggest Draft Reach            None

The Redskins drafted OT Trent Williams with the 4^th overall pick, and many questioned this, simply because he was not Russell Okung.  Trent Williams is physically gifted and will likely start as a rookie and for years to come, but that is what you should expect from a top 5 pick.  The Redskins did not pick again until the fourth and none were worthy of being considered a reach.

                 

Offseason Grade            A-

The biggest move of the offseason was the addition of Mike Shanahan as their head coach.  Success of a team really comes from the top, and Shanahan is a proven leader and a winner.  Adding Donovan McNabb has a similar effect.  However, the Redskins also got a starter in OT Jammal Brown and added depth with QB Rex Grossman, RBs Larry Johnson and Willie Parker, DE Adam Karriker, DT Ma’ake Kemoeatu, CB Phillip Buchanon as well as starting punter Josh Bidwell. 

X-Factor            3-4 Transition

Switching from a 4-3 to a 3-4 is never easy, especially when your $100 million defensive tackle is deadest against it.  Albert Haynesworth has since retracted his stance, but it will be interesting to see how now OLB’s Brian Orakpo (2009 Pro Bowler) and Andre Carter, both who had 11 sacks as a DE in 2009, adjust to the switch. 

Name You Should Know            London Fletcher

MLB, John Carroll, Undrafted, 13^th Year

Still not sure how he is so underrated, and how he has always been so.  Because he’s undersized?  Get over it.  10 straight 115+ tackle seasons.  Fletcher was undrafted out of Division III John Carroll University, and is still not getting the respect he deserves!

Rising Star            Brian Orakpo

OLB, Texas, Drafted #13, 2^nd Year

Brian Orakpo is an absolute animal.  I remember watching a game of his from Texas and seeing the special at halftime of him in the weight room.  He is huge, and just throws around weight in the weight room.  If the 2009 rookie pro bowler is not considered a star after his 11 sack rookie campaign, he will be in the next two years.

Offensive Outlook            B-

The addition of a leader like Donovan McNabb and two probable starting tackles helps their outlook, but the Redskins are still looking at three potentially washed up running backs to carry their rushing attack.  Larry Johnson was impressive in limited time last year with the Bengals, and Clinton Portis and Willie Parker hope to return to their 1,000 yard forms, but who knows if any of them can carry the load this season.  The running back position is a wild-card, and the ‘Skins need to establish a consistent number two receiving threat.  Having a healthy Chris Cooley is also vital to the offense.

Defensive Outlook            B-

The defense appears to be relatively strong, but they are currently faced with the uncertainty of switching to the 3-4.  A big sigh of relief is that Albert Haynesworth will report to camp.  Orakpo and Carter are proven pass rushers, but it will be interesting to see how they do out of a two point stance and in pass coverage.  The secondary is just decent, with DeAngelo Hall and Carlos Rogers both needing to play well early, or they could see Phillip Buchanan take over.  LaRon landry is likely moving to strong safety where he should be more effective. 

Special Teams Outlook            C-

2^nd year kicker Graham Gano is slated as the ‘Skins number one kicker after appearing in just one game in 2009.   Josh Bidwell missed all of 2009 with a hip injury so it will be interesting to see how he fares.  The kickoff and punt return games were poor for the Redskins in ’09, ranking 24^th and 30^th, respectively.

Projected 2010 Record            7-9

Yes, the Redskins were 4-12 last year.  And yes, they could have been much better.  The Redskins suffered from the inability to win the close games in 2009, losing five games by three points or less.  (If they had managed to win those five there are looking at a 9-7 finish!)  The Redskins improved drastically since last year, but are playing in a tough division in the NFC East, and I don’t see them going better than 2-4 against the Cowboys, Giants and Eagles.

Eagles 2010 Analysis and Preview

Last Years Record 11-5

Wins: Panthers, Chiefs, Buccaneers, Redskins (2x), Giants (2x), Bears, Falcons, 49ers, Broncos

Losses: Saints, Raiders, Cowboys (2x), Chargers,

Biggest Playmaker DeSean Jackson

WR, California, Drafted #49, 3^rd year

Jackson is the definition of a playmaker. Last year he put it all together. He had 1,156 yards receiving, an outstanding 18.6 YPC and 9 TD’s. He is unbelievably quick and agile, and a home run threat every time he touches the ball.

Impact Player Brent Celek

TE, Cinncinati, Drafted #162, 4^th year

Celek quietly had a great year for the Eagles. He was 4^th, behind Antonio Gates, Dallas Clark, and Jason Witten with 971 yards for a tight end. He led the Eagles in receptions and had 8 touchdowns, yet was left off the pro-bowl roster. Look for Celek to have another stellar season and maybe get some well deserved national exposure.

Biggest Offseason Addition Ernie Sims

OLB, Florida St., Drafted #9, 5^th year

The Eagles acquired Sims, a former 9^th overall pick in the 2006 draft, for just a 5^th rounder this offseason. You would think that Sims must be a bust for the Eagles to get him at such a low value, yet he put up 100+ tackles in his first 3 years, and his production only dropped off last year because he was bothered with injuries. Sims is a guy that can make plays from sideline to sideline and he should come in and help out right away. The Eagles biggest problem last year was finding consistent starters at linebacker, so picking up Sims for only a 5^th rounder was a huge pick up.

Biggest Offseason Loss Donovan McNabb; Briann Westbrook

QB, Syracuse, Drafted #2, 12^th season; RB, Villanova, Drafted #91, 8^th season

With the loss of these two guys it seems like the Eagles are losing their whole identity. McNabb and Westbrook have been the face of the franchise for a long time now and it will be just weird to see the Eagles play against Donovan and the Redskins this year. I am sure Eagles fans are excited to see some new, younger guys, but one day they will appreciate how much McNabb and Westbrook did for their team.

Most Interesting Loss Kevin Curtis; Shawn Andrews

WR, Utah St., Drafted 74^th, 8^th year; OG, Arkansas, Drafted 16^th, 7^th year

Neither of these players have made an impact in the last two years, but both are interesting losses. Both have been plagued by injuries for the last two years, were released by the team this year, and had pro-bowl caliber ability. In his first year with the Eagles Curtis amassed 1,110 yards receiving and 77 receptions. Unfortunately he got injured the next two seasons. Having him in the slot last year would have made a pretty amazing receiving core. It is the same story for Andrews, except at one point he was considered one of the best guards in football. In the 2008 season he suffered from depression and then went on the IR for the next two years with back injuries. Both guys are great cases of ‘what if’s’ for the Eagles.

Biggest Draft Steal Ricky Sapp

DE/OLB, Clemson, Drafted #134, Rookie

Sapp was a 5-star recruit coming out of high school and had all the talent to become a great pass rushing threat. He never produced like anyone thought he would but still ended up having 17 sacks in his college career. He has so much talent that he could be a guy that puts it all together at the NFL level and could be a huge steal for the Eagles.

Biggest Draft Reach Brandon Graham

DE, Michigan, Drafted #13, Rookie

Graham was a guy I really liked, and after seeing him dominate the Senior Bowl I was convinced he should be a first rounder. Before that point he was a guy that was considered a second round pick, but then the hype started building and a snowball effect took place a little too much. Graham was worth picking up in the 20-32 range, but I think because he became a little too over hyped and the Eagles ended up trading up and drafting Graham with the 13^th pick. It was not a great value pick especially with Jason Pierre-Paul and Derrick Morgan, two better prospects still available.

Offseason Grade B

The Eagles brought in 13 new draft picks, some more guys that can rush the passer and Ernie Sims to help out at linebacker. They had a very solid offseason but did not really make any huge splashes and let their starting QB and RB go.

X-Factor Kevin Kolb

QB, Houston, Drafted #36, 4^th season

It is surprising to see that the Eagles have so much confidence in a guy that has only started 2 games in his NFL career. The whole city is putting a lot of pressure on Kolb to come in and perform better than McNabb did right away so it will be interesting to see how he handles it.

Name You Should Know Trent Cole

DE, Cincinnati, Drafted #146, 6^th season

This is a name everyone should absolutely know. He is one of the best defensive ends in the NFL and has 42 sacks in the last 4 years, yet he is never been in the conversation for best defensive ends with guys like Dwight Freeney, Julius Peppers or Jared Allen.

Rising Star LeSean McCoy

RB, Pittsburg, Drafted #53, 2^nd year

McCoy had a great rookie season averaging 4.1 YPC and racking in 40 receptions. He should be a guy that can end up replacing Brian Westbrook.

Offensive Outlook B-

The biggest question mark is how Kevin Kolb will perform in his first year as a starter. The Eagles have done a good job of surrounding him with a lot of young talent. Jermey Maclin and DeSean Jackson can only get better, the offensive line is led by one of the best left tackles in the game in Jason Peters, and don’t forget that they have Michael Vick and his ability to run the Wildcat.

Defensive Outlook B-

Defensively the Eagles look very strong on the defensive line and with Asante Samuel at cornerback. The biggest question still has to be the linebackers. Ernie Sims was a big addition but Stewart Bradley and Moise Fokou only have 21 games starting experience between them. The same can be said about their secondary, as they have some young talented guys without a lot of experience.

Special Teams Outlook A-

With Jeremy Maclin and DeSean Jackson as possible punt and kick returners you have to be pretty happy about your chances of a good return every time. P Sav Rocca and K David Akers both have some pretty good legs.

Projected 2010 Record 8-8

From what I have seen from Kevin Kolb, he looks like a great QB. But I am not going to go ahead and equate a couple of good starts to a guy being able to put it together and have a great year. The Eagles should at least be a very fun team to watch this year.

Dallas Cowboys 2010 Analysis and Preview

Last Years Record            11-5

Wins: Bucs, Panthers, Chiefs, Falcons, Seahawks, Eagles (x2), Redskins (x2), Raiders, Saints

Losses: Giants (x2), Broncos, Packers, Chargers

Biggest Playmaker            DeMarcus Ware

OLB, Troy, Drafted #11, 6^th Year

DeMarcus Ware is considered one of the best 3-4 OLB’s in the business and rightfully so.  He has never missed a game in his five years, and has recorded more than 11 sacks the last four years (20 in 2008).  Tag along five forced fumbles in 2009 with that and expect DeMarcus to make his fifth straight Pro Bowl this season.

Impact Player            Miles Austin

WR, Monmouth, Undrafted, 5^th Year

Miles Austin had a breakout year, becoming a started in week five and dominating from then on.  He had 81 catches on the year (he had 18 the previous three years) and 11 touchdowns.  However, Austin will have to prove critics that he is not a one-hit wonder, but will certainly benefit from the addition of rookie WR Dez Bryant.

Biggest Offseason Addition            Alex Barron

OT, Florida State, Drafted #19, 6^th Year

Pretty much the only offseason addition for the Cowboys, Alex Barron has been an average starter for the Rams the last five years.  Look for Barron to serve as the backup to both tackles, and the Cowboys can consider themselves lucky to have a backup with as much experience as he does (74 starts in five years).  However, he was still traded from the 1-15 Rams… 

Biggest Offseason Loss            Flozell Adams

OT, Michigan State, Drafted #38, 13^th Year  

Replacing a franchise left tackle is never easy, especially when he has been your starter for 12 years.  Sure, Adams is getting old (35), but is only two years removed from a Pro Bowl.  Now, the Cowboys are looking at Doug Free to likely start at LT, a guy who appeared in only one game in his first two seasons in the NFL.   

Biggest Draft Steal            Dez Bryant

WR, Oklahoma State, Drafted #24, Rookie

This spot very easily could have gone to ILB Sean Lee from Penn State, considered by many to be a mid-first round talent taken at #55 overall, but Dez Bryant is going to have a big impact and soon.  Watching Bryant play is really something special as he makes countless spectacular catches.  I think he will take over Roy Williams starting spot sooner rather than later.  (Roy Williams – signed a six year, $54 million contract in 08 – caught 38, yes, 38 balls last year and led the team with eight drops.)

Biggest Draft Reach            OT/Safety?

The Cowboys had a very solid draft overall as they definitely employed the “best player available” approach.  Any team that picked up Dez Bryant at #24 and Sean Lee at #55 is looking at a very solid draft.  However, the Cowboys two most pressing needs are at offensive tackle and safety.  The Cowboys 2009 starters at LT and FS (Flozell Adams and Ken Hamlin) are both gone and Jerry Jones and co. have yet to address these positions.                     

Offseason Grade            B

Coming off an 11-5 regular season the Cowboys did not need to make a ton of moves.  Looking up and down their roster, there are playmakers at almost every position, except LT and FS, as mentioned above.  The Cowboys added some real talent in the draft, but have yet to address their two biggest needs.  There are some very solid free agent talent still on the market at these positions (T – Marcus McNeill (Rams), Jared Gaither (Ravens) and FS – OJ Atogwe (Rams), Antoine Bethea (Colts), all restricted free agents).  If the Cowboys could make a move on one of these players their offseason grade could skyrocket

X-Factor            Miles Austin

WR, Monmouth, Undrafted, 5^th Year

Miles Austin suddenly has a huge role in the Cowboys’ offense, and time will tell whether he is a consistent pro bowl player or whether Dallas will need another WR to step up and be the go-to guy.

Name You Should Know            Jay Ratliff

NT, Auburn, Drafted #224, 6^th Year

Coming off two straight pro bowl seasons Jay Ratliff is the anchor of the Cowboys 3-4 defense, as any dominant NT can be.   The Cowboys were the 4^th best run defense a year ago (in terms of total yards), and a lot of that credit goes to Jay Ratliff stuffing the middle.  When you watch a Cowboys game next, look for the big man to be taking up two blockers and opening holes for the inside backers.

Rising Star            Felix Jones

RB, Arkansas, Drafted #22, 3^rd Year

Felix Jones very likely will be the starting running back for the Cowboys at some point this season.  Filling in for Marion Barber in Jones’ rookie year he averaged 8.9 yards per carry on 30 carries.  8.9.  8.9.  Wow.  Jones injured his hamstring and missed most of his rookie year, but returned in 2009 to rush for 685 yards on 116 attempts in 14 games, a measly 5.9 yards per carry (ha!).  Jones has big play potential both as a running back and in the return game, and look for a breakout year from him if he can stay healthy.

Offensive Outlook            A-

Tony Romo.  Marion Barber.  Felix Jones.  Jason Witten.  Miles Austin.  Dez Bryant.  Just a few weapons the Cowboys have to work with this year…most of them in their prime.  Not to mention the two pro bowl interior offensive linemen returning (RG Leonard Davis and C Andre Gurode).  The Cowboys are hoping LT Doug Free can fill in for Flozell Adams and that RT Marc Colombo can recover from multiple injuries in 2009.  If Miles Austin can repeat a pro bowl caliber season and the Cowboys can play as well late in the season as at the beginning, look for them to challenge for a super bowl in 2010.

Defensive Outlook            B+

The Cowboys had the second best scoring defense in the NFL last year, allowing just 250 points.  The Boys’ question mark is at FS where they released starter Ken Hamlin, but Alan Ball played well in his four starts last year and the coaches have confidence in him.  If the Cowboys could sign a FS like OJ Atogwe this grade could very easily be in the “A” range.  The Cowboys are looking for CB Mike Jenkins to continue to grow and expect consistent performances from the likes of DeMarcus Ware, Terence Newman and Jay Ratliff.

Special Teams Outlook            C+

The Cowboys have a very untested special teams unit beginning with kicker David Buehler.  Handling only kickoff duties last year (6^th longest average kickoff length), he will likely be handling the field goals last year.  Punter Mat McBriar was average a year ago, and the Cowboys have a lot of potential in the return game with Felix Jones, Miles Austin and Dez Bryant.

Projected 2010 Record            11-5

The Cowboys have incredibly high expectations this year and rightfully so.  They have a star-studded lineup and lost only two starters (who they chose to release).  The Cowboys believe Doug Free can take over at LT and succeed.   Look for Felix Jones to have a breakout year and start for the Cowboys (while still sharing carries with Barber and Tashard Choice), and for the already strong passing game to be bolstered by the addition of rookie Dez Bryant.  Hopefully for the Cowboys the whole “I won’t carry other players’ pads” saga blows by quickly!