Will: You can’t blame coaches, players, and fans to be confident about their teams chances going into the upcoming season. They have just come out of adding free agents, drafted players, and dumping anyone they did not think could help them win. A few teams have been declared the champions of their division months before the first games are played. Here are three teams that still need to address certain personnel.
Ravens- With a great draft class and the additions of Boldin and Stallworth, the fans in Baltimore are getting in line for playoff tickets as we speak. But with two dynamic passing attacks in Pittsburgh and Cinci, the Ravens need to be concerned with their defensive backfield. Corners Fabian Washington and Ladarius Webb are both coming off of serious injury and will miss significant time this off season and there is zero depth behind them. With Ed Reed banged up and Landry more of a head hunter then a cover man, the Ravens could have some serious trouble defending the pass.
Packers- While I am sure Aaron Rodgers will owe Brian Bulaga a big sloppy kiss by the end of the season for keeping Jared Allen from impregnating Rodgers from his blind side like Allen did all last season, the Packers are far from topping the Vikings overall talent. Bulaga will start immediately, but the Pack’s interior line is very weak; which is the main reason Aaron Rodgers was the leading rusher of all QB’s last season. 2nd round pick Mike Neal will have a tough time making the transition from a 3 to a 5 technique as he did not see many double teams or combo blocks while at Purdue. The Pack could win 11 to 12 games this season, but with a weak line and aging players in key positions, injuries could play a huge factor.
Seattle- There is no question that the Seahawks had a terrific draft and have added great depth to their backfield, but was it enough? While they have brought in several guys to add depth to their defensive line, it is one of the worst fronts in the league and the retirement of DE Patrick Kerney, there is not one solid playmaker up front. Carroll might try to sign recently release DT John Henderson or DT Barry Cofield, a RFA on the Giants, but he will have to overpay to get either player. If the opposing offense can get their lineman down field and on top of defensive playmakers Lofa Tatupu and Aaron Curry, the ‘Hawks will struggle against the run. Considering the fact the Rams and Niners love to pound the rock, and the Cards QB situation forcing them into a run first offence, this could be a long season for Pete Carroll.
