SML - SEASON V PREVIEW (NFC)

by Scoop_McLeak Sat Jul 07, 2012 1:49 am

NFC East:
The Birds will be favourites to take the division and after using 5 of their 6 draft picks on defense it would appear that Coach Brza has a plan. Or does it? While there are a couple of players that could get on the field this years draft was for 'back-ups' and Philly's 'A' team will once again be one tough bird to roast! I wonder whether this season will see the offensive gameplan fully utilise wideouts Djax and Maclin - god help us if they do!
New York have a 2nd year Coach and after a rocky start to last season claimed a few good victories and we expect more wins this time around. Dont forget, these Giants have Tuck, JPP & Prince on defense and Hakeem and speedster Perkins on offense so they have the talent. If injuries dont become a big factor the G-men could cause more than a few upsets.

NFC North:
SB champion Minnesota didn't have the best draft ever apart from RT Keeston Brooks. We said this last season but look what happened!!! They have AP, Harvin, folk hero Jackson and Ponder, not to mention the Dark Lord and his apprentice Messrs Williams and Austin, so dont expect Minnesota to be vulnerable as they have the league's most succesful Coach in MeisterEder. Like their SB opponent Chiefs, they run a system that utilises the players strengths and minimises their weaknesses and that my friends is why they win without the strongest squad! However, the perennially tough NFC North has the Bears and Lions closing the gap and with new owner Soxy taking over the dangerous Packers this monstrous division just got even nastier.
Chicago are strong, and will be looking to wrestle their Season III crown back from the Vikes. Coach Bishbosh made some very shrewd trades and somehow managed to get THREE 1ST ROUND PICKS in this seasons draft. How???? No-one seems to know, some coaches have suggested Jedi Mind tricks, Revealing photos of coaches wives & one bright spark put forward the notion that he is actually an alien!!! Whatever, the Bears were in cap hell and because of these moves their roster got stronger. Brooks and Seymour are out but things seem to be changing over there - i suspect they will either swat everyone aside or fail miserably!
The Lions had a better record than several teams who made the playoffs but didn't get in. They have managed to prise Patrick Peterson away from the Cards and will be a major threat this term. Anyone with PP AND Megatron always have a chance and as this division will once again be a carve-up Detroit proved they are winners and Coach Notorious will be confident of plotting a route to the show. Main man Jahvid Best needs to stay healthy and they will likely need to split games with Minn and Chicago at least - then who knows?
New Coach Soxy takes over Aaron Rodgers, Greg Jennings and Co for his 1st season in SML - thats the good news. Unfortunately they will need to play really hard just to keep their heads above water with the Vikes, Lions and Bears raw meat smelling breath on their necks. 2 of the leagues most feared pass rushers (Williams & Peppers) are just a small part of the offensive gameplans concerns but with the talent at Coach Soxy's disposal it may be possible. GB can score in a hurry and Coach will need to use his opponents lack of familiarity to the full and they just may get into double figures in the 'W' column. Batton down the hatches, polish your armour - its going to be a bumpy ride - but hopefully a successful one!

NFC South:
The Buccs came in last season and dominated this tough division and only fell at the hands of the eventual winning Vikings. They have added to an already talented squad and boast the best tandem of OLB's in the league with Black and Hayes and have added Brandon Spikes in the middle just for good measure. This already tough division just got harder with the Falcons gaining a new owner so this season is going to be even more fun and games for Tampa Bay. Josh Freeman will need to repeat last seasons poise and accuracy if the Buccs are to keep their divisional crown.
Atlanta have a new Coach and new hope. Coach Tightend84 has a fine roster and will certainly upset the Buccs/Panthers dominance of the South. They addressed their needs and drafted a top center, decent QB and LT. This now means the Falcons are ready to fly. With Julio Jones and Roddy White we have to assume if Atlanta are to be successful this season it will be in the air. Michael Turner is strong but his lack of top end speed may just be catching up with him. Falcons in the playoffs? - Good chance!
Carolina were outshone by Dazinksters upstart Buccs last season and will want revenge. This team is not one you should be upsetting as they have proved and the Cam driven offense will be looking to go one better and reclaim top spot. What do they need to do to make it all the way - not much! But a few changes are probably required to maintain their class and keep their opponents on their toes!
The Saints mean business! Coach Bendis returned to SML last season and posted a very creditable 9-7 record. They will be better this season and with the strength in the South this will be a division to watch - like the NFC North and the AFC East. Coach will not be happy without a trip into the post season and drafted very well, particularly at Center and RE. Any team with Drew Brees have a chance especially with targets like Jocqua Lofton, Marques Colston and the insane TE Jimmy Graham. The South is going to be fun this season, and the Saints will have their fair share!

NFC West:
Like a few other teams, the 9ers have a new owner to call the plays for supreme MLB Patrick Willis. A really good draft saw them take offensive players only, as their D is undoubtedly the best in the league. Question is - who will start at QB? I suspect Kaepernick will get the nod but i expect Frank Gore to be the mainstay of SF's offense this season. The talent on this defense really is breathtaking and if the new Coach can scheme well enough to allow the players to perform close to potential Montana and Rice may become a forgotten memory.
Arizona finally have some competition with the 49ers and will need to take care of business in the West. The draft yielded some good talent as Coach Pooky tries to build a whole team of linebackers, which will strengthen an already much improved defense compared to season II. The Cards like to pass - and specifically - pass deep. Sales, Fitz and TE Housler are Toscano's favourite pass catchers and HB Ryan Williams has been replaced by a much speedier back who can take it to the house. The Cardinals have been to the playoffs regularly from a weak division. With the addition of San Fransisco they will be better and that will bode well for another tilt at the playoffs.