The Start of the NFL Season: A Time of Excitement

We've all been there. Your team can't seem to pick themselves back up when they fall down (hard). I even wrote about the stages of grief and mourning when your team loses in an epically bad way. What happens, though, when you feel you've reached the stages of recovery? For me, I feel it right now. We're on the verge of greatness, Denver. I really hate calling you the donkeys. I'd really like to have it be the Broncos again (you have to earn it, though). You've got John Elway at the helm, you're signing all the right free agents, and you drafted intelligently (for the first time in years - thank you for snagging Vonn Miller). Let me stop being a homer for just a second, and lets talk about some of the other teams, shall we?

Tampa Bay Buccaneers - This team was surprising last year and did far better than most people anticipated. Granted, head coach Raheem Morris semi-jinxed himself with the whole "we're the best team in the NFC South" thing, but they certainly proved that they're a force to be reckoned with. They had a couple of close calls against the Falcons and a win against the Saints and proved that they are a team that has a bright future. Josh Freeman turned out to be a beast of a QB and LeGarrette Blount surprised everyone (mostly by not punching anyone) and put up impressive numbers, finishing the season with 1007 rushing yards. Keep an eye out for this franchise...they'll be dangerous this year.

Arizona Cardinals - I know. Don't give me the side eye. Listen, Ken Whisenhunt is still the head coach and is still capable of handing Arizona fans some real wins, despite perhaps being on the proverbial hot seat. With Larry Fitzgerald, one of the most prolific wideouts of recent history, grabbing catches, it's completely possible that with the acquisition of the right QB, they could be a dynamic duo. Rumor has it that Kevin Kolb is on his way to the Cards, but who knows at this point. If this is the case and it's Kolb throwing to Fitzgerald, then look out. Not to mention, they have a pretty impressive defense. If things click this year, the team has the chance to really improve this year and show that they're still a contender out west.

Carolina Panthers - I know...the Cam factor. There's more to this team than just him, you know. Obviously this team will have all eyes on them, scrutinizing Newton's ability to transition from College to Pro and asking the question "was he worth that first pick?"Aside from the obvious, they also added Jeremy Shockey to their roster. Believe me, there's nothing better than a tight end who knows what he's doing (case in point? Tony Gonzalez). We'll also see what new coach Ron Rivera has to offer up. This team could easily go either way...and believe me, everyone is watching. Also in more recent and relevant news, the team has been spending money like it's going out of style on free agency. Reportedly, DeAngelo Williams and Charles Johnson (sidenote: he would've been great for the Falcons, giving them the pass-rush that they need) are back, giving Carolina some serious weaponry. Now THAT is the way to do free agency.

Detroit Lions - Personally, I'm rooting for these guys. They've had some seriously tough times (remember 2008?). C'mon, let's give Detroit something to smile about. In all seriousness, this team has added some serious punch it both sides of the ball in the past few years. Let's look at offense first. IF Matthew Stafford can stay healthy and shake his "china doll" reputation, then maybe Detroit has a real shot at the playoffs this year. Lest we forget about Ndamukong Suh. We all know this guy is built to break all the defensive records in the book given some time. There is also rookie Nick Fairley - good call on taking him out of Auburn. He should learn quickly from Suh and make his presence known. If they do it right in free agency, the Lions could be on the prowl for a playoff berth.

Jacksonville Jaguars & St. Louis Rams: The Jags are a potential sleeper team, so long as Garrard can get it together. GM Gene Smith has also been a stabilizing force in the organization and they're doing it right with free agency so far by going after defensive guys. We'll see what Coach Del Rio can do this year.

And the Rams? They have Sam Bradford...'nuff said right? They came awfully close to really shedding their 'loser' title last year. Head Coach Steve Spagnuolo showed that he does know what to do with young talent, and this year they should be even better.

If it's not painfully obvious, I'm ready for football to start. Thank the lord the lockout has ended and we can be excited, anxious football fans once again, ready to see our team win on the gridiron. Me? Well can't wait to see what my Falcons do in that Georgia Dome and I say a little prayer that the Broncos will actually look like a cohesive team again. What will happen? No one knows, but buckle up for the NFL ride, friends!

Until next time...
S.