The Chicago Bears' big question heading into 2007 played out for all to see in Super Bowl XLI -- their young, stumbling, fumbling quarterback costing them a chance to win a ring.
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| Can the Giants' new OC get the most out of Eli Manning's talent? (Getty Images) |
Based on that game, you would say no. That would be foolish. He is a young player who has just one year of starting experience. Give him time -- at least until the middle of next season.
For those chasing the Bears in the NFC, questions hang over those teams, too. The teams that best answer their key question in the months before the open of the 2007 season will be the ones that can challenge Chicago for the conference crown.
Of course, if the answer to the Bears' question is a big no, they might not be there in the end.
Unlike the AFC, where there are power teams, answering questions for many of the NFC teams will make them contenders -- and maybe more.
It's going to be an interesting five six months.
NFC East
Philadelphia EaglesHow do they improve a defense that regressed in 2006?
It starts with the run defense. The Eagles were gashed by the run all season long, and the Saints got them in the playoffs. They have to get more physical in the middle. They have some young players who need to step up at tackle, but it might be time to improve that linebacker group. Jeremiah Trotter is too slow and old to handle the middle now.
Can new offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride get Eli Manning back on track?
Gilbride is a bright offensive mind who knows how to call plays. He is a significant upgrade from John Hufnagel. He will help Manning get the most out of his talent. It's time for Manning to take his game to a higher level, and it has to happen this season or Tom Coughlin will be gone.
Dallas Cowboys
How do they improve a defense that slipped in 2006?
Hiring Wade Phillips is a step in the right direction. He is a bright defensive mind who knows all about the 3-4 style the Cowboys use. They need more pass rush help for DeMarcus Ware, and the return of Greg Ellis from injury will help. Roy Williams has to play the pass better, too. Phillips will get that unit upgraded.
Washington Redskins
Will the quick-fix ways of Dan Snyder, which backfired in 2006, return this offseason?
You know they will. That's the Snyder way. Spend, spend and spend some more. But he got little return on his investment last season in free-agency. Adam Archuleta was benched, Antwaan Randle El caught 32 passes, Brandon Lloyd was disappointing on the field and trouble off it and Andre Carter wasn't worth close to the money the team paid to make him its pass rusher. The personnel department, including coach Joe Gibbs, has been awful. That can't continue.
NFC South
New Orleans SaintsWhat pieces do they need to make the defense on par with the offense?
The defense overachieved last season, but that won't last forever. They need to get a big, run-stuffing defensive tackle, improve the linebacker speed and find a cover corner to go with Mike McKenzie. Fred Thomas was terrible late last season, and teams attacked him opposite McKenzie. Nate Clements would make a lot of sense for the Saints in free-agency.
Carolina Panthers
Is the change at offensive coordinator, from Dan Henning to Jeff Davidson, enough to liven up the offense?
There was some talk that the firing of Henning came from owner Jerry Richardson. That means he wants more offense. The Panthers were way too predictable under Henning. That doesn't work anymore. They also need to get better play from Jake Delhomme, who regressed last season.
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| Atlanta QB Michael Vick has to be more dedicated to his craft. (Getty Images) |
How will new coach Bob Petrino and Michael Vick co-exist?
Vick has a year to show him he can be the franchise quarterback. Petrino is a stickler for the details, and that's not been a strong point for Vick. He has to be more dedicated to his craft, which means spending more time at the facility. If he doesn't perform well this season, even his strong relationship with owner Arthur Blank might not save Vick in Atlanta. Matt Schaub is waiting his turn.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Can Chris Simms bounce back from the ruptured spleen to become a quality starter?
Simms still has the tools to be a franchise passer for Jon Gruden. That's why the Bucs did the wise thing and signed him to a long-term deal. Simms showed his toughness the day he ruptured his spleen, finishing the game. Improving the offensive line will help his game.
NFC North
Chicago BearsIs Rex Grossman the long-term solution and, if so, do the Bears give him a long-term deal?
That's a tough question. The Bears would be foolish to give up on Grossman after one season as a starter. He has the tools, which is why the Bears took him in the first round. They need to go to camp with him as the starter. He needs to know they back him. Plus, they put him in a lot of obvious passing situations to protect him, which actually puts more pressure on him. He can be their franchise passer. They might want to wait half a season on giving him that new deal, though. Just in case.
Minnesota Vikings
Who will be the quarterback?
Coach Brad Childress indicated the quarterback would be either second-year player Tarvaris Jackson or Brooks Bollinger. That isn't exactly Peyton Manning or Tom Brady. Jackson is a raw player with a big arm who got time late last season. Bollinger is a mobile quarterback who has started some in the past. The Vikings could also draft a quarterback with the seventh overall pick. It would seem the defense will have to carry the offense early next season, no matter who's playing.
Green Bay Packers
Can they find a deep threat to go with Donald Driver to help give Brett Favre one more chance at a ring?
They're lucky. This will be a good year to draft a receiver. It's a draft loaded with top-notch talent. The problem is Favre is only likely to play one more season, which means they need help now. A rookie could take time to develop, which is why Randy Moss could be a possibility. The problem there is that the Packers might be reluctant to give up draft picks since this is still a young team.
Detroit Lions
Is Jon Kitna the long-term answer at quarterback?
He's a stop-gap guy who played well last season in Mike Martz's offense. But this is a team that needs a young passer to build around. That's why using the second overall pick on a quarterback is what they should do. If they can get Brady Quinn, he's their guy. Then again, Matt Millen probably has his eye on a receiver in the first round.
NFC West
Seattle SeahawksCan Matt Hasselbeck rebound from a subpar 2006 season?
After playing really well in the team's Super run in 2005, Hasselbeck didn't play as well last season. He missed time with injuries and had shoulder surgery after the season. He was off target way too much, and that has to have the Seattle brass wondering if he can return to his 2005 form. The offense as a whole was killed by injuries, so that factored, too. He has to play better for the Seahawks to be a Super team again.
Arizona Cardinals
How do they fix an offensive line that struggled last season?
That line actually played better in the last month of the season. There is some talent there. They must decide what to do with left tackle Leonard Davis, who is a free agent. It would seem they need him in the worst way. Hiring Russ Grimm to be the line coach will help improve that group.
St. Louis Rams
What do they need to add to the defense to make it playoff caliber?
They need help on the defensive line. Leonard Little is a good pass rusher, but that's it. He needs help. They can sign a defensive end in free-agency -- the class is decent -- or they can draft one in the first round. Heck, two would be OK. The defensive tackle spot needs an upgrade, too. Jimmy Kennedy played well early, then fizzled inside. Until they upgrade that line, the defense will struggle.
San Francisco 49ers
How do they improve a defense that finished last in scoring defense in the league?
At one point, the 49ers were on pace to give up the most points in league history. That's not good. But some young players stepped up and things improved. It still is a unit that has a long way to go. They need to get help in terms of a pass rush. Second-year player Manny Lawson -- the team's first-round pick last season -- has to become a force off the edge.
