What NFL team do you think is 1 step away fom exploding from a really bad team to a playoff team?

Question

Kind of like the Saints last year.

Answer 1

The Arizona Cardinals, again, are close to breaking out. The 49ers could have a good year also (but a lot of people expect it to happen).

Answer 2

I agree with the guy who called out the Raiders.

Don't get me wrong, they aren't going to pull a Saints this season and suddenly win 10 games. They are still too bad and the rest of the AFC West is still too good for that. However, I think they have a strong, strong foundation for a winning team in a few seasons.

The Raiders' main asset is that they have the best young secondary in the league. I'm not exaggerating; Asomugha, Washington, and Huff are all exceptional, and they'll all be playing at a high level for at least another 10 seasons. There is a lot you can do with a good pass defense.

So the Raiders have that half down--the pass defense. Now, they just need the offensive side to come together a bit, and they'll start winning quite a few games.

The Raiders offense getting fixed isn't quite as difficult a problem as you might think. If they can get some kind of a run heavy, ball control offense going, they'll win games since teams will have trouble scoring quick points against their dominant secondary. They have sufficient talent at RB to make this system work--not great, but sufficient. Rhodes and Jordan make a respectable RB committee. All they need to pick up enough yards to eat up the clock and win games is an offensive line that can push them to a few 1st downs.

So that's my thought. If the Raiders can develop some kind of stability at offensive line, they will instantly become a wild card contender. I'm a Chargers fan, by the way.

Answer 3

The Lions w/o a doubt are 1 step away. They really need to pick up and go because they have all the talent it takes to be a NFC Title contender, they just haven't capitalized on it. Kitna is a solid starter, not fantastic but very solid. The defense is young but they are big upfront, quick at the linebacker positions and solid on the DBs with a great kicker and a punter who has gotten plenty of work.

Plus they play in the NFC North where its anybodys game.

Other than that I think the Cardinals could be a breakout team...but they need serious help on the offensiveline which is a big concern and they need help at linebacker and corner. In the NFC West you need a deep defensive backfeild.

The Browns have tons of offensive talent, but giving up their entire d-line was a horrible decision and they play in the loaded AFC North. Not so good for the Browns.

If Vikes can get good play out of their QB they can be a breakout team. They are very solid on defense plus Adrian Peterson will give them a great run game. Too bad Tavaris Jackson isn't the answer at QB.

Tampa Bay may be another team to watch if they can stay healthy. NFC South isn't what it was; Atlanta is a 5 win team w/o Vick. Panthers aren't as good as they were; and New Orleans is a great offense but they are still very bad on defense. I think Tampa will go 8-8; but if a couple bounce go their way they could end up winning the South.

Answer 4

As a die-hard Raiders fan, I wish the top guy was right, but it ain't gonna happen in the brutal AFC West. We might finish ahead of KC, though. :)

Arizona seems to be a popular worst to first candidate, but unlike years past, the NFC West looks to be the toughest division in the conference and I don't see them surpassing the Seahawks or 49ers with such a suspect denfense and O-line.

To me, the most likely choice is the Detroit Lions. With Mike Martz at the helm with plenty of high-powered weapons at his disposal, Jon Kitna should have a lot of fun airing it out this season. With the addition of Calvin Johnson to an already solid receiving corps, the passing game will open up the middle for the new "thunder and lightning" tandem of Kevin Jones and Tatum Bell, who I can see giving opposing denenses fits. The talented young defense from last year only figures to get better. In the abysmal NFC North, arguably the worst division in the league, the Lions have a real opportunity to make the leap this year.

That said, I think they're probably still a year away. But if anyone manages to go from worst to first this year, it will be the Detroit Lions.

Answer 5

Personally I feel its the Dolphins. You look last year they had great weapons, Ronnie Brown, Chris Chambers, Marty Booker, Randy McMichael, and their defense was extremely good. But their was one constant struggle, the QB. This franchise hasn't gotten over living in the shadow of Dan Marino, ans have yet to make to the playoffs since he retired. If Trent Green plays well and ignites that offense, don't be surprised if the Dolphins try to get a wild card spot.

The bad thing though is the defense is aging, the offensive line isnt superb and they dont have a groomed QB yet. Unless Trent Green gets it done this year or possibly next year, this team is headed for a rebuilding process soon.

Answer 6

Arizona Cardinals. Leinart is ready, Boldin and Fitzgerald are studs, Edgerrin will have a better year behind an improved O-line, Adrian Wilson is an animal and Rackers hit a 59 yarder in his first pre season game. A quality tight end would be nice to have, but they are close to being a 10 win team. Sometimes, all it takes is a change of attitude, and I think the new coaching staff may accomplish that. They'll surprise some people this season.

Answer 7

The 49ers.

Answer 8

Houston Texans

With the Additions of Matt Schaub RB Anham Green a healthy O-line and a healthy Mario Williams and additions to some veteran leadership. Also Mike Sherman will be calling the plays for the offense.

Break out season- Mario Williams

Answer 9

You know it's your Arizona Cardinals!!! Our defense is fine, despite what people think. The major area of concern was our O-line. Now we gotta much needed new head coach, who specializes on the line!?!? Forget about it, Arizona will definately be turning some heads all year long.

Answer 10

I think you have to go with the Cardinals...They've certainly got the offense...Now, if Wisenhunt puts it all together with good defense, it may just give new meaning to Raising Arizona...

The Lions?...With the "lets draft a WR every year" attitude, I seriously doubt it...Hasn't worked all along, and won't work now...

And the Raiders...Well, they suck worse than the Lions...