Manning brothers look ‘Super’ as playoffs near
Contenders and pretenders separate as NFL playoffs come into focus
Vuthana Suon, STAFF
With the NFL playoffs fast approaching, there’s some palpable excitement brewing. For the first time in a long while, the New England Patriots actually look beatable, while the Indianapolis Colts are giving the ’72 Dolphins a few sleepless nights. With the ascension of teams like the Cincinnati Bengals and the Chicago Bears into the upper echelon, it looks like the field is open for several teams to claim the Super Bowl.
AFC
East – The Patriots look to win this division seemingly by default, as it is very likely one of the weakest divisions this year. Nothing seems to be going right for head coach Bill Belicheck, as he has had to deal with injuries to key members of the team, including team leaders Tedy Bruschi and Rodney Harrison, and cope with the loss of talented offensive coordinator Charlie Weis.
North – Carson Palmer and Chad Johnson have finally delivered for the Bengals, as they are, without a doubt, the biggest surprise of the year. Once the laughingstock of the NFL, the “Bungles” have become one of the most respected teams, as they have shown that they are capable of taking on the best the NFL has to offer. This is the Bengals’ division to lose.
South – Can the Colts finish the season undefeated? It’s a very real possibility, after having dismantled the Pittsburgh Steelers. Known as an offensive powerhouse, the Colts can now claim their defence is also top-notch, thanks to a revamped run-defence led by defensive end Dwight Freeney. There’s no doubt which team is the class of the division.
West – Denver is going to run the ball every chance they get with the system and personnel coach Mike Shanahan has in place. And, when combined with the almost error-free play of quarterback Jake Plummer, the Broncos are looking at the very real possibility of post-season success, if they can gain home-field advantage.
Wildcards – The Jacksonville Jaguars and San Diego Chargers will likely earn the final playoff spots, but don’t be surprised to see the Kansas City Chiefs or the Steelers make a serious run at the playoffs either.
NFC
East – Donovan McNabb and the Philadelphia Eagles are no longer automatic winners in this division, as the T.O. (Terrell Owens) affair has all but eliminated them from the playoffs. Instead, the battle for the division crown is being waged between two surprise teams — the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Giants. Expect the Giants to come out on top as second-year quarterback Eli Manning has turned a once weak offence into a strong, cohesive unit.
North – “Da Bears” of 2005 are evoking memories of the Super Bowl-winning Bears team of 1985. They are playing an ugly but effective brand of team defence, having grinded out low-scoring wins. In doing so, they have earned respect throughout the league and have turned their fortunes around after going 5-11 in the previous year. The division may be weak, but the Bears are for real.
South – One of the best divisions in the league. The Carolina Panthers may not have the flash Atlanta has, courtesy of Michael Vick, but they are effective. But, the Panthers are looking very similar to when they were the Super Bowl runners-up of 2003. The Panthers are an easy team to overlook, but come playoff time, they will be a force to be reckoned with.
West – Running-back Shaun Alexander is playing with a purpose. Leading the league in touchdowns, he is out to show the Seattle Seahawks he is a man scorned, after breaking off contract negotiations with them over the summer. The Seahawks will easily win the division, the weakest in the NFL, and look to avenge their early-round exit from the playoffs last season.
Wildcards – The Atlanta Falcons and Dallas Cowboys will earn the final two spots and give the division winners fits as they strive for the upset.
(Ed’s. note: The perpetually hapless Minnesota Vikings will surprise all by making the playoffs and then pulling off an upset or two. Sometimes we all live in a world of purple-haze.)
