Three Topics Around the NFL

A new season of Pro Football is about to start. As always, there are thousands of questions out there. Join me and let’s take a look at three topics that will need an answer in 2008.

1. Are the Giants able to repeat their Super Bowl season?

You can never minus price a championship team. For this reason, we have to count on the Giants.  However, I think that a back-to-back is almost impossible. 

The key to repeat success is in the defense. Steve Spagnoullo’s unit made an impressive statement in the 2008 Playoffs, but it will be hard to repeat. During  the off season, the NFL coaches have been watching tapes of this defense, and I am sure that they have found its faults.

For this reason, Spagnoullo has to bring something new in order to dominate the game on this side of the football. If this happens, the possibility will exist.

Besides, Manning will have to be as consistent as he showed in the Playoffs, Plaxico Burress has to be sane, and some miracles have to happen in New York City again. Remember David Tyree’s catch?

That’s what I’m talking about.

2. Will the Browns’ momentum keep going?

No one expected anything out of the Browns at this point last season. Brady Quinn was holding out, and Charlie Frye and Derek Anderson were fighting for the starting quarterback job.

One year later, and an Anderson’s Pro Bowl season later, everybody expects greatness. They have added weapons on offense.  Donte Stallworth joins Braylon Edwards, Joe Jurevicius, and Kellen Winslow; and on defense, Shaun Rodgers and Corey Williams will provide strength at the trenches.

However, perhaps it’s early for this team. First of all, Anderson has to prove his value. Nobody knew about him last year. Now, all the defensive coordinators know what he is able to do. He has to take a forward step and show an improvement in his game. If he confirms his skills and plays more consistently in  the clutch, the Browns will be in the Playoff hunt again. 

3. What can Aaron Rodgers offer?

In spite of Brett Favre’s wishes, Aaron Rodgers will be the Green Bay Packers’ starting quarterback. His position is not easy because of the environment. His era will start Monday night prime time, when the Pakers takes on the division rivals Minnesota Vikings.  Rodgers has been three years behind Favre learning the job, and he should be ready for the challenge of being the Packers' leading man.

He will also count on a nice supporting cast. He will lead a talented group of receivers; Donald Driver is a perennial productive player, Greg Jennings could establish on the league's elite, and James Jones is a smart third option.

I think Rodgers will be able to deliver the ball well between these three guys. He can also use his legs to buy time or get yards. Aaron Rodgers will surprise many fans. In my opinion he will lead the Packers to another postseason appearance.