NFL Predictions: Questions for All 32 Teams Moving Forward Toward 2012

The season is over, the New York Giants have been crowned world champions and the next season begins. The NFL is now a year-round business and sport.

Another fourth-seeded team surprised everyone this season by catching fire and never extinguishing the flame. And, with that, Eli Manning established himself as a top-tier passer in this league.

But the Giants are by no means perfect, and the team they beat—the New England Patriots—has questions of its own in major areas.

All 32 teams enter the offseason looking to make improvements through free agency and the draft. A trade here or there may be beneficial as well.

Here are questions for all 32 teams moving forward toward the 2012 regular season.

Arizona Cardinals: Who Will Be Under Center in 2012?

Kevin Kolb and John Skelton both look like journeymen in the Cardinals offense.

Neither strike fear into opposing defenses, and they are arguably less than average at times.

Does the team make a play for Peyton Manning? Do the Cardinals look at other free agents (Alex Smith, David Garrard, Jason Campbell)?

And what would they have to give up besides the 13th pick to get Robert Griffin III, one of the two best passers in the draft?

Atlanta Falcons: Is This Team Better with Dirk Koetter as the New OC?

The Falcons must have known that at some point offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey would get an interview for another head-coaching job. The Jacksonville Jaguars job opened and Mularkey took it.

Now comes the hard part of taking the components the team has in Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Tony Gonzalez and receivers Roddy White and Julio Jones, and keeping them well-oiled machines.

Former Jaguars offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter comes on board with better weapons than he ever had down south.

How will he deliver?

Baltimore Ravens: Are the Defensive Stars Finally Showing Their Age?

Ray Lewis was injured this season. So was Ed Reed in the playoffs. Are two of the staples of this defense finally showing their age?

The Ravens were a field goal away from possibly going to the Super Bowl, but now the question has to be asked if the team will start to show its age next season?

The Ravens still have plenty of young offensive weapons in Torrey Smith, Ray Rice and Joe Flacco. They also have Lardarius Webb on defense. But age has a funny way of creeping up on some teams, and when it does, it often happens fast.

Could this have been the last run toward the Lombardi Trophy for a while?

Buffalo Bills: A Crowded Backfield with C.J. Spiller and Fred Jackson?

Probably not, but you never know.

Jackson was the lead back for the Bills in 2011 until he broke his leg against the Dolphins in Week 11. After the injury, C.J. Spiller came on and the team did not miss a beat in the running game.

Are four legs better than two? Most definitely.

But what happens when two good backs want the ball? Is there friction? Can they continue to coexist? And since Ryan Fitzpatrick looked average in the second half of the season, does the running game become more important than ever?

Carolina Panthers: What Does Cam Newton Do for an Encore?

Newton had the most passing yards in NFL history by a rookie, breaking the record by some guy named Peyton Manning. What does the phenom do for an encore with the Panthers?

Two seasons ago, this was a 2-14 team. Last season, Newton used his legs and arm to lead the team to six wins. Could the playoffs be close at hand?

Maybe not next season, but with Newton's ability to avoid defenders and throw for large chunks, as well as become the team's best goal line threat, he could set more records and get them close to the postseason.

Chicago Bears: To Forte or Not to Forte?

Matt Forte will be a Chicago Bear next season.

Whether he is franchised or signs a new contract, the Bears need the runner and receiver to remain a major part of the offense.

Forte went down with a knee injury against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 13, and the Bears also dealt with injuries at quarterback and receiver.

Forte would look odd in any other jersey than Bears blue and orange.

Cincinnati Bengals: Is A.J. Green Among the Best Receivers in the League?

I think he is.

If you are named to the Pro Bowl as a rookie, then you have received a high compliment from your peers.

Green was as good as advertised when he was made the No. 4 pick in the 2011 Draft. He and Andy Dalton took the Bengals offense on their shoulders and helped carry this team to the playoffs.

The defense was the star of the team, but Green proved to be a great offensive weapon for opposing defenses to contend with.

Cleveland Browns: Can Pat Shurmur Survive Another Season?

Shurmur and the Browns experienced a lot of what the Jaguars went through on offense while having a defense that improved dramatically over the previous season.

What does 2012 have in store for this team?

Team president Mike Holmgren said Shurmur would be back for the 2012 season, but is he on a short leash?

Can the Browns work a trade to try and move up and get Robert Griffin III, or are they content with Colt McCoy. Perhaps they look to free agency to get their next signal caller (Matt Flynn, Alex Smith, Jason Campbell).

Plenty of questions. Does Shurmur have the answers?

Dallas Cowboys: Is This the Last Season We See Jason Garrett in "Big D"?

He called timeouts at the wrong time. He did not always look in sync with Tony Romo. The Cowboys could not take care of business when they needed to secure a playoff berth.

Things in Dallas were just weird.

Next season, if they can add some help on defense through free agency (perhaps Lardarius Webb or Cortland Finnegan) and maybe draft an edge rusher (Courtney Upshaw), this team could be very good on offense and better than average on defense.

But the coaching of Garrett still remains a question mark.

Denver Broncos: What About Tebow?

What about Mr. Tebow?

He got the team to the playoffs and beat the Steelers, but you don't get the sense he will make a marked improvement next season. So, what is the Denver staff to do?

John Elway wants competition in the preseason and has said the team will look at quarterbacks. Maybe it's time to give Brady Quinn a look.

Or, does this team pull the trigger on two trades, bringing in a veteran passer and sending Tebow to another team for draft picks?

Detroit Lions: Can Matthew Stafford Take This Team Deep in the Playoffs in 2012?

Yes. But, some things must happen.

A running game must emerge. The defensive line must keep Cliff Avril. And the coaching of Jim Schwartz must continue to be on point.

Stafford threw for over 5000 yards last season and had one of the best receivers in the game in Calvin Johnson. But there needs to be more help in the receiving ranks.

Green Bay Packers: Is Aaron Rodgers the Best in the Game?

MVP voters say he is. He threw 45 touchdowns and only six interceptions. That is pretty remarkable.

And there is still room for improvement.

Rodgers sat and watched and learned before he got on the field, and then he took over the Packers like they were his team from the start.

They responded and never looked back.

Houston Texans: Does Mario Williams Stay in Houston?

I say no.

Williams got hurt and the defense did not miss a beat under defensive coordinator Wade Phillips. Do they need him? Maybe. Could they use him? Yes. Does he command a lot of money on the open market? Yes.

But teams like Jacksonville, Dallas and maybe the Patriots could all use him as a right defensive end in their pass defense.

I think he jumps ship and signs somewhere else.

Indianapolis Colts: How Many Wins Does Andrew Luck Bring?

Not many at first.

Peyton Manning did not work wonders in his first season. It took some time.

Luck will need receivers, pass protection, help, a lot of prayer, and, well, luck to get the job done. But, if he is as good as advertised, then he will help turn this franchise around.

The team hired a defensive-minded coach in Chuck Pagano, so all the problems with this team are not related to offense. But the running game needs to step up, as well.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Who Will They Target in Free Agency?

RECEIVERS!

This team needs better receivers and more size on the outside.

Blaine Gabbert needs someone like a Vincent Jackson or Marques Colston to catch the ball in the end zone. He also needs Marcedes Lewis to return to his 2010 form.

Mike Mularkey, Bob Bratkowski and Greg Olson will work with Gabbert to make sure he is better in 2012. Having dependable pass-catchers on the team would help him a great deal.

Kansas City Chiefs: Did They Make the Right Move in Keeping Romeo Crennel?

Yes. Crennel is a good coach who can turn this team around.

Matt Cassel is a system quarterback who may play better with Crennel as his coach than with Todd Haley.

Does this team get to the playoffs? Probably not next season, but in 2013 this team could be a contender.

If a healthy Jamaal Charles can lift the offense, however, then this team could be a player as early as this coming season.

Miami Dolphins: Can They Get Matt Flynn?

If they want to make a run at the Patriots, they need better quarterback play.

Flynn could give them that. So could a quarterback in the draft.

But Flynn has shown he can get the job done and light up a scoreboard. And, since the Dolphins are slotted eighth or ninth in the draft, it looks unlikely that the team could get a shot at drafting RGIII.

Flynn is the best option for this team.

Minnesota Vikings: How Does Adrian Peterson Affect This Team?

The injuries mounted with Peterson last season. How will it affect the Vikings and their offense next season? Can he be ready by the start of the season?

Toby Gerhart was an adequate replacement, but there needs to be more in the offensive arsenal for this team to move forward.

Peterson's health is key to this team's success, as is the progress of QB Christian Ponder.

New England Patriots: Is the Dynasty Over?

It was over a few years ago. New England is a good team, but let's face facts, shall we.

The defense gave up many yards and points. The running game was average. And Tom Brady relied on one receiver and two tight ends all season.

Not bad for a team that went 13-3 in the regular season. Bill Belichick knows how to coach.

But, while this is a young team, the teams around them could get better and figure out the Patriots. Indeed, the Giants may have exposed continual problems in the secondary and in the pass rush.

New Orleans Saints: Could This Team Be Depleted by Free Agency?

Figure that the team signs Drew Brees immediately.

Then, who they keep is a guessing game.

Carl Nicks is one of the best guards in the game, and receivers Marques Colston and Robert Meachem are valuable to Brees' success and the team's movement down the field.

Can the Saints afford all of them? Fans better hope so or there could be a changing of the guard in the NFC South soon.

New York Giants: Where Does Eli Manning Now Rank as a Current QB?

In the top six, for certain.

Brees and Rodgers are certainly ahead of him. But, then it's a toss up.

You have to put Brady and Matthew Stafford in there somewhere, along with Eli and Ben Roethlisberger.

Manning proved he's just as good as his big brother Peyton in the playoffs. And, now, he has two Super Bowl rings to his credit.

He is now definitely among the elite.

New York Jets: Will Rex Ryan Finally Shut Up?

Not in a million years.

I love this guy. But, although he talks a great game, his team cannot back it up.

Ryan needs to concentrate on his job with the Jets because the team took a major step backward this past season.

Mark Sanchez may not be the answer in the Big Apple, and the defense look vulnerable at times.

If Ryan cannot get the team to the playoffs next season, does this signal the end of his Jets coaching tenure?

Oakland Raiders: Will the Team See a Return on Its Carson Palmer Trade?

The Raiders almost made the playoffs with an 8-8 record. But, since the regular season ended, they fired their head coach Hue Jackson and hired Broncos defensive coordinator Dennis Allen.

Talk about stealing from your neighbors.

If the Raiders have both Michael Bush and Darren McFadden in the backfield, and Palmer and Darrius Heyward-Bey continue to get on the same page, the offense could be scary.

Palmer needs to show he can do this for a full season.

Philadelphia Eagles: Does This Team Re-Sign DeSean Jackson?

His rants and demands for a new contract certainly hurt his credibility.

Jackson is electric and could be the most exciting player in the NFL. But does Philadelphia's management team try to re-sign him or send him out onto the free-agent market.

This could be a clue that the Eagles don't want to deal with his diva-like ways, or that they feel they can get a better return through free agency with another receiver (Vincent Jackson) or in the draft (Brian Quick).

Still, if I were in Eagles management, I would try to negotiate with him.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Is There a More Durable Quarterback Than Big Ben?

He seems to take a licking and keep on ticking.

Roethlisberger is the best big-armed, injured quarterback in the NFL. The punishment he endures in incredible.

Can Ben take this team to the next level again?

Yes, injuries hurt this team last season during the playoffs. But, if everyone is healed and the running game can help establish the passing game, then there is no reason to believe this team cannot be a Super Bowl contender.

The defense must also prove it is not getting too old.

St. Louis Rams: Does Justin Blackmon Solve This Team's Problems?

No.

Blackmon would be a nice addition, but more is needed to ensure they show marked improvement over last season.

Having Jeff Fisher helps, especially on defense.

Can Sam Bradford come back from injury and team with Steven Jackson and possibly Blackmon to have three young offensive threats on the Rams offense?

What a scary thought for other teams if they all can coexist and be successful.

San Diego Chargers: The Last Hurrah for Norv Turner and A.J. Smith?

If they don't win, it is.

There are still important parts to this team that should help it contend for a division crown and a playoff berth.

Philip Rivers found his stride in the second half of the year, and Ryan Mathews and Mike Tolbert—if he is re-signed—make a good running tandem.

Turner is a good offensive coordinator. A.J. Smith is one of the best general managers around. They both need to make it work.

San Francisco 49ers: How Will the Championship Game Loss Affect the Team?

They were young, inexperienced and not expected to be anywhere near as good as they were this season.

But the San Francisco 49ers are for real and will be a team to be reckoned with next season.

Are they good enough to get to the Super Bowl? We don't know that yet. But Aldon Smith, Justin Smith, Frank Gore and Vernon Davis are a good start.

It is possible that this team could be better next season under Jim Harbaugh and still take a step backward because the talent level in the division will be better.

But they sure will be fun to watch.

Seattle Seahawks: Does Marshawn Lynch Stay to Help with the Building Project?

Lynch was arguably one of the five best backs in the NFL in the second half of the season, and Seattle's offense played much better over the last eight games.

This is a free-agent year for Lynch, who the Seahawks cannot afford to let walk.

Head coach Pete Carroll had the pieces to the puzzle in place in the second part of 2011. If Seattle can solve its quarterback situation (Matt Flynn), then this could be a team that makes the playoffs in 2012.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Does Greg Schiano Make Sense as Team's Head Coach?

Honestly, I never knew he was a candidate. So many coaches turned down the job or stated they did not want to be in the running. Does Schiano mean the team had no other alternatives?

Schiano is a great college coach who may have been considered for the Penn State job, as well, but the pros came calling.

He will need some time to develop his team, but he could be in luck since Josh Freeman is an up-and-coming quarterback with loads of potential.

If the young team can play together, eight wins are not out of the question.

Tennessee Titans: Could Chris Johnson Be Traded?

That is a great question.

It just goes to prove that if you hold out, think you are better than everyone and believe you should be paid like a playmaker and not a mere running back, things can come back to bite your backside in a big way.

Had Johnson been half of his old self in 2011, he and the Titans probably would have made the playoffs in head coach Mike Munchak's first season. That, however, will never be known.

If Johnson is shopped, does that limit what kind of return Tennessee could get, since teams will know the Titans are desperate to move on and try Javon Ringer or another back in the starting role?

Washington Redskins: How Will Daniel Snyder Get RGIII?

Does "pray" count as one of the answer options?

Snyder having Robert Griffin III on hand to run Mike Shanahan's offense would certainly inject a great deal of excitement into D.C., much like Cam Newton excited people in Carolina with his running and throwing.

What will it take to move up to the second pick in the draft? The sixth pick and maybe a player or two? Multiple picks?

Could Roy Helu factor into a move to get the Heisman Trophy winner?