Alright, let's try this again. Football's back, and so is my blog. So to the four people following me, if you're still out there, prepare for a cataclysmic dropping of knowledge that'll rattle your ancestors.
With the NFL labor issues dragging through the summer, I was starting to stockpile nonperishable goods and ammunition in preparations for the impending apocalypse. Thankfully, everything was resolved in time for Sunday Funday season, and I've dialed back the fatalistic attitude. As long as we have the NFL, I don't see any reason to give credence to the Mayan 2012 end-of-days rumors.
To kick off this season, I want to go on the record early with my predictions. You heard it here first. Here's what we can look forward to in the coming months:
Offensive Rookie of the Year:
A.J. Green (WR), Cincinnati Bengals
This guy is a complete manimal. He's a huge target at 6'4'', and rookie QB Andy Dalton is going to be looking for a favorite receiver. Combine Green's skills with a comparably weak receiving corps around him, and you can look for game-changing plays and big numbers from A.J. Green this season. Cam Newton could offer up some competition for the title, and I'm expecting Daniel Thomas, RB for Miami, to prove that he's an adequate replacement for the Dolphins' new look backfield, but this will be Green's year.
Defensive Rookie of the Year:
Von Miller (LB), Denver Broncos
Call it a fan bias all you want, but the #2 overall pick had a monster preseason, and he flat out flies to the ball. He hustles, he finishes plays, and he plays smart. He also brings a devastating pass rush that's sure to grab some attention this season. He's simply a cut above anyone else in this rookie class, and the Broncos are in a much better position on defense than they were last year. Nick Fairley should make a big impact in his first season alongside Ndamukong Suh (speaking of monsters), but that pairing will hurt his numbers as much as it helps his team (Think Saving Private and The Thin Red Line splitting Oscar votes.)
Comeback Player of the Year:
Plaxico Burress (WR), New York Jets
I'm tempted to pick Elvis Dumervil here, and Matthew Stafford intrigues me (although he's never really achieved anything to "come back" to), but I think Burress hit the jackpot when he signed with the Jets. He'll have no problems getting familiar with a new city, and he's arguably a bigger name than any of the other receivers playing for New York. I have premier status on the Mark Sanchez hate-train, but I foresee a solid football relationship between these two.
I don't like the idea of using America's penitentiaries as recruiting grounds for NFL free agency, and my hope is that we get a better "feel-good story" next season, but Burress should get the nod for comeback player this year unless he...err..shoots himself in the foot (Yep. I said it. I'm sorry I'm not sorry).
Defensive Player of the Year:
Clay Matthews (LB), Green Bay Packers
If the Geico caveman and Conan the Barbarian had offspring, he'd look like Clay Matthews. If Lawrence Taylor and Dick Butkus had offspring, he'd play like Clay Matthews. He's vicious, ruthless, savage, terrifying, and electrifying to watch, and he's one of the biggest reasons Green Bay has a shot at repeating this year. I'm expecting big years out of Darrelle Revis, Cameron Wake, and Troy Polamalu, but Matthews will get the nod when all is said and done.
Offensive Player of the Year:
Michael Vick (QB), Philadelphia Eagles
It's taken Vick ten years and a prison sentence to live up to the hype, but last year was one hell of a coming-out party. There isn't much to be said that hasn't been said a thousand times by more credible writers, but Michael Vick has changed the way people view the quarterback position. He's the best athlete on the field at any given moment, capable of beating you with his feet or his arm, and he's much more intelligent than people realize. This year, he'll be able to rely on DeSean Jackson's speed, and Jeremy Maclin fills in nicely for tough yardage and red zone situations. LeSean McCoy is a great back, but he's as big a threat catching as he is running the ball, which will pad Vick's stats even more. Bottom line: if Vick stays healthy, he beats out Tom Brady by a few votes. If Vick goes down, look for Brady to repeat.
Superbowl 2012:
Baltimore Ravens 35, Philadelphia Eagles 31
You can't knock Green Bay's chances for a repeat, but the Eagles' offseason moves position them as the favorite out of the NFC. Their division is typically pretty stout, but I'm not buying into any talk of a revived Cowboys squad, and the Giants and Redskins don't have the talent to match up with Philly.
The Ravens have been on the cusp for so long, but I see this year as a breakout year for Joe Flacco. He's got great support in the backfield with Ray Rice, and his receiving corps has been upgraded over the past two years with Anquan Boldin and Lee Evans. Combine an underrated offense with their perennially dominant defense, and you get what looks to me like a championship-caliber team.
I envision a close game, and Philly can score against anyone, but in this game, Flacco and company prove the doubters that they can put up points when it matters and hoist the Lombardi trophy when the confetti starts to fly.
If Ray Lewis murders someone this season, however, I might have to rethink my prediction... But what are the odds that that could happen twice in one career?
-Sam
