Well with the draft right around the corner it feels like it's the appropriate time time get going on a top 5 list. Yes, already it's time. Many think their respective teams have gotten better already. Some think their team is on the other end of the spectrum. It's about time to give my opinion on which team's have made the right moves and which team's have taken steps in the opposite direction in search of what every NFL team starts the season looking for. A Super Bowl Championship.
Atlanta Falcons in at #5: After coming within 1 game it the Super Bowl the Atlanta Falcons put themselves back in a position to be just as good next season. Offensively the Falcons only lost RB Michael Turner. Turner had been the work horse for this team the last 4 years. But with his production going down gradually over the last 2 season's people are saying he's done in terms of productive years in this league. After losing Turner the Falcons signed former Rams RB Stephen Jackson to replace Turner. They were also able to get hall of fame TE Tony Gonzalez to stay for 1 more season as well. On defense the lost DE John Abraham but quickly got Osi Umenyora from the Giants, getting younger at that position. Osi said on NFL Network his goal was to get the NFL DPOY award this season. I'd think he'll be ready and have a huge impact on this team's pass rush. If the Falcons are healthy this year I'm expecting them to be back in the NFC Championship game, maybe even in the Super Bowl.
Peyton and his Broncos take the #4: The Broncos made the right move bringing in Peyton Manning last offseason. In just 1 season Manning's turned this team into a serious contender. Manning was also a big factor in the Broncos ability to get big name free agents. Just ask Wes Welker who signed there this offseason. One of his biggest reasons for wanting to play in Denver was Manning. Other free agents that came to Denver include Dominique Rodgers Cromartie, and Terrence Cody. Both great defensive players that will come into starting roles and should make big impacts. While the Broncos did lose players in free agency, it was more necessary losses than anything. With guys like Von Miller and Ryan Clady having contracts that'll need some attention in the near future. The Broncos should be back in the playoffs again next season, and be serious contenders next season.
Patriots #3: Yes I know the Patriots were in the AFC Championship game last season. They lost in the playoffs to the eventual Super Bowl Champs. But after losing Wes Welker in free agency I just couldn't put them in the top 2 right now. They have made some great moves though, like bringing in S Adrian Wilson and DT Tommie Kelly. But losing their top WR from the last 5-6 years just isn't good. Danny Amendola is a decent talent, when he's 1 on 1 against teams that aren't putting time into stopping just him. But now on a Patriots team that might be without both their start TE's to start the year I'm not sure he can do what Welker did for New England. Nevertheless the Patriots still have Tom Brady so they'll be dangerous, I'm just not sure their offense will be as explosive without a key guy like Welker.
#2 belongs to the Texans: The Texans were a couple players away from making the Super Bowl last season. They were able to get future hall if fame S Ed Reed this offseason along with Shane Lechler. Many Texans fans are of the opinion that QB Matt Schaub is the problem with this Texans team. But if you watched the Texans play this season you know that's not really the case. This team just got tired to end the year and it showed as they dropped 4 of their last 6 gamed to end the season and lost the #1 seed in the playoffs ti Denver. Next season the goal should be to play every game at Reliant Stadium in Houston. Last season the showed they can play with the AFC's best. The next step for the Texans is getting to a Super Bowl and their not far off that goal.
49ers take the #1 spot: After making it to the Super Bowl all the 49ers did was get better this offseason. They did lose Pro Bowl S Dashon Goldson but with the loss of him they still aren't in bad shape. They brought in former Ram Chrir Dahl to replace Goldson. He's familiar with the division and should at least be able to hold his own. The 49ers also made maybe the best offseason move of any team trading for former Raven Anquan Boldin. Boldin will add something to this receiving hasn't had in years, consistency. With the addition of Boldin I'm picking the Niners at #1.
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