49ERS 101

After covering half of the NFC teams in part one of this article, it’s apparent that there are four teams that remain as standouts for an opportunity to become contenders for the 2012 season. The San Francisco 49ers and New York Giants are still the most heavily favored in the NFC west and NFC east. However, the Cowboys and the Eagles each have a legitimate shot at moving to the next level as well. That being said, there are some teams in the NFC north and NFC south that also have something to say in regards to who will be there in the end.

 

NFC NORTH

Green Bay Packers: Look out for the Packers in 2012. They did not accomplish their goal last year, after posting a spectacular record of 15-1. They will be hungry for another championship this coming year. Aaron Rogers and company are very disappointed at their failure, and will most certainly be a contender. The leadership of Mike McCarthy and the stoic brilliance of Rogers will be very tough to beat.

Detroit Lions: As good as the Packers are, there are only a few teams in the NFL that have the talent and ferociousness to knock the bully on the block off their high horse. The Lions are one of those teams. With a little help in their running game, which was depleted due to injury, the Lions are a force to be reckoned with. Matthew Stafford is becoming a superstar like everyone thought he would, Calvin Johnson is in a league of his own, the Lions are on the front porch knocking on the door. Only their own mistakes should alter their course.

Chicago Bears: The once powerhouse Bears defense seems to be showing its age. Which, unfortunately, has carried the team for so long now. The entire team looks to be in turmoil these days. Granted the injuries to Matt Forte and Jay Cutler did not help the cause this past year. With some newer faces on the defensive side of the ball and some rejuvenated bodies on the offensive side, the Bears are very legitimate. But it is a long and brutal season, chances are they won’t hold up to the pounding. Not to mention the Packers and the Lions are standing in their way.

Minnesota Vikings: Don’t look for the Vikings to make any kind of dent next year. The outlook is not good right from the start. Adrian Peterson is coming off a career threatening torn ACL, Christian Ponder has not fully developed into a viable NFL quarterback yet, and the defense is filled with gaping holes. They will improve in 2012, but it will not be by leaps and bounds. They will still finish at the bottom of their division.

 

NFC SOUTH

New Orleans Saints: Look for the Saints to make another amazing push into the playoffs in 2012. Had they not ran into the buzz saw defense of the 49ers in last year’s playoffs, there is a good chance that they could have won the whole thing. They were possibly the most well rounded team in all of football last year. Look for them to get even stronger in 2012. Brees will again have another banner year, and the offense will be as explosive as ever. Sean Payton has put the Saints in a position to remain contenders for a long time.

Atlanta Falcons: A very strong team, with the ability to become even better. Of all teams in the league, the Falcons utilize their talents the least. They have an immeasurable amount of potential. Their offense can be just as potent as a Brees led offense or a Rogers led offense. They may not reach the Super Bowl in 2012, but soon they will realize their gifts, and if their core sticks together it could be celebration time in Atlanta. Look for them to improve this year, but still remain in the passenger seat to the Saints.

Carolina Panthers: The Panthers will be a force a few years from now. Right now, as a team their young. Though the guidance of team veterans like Steve Smith and Jeremy Shockey they will continue to grow and be more productive. Cam Newton was put on the fast track in 2011, and he was very successful, only look for him to get better with knowledge. The Panthers will still play third fiddle to the Saints and the Falcons in 2012. But keep your head up Panther fans, it will get better.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The Buccaneers are in turmoil as well, their 4-12 record was a miracle judging by their performance. Unfortunately for Bucs fans, you can expect a drop in productivity. The inconsistencies by the quarterback and starting running back position were too much to overcome. Look for a revamped offense in 2012, possibly with another quarterback. However, that still puts at the back of the field holding onto last place in the division.

With the start of football season still far in the distance, no one can really know what is going to happen. But from the looks of it, the NFC has a handful of teams that will make the year very interesting. There is about eight or nine teams in 2012 that cannot take the night off, they will have to fight for every inch. Every win will be crucial. It should be a lot of fun. 

Tags: Football, NFL, San Francisco, San Francisco 49ers

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