2021 NFL Season Preview and Predictions

And on today's show, that intro might be a bit of a lie, because today we're gonna go around the NFL in thirty two minutes, well thirty one minutes and preview all thirty one of these NFL teams ahead of the season. Every team gets one minute on the clock and then we're gonna break it all down before we get to the record predictions and the divisional predictions, and our playoff and supert picks here for season, my personal picks.

It's all me on this podcast, on this special edition of the Drivetime Podcast from the Baptist Health Studios inside the Baptist Health Training Complex. This is the Drivetime Podcast. Let's go ahead and just jump right into it. Here a different Dolphins podcast than you're used to here on Drivetime.

One minute on the clock. We're gonna do this in one take all the way through, So thirty one minutes when I say, go where you're going to start in the NFC West and work our way all the way to the a f C East, And I'll probably just not do the Dolphins minute, because well, we talked about the Dolphins for thirty minutes a day, every single day. And with that, why don't we jump right in to the NFC West and get this thing started with the Los Angeles Rams one minute on the clock Matt Stafford.

The big story there for this Rams team this offseason, the acquisition after a big extension for Jared Goff, they go out and get a guy that Sean McVeigh clearly thinks can operate that system and his very successful offensive system with a high level of efficiency and effectiveness going down the field, and they add some speed to that offense as well this offseason with the Shawan Jackson with two to at well to go along with Robert Woods

and Cooper Cup. And they do lose Cam Anchors, which is gonna be a tough, tough pill to swallow, a

tough player to replace. But I do like the addition of Sony Michelle to kind of help out there with Darryl Henderson and get that thing cranking, especially when you have a top level defense like they had last year, spearheaded by the best defensive tackle and probably one of the best players in the National Football League, and Aaron Donald plus Jalen Ramsey and so many more guys that make that defense tough to run on, tough to pass on. They get takeaways. I like this Rams team a heck

of a lot this season. There goes one minute off the clock. Up next the San Francisco forty Niners, Jimmy Garoppolo and Trey Lance. Is the big story there this offseason. Which quarterback will get the job? What I mean, We're gonna probably hear about announcement here coming up in the

coming days if you haven't already. But I think Trey Lance is upside, even though maybe he's not quite ready with the experience because he only played a couple of, you know, a handful of games in college and had a preseason this year, but just the limited rep count, you might go early with the more experienced vector and a guy and Garoppolo who has gone to a Super Bowl and had a ten point lead in the fourth quarter of that super Bowl. The other big question for

the Niners is their health. Always a big question mark around this team because they are so loaded all across the roster, but they haven't stayed healthy in recent years. So can Nick Bosa stay healthy on that defensive line and continue to get pass rush for that Niners front? And also they have a dominant offensive line with a good running game, good running backs. The scheme is always good, but that pass rush, Fred Warner and that secondary to

go along with that defensive front. I think the Niners are one of the most loaded teams in the NFL. There goes woman off the clock. The Seahawks up next. The let Russ Cook train last season worked pretty well for the first half of the year and then the offense kind of sputtered late in the season, and I think that one of the reasons for that might have

been the depth at the receiver position. But they did go out this year and add some guys to go along with DK Metcalfe and Tyler Lockett, who for my money, are two of the very best receivers in the National Football League. Both can get vertical, both can do the entire route tree and catch tough passes over the middle as well. The Dwayne Brown situation. Russell Wilson says they need to do whatever they can to keep him there and keep him happy. He has been one of the

stalwarts on that offensive lines. To the Seahawks have tried to build an offensive line around Russell Wilson and been more effective at doing it in later years. And then on the defensive side, where's the past rush gonna come from? Last year? That was kind of a question mark for them. And then also they lose Shaquille Griffin in that secondary that could be a big loss back there. How do they replace his reps in his production? And of course

Jamal Adams gets the big extension. That's a big story there for the Seahawks. Just managed to going by fast Arizona Cardinals Kyler Murray and Cliff Kingsbury. Year three. I think Kyler could be poised for a big, big, big season. It's a big season for Cliff Kingsbury in this third season. They're gonna need some results this year, especially in a really, really tough NFC West. I think all four of these teams are playoff contenders, but I love how much speed

to go along with Kyler. Obviously, they add on defense with Isaiah Simmons a year ago getting more and more reps as the year went along, but also Zaven Collins in that first round. Those two guys can really help kind of transform the second level of that defense. And we know on the back end, on the front end, the first and third level that Buddha Baker runs the show back there in that defensive secondary, one of the NFL's best safeties with Chandler Jones one of the best

pass rushers off the edge. But I think it goes back to the offense with Murray and with what he can do in that kind of remade offensive line, and of course getting the ball to Nuke Hopkins. He's one of the best receivers this league has ever seen. Woman on the clock for the Buccaneers here, everybody is back, but we know how difficult it is to repeat as champions.

You have that target on your back, and I think they probably did last year to some degree because well, Tom Brady's in town, and when Tom Brady's in town, everyone knows they have to bring their a game to beat you. But the relationship he has with not just his teammates and Bruce Ariums, but with the front office and the decisions they make to kind of get Tom what he needs, because again, seven times Super Bowl champion, why wouldn't you get the guy what he needs? And

he wanted everyone back. They got that with Antonio Brown, Rob Gronkowski, playoff Lenny Leonard Fournette. That offensive line just really came together and became one of the best groups in the NFL last season, spearheaded there by Tristan Worth, but also the center Ryan Jensen, is one of the meanest, nastiest, most technically sound dudes in the National Football League. And on defense, we saw Antoine Winfield really kind of be

that django piece, the final piece. Therefore, that defensive secondary in the late last season down their stretch run for the Super Bowl, as well as some young cornerbacks like Seawan Shaun Murphy Bunting making big plays. The team is loaded the New Orleans Saints, Jamis Winston wins the quarterback

job over Taysom Hill. But I like that move because not only do I think the taste that Jamis is a better option, but you also have now the option to sprinkle Tasso Hill into that offense and give that give the defense more looks and more to think about. But the skill players on this offensive group. Without Michael Thomas, that might be the question mark for this team this year, but I think that Sean Payton can always find a

way to get production. We saw the Kids of the Night in the preseason game have a big, big game and they have just find guys to get to get open and the quarterback finds them and that's part of Sean Payton's system. They have a fantastic offensive line. They're led by Ryan ram Check and then Alvin Kamara. Excuse me, you'll stop in the clock. You know what Alvin Kameric can do in the running game. He is so impressive both in the passing game and the running game, one

of the most electrifying running backs in the NFL. They have an impressive defense too, especially in that front seven. But one question you might look at is the secondary depth. I think Ken Crawley was a number two cornerback last time I checked, and he's a good player, but the Saints were sniffing around some cornerbacks this offseason. The Atlanta Falcons.

Matt Ryan with all these weapons that he has, with Calvin Ridley, who looks the absolute part of an alpha number one receiver with Kyle Pitts, who looks like to me Florida Aisle Pits with what he's done so far in the preseason with the Falcons. And can that offensive line solidify around Ryan to give those pass catchers time to get downfield and separate and create big plays in

the passing game. I think they can. I think Atlanta could be in store for some some shootout type of games, a bunch of high flying, aerial attacks that light up the scoreboard. But can the defense get things turned around quickly after a couple of down years. They're going from Dan Quinn to Dean pas I love the pressure looks that Dean Pas uses, and I think they're gonna get more production than that some of their parts because of that d C and just how experienced and how really

technically or frankly, his resume speaks for itself. He's always been ahead of top level defenses in the National Football League. You have to imagine that's what Arthur Smith has in mind there. And speaking of Arthur Smith, loved that higher. I think he's a good fit for the offense. There goes another minute off the clock to the Carolina Panther. Sam Donald is the guy they have really trusted in

and built around this offseason. I think him over Justin fields are are passing on Justin fields for j C. Horn In the draft will be a big thing the Carolina Panthers look back at for years to come, whether it's positive or negative. Matt Rule in year two has a big contract there, but he is one of the most impressive football coaches on the planet. I trusted him in his program. They were competitive early last year. Things

kind of came apart late for them at the seams. Uh, just not really about the offensive production down the stretch. I think they might have addressed that this year a little bit better. You get Robby Anderson back on the contract extension too. He's one of the best players on that offense. Can Christian McCaffrey come back and be healthy because he is, like Elvin Camaro, one of the best

running backs in the entire National Football League. We saw that defense kind of form an identity last year after spending every draft pick in twenty on the defensive side of the football. I think Brian Burns is an elite edge rusher and Jeremy Chin could be an elite safety as well on that defense. Going to the NFC North the Green Bay Packers with Aaron Rodgers, all the drama

finally behind us, at least until next offseason. We'll see what happens there with him, But as long as he's in town, they're a competitor, a contender to go all the way. David Botr Will start on the pup. That's a big blow to that Packers offensive line. They do have some nice names up front with like Elton Jenkins, but they also lost Corey Lensley in free agency, so can they protect Rogers in the early part of the season.

They did get Aaron Jones back. I love that pairing there with A J. Dillon and of course Davante Adams, for my money, is the best route runner in the National Football League, so they have weapons for their quarterback galore and Matt Lafleur. I mean, how can you complain about his resume so far? Thirteen wins and back to back seasons, a couple of trips to the NFC Championship Game. I thought they probably were the better team that day in that game against the Bucks, but things did not

break their way. I think they're gonna be right back in the mix, especially since their defense just continues to get better and better over the years, and JayR Alexander is one of my favor players in the league. He's kind of spearheading that defensive surge. The clock doesn't stop. I'm sorry, it's not gonna stop one minute now. For

the Minnesota Vikings. Last year was the and Mike Sammers had this himself, the worst defensive performance he's ever overseen, and he you know, it's eating at him to make that defensive effort better. They gave up way too many yards and points in the passing game last season. I expect it will get better because well, Mike Examiner is one of the best defensive coaches on the planet. But on the quarterback position, is this kind of a transition year? It could be, but I could also see them winning

double digit games behind Kirk Cousins. Does he last the whole season? Does he hold off Kellen Mont who a lot of folks are high on up there in the Twin Cities. But the biggest part of this offense for me is Dalvin Cook. Behind a rebuilt offensive line, Cook is one of the best runners and yard creators in the entire National Football League. You get that thing Cranken whoever places quarterback will have some success. But getting right on defense is a such a key element for this team.

And getting Danil Hunter back and healthy after being banged up all last year, that could be the biggest thing for this football team in twenty one. Stall on the clock there. Now into the Chicago Bears. When do they go to Justin Fields? That's the question everybody's gonna have around Chicago and around the league this year. I would do it. Now. They're gonna stick with Andy Dalton to start off the season and see how far he can take this Bears team. Can they get wins early and

kind of build some confidence. It's a big, big year for Matt Naggy and for Ryan Pace, the head coach and general manager of the Chicago Bears. Now, I thought this draft was great, getting Justin Fields coming back with Tevin Jenkins, and they release Charles Leno and thoughts that maybe Tevin Jenkins takes that left tackle job. But now Jenkins is banged up, we will miss the entire season. So the offensive line was a bit of a problem

for them this preseason. If you watch them trying to protect their quarterbacks, can they find some production from that offensive line? And will the defensive depth hold up. Because this defense is very, very good, but you lose a body like a Khalil mack Or and Eddie Jackson all of a sudden, you start to look for some options there to replace that production might be difficult to find.

With the Bears, I think you're in a good spot to make a jump forward, but they're gonna have to go to fields earlier in my opinion, to make that happen in Detroit. With the Lions, how long does the mindset or the approach that Dan Campbell is installing there in Detroit, how long is it effective if they lose some games? Because this is a bit of a period of transition for the Lions. They went out and got

Jared Goff. I was never a big believer in Jared Goff's game, but he certainly proved me wrong there early in his career. But things have kind of come back a little bit to the mean for him. There can he take another step here in Detroit. He's gonna have to do it with a bit of a thinner wide receiver group, as they didn't really address it so much

this offseason. They also saw Marvin Jones and Kenny Golladay depart via free agency, and then they went after Penna School on the offensive line, and they loved that draft pick, and he was certainly one of the top tackle prospects. But he has switched over to the right tackle position after playing left tackle in Oregon. Can he make that transition seamlessly. It's been a bit of a tough preseason

so far from Penny School. And then also, how do they remake that defense to a new scheme because Matt Patricia obviously runs a very unique scheme to a couple of teams in the league. But will they transition out of that and get more production this season? Moving on to the NFC East, now twelve minutes in Washington Football Team, Ryan Fitzpatrick and those weapons they went out and got

him this offseason. I'm very curious see how that matches up because I always thought fits was more of a possession in type, bigger fifty fifty type receiver thrower, or he excelled more with those guys. But they have some absolute burners and speed merchants and separators and Terry McLaurin and Curtis Samuel and Diane Brown. I love that receiving corps especially when you add in Antonio gets into that backfield.

They have weapons at just at the disposal of Ryan Fitzpatrick, and I'm sure he'll put some point on the scoreboard and keep that team in plenty of games, especially with that defense that is completely loaded up front, thanks in large part to a real investment on the defensive line with Jonathan Allen one of the best defensive tackles in the game, and of course Chase Young last year and what he did as a defensive rookie of the season. Carmen curl is he legit because last year in his

rookie season he certainly was. And if he is, that secondary can be good enough to really compliment that front. And also I love Ron Rivera, one of the best coaches in the NFL for my money. Going onto the Dallas Cowboys now, the weapons they have are just absurd with a Marii Cooper and Seedee Lamb, who might be one of the most electrifying receivers, I expect a big year to jump from Ceedee Lamb. Is Ezekiel Elliott gonna

be healthy? Is he gonna be back to the old back we saw back in that rookie sees him That's a big question mark for them behind an offensive line that was just so banged up last year. But if they get healthy, if Zeke gets healthy, and they compliment that passing game with Doc if he's healthy. It's a lot of ifs, but if it all comes together, they could be one of the most prolific offenses in the entire National Football League. But I think the biggest cloud

of doubt surrounds the health of Dak Prescott. Is he gonna be ready to go? Can he hold up the whole season with that arm strength coming off the leg injury? No less big question mark there for the Hard Knocks team. And then defense last year was a bit of a problem. Dan Quinn is in now in place of the former defensive coordinator. There he gets himself a nice first round draft pick, and Micah Parsons, who looks the part of

an absolute beast in the middle of that defense. Moving on to the Philadelphia Eagles, another one of these teams that might be in a bit of a year of transition with Nick Sirianni. They go after Gardner Minshew and trade for him to help aid that quarterback room and Jalen Hurts. What can Jalen hurts be Is he gonna be one of these running, run first type quarterbacks that really takes advantage of his legs. Will he kind of

take that next step as a pocket passer. I think he certainly has the work ethic and the talent to do it and become that franchise quarterback. Will it happen?

Will it materialize this year? On the other side of the ball, the defense, there's so many talented players on defense, but as getting to the point to where it's the same guys you've seen for a few years now, can they hold up in health because they are getting a little bit longer in the tooth, and maybe it's getting closer to the time where they say it's time to

step back and rebuild this thing. Like guys like Flexer Cox and Brandon Graham who have been so good for so long and that team again, they're just so good talent wise on paper in the trenches, and that's gonna help keep them in some close games, I believe, provided they stay healthy, because that's been a problem for this

Eagles team for a long long time as well. Going on to the Giants, our final team here in the NFC, and still on one take for you guys here on Drive Time Gettleman and Joe Judge a big, big year for those guys, a big year for Daniel Jones as well. In year number three, we saw several Giants players retire this training camp. That was kind of strange to see, But I thought Gettleman, for all the arrows he takes,

had a very nice draft class this time around. But it's all gonna come back to Daniel Jones and can he take that big step forward after a kind of a tough start to his career so far through two years. But the offensive line in front of him is gonna be a big, big part of that because they've put some investments into that line. They went out and draft Andrew Thomas number four overall last year in a very

very good offensive line class. Can he take the next step in his second season and getting that offense kind of compliment with that defense can do because they did go out and get guys like a ca Darius Tony, who I think is fantastic, A Kenny Golladay who gives

him a nice contested catch guy. But can that offense compliment a defense that really looks to have made the next step as they remade that thing with the New York Giants going over to the a f C here at minute sixteen with the Kansas City Chiefs, Patrick Mahomes, Andy Reid, Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelsey. I mean, the weapons and the coach and the system and the quarterback at all looks very good for a long long time for

the Chiefs team. But they also remade their offensive line after the Super Bowl was a rough go for them, as they were banged up in that game, and they go out and you know, not that it's easy to do this, but I think it's a little bit easier when you don't have so many problems on your roster, and you also have problem with racers like we mentioned with Mahomes and Hill and Kelsey, but Joe Tuoney, Creed Humphrey, Tray Smith, Orlando Brown just so many added starters to

the offensive line that I think you're gonna make that offensive line very very good and make this Chief's team they contender, not just to go all the way, but to possibly win every damn game they play. Defensively, they get back Juan Thornhill, who was such a vital piece of that defense, especially when you pair him with Tyrone Matthew might be one of the best safety duos in

the National Football League. And then Frank Clark, besides Aaron Donald, from my money, is the best interior defensive lineman in the NFL. The Chargers year two for Justin Herbert and the Rookie of the Year had a big, big rookie season throwing the football down the field. But can they learn to close games out late? It's been a big problem for the Chargers team for a long time now. In last season, they were the same team in the fourth quarter as they were through the first three quarters

of the game. They did put a bunch of effort into the offensive line, which was a bit of a sore spot last year. How quickly or will it in general solidify upfront for Justin Herbert thought Corey Lindsley was a great addition to the offensive line, but again, how quickly does it come together for that team? On the defense, also want to mention Austin Ekeler, one of the best dual purpose backs in the National Football League. He'll be a fun addition to that offense as well. On the

defensive side, is Derwin James gonna finally stay healthy? Please stay healthy. Derwin James one of my favorite players to watch in the entire football league. What about Joey Bosa, same story for him, one of the best pass rushers, but can he stay healthy? This team is just so talented and it seems like they have been for a decade now. They just so they're cursed injuries, late game, just weird things that happened for this Chargers team. Can

they finally get out of that funk? The Denver Bronco is a big, big year here for Vic Fangio and Teddy. He's going into it with Teddy Bridgewater beating out Drew Lock.

And we talked about the Panthers and this regard passing on Justin Fields for a cornerback who I think is gonna be a home run pick in Patrick Surtan the second, but not going after Justin Fields, just like the Panthers, I think will be a big question or just a big storyline that follows this team for a couple of years here, as they did not get the production of Drew Lock last year or the production this summer to make him their starter as kind of the guy that

was hoping to be the bridge or the future rather going to the bridge quarterback here with Teddy Bridgewater, Justin Simmons is there, Von Miller is back and healthy, and this defense, you know, it's gonna be a team that has to win games with defense and special teams in that formula with ball control. But like I mentioned, to go out and get a Patrick Sir Tam plus a who's the cornerback they got from Kyle Fuller, I should say from the Bears. That's a great addition to this

defense for the Broncos. And they have a strong defense and Javonte Williams and Melvin Gordon can help them with that ball control style offense. The Las Vegas Raiders, they started very strong the last couple of years in September October under John Gruden, including the loan victory or the loan loss, I should say of the Chiefs in that season. Besides I think the season finale when they rested everybody, but then they kind of fizzled out late in both

of those years. Can they fix that? Can they find a way to win games in December and stay competitive through the playoff chase. I think Derek Carr is one of the most underrated quarterbacks in the NFL. He is so good at getting the ball out quick, also accurate down the field, A tough guy that that plays pretty much every game and stays out there. Didn't expect him to play in that game last year against Miami, but he did and played great in that game. Defensively, it

was a struggle for them. Can they get pressure this year? They made a heavy investment in that defensive secondary. Will it click right away for them? And plus the free agent additions they made last year. Sometimes it takes a year for free agents to connect and get together. Will that happen in year two for the Raiders? They need it there for John Gruden to get into the playoffs for the first time since signed that ten year contract

a few years back. Over to the a f C South minute number twenty the Tennessee Titans Julio Jones with a J. Brown to compliment Derrick Henry in that running game. I think really accentuate the things that Ryan Tannehill does well. Twelve personnel package as a max protect couple of routes downfield, use that big strong arm, but also the athletic ability

to get outside when he has to. It was a tough year for that defense last year but they'll be healthier, and I expect a big season upfront from Jeffrey Simmons on the interior, and you go out and you add a guy like Bud Dupree to book end with Harold Landry.

The Titans pass rush has been one of those position groups across the league for the last couple of years where it's like, man, we could use some more there, And it seems like this year they've gotten a lot more in that area to really get after the quarterback. But can they find a way to keep those guys fresh and keep rotation that keeps them healthy and ready

to go on third downs late in games. Offensively, though, I think this team could be one of the best in the NFL with those weapons, and that is always a good recipe for success in today's NFL to be offensive heavy like the Titans might be the Indianapolis Colts. The injuries that's they're they're they're piling up for this team, and it's a big question mark with this club right now.

Can Carson Wentz get back and healthy. Can you play the first few games of the season after that foot injury, but will he also get back mechanically sound to what he was in Philadelphia that m v P type season in seventeen before things kind of went backwards on him a little bit. Then he rebounded. I thought inten with a great push at the end of that season. But last year just didn't look comfortable. The base got two wide, sometimes bald would sail on him. Just wasn't a very

good year. But if anybody can correct it, I think Frank Reich is that quarterback whisper to do so. They have a dominant offensive line, perhaps one of the best in the NFL, led by Quentin Nelson, and very good backs in Jonathan Taylor, Niheem Himes and Marlon Mack and Matt eber Fleus. On defense with Darius Leonard kind of being the straw that stirs the drink. He's a very underrated coordinator, a very good defense. But what does the back end of that defense look like? In that secondary?

That could be one of the question marks for this Colts team heading into the season the Jacksonville Jaguars. I look at the learning curve here for a first time NFL coach in Urban Meyer, one of the best football coaches of the last couple of decades, college pro or otherwise, can he get the NFL game down in imediately. I don't doubt that he can. We'll see if he can.

I think getting Trevor Lawrence the first pick in the draft is certainly going to be a big part of taking that early step and making this team competitive in year one under urban Meyer after a fifteen game losing streak last season. But I expect him to get better as the season goes along, kind of like you saw with Brian Flores his first year here in Miami, as he gets the culture kind of instilled and they kind of begin to build upon what they think they are

as a football team and get better that way. I love the weapons they have on offense with Lavisco Chanal DJ Shark, losing Travis E t N sucks man. He's such a good kid and a good player. Wanted to see him there in year one with Trevor Lawrence. Defensively, I want to see what Josh Allen can do now in your number three, one of the best pass rushers to come out in recent years. And then c J. Henderson, their cornerback first round pick last year. What does he

look like in your number two? The Houston Texans at quarterback looks like it's gonna be Tyrod Taylor and at some point maybe Davis Mills. Their first draft pick, who I believe was taken in the in the third round of this last April's draft. David Cole he gets his first head coaching job. It's good for him. He's got a tough task ahead of him here with Nick Cassirio and Nick easterby kind of repositioning this franchise and rebuilding

this club. They signed something like twenty twenty five free agents this offseason, and most of those were one year deals. We saw a report the other day that the Texans were making most of their veterans available and trade offers. I can't remember where I saw that report, but if it's the case, they might be looking to kind of recoup some of that draft capital that had gone by

the boards last couple of years. But if they can do that and continue to build this thing up around draft picks opposed to the free agents they had to sign this year to really get themselves a football team on the field, that could be a positive sign going forward. But a very weird offseason for the Houston Texans. They

had minimal draft capital to work with. Trying to restock the cupboards that way and build for the future there in Houston, the Baltimore Ravens now as we go to the a f C North here two more divisions left. Losing JK. Dobbins to me changes the outlook drastically from my prediction standpoint, and this is in order of my position, my division winners. But then the team is just one of the best ran to teams in the NFL, so I think they'll find a way to do it again.

I just loved how Dobbin's complimented Lamar and his skill set. But they did get some new weapons in the passing game with Sammy Watkins and Rashan Bateman. Both those guys are dinged up right now those we start the season. They have a load of defense, especially in that defensive secondary,

one of the secondaries. For my money, they can they can compete with Miami for the top heavy and depth of that secondary, but they can go out and get leads with that explosive offense and Lamar Jackson and the running game. Then take the air out of the football with that running game because they can just out execute you in the running game and then play good tight coverage and really prevent the deef the offense from coming

back through the area. Because they are ball hawks, they play tight coverage, and they also compliment all that with one of the best special teams units in the league, led by both John Harbaugh and by Justin Tucker. I just love the way this team is constructed. The Cleveland Browns have arguably one of the best rosters in the National Football League. Can Baker Mayfield continue the surge we saw in the second half of last season and be the quarterback that we all thought he might have been

after being the first pick in the draft. I thought he to the part last year. I would expect him to continue that climb towards a top ten quarterback status. Kevin Stefanski in year two, you know, sometimes it's tough to repeat a strong rookie season as a head coach. We've seen it so many times where a coach comes in wins a bunch of games. Year two is tough to replicate, and then things kind of get sideways. I don't think it's gonna be the case for Kevin Stefanski.

I think that he is more than equipped to build a solid football team. I think he's done that here in Cleveland, especially on the defensive side of the football.

Miles Garrett is a defensive Player of the Year candidate, and the moves they made with both John Johnson and Troy Hill from the Rams, that was a fantastic remake of a position group that needed some help, kind of like the Chiefs on the offensive line, Cleveland did well in the secondary and they have the best offensive line in the NFL for my money, blocking for Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt one of the best two headed monsters

in the NFL as well. The Pittsburgh Steelers Big Ben Roethlisberger's last to raw can't He's still get the job done? I mean it looks like it, the guys. He had some fantastic play in the preseason, throwing touchdown passes to Pat friar Muth, throwing him open a couple of those in that Lin's game a couple of weeks ago. Well,

excuse me, we're not stopping the clock. Will they be the first the team we saw in the first eleven games last year that was eleven and oh, or will they be the team that finished out the season one and five with one victory and the five losses including the playoff loss to Cleveland. I think Nagy Harris could certainly resurrect that run game, but without the reinforcements up front on the offensive line, can't he make that happen. He could be a bell cow from day one there

in Pittsburgh. Last year they kind of saw the defensive opposition creep in on them and kind of shut down the short passing game and squat on some routes because they just couldn't get vertical. That can't be the case again. They have to find a way to get vertical with

Juju Smith and Nate uh Washington and Deante Thompson. Man, I'm killing the name show the receiver, the receiving corn of the Pittsburgh Steelers has some guys who can get vertical, and they could have the top defense and it starts with t J. Watt and that front with Cam Heyward and stefon to it. But who's going to be cornerback to That's a big question mark for me. Went a little bit into the Bengals time here, but Joe Burrow is the big story there. Will he trust that knee

and feel comfortable in the pocket. They didn't really address the offensive line this year, but they do get Jonah Williams back, a big time left tackle prospect out of Alabama. That could be a big boon for them. Can Jamaar Chase get his confidence back after getting five targets in the preseason and dropping four of those passes. That will be a big storyline as he and Joe Burrow reunite. Big year for Zach Taylor after a couple of rough

years to start his career there in Cincinnati. But they did end the season last year with Brandon Allen being very competitive, winning a bunch of games against some tough teams down the stretch as well beating Pittsburgh on Monday Night Football with Ryan Finley and that was an impressive showing.

And will this offensive line come together and give Joe Burrow time to throw the ball downfield to mar Chase to Tee Higgins to Tyler Boyd a very good receiving corps and then Joe Mixing one of the better running backs in the NFL. Dual threat guy there in Cincinnati. Moving on to the a f C East, we have three more minutes left because we're not gonna do the Miami Dolphins, but the Buffalo Bills I think probably have the second best roster in the NFL and maybe the

third best behind the Chiefs and Bucks. Josh Allen we know what he can do. He is tough as I'll get out. He can fit every window, he can escape pressure, he can shake off tacklers, tough, tough guy to stop. They have the skilled positions down pat with Stefon Diggs, who was the best receiver in the NFL all of the NFL last year. From my money. They go out and they get Emmanuel Sanders as well, and they also have gave Davis there in tow with a couple of

good running backs and Zack Moss. But I thought that Devin Singletary this preseason looked the part. I think he could be a really good running back for some years for them. On defense that the hits keep coming, Matt Milano and Tremaine Edmonds are really good linebackers and they play behind a remade defensive line that added more pass rushers in this year's draft with Gregory Rousseau and Carlos Basham.

I loved those picks for that defense. And they rebuild rebuilt the secondary a couple of years back, and they're all still there. With Micah Hide, Jordan Poyer, Andrew Davious White, one of the best secondaries of the NFL. But who was cornerback to three four? After that? Depth is the one area you might be able to go after on that team. The New England Patriots. The big news of the week was Mac Jones will start the season for the Patriots after they release Cam Newton. They get all

those opt out back. Nobody had more opt outs last year than the New England Patriots, including Dante high Tower, one of their best players. They have a huge free agency period. Huge freegency class doesn't pay dividends. It used to be that it took a year for the free agent class to really kind of come together and solidify.

But teams have had more success recently getting new pieces in and I think what Belichick would do their assigned guys that fit the system and fit what he wants to do, and you have to imagine they will pay off quickly, quicker, more quickly rather than later for the Patriots team. We're not stopping the clock. Baby. Kendrick Boorn, Nelson Aghilar are the receiver auditions with Hunter Henry and

John W. Smith. Can that twelve personnel package stay healthy because to me, that's the scariest part of this team if they have Hunter Henry and Johnny Smith on the field at the same time. They did lose Devan Assisi and also Hunter Henry has been banged up this camp defensively. Matt Judean, what a great addition he was. He's gonna be tough to deal with, going along with Dante high Tower.

They did put Steffon Gilmour on pup so missed the first six weeks at least, but J. C. Jackson, Kyle Dugger and Devin mccordy one of the best secondaries in NFL. And we finished up here with the New York Jets. I think they're on the way up, but they might be a year away. We'll see what happens this year.

They're going with a young quarterback right at the gate and Zach Wilson, the number two pick of the draft who had a fantastic preseason this August, but Mike White is the number two quarterbacks so Zach Wilson's gotta stay healthy and playoff seven team games because the experience and that position at backup quarterback just is not there right now. On defense, Will Robert Salas defense take hold right away.

I think losing Carl Lawson was an absolute killer because he was one of the real up and coming pass rushers in this league. With his pressure rate. I think it was probably gonna convert that to more sacks this year as a Jet. That hurts that team. But they do still have Sheldon Rankings and Quinn and Williams on the inside. Both those guys can flat out ball and then the secondary who's gonna rise up and kind of

be that next guy for them? And I'm also curious to finally see C. J. Moseley, who's played one game in two years with the New York Jets. There it is thirty one minutes in the can the entire NFL previewed. You've already heard the Miami Dolphins a hundred times in this podcast, so I thought we go ahead and pass on that story once again. That's your NFL preview for one season. And what kind of preview would it be if we didn't give you predictions for everybody's record and

go through the playoffs. We start here in the NFC in the West, I have the Rams twelve and five, Seahawks twelve and five, nine Ers, eleven and six, and Cardinals tenants seven. Four double digit win teams in the NFC West and all four in the postseason. How you like that. Moving to the South, the NFC South number one seed Tampa Bay Buccaneers go fourteen and three, New Orleans nine and eight, the Falcons seven and eleven, Panthers

five and twelve. Bringing up the rear. In the NFC North are two seed Green Bay Packers twelve and five, the Vikings eight and nine, the Bears six and eleven, Detroit three and fourteen. Over in the NFC East, the Washington football team gets the four seed as division champions at nine and eight. The Cowboys go eight and nine, the Eagles five and twelve, and the Giants four and thirteen.

Over to the a f C East and the West, the Chiefs fifteen and two, the one seed, the Chargers nine and eight, the seven seed, the Broncos seven and ten, and the Raiders six and eleven in the South. One playoff team here, the Titans win the division at ten and seven, the Colts seven and ten, the Jaguars six

and eleven, and Houston one and six. Team in the North, Cleveland thirteen and four takes home the a f C North at the three seed of Baltimore gets the sixth seed at eleven and six, the Steelers nine and eight, and the Bengals three and fourteen. Finally, in the a f C East, Buffalo takes it again fourteen and three. There will be the two seed Miami twelve and five, the five seed Patriots nine and eight, the Jets five and twelve. This is all my predictions, only just for

fun for the sake of the podcast. In the playoffs in the NFC, the Cardinals lose to the Packers in the opening round. The Washington football team takes out the Seahawks in a home game, and the Rams take down the forty Niners in the wild card round. Then the divisional round, the Rams take down the pack Ers in lambeau Field, and the Bucks take out the Washington football team to give us a Rams Bucks NFC championship game and give me the fighting mcveigh's to go to the

Super Bowl. In the NFC, on the a f C side, the Dolphins take down the Titans for the playoff victory for the first time in two decades. The Ravens take out the Browns and an upset on the road and the Bills take out the Chargers to get to the second round. Then the Chiefs take out the Dolphins to get back to the a f C Championship Game once again,

and the Bills beat the Ravens. We have a repeat of the a f C Championship Game and a repeat result with the Chiefs and they go on to the Super Bowl to take out the Rams and Patrick Mahomes gets ring number two. That's the prediction. That's the end of the podcast. Caroline, Daddy is coming home. You all please be sure to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcast.

Leave us a rating, leave us a review. You can follow me on Twitter at winkl NFL, follow the team at Miami Dolphins, check out the fish Tank podcast with Seth and o J, and of course Miami Dolphins dot com. Until next time, fins Up.