Thursday, July 19, 2007

NFL prep: Final pre-camp thoughts

I think that...

...if the Steelers can sign safety Troy Polamalu to a contract extension before training camp begins, or even before the regular season begins, they should celebrate like signing a #1 overall pick, because he's that good...

...Head Coach Mike Tomlin reminded everyone in his press conference earlier today (to which I was able to listen, being on the road) why he is where he is: he is tremendously mature and seems to have his act together, personally and professionally; I think he's going to be the real deal...

...it will be extremely difficult for the Atlanta Falcons to begin their training camp next week with the Michael Vick situation dominating sports media; if they manage to make a real playoff run this year, it will be a testament to excellent work by their new coaching staff...

...the New England Patriots have to be everyone's pre-season favorite to win it all this year, given their talent, leadership, offseason moves, and, especially, the Hall of Fame pair of Bill Belichick and Tom Brady...if anyone can tame talented-but-selfish wide receiver Randy Moss, it's New England's dynamic duo...

...the Arizona Cardinals may not be a playoff team this season, but they'll make great strides under the leadership of Ken Whisenhunt, Russ Grimm, and QB Matt Leinart...

...the New Orleans Saints will be the class of the NFC...

...the Chicago Bears will pay the price for sticking with inconsistent QB Rex Grossman...

...the Oakland Raiders will remain an embarrassment to all who love professional sports...

...if the Carolina Panthers don't make the playoffs, their new coach next season will be Bill Cowher...

...the New York Jets may give the Patriots their stiffest competition in the AFC; the Indianapolis Colts will take a step back...

...the AFC South and the traditionally strong NFC East will both stink...

...Steelers' draft picks Lawrence Timmons (linebacker), LaMarr Woodley (linebacker), Daniel Sepulveda (punter), and Ryan McBean (defensive line) will all prove to be solid contributors, and make for an exciting camp.

I am really excited for the season, and very anxious for things to begin! Go Steelers!

5 comments:

Charlotte said...

I love football and am looking forward to this season. Go Steelers!

Randy Roda said...

I'm not seeing it with the jets...convince me!

Unknown said...

In my life I have only known 2 coaches for my Steelers; knoll and Cowher. To see Cowher coach another team will be heartbreaking...

I hate the part of the NFL where you love your team more then the guys playing for it and more than the guy coaching it.

Keith H. McIlwain said...

Randy - A good young coach (from Belichick's staff) who made some daring decisions last season and some good talent added in the offseason on both sides of the ball make the Jets a contender, in my view. They won't keep the Pats from the Super Bowl, mind you, but will make some noise.

Joe - Seeing Cowher elsewhere will be odd, but, hey, he's entitled to move. We've been blessed to have such great coaches and such stability.

Matt said...

What's the status on Polamalu's contract negotiation? I don't question the Steeler front office because they've been right so frequently in the past, but I would HATE to see Polamalu leave (especially since I just got my #43 jersey!). I don't get any news in Kentucky about the Steelers...All I hear about is the Thugs...I mean Bengals. What's the good word in the 'Burgh?