2014 NFL Season: 6 Darkhorse Super Bowl Contenders By David Levin February 08, 2014 1:28 pm 
"Why not us?" It as the one thing Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson preached from the start of the season to the end of the season with the Super Bowl trophy within his grasp. The comment was made by his father to him regarding a place in NFL history and it quickly became the mantra by his teammates as they finished 2013 with a 13-3 season and an unprecedented run through Denver in Super Bowl XLVIII.Yes, why not them?Seattle was picked to be a Super Bowl contender, but the mantra is one that will be used with 31 other NFL franchises in 2014. Right now, the playing field is even - everyone is undefeated and all team owners have visions of holding the Lombardi Trophy high over their heads in February, 2015.Here are a few teams that could rise from the also-rans to being a true Super Bowl contender.
Atlanta Falcons 1 of 6 Injuries did this team in for 2013. This is a new season, a chance for main offensive weapons to heal and for the Falcons to revamp its defense.If Mike Smith gets everyone back healthy and the team can replace Tony Gonzalez, this is a playoff contender, again. 
New York Giants 2 of 6 After Peyton goes out and stinks up the joint, couldn't you see a rededicated Eli Manning lead the Giants to the playoffs?The defense needs some help in the secondary and the offensive line needs youth and depth. But this is a team that could surprise all of us.
Houston Texans 3 of 6 Injuries and a quarterback problem was only part of the issues with this team. But a few quick fixes could make the Texans Super Bowl worthy.The draft will be crucial and the free agent market could make things exciting again in Houston.
New York Jets 4 of 6Can they take the next step?Rex Ryan did his best coaching job of his career and the team looks to be better in 2014.The defense will be more dominant and the offense, with one more season under Geno Smith's belt will be more productive.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 5 of 6 "Lovie Ball" comes to Tampa Bay.Mike Glennon is a star in the making. Doug Martin returns from injury.The defense will be revamped in the image of Tony Dungy's famous Tampa 2. This team could be the biggest surprise of the NFL in 2014.
St. Louis Rams 6 of 6 This is one of those franchises that will be better next season and could not move in the record department. The defense is good and getting better and if the team can get more receivers and a healthy Sam Bradford, they could win 10 games. http://www.footballnation.com/content/2014-nfl-season-6-darkhorse-super-bowl-contenders/28539/
It wasn't injuries that did in Atlanta.HOU is a QB away.Love the pic of Brees asking Glennon for advice on being a QB.
>> Mike Glennon is a star in the making. <<Whatever stuff this guy is smoking, I seriously want a hit.Glennon has potential, that's all at this point. He could be potentially good or potentially bad, but calling him a star in the making is ridiculous at this point.
Hey, we all need a good laugh on Sunday morning.
"Mike Glennon is a star in the making"Boom !!! .... Haters mad ?
It wasn't injuries that did in Atlanta.
Well, it's not ALL that did them in. Injuries were a huge part, but because they had absolutely zero depth at key positions (particularly in the trenches). Atlanta has gaping holes everywhere now and are more than just a Gonzalez replacement away.This article overall looks like it was written in five minutes by a guy who rolled out of bed and forgot he had to submit something that day. Absolutely no research.
If "Darkhorse" means "No QB and no chance" then this article is spot on. Lol@ the idea of Glennon or Geno Smith taking their team to a Super Bowl in 2014.
If "Darkhorse" means "No QB and no chance" then this article is spot on. Lol@ the idea of Glennon or Geno Smith taking their team to a Super Bowl in 2014.
Is it really that ridiculous? Both of those guys make enough money to afford buying that many Super Bowl tickets.
If this was print media it would be called fishwrap. Awful.
Yep . Haters mad.
Lol, if they start glennon for the season, there will be no superbowl for the bucs. That's some seriously bad predicting, especially when they have the raiders on there too? Might as well said the browns.
I find it interesting how so many pundits outside Tampa Bay think Glennon is a solid QB but we think he's a hot mess. Are we just to close and to critical?
I find it interesting how so many pundits outside Tampa Bay think Glennon is a solid QB but we think he's a hot mess. Are we just to close and to critical?
No, we just have too many "pundits" who think they know better and have their own agendas when it comes to QBs playing for the team.
Outside pundits thought Freeman, Ruud, and Davin Joseph were awesome too.
Outside pundits thought Freeman, Ruud, and Davin Joseph were awesome too.
Outside pundits love Bortles as well. Your point?
