Contenders or Pretenders ?

Contenders or pretenders in the NFL?June 20, 2014 Chris Lemieux  The preseason is sneaking up and teams like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are taking a serious look at the team they’ve built. Are these six teams contenders or pretenders in the NFL?Tampa Bay BuccaneersMike Evans & Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix Tampa has been receiving a lot of media attention, mainly because they hired a proven head coach in Lovie Smith and nabbed one of the best WR’s in the 2014 NFL Draft.  In Mike Evans’ last year at Texas A&M, he averaged over 20 yards per catch and 12 touchdowns. Evans and Vincent Jackson will be the one-two punch on offense for the Bucs, and hopefully Doug Martin can regain the magic he once had.The quarterback situation may be in flux with the underwhelming Mike Glennon currently serving as a backup for journeyman Josh McCown, but both quarterbacks have shown moderate flashes of skill. If Lovie can get adequate production out of this defense and solid starts from the group of quarterbacks, the combination of Martin and Bobby Rainey will help push this team to a playoff berth.Verdict: ContenderHouston TexansJadeveon Clowny The Texans drafted the cornerstone of their defense when they selected Jadeveon Clowney with the first pick of the 2014 NFL Draft. The defense seems to be very solid with JJ Watt and Brian Cushing as a couple of the other stars, but the offense is the big question mark. The quarterback situation is a question itself, with head coach Bill O’Brien naming Ryan Fitzpatrick the starter over Case Keenum and newly drafted Tom Savage. Other than Andre Johnson and DeAndre Hopkins, the offense doesn’t have many other options to score points. Fitzpatrick is a serviceable quarterback, but he is by no means a player that can lead a team to the playoffs. If your team cannot outscore the opposition, it will be incredibly difficult to win games. Even though they had the first pick in the draft and picked a once-in-a-generation defensive player, their offensive struggles will lead to yet another year watching postseason football. Verdict: PretenderCleveland BrownsJohnny Manziel This team drafted a circus in the NFL draft. It may have been just one player, but that player happened to be very controversial this past year in college, both on the field and off of it. His play on the field proved he belonged in the upper class of quarterbacks, but his arrogant and flashy celebrations proved he might not be mature enough for the next level. Johnny Manziel just signed his rookie contract, so he is locked in long-term with the Browns. All the signs point to him claiming the starting job over Brian Hoyer either by the midpoint of this upcoming season or in 2015. However, the rest of his team is downright terrible. Josh Gordon is facing a year-long suspension and that leaves Andrew Hawkins and Jordan Cameron to catch the ball on offense. Ben Tate may prove to be a slight upgrade in the running game, but this team is just lacking the star power to make it all the way to the playoffs. Joe Haden, Justin Gilbert, and Donte Whitner will anchor the defense, but the offense does not have the star power and the Cleveland Manziels will once again agonize through another losing season. Verdict: PretendersCincinnati BengalsAndy Dalton This team is quite interesting. They already have a young quarterback in Andy Dalton and he has been pretty good behind center for this team, but they drafted and signed AJ McCarron. This move may make the elder quarterback a little uncomfortable knowing the team may have drafted his successor so early, but Dalton had a 61 percent completion rate and 33 touchdowns to 20 interceptions in 2013, plus he also has an above average supporting cast. Gio Bernard had a pretty terrific rookie season, and he will be looking to capitalize on his success. If the defense can limit opposing offenses, this team very well could make the playoffs. Verdict: ContenderWashington RedskinsRobert Griffin III The team out of Washington (their team name has been deemed offensive in some circles) may show major improvement over the course of a season.  They  had an off-season last year, but they acquired stud receiver DeSean Jackson, and they also have a pretty good quarterback in Robert Griffin III. Alfred Morris has shown he can be a bruising running back that can go in between tackles and gain valuable yards. Their defense may do just enough to allow their offense to show off its new look under first time head coach Jay Gruden. The addition of Jackson should allow RGIII more option plays and rollouts, and the flow of their offense should improve. However, Jay Gruden is a first time head coach and the pressure of the spotlight may overwhelm him, and that is where this team will suffer their downfall. Verdict: PretenderIndianapolis ColtsAndrew Luck The Colts have been good from the moment Andrew Luck stepped on the field. Everyone (myself included) thought that the Colts were doomed when they released arguably the greatest player in franchise history. However, Andrew Luck stepped into the massive hole created by Manning’s departure and filled in without missing a beat. The addition of veteran Hakeem Nicks to support rising stars T.Y Hilton and Griff Whalen solidifies the passing game,  but the running game is a little suspect. Trent Richardson has not lived up to expectations at all, and many viewed the trade that sent him to the Colts as a bust. Competition for the staring position from Vick Ballard and Ahmad Bradshaw may push him to be better, or else Andrew Luck will have to rely on his arm yet again this season. The defense may be a tad bit weak, however with Pep Hamilton joining the offensive coaching staff, the offense may put up enough points that the Colts defense may just have to deploy a “bend but not break” strategy to win games. Verdict: ContenderThere are many more teams (obvious and not so obvious) that are contenders for the postseason, but every year brings injuries and inconsistent play, so a team that may be a lock to make the playoffs in Week 5 may be watching the postseason from home like the rest of us.link