What Does Your NFC Team Need to Do Before 2012?

With the regular season now over in the NFL, I thought I'd give my take on what each team needs to do (or what I think they will do in the off season). I'll break them down division by division (and I will include teams in the playoffs)

Dallas Cowboys

First off, I think Jason Garrett stays. One more bad year (aka not making the playoffs) and then I think Garrett could be on some thin ice. Part of the problem with this year's squad was every running back they had seemed to get hurt. I heard even Tony Dorsett was having knee problems. I think the Cowboys would be well off to try and trade Miles Austin. If you could get a 3rd round pick or better for Miles, I would do it. Defensively and up front on the offensive line is where they need help, and that's where they should be looking to address the problems.

New York Giants
If the Giants don't beat the Falcons, I think one can make a case for Tom Coughlin to be fired. The Giants have been like the hare the past few years and have finished the race like the tortoise. I think the Giants do have a budding star on their team in Victor Cruz though. He has established himself as one of Eli's trusted targets, to where I think the Giants could look at dealing Nicks or Manningham if it could net them something of worth in return. I think another thing the Giants should look at doing is continue to get younger on the defensive side of the ball.

Philadelphia Eagles
If this team had a full off season, I think they would have been better this season then their 8-8 record. If I was in charge of the team, I would want a DEFENSIVE guy as my defensive coordinator and not a former offensive line coach. I don't see Andy Reid being fired, but I don't see this team as the dream team either. Vick was overpaid when he got his contract extension. DeSean Jackson is a free agent, and I would look at replacing him with another Jackson (Vincent). Otherwise, I think the Eagles will be fine, but at the start of next season, will probably still be looking up at the Packers.

Washington Redskins

Let's just get this out of the way early; Rex Grossman is not the quarterback of the future. Can they get Robert Griffin III? Maybe, maybe not. It depends if the Vikings (I know they selected Christian Ponder in Round 1) or the Browns decide they need to select a quarterback. If they don't, then the Redskins will either need to explore a trade, or probably taking a quarterback later then Round 1. Free Agents they could opt for could include Jason Campbell (don't see that road being travelled again), Kyle Orton or Matt Flynn. Other then that, I think the Redskins have firmly decided on Roy Helu being the man at running back. I think they could use upgrades at WR. Defensively, they could use upgrades too (you give up 34 points to the Eagles in the last week, you need to do some upgrades).

NFC North

Chicago Bears

Re-sign Matt Forte and getting Jay Cutler healthy would be a start. Also, I think the receivers really need some upgrades (I would have signed Terrell Owens in the off season). There are several options at free agency that are better then what the Bears have right now (Dwayne Bowe, Pierre Garcon and others). Defensively, I think the Bears might want to look for a couple of players, because you don't want to have a situation to where that defense gets old real quick and that could happen if you totally neglect it.

Detroit Lions
First off, I don't think you panic because of Week 17. Flynn had a career day and the Packers offensive players could change their jerseys to where everyone says TNT because they are very explosive. You don't need to mess with the defensive line if you are the Lions but might want to address the linebackers and secondary. Also, I'd be a little concerned with the running game. Best is proving to be injury prone, plus with concussions you never know. I'd look for a durable running back, but it doesn't have to be a 1,000 or 2,000 yard rusher, but someone that is going to at least keep defense's honest.

Green Bay Packers
Aaron Rodgers is the man. I don't think the Packers need an upgrade at running back. If I am a Packers fan, the only thing that worries me is the defense. I would just tell them bear down and not rely on the offense to score 80 points every game. Other then that, the only thing that will stop Green Bay is Green Bay.

Minnesota Vikings
I don't think the Vikings need to fire Leslie Frazier. I don't think the Vikings need to draft a quarterback. I do think the Vikings need some help up front and on the defense. Even with Adrian Peterson out for a while, maybe for the first few games of next year, I think the Vikings can get by. I think a WR would help out Ponder a lot and long term, I believe the Vikings can be okay.

NFC South

Atlanta Falcons
One thing is for sure, they are set at a lot of the offensive skill positions. I always think teams can improve up front on both ends of the ball. Defensively, they could probably look to use some secondary help, especially with the NFC South being a pass happy division with Drew Brees and Cam Newton leading the way. I would also re-sign Curtis Lofton, so you don't have to add linebacker to that need list.

New Orleans Saints
Re-sign Drew Brees I believe is probably a formality. After that, (Guard) Carl Nicks & Wide Receiver Marques Colston are priorities. Defensively, they have to get better. I think counting on out shooting people is a recipe for disaster. But, don't ignore Brees. Get that done and then you can take care of everything else.

Carolina Panthers
For one, hope that Cam Newton's 2nd season is as good as his first. That probably won't happen, but another WR wouldn't hurt things. I think a Robert Meachem (New Orleans) or a guy like Mario Manningham (NY Giants) would help things. Defensively, they need to work on some things too finishing 24th against the pass and 25th against the run.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Make a good hire as head coach. I think Mike Sherman would be a good hire. After that, I think you need to look at the defense, the offense, the special teams. I don't think the Buccaneers were a big problem on the field this year, as much as their attitude was the problem with the team's quitting attitude. The Falcons could have probably hung 70 on them if they had wanted to in the regular season finale. Your leaders need to be leaders, and you need to make a good hire at head coach. I do think Raheem Morris will be a good head coach one day, but right now is probably a little too soon.

NFC West

San Francisco 49ers
Biggest overachievers in the league this year. Jim Harbaugh should definitely be the Coach of the Year in my opinion. The 49ers not giving up a rushing touchdown or 100 yard rusher until Week 16 is incredible. I think eventually the 49ers will need to look at upgrading at quarterback and adding a veteran wide out since Braylon Edwards certainly didn't pan out. David Akers could be the team's MVP.

St. Louis Rams
Again, another team where the head coach hire is critical to the success of the franchise. They have a franchise quarterback in Sam Bradford. Steven Jackson isn't getting any younger but I don't think he needs to be replaced, yet. Wide Receiver I think is a position of need, retaining Brandon Lloyd wouldn't be a bad start. Defensively, I think they should look in the secondary, but again this is a team that had problems getting Josh Brown on the field, for PAT's or field goals, so that means your offense is what needs the work.

Arizona Cardinals
Kevin Kolb being injured for most of the season doesn't help. While we are on topic of Kevin Kolb, after what happened Week 1 of his starting career when he was playing for Philadelphia against Green Bay, and he was taken out with injury (I believe concussion) and replaced by Vick, never got the job back, Kolb's career may never be the same. I think Arizona has to give him some time though and not say "We are done with you. It's John Skelton's team now". I think the loss of Steve Breaston also hurt. Beanie Wells finally was the running back that they thought he would be, and they also have Ryan Williams waiting in the wings next year. Defense might need some upgrades. They also have one of the biggest game changers in the league in Patrick Peterson (more as a return man right now, although I think he can be a dynamic corner as well).

Seattle Seahawks
First and foremost, re-sign Marshawn Lynch. Lynch had an outstanding season (he's in my top 10 of MVP candidates in the league). I think they need a quarterback, Tavaris Jackson is not the long term solution. I will admit, I was wrong on Pete Carroll. I didn't think he would succeed as a NFL coach again, with his rah-rah attitude, but it has been working. Seattle is a tough place to play and the defense has been tough as well. Seattle could be in competition in this cluster we call the NFC West.

It took me a week to write this (starting and stopping), so we'll see how long it will take me to get the AFC done. Stay tuned

NFL Coaches.. Will they Stay or Will they Go?

I am now going to analyze on a % scale, in terms of % chance the coach has to return. To make it easy, everything will be broken into 10 % increments. Some will have detailed explanations, others will not. If I think there will be anew coach, I will list who I think the new coach will be.

AFC East
Buffalo Bills-Dick Jauron: 40 % chance he returns. Anytime your owner says we are going to meet and discuss the coach's future once the season is over, I don't think that bodes well for you. I personally don't think Jauron should have ever been hired. I would have hired Jim Haslett for the job when it was open a few years back. I don't think Jauron will survive, but I am not sure that he will be a victim of Black Monday. New Coach: Jim Haslett

New England Patriots-Bill Belichick: I am going to say 100 %. Bill Belichick relocates when Santa sets up shop on the South Pole.

New York Jets-Eric Mangini: I am going to say 60 % he returns. If Brett Favre was coming back, I'd change it to a 30-40 % chance he returns, since everyone in the NFL decides to cater to Brett Favre's every need and whim. But, since I don't think Brett Favre returns, I think Eric Mangingi does return. However, if the Jets take a step backwards next year (which I think they will) then Mangenius departs.

Miami Dolphins-Tony Sparano: 100 % chance he comes back. Only remote situation that I see him not coming back would be if Parcells left Miami and took Sparano with him, but I don't see that happening because if Sparano leaves, it would probably cost another team a draft pick or two. Even though the Dolphins turnaround has been one of the best in NFL history, I don't see a team giving up a draft pick or two for Sparano.

AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers-Mike Tomlin: Unless Mike Tomlin decides he wants to leave the NFL and join the monastery, 100 % he's back in the Steel City.

Cincinnati Bengals-Marvin Lewis: 30 % chance Marvin returns to Cincy. If I was Marvin, I'd want to get fired, because I think (and I am probably not alone) Cincinnati is one of the worst jobs in the NFL. The Bengals problems are more then the head coach, but I think if you get rid of him, then you overhaul the rest of the team (Bye bye Ocho Cinco, T.J. Housh) and just start fresh. I think Marvin Lewis will get another job in the NFL, he might just have to go in the booth or studio for a year, or take a coordinator's spot. New Coach: Mike Hermerdinger

Cleveland Browns-Romeo Crennel: 0 % chance he returns. I hate to knock people from the Lynchburg area, but I don't think there is anyway in the world you can bring Romeo back to Cleveland. Especially when you lose your security blanket (General Manager Phil Savage). This Browns team has underachieved probably more then any other team in the NFL. Unfortunately, someone has to take the fall for the poor play by Cleveland, and it's going to be Romeo. I don't know that he gets another head coaching job for a long time. Coordinator, yes. Head coach, I just don't think he gets another shot for a long time. New Coach: Marty Schottenheimer.

Baltimore Ravens-John Harbaugh: 100 % chance he comes back. You normally don't get a pink slip when your team makes the playoffs, after missing the previous season. Harbaugh returns for season 2.

AFC South
Tennessee Titans-Jeff Fisher: 100 % chance he comes back. Fisher is probably the best coach in the NFL, and I think he has a job for as long as he wants it.

Indianapolis Colts-Tony Dungy: 60 % chance he comes back. If he wants to come back, it's 100 %. But, has Tony has enough of the league? I don't know, for the Colts sake I hope not. Even if Dungy steps out of the game, I can't say for certain hat he is done in the NFL. If he leaves, obviously Jim Caldwell is the guy who steps in.

Jacksonville Jaguars-Jack Del Rio: 60 % chance he comes back. If he has another one of the seasons, then I'll decrease it to about 20 %, but for now, I think Del Rio comes back. I don't really know why I am so certain he comes back. The Jags weren't really banged up this season or anything, they stayed healthy for most of the year, they just underachieved. Even though, I rank it at 60 % he comes back, I wouldn't be shocked if he got fired. But, I say he returns.

Houston Texans-Gary Kubiak: I say 70 % chance he is back. I think Houston has fared well this year, and next year I would actually give them a legitimate chance of making the postseason, But, I think Kubiak is safe for now and the foreseeable future.

AFC West
Oakland Raiders-Tom Cable: I am going to say 60% he returns. The Raiders did beat Tampa Bay, I think that's going to carry some weight in Al Davis' eyes. Plus, if Cable is going to listen to Al, bow to Al, and not be defiant like Lane Kiffin will, I think Cable returns.

Kansas City Chiefs-Herm Edwards: I am going to say 60 % chance Herm comes back. I don't know why I go with that number, but a good chunk of me is just saying Herm returns to rile up my friend and huge Chiefs fan, Jeff Fawver. I honestly think people like Herm, think he's a good motivator, things of that sort and I think that what keeps him hanging around. I don't know why all these people think these things but I think they do think these things.

San Diego Chargers-Norv Turner: I am going to say 60 % chance Norv comes back. I don't know that he should come back, because I think Norv is one of the more overrated coaches their is. Plus, the Chargers (in some people's eyes) had Super Bowl aspirations. If you have Super Bowl aspirations and finish 8-8, I don't know that you deserve to come back. Plus, if the Broncos don't go totally in the tank, then the Chargers aren't in the playoffs.

Denver Broncos-Mike Shanahan: I am going to say 70 % chance that Shanahan comes back. I know they folded like a house of cards down the stretch, but I think Shanahan has unbelievable job security. He has been there in the good and bad times, and I think he remains coach of the Broncos.

NFC East
Washington Redskins-Jim Zorn: I am going to say 40 % chance he returns. I know he squabbled with Clinton Portis (Dan Snyder's Boy) earlier in the year and the Redskins actually stepped backwards later in the season rather then continue to hold the line. This team was 6-2 and finished the season 2-6. That's 8-8. For a patient person like Dan Snyder, I don't know that 8-8 will satisfy, regardless if Zorn is in his first year or not. I am sure Snyder would throw big money at Bill Cowher if he came back. I don't know that Mike Holmgren would take a job with a meddlesome owner. Other names, I could see Snyder trying to lure Bill Parcells (but would Parcells want to take it after dealing with one meddlesome owner?). To be honest, I don't think Snyder is that meddlesome of an owner as long as you win. Guys like Jerry Jones and Al Davis want their hands in things win, lose or draw. But, I think Zorn doesn't come back and Snyder looks to make a splash with a big name. New Coach: I really don't know. I am afraid to guess, I think if he got rid of Cerrato, and gave total control to someone, I think he could get a Cowher or a Parcells. I really wonder if there is enough money in the world to get a Bill Belichick, which i'd be really curious to see. I think Snyder will go with a big name, but not a college guy. He went there and did that with Steve Spurrier. The only college guy I could see him going with is Pete Carroll. But, if I was forced to make a pick for Snyder, I would go with Steve Mariucci (I don't know that you could call Mariucci a big name, but that's just what my big, fat gut says.)

Dallas Cowboys-Wade Phillips: I am going to say 70 % chance he does not return. I know what Jerry Jones said prior to Week 17, but I don't think there is a way in the world you can justify bringing Wade back after yesterday. There's a ton of fighting in the locker room (depending on who you want to believe) and to me Wade has lost control of that team. I believe if you lose control of your team as a coach, at that point, you have to go. No if's, and's, or but's. New Coach: Again a tough one, it has to be similar to the Raiders, where I think it has to be a coach who is going to have to put up with Jerry in his ear all year. With that being said, I can't imagine it's a guy like Cowher or someone who would want both responsibilities. Neither of these names are sexy, but the Cowboys don't always go for the splash. I am going to say the 'Boys go with either Ron Rivera or Karl Dorrell.

New York Giants-Tom Couglin: 100 % he comes back. Funny, how a couple of years ago, he was on the chopping block and now he is probably considered one of the top 5 coaches in the league.

Philadelphia Eagles-Andy Reid: 60 % he comes back. I wouldn't be shocked if he didn't, but considering how the Eagles are ending the season, I think it's tough to justify him not coming back If Andy Reid doesn't want to come back that's one thing, but I think he will. I see him pulling a Holmgren at some point, where he announces prior to the season that he is not going to come back.

NFC North
Chicago Bears-Lovie Smith: 90 % he comes back. I thought the Bears would be terrible this year (I should listen to my friend, Mike Fisch more. Don't tell him I said that.) but they haven't been nearly as bad as I thought they would be and I credit Lovie Smith for that. The Bears offense is still what I'd call below average. But, I think Lovie is one of the more underrated coaches in the NFL. Lovie stays in Chicago, and this team could win the NFC North next year.

Green Bay Packers-Mike McCarthy: This is a tough one to me. I want to say 50 %, but that's really straddling the fence. So, I am going to say 60 % he comes back. Like Del Rio, it wouldn't shock me if McCarthy didn't return. I think the Jets missing the playoffs actually helps McCarthy's cause. If the Jets made the playoffs, I think McCarthy is axed. Also, if Green Bay lost to Detroit, I could also see McCarthy's head on the chopping block. But, I think McCarthy comes back, but he isn't on the sturdiest of ground as we head into the 2009 season.

Minnesota Vikings-Brad Childress: 70 % he comes back. The Vikings made the playoffs. In some ways, I think the Vikings are one of the more underachieving teams in the league, but in a way, I think they are working with the best they have too. I think people anointed the Vikings as a legit contender a little too quick though.

Detroit Lions-Rod Marinelli: 0 % he comes back. I'd love to give this a 10 %, because I have never really heard a bad word about Rod Marinelli, but you can't bring back a coach who has had a winless season. I mean you would think out of 16 games, you could find 1 win somewhere. I think Marinelli has to go, they need a GM, they need a quarterback, they need some defensive help. Lots of things the Lions need, but unfortunately they can't keep Marinelli. New Coach: Brian Billick. No reason, just a hunch.

NFC South
Atlanta Falcons-Mike Smith: 100 % he comes back. Do I even need to address this? Next question.

Carolina Panthers-John Fox: 100 % he comes back. Do I need to give reasons why? Next.

New Orleans Saints-Sean Payton: 80 % he returns. I think he's a good coach, just some bad breaks. The Saints will be back, I mean it's not like they were dismal. They did finish 8-8.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Jon Gruden: 80 % he returns. I don't think they can get anyone better, plus Gruden's a good coach. I know they tanked down the stretch, but I am bringing Shanahan back and they tanked down the stretch also.

NFC West
San Francisco 49ers-Mike Singletary: 100 % he comes back. He just signed a 5 year deal.

St. Louis Rams-Jim Haslett: 40 % he comes back I don't think he did a bad job. Plus, it's never easy taking over during the season for the head coach, when you weren't the head coach (I know he was an assistant on the staff.) But, I like Haslett and I think he should come back and I think the Rams could be vastly improved next season. With that being said, I think Haslett will take over in Buffalo and won't be back with the Rams. New Coach: Jim Schwartz, Defensive Coordinator for the Titans.

Seattle Seahawks-Mike Holmgren: 0 % he returns. He said he wasn't coming back, I believe him when he said he wasn't coming back. I think he will return at some point to coaching. New Coach: Jim Mora Jr. is coach in waiting, so I have to go with him.

Arizona Cardinals-Ken Whisenhunt: 100 % chance he returns. The Bidwell's are cheap and why put together another coaching search when you have a guy that took you to the playoffs.

More NFL talk to come in the future blogs.