Given the fact that the Green Bay Packers went 15-1 last season but got knocked out by eventual champions the New York Giants in the NFC's divisional round of the playoffs in January, it seems reasonable to think Aaron Rodgers and his gang have some unfinished business to take care of. But that doesn't mean they will win another Super Bowl (as they did two seasons ago).
With a young defense coming in and trying to improve upon the NFL's worst ranked defense from last year, and the fact that Rodgers is 3-18 in his career in fourth quarter comeback opportunities, I just can't pick this team to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl next February.
On the other hand, there's Eli Manning, who in this past 2011-2012 season, had 15 of his 29 TDs come in the fourth quarter. Add in the NYG's no mercy veteran defense, and you have the makings of a Super Bowl-contending team once again.
As far as the AFC in concerned, the Baltimore Ravens and (my home team) New England Patriots are the real Super Bowl contenders. I give the edge to the Ravens, however, due to the unstable offensive line situation in NE, where four veteran linemen have either retired (Matt Light), are injured (Logan Mankins, Sebastian Vollmer), or possibly retiring (Brian Waters). Plus, the somewhat shocking recent cuts of veterans like WR Deion Branch, C Dan Koppen, and backup QB Brian Hoyer don't help.
Yes, Tom Brady still has Wes Welker and the best TE duo in football (Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez), but with Brandon Lloyd as the only proven veteran addition to an offense that also saw BenJarvis Green-Ellis leave (for Cincinnati), there isn't much depth at all on offense. And that could be a big problem as the season goes on.
Article comments
1 - Victor Lana
The Ravens are an interesting choice, Charlie. You know it is going to be some game if they do meet the Giants in the Super Bowl.
2 - Dr. Joseph S. Maresca
The Giants could still have another win this February.
3 - RJ
I don't think either team will even make the playoffs.
But then, I am quite often wrong.
4 - Dr. Joseph S. Maresca
To be successful this time out, Eli has to work on releasing the ball more accurately, as well as moving the ball shorter distances. He tends to go for the longer and more difficult passes. In addition, the Giants have to be careful with injuries and they have to have good backup available right through to Superball, if indeed they get that far on February 3, 2013.