The upcoming 2010 season looks to be an exciting year in football. Every year a team or two rises from the levels of mediocrity or atrociousness and surprises the league and the fans by rising to the challenge and showing everyone that their team is better then previously believed. Let's look at a few teams that might surprise us in 2010:
Oakland Raiders
The Raiders went a mediocre 5 - 11 last year, largely in part due to the cancer that was JaMarcus Russell. Looking forward to 2010, Russell is gone, Oakland has a viable QB option in Jason Campbell, and rare promising season looms near. Their passing defense was top ten last year, and with the additions of rookie Rolando McClain and free agent John Henderson among others, the defense might continue taking steps in the right direction. As far as the offense is concerned, it was atrocious last year, though Jason Campbell's addition alone doubles its potential. His ability to properly lead this squad, have team mates trust in him, and actually complete passes put him leagues above his joke of a predecessor. Louis Murphy has emerged as a viable option for Campbell and Chaz Schilens shows flashes of the same talent. The key here is if Heyward-Bey can improve enough to be a part of this offense and help them succeed.
Detroit Lions
As a two win team, it's pretty easy to surpass the expectations of most fans. But now more then ever there is real hope for the Lions, as they are slowly amassing talented players. Matthew Stafford is still young, but he looks he will be a very capable QB once he gets all the odds and ends evened out. He has the fortune of having one of the best wide receivers in the league already on his team, and the addition of Nate Burleson will only add another viable option to the passing game. Also, in the run game, the Lions drafted Jahvid Best, one of the most talented running backs in the draft. Between Best and Kevin Smith, their backfield should look pretty good come start of the season. On the defensive side, the rookie Ndamukong Suh, a ferocious defensive tackle, and off season additions Kyle Vanden Bosch, and Dre Bly could help bolster the defense.
Seattle Seahawks
Seattle gets on this list partially because they have such a weak division, that their ability to succeed is a little easier then most. As of late, they have not looked very promising. Hasselbeck is getting older, and it seems he will soon pass the torch to quarterback Charlie Whitehurst (if they have as much faith in him as we are led to believe). The offense has potential though with talented wide receiver TJ Houshmandzadeh already on the team and the additions of rookie WR Golden Tate and big offensive tackle Russell Okung to bolster the line. The addition of Safety Earl Thomas is a solid boost to the defensive unit.
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins have been up and down the past few seasons, but their level of talent remains very real. What will surprise people most is their ability to clash with and possibly win the division over a very good Jets team. The running back corp (when healthy) is one of the best in the league, made up of Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams (they were 4th in the league rushing last year). They have the ability to be a run heavy offense and have great sucess this way. The biggest questions come from their passing game and defense. If Chad Henne can step up, continue to improve, and manage the game as well as Chad Pennington did recently, then this team can do great things. Luckily for Henne, Miami managed to snag one of the best wide receivers in the league in Brandon Marshall. This signing is HUGE for Miami's offense as it presents a go to guy and #1 big play WR for Henne right away. The defense is going to have to support them though (they were 22nd overall last year), and the rookie selection Jared Odrick and signing of Karlos Dansby should help their cause immensely.
The Miami Dolphins have been up and down the past few seasons, but their level of talent remains very real. What will surprise people most is their ability to clash with and possibly win the division over a very good Jets team. The running back corp (when healthy) is one of the best in the league, made up of Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams (they were 4th in the league rushing last year). They have the ability to be a run heavy offense and have great sucess this way. The biggest questions come from their passing game and defense. If Chad Henne can step up, continue to improve, and manage the game as well as Chad Pennington did recently, then this team can do great things. Luckily for Henne, Miami managed to snag one of the best wide receivers in the league in Brandon Marshall. This signing is HUGE for Miami's offense as it presents a go to guy and #1 big play WR for Henne right away. The defense is going to have to support them though (they were 22nd overall last year), and the rookie selection Jared Odrick and signing of Karlos Dansby should help their cause immensely.
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