Excited for the 2013-2014 NFL season? With many coaching, player changes in this past offseason, it’s gearing up to be one of the best in recent memory.
After an eventful off-season, with the return of Saints coach Sean Payton, a defensive switch for the Cowboys, Chip Kelly working to turn it around in Philly, and the Ravens looking to defend their title, there are many exciting things to look forward to this NFL season.
In the 2012 Season, Payton was suspended for the bounty scandal, and the Saints struggled without him. The Saints finished a disappointing 7-9 and didn’t even make the playoffs. Without a doubt, the Saints’ reinstatement of Sean Payton for the 2013 season will make them serious contenders in the NFC. In the 2011 Season, the Saints finished with a record of 13-3, led by their Quarterback Drew Brees. Although Brees broke the single season passing record with 5,476 passing yards, the Saints were knocked out by the 49er’s early in the playoffs. Brees will again attempt to lead his team to a postseason run this year with the expert guidance of Payton to help him out.
Last year the Cowboy’s defense struggled, in part because of their defensive coordinator Rob Ryan. In the 2013 offseason, the ‘boys fired Ryan, and brought in defensive guru Monte Kiffin. Kiffin is an extremely successful defensive coordinator, with his defensive units finishing in the top 10 in points allowed and yards allowed 10 times throughout his career, an NFL record. Implementing his 4-3 defense in Dallas, Kiffin is stressing the need for the Cowboys to create turnovers this year.
The Cowboys tied for the fewest number of interceptions last year with seven, and their turnover differential was minus 13. This was very disappointing, considering their talented defensive backs like Brandon Carr and Morris Claibourne. I predict the Cowboys will improve their defense and are my favorite to win the NFC East.
The Cowboys weren’t the only team in the NFC East to make major changes. The Philadelphia Eagles fired long-time coach Andy Reid in favor of Oregon head coach, Chip Kelly. Kelly had great success at Oregon with his high tempo play style, leading the Ducks to a 46-7 record over four seasons, two of which they finished first in the number of touchdowns. If Kelly can successfully bring his high-tempo offense with him to the Eagles, the team will have all the tools for success.
Kelly has NFL superstars Michael Vick, LeSean McCoy, and Desean Jackson, a perfect trio to execute his pass-happy offense. Vick is known to be one of the league’s best playmakers because of his ability to both run and throw the football. McCoy is one of the most agile running backs in the game, and Desean Jackson is the X-Factor every coach wishes he could have on his team. Desean’s ability to run past defenders and then make them miss makes him a hassle for every defense to cover. With these three players executing Kelly’s offense, I expect the Eagles to be an offensive power house and give the Cowboys a run for their money in the NFC East.
In this past off-season, coming off their Super Bowl win, the Ravens have been trying to find replacements for their two Hall of Fame defenders, Ray Lewis and Ed Reed. This task of replacing the players is near impossible because of what they meant to their franchise, but the Raven’s front office did a good job with the signing of Daryl Smith and Michael Huff. Daryl Smith, the all-time leading tackler in Jaguars history, has been the Ravens best defender this preseason, and Michael Huff is a versatile safety that brings a physical presence that Reed never provided.
Since defenders Lewis and Reed are such big names, many people have overlooked the offensive losses the Ravens have suffered by trading Anquan Boldin. Boldin and Dennis Pitta have been some of the most clutch receivers in the NFL, combining for 17 red zone touchdowns. Also, the duo led the Ravens in third down catches last year, playing a huge part of their SuperBowl win. The Ravens shouldn’t worry because they still have their Pro Bowl running back in Ray Rice, and the Super Bowl MVP, Joe Flacco.
The Saints, Cowboys, Eagles, and Ravens all underwent significant changes leading up to the 2013 season. It will be interesting to see if Payton will lead his Saints back to the playoffs coming off his suspension, if Monte Kiffin improves the Cowboys defense enough to win the NFC East, or if Kelly will steal the show proving his high tempo offense can have success in the NFL. Finally, the Ravens will try to defend their title without four key starters who had huge roles in their Super Bowl win.
It will be interesting to see how all four teams respond to their staff changes. As the 2013-2014 season begins, there is no clear-cut favorite for the SuperBowl. Almost every team has the potential to make a playoff run; it all depends on who will rise to the spotlight, and who will shy from it.
