Friday, April 18, 2008

The Bears on the other hand...

May lose their season after the first five weeks. They are the sacrificial lamb for the Colts to beat down in week 1 (Indy's new stadium opens this fall). Then they play at the Panthers, before coming home to play the Bucs and Eagles. All four could end up being losses. Another loss at the Lions could make the Bears 1-4 or 0-5 before travelling to Atlanta, where they should get a win.

Three straight home games against the Vikings, Lions and Titans could net a win or two, and three straight road games at Green Bay, St. Louis and Minnesota also could lead to a win.

Of course the problem is the Bears will be piling up losses throughout this process. I'm guessing by week 14, they could be 6-7. Then games against the Jaguars, Saints, Packers and Texans, should effectively end the season. An 8-8 or 9-7 season should be the best this team can expect. But it may be worse if the team can't find a quarterback.

The draft is only a week away. And there are some quality QBs available...

Steelers preparing for 2008 gauntlet

Prepare for potentially an ugly football season in Pittsburgh. The new schedules have been released, and the Steelers don't much room to breath.

Apparently a 10-6 record and first round exit from the playoffs warrant a tough slate the following year. The season opens with a home game against the Texans, but weeks 2 through 9 are all potential losses: at the Browns and Eagles, followed at home against the the Ravens, then at the Jaguars (who beat them in the playoffs last year), at the Bengals, and at home against the Giants (who won the Super Bowl).

After a "break" in Washington against the Redskins, the Steelers are home against the Colts and Chargers. Weeks 13 and 14 are at the Patriots followed by a home game against Dallas. After games at the Ravens and Titans, the season comes to a merciful end against the Browns.

If the Steelers can get through the first eight weeks with four wins, it would be pretty impressive. Another 10-6 record may be the best this team can hope for, if the talent level is similar to last year. The good news is, this team will have film on the best teams in the NFL if they make the playoffs.