2002 Season Predictions

Sorry folks - no rankings yet. It’s simply too early. Without knowing who will land where, not to mention minor details such as starting assignments or likely game plans, any projections we could make won’t be worth very much.

Instead, we decided to use this space to make a few predictions for the upcoming season: some bold, some conservative, some mere wishful thinking. But no matter whether any of our predictions come true or not, it’s going to be another terrific season…

Super Bowl Champion

Dan: The Ravens. Sure, they’ll have another new QB this year, but chances are he will fit in better than Elvis. The main unknown factor is the health of Jamal Lewis, which will be critical to Baltimore’s success.

cwebb: Chicago Bears. I love them… And predictions like this won’t work out anyway so let’s go for the pot of gold and hope it turns out to be true!

Arlo: St. Louis. I know, I know: this isn’t a particularly bold prediction, but the Rams definitely have something to prove this year. I don’t see them losing the big game to an AFC East team again.

Most Improved Team

Dan: Minnesota is the obvious choice here. Consider last year a learning experience that will pay off now.

cwebb: Baltimore. Back to the Bowl?

Arlo: Minnesota. No way do the Vikings go 0-8 on the road again. Look for nine wins or more and a playoff berth.

Offensive MVP

Dan: Hmmm… tough choice here. Marshall Faulk, of course!

cwebb: Marshall. No question here!

Arlo: Marshall Faulk. He’s already the greatest running back in the game; now look for him to average 2-3 more carries per game.

Defensive MVP

Dan: Ray Lewis. The Ravens D wasn’t as good last year as in their Super Bowl campaign. One of the main reasons was that Ray didn’t seem to be as focused on football as he has been in the past. Look for him to get his edge back and lead the Ravens into the big game.

cwebb: Brian Urlacher. Someone from Chicago oughta earn a trophy if they win it all, right?

Arlo: Brian Urlacher. Just give him the trophy, and ask him to return it when he retires.

Offensive Rookie of the Year

Dan: William Green, based purely on talent, but without knowing which team he’ll wind up with, this is just a shot in the dark…

cwebb: David Carr. Easy choice as he’ll get all the playing time he needs to rack up respectable stats.

Arlo: Donte Stallworth. David Carr might be more deserving, but his numbers will be ugly on a first-year team. Stallworth will turn heads with some long td’s.

Defensive Rookie of the Year

Dan: With Arlo going with Jammer, I have to disagree and choose Peppers… but a surprise in this category is likely with some very solid talent entering the league.

cwebb: Julius Peppers has more talent than any other player in this year’s draft, offense or defense. Enough said!

Arlo: Quentin Jammer. Sure, Julius Peppers is the favorite, but I think Jammer will have more of an immediate impact.

Comeback of the Year

Dan: Terell Davis. Hampered by injuries throughout the last years, he will have a huge year if he is able to play a full season.

cwebb: Marcus Robinson. Look for him to be among the league’s elite.

Arlo: Drew Bledsoe. In this year’s feelgood story, Bledsoe will lead a weak team to a .500 record while finishing 4th in the AFC in qb rating. And no injuries this time…

Biggest Bust

Dan: Az-Zahir Hakim… I never trusted him as a fantasy starter, and I probably never will. I also think the Lions won’t do so for very long, either. Hakim will quickly fade in Detroit.

cwebb: Tom Brady. The luck of the Irish is about to come to an end.

Arlo: Az-Zahir Hakim. Az will find himself missing the good old days in St. Louis very soon.

What We’d Like to See Most

Dan: Da Bucs shutting down their opponents and setting a few defensive records on the way.

cwebb: The Bears going all the way!

Arlo: Tom Brady proving that last year was no fluke.