ESPN Chris Mortensen's "Surprise Teams"

[ScreamingWeasel]

Probably the best NFL beat writer in the biz.
ESPN's Chris Mortensen's "Surprise Teams" for this year.
From his weekly Q&A chat.

Joe (Detroit, MI): Mort, who's your prediction for surprise team of 2003?

Chris Mortensen: A surprise team has to be one that wasn't in the playoffs, so I have to exclude the Rams, right? I would say watch the Bills, Seahawks, Ravens and Panthers.

[WGreen31]

Definately agree with his picks except for the Ravens, I don't think they'll go nearly as far as people say they will. 7-9 team at best.

One team to also watch is the Chiefs. If that D holds up they'll be in the playoffs for sure, maybe even farther.

[Ousmagic]

the problem is that the chiefs d sucks and they wont get any better since basically they have the same team but priest will be worse then last year

[ScreamingWeasel]

One team to also watch is the Chiefs.

I agree.
This team scores one helluva lot of points, and, sometime, that's all you need.
With a lousy D, it just means the final score is 41-38.
Wouldn't surprise me at all the see Kansas City take the AFC West.

[slowkidz]

i don't think their KC's defense will be that bad. their LB corps has improved and their line is looking decent...imo...they won't be a "steel curtain", but they won't let the games get too far out of hand...

[ScreamingWeasel]

Of Mort's picks ... I'm starting to like the Bills more and more.
I think Travis Henry was totally dissed by the Bills during the draft - especially after the season he had last year.
Henry should be one megamotivated back this year.
Looking for respect elsewhere.
Throw in Drew Bledsoe and a revamped D.
Looks good to me.

[terpfan]

silly mort forgot the redskins!

[brdmaverick]

I agree with the Bills and Seahawks, but am not sold on the Panthers or Ravens.

I don't think even the Ravens D can make up for a rookie quarterback.

As for the Panthers, I think they are all hype. Sure the defense will be good, but how can they win if they can't score points. I don't think Davis has the talent around him to get the job done.

[moochman]

Mort had me convinced until he mentioned the Panthers. I think they will fall back this year. They have no QB! Rodney Peete! Jack Delhomme! At least the Ravens have proven they can win without a QB, and their D should be amongst the best. And to totally ignore the influence that Mariucci will have on the Lions was…well…smart, but I still don’t but the Panthers. KC, NO, Minn, even the Chargers have better chances to succeed this season, in my humble opinion.

[ScreamingWeasel]

... but how can they win if they can't score points.

Beats me. Let's call Tampa Bay and find out!