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Pro football teams with something to prove

July 24th, 2007

PRO FOOTBALL TEAMS WITH SOMETHING TO PROVE

by Jim Feist

Frustration and failure can prove excellent motivating factors in sports. We see quality teams get beaten badly all the time, then bounce back the next game with a terrific performance with an easy win (and easy cover).

This can also take place with teams that are off disappointing seasons.

It may seem a distant memory now, but the Bears ended the 2005 season with a blowout loss at the Vikings (34-10) then a home loss to the Panthers in the playoffs, 29-21. Last season, the Bears were very motivated team, going 15-3 while winning the NFC. They seemed to be on a mission and didn’t want to repeat the late season disappointment of 2005.

A year ago – I pointed out that only the Colts could feel terrible after a 14-3 season, blowing a home playoff game to the Steelers, 21-18, and that for 2006, “They are still a talented team capable of beating anyone.” They certainly played with a chip on their shoulder while starting 9-0 and rolling in the postseason. When channeled properly, frustration can be focused into positive energy.

Here are 5 NFL teams that may have something to prove in 2007.

(1) San Diego Chargers : Like the Colts in 2006, no team has more to prove in 2007 than the Chargers. A dominating 14-2 regular season was flushed down the drain in a shocking playoff loss at home to the Patriots, blowing a late 21-13 lead. This is still a talented group led by QB Phillip Rivers (22 TDs, 9 picks), a strong offensive line and MVP RB LaDainian Tomlinson. LT ran for 1,815 yards (5.2 ypc) and 28 TDs, while catching 56 passes for 508 yards.

TE Antonio Gates is joined by rookie WR Craig Davis (LSU) and the defense is loaded up front. While the talent on the field is the same, the coaching staff got a complete overhaul, with Norv Turner as coach and Ted Cottrell the new defensive coordinator. It’s a tough situation for Turner in that Marty Schottenheimer was liked by the players. On the other hand, he’s been handed the keys to a Mercedes, one that should be motivated by the playoff collapse.

(2) New York Giants : The spotlight is on NY Giants coach Tom Coughlin, who is likely on a short leash. He was a cinch to be fired after the team went 2-7 SU, 3-5-1 ATS. They were sloppy, undisciplined and fractured after a 6-2 start. Incredibly, he’s back. There are plenty of big-names with something to prove, from Coughlin, to turnover-prone QB Eli Manning, injury-prone TE Jeremy Shockey, not to mention a defense that has ranked 27th against the pass in each of the last two seasons. That’s why Texas cornerback Aaron Ross was plucked in the first round. Note that the Giants are 13-19-1 ATS their last 33 home games.

(3) Arizona Cardinals : In 2006, the Saints ripped off the “longtime loser” moniker and soared all the way to the NFC title game. This season, the Cardinals want to rip off the loser label. Like the Saints a year ago, the Cardinals bring in a new head coach in Ken Whisenhunt, the Steelers offensive coordinator in 2006.

He’s looking for a balanced offense, like the Steelers, and bulked up the offensive line with Penn State OT Levi Jones and the defensive line with 6-6 run-stuffer Alan Branch (Michigan). The offense has all kinds of talented pieces to work with in QB Matt Leinart and Pro Bowl receivers Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald. Keep in mind the Cardinals are 30-15 over the total the last 45 games.

(4) Seattle Seahawks : Seattle made the Super Bowl two years ago, but despite making the playoffs last season they stumbled with all kinds of problems. The running game slipped badly with some offensive line changes plus the injured foot of RB Shaun Alexander, and QB Matt Hasselbeck missed time in mid-season.

The defense fell to 18th overall and a poor 22nd against the run. Former Atlanta DE Patrick Kerney comes aboard, while the secondary adds SS Brian Russell (Cleveland), FS Deon Grant (Jacksonville) and Maryland CB Josh Wilson comes in as a rookie from Round 2. They lost top WR Darrell Jackson (956 yards), which means WR Deion Branch (725 yards) will have to step up as the No. 1.

(5) New England Patriots : The Pats ran out of gas in the AFC Championship, with injuries everywhere, contributing to a stinging 38-34 last second loss at Indy. They’ve beefed up the linebackers with free agent Adalius Thomas (Ravens), added Miami S Brandon Merriweather in the secondary, and upgraded the receiving corps with WRs Dante Stallworth, Randy Moss and Wes Welker.

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